Page 31 of Missing

Colonel Fitzwilliam took Georgiana to visit the Daltons, and Elizabeth invited her to the museum with her cousins, Jane, Violet, and Mrs. Gardiner.

Mrs. Annesley and Georgiana greatly enjoyed the visit to the museum, so two days later, the same group gathered to tour one of London's prettiest parks and afterwards had tea and fruit tarts in a celebrated tea room.

In addition, Elizabeth invited Georgiana to luncheon with her and to play with the children at Dalton House.

Elizabeth soon noticed that Miss Darcy was a timid and lonely girl who desperately needed friends. In some respects, she reminded her of Jane.

Since Jane had begun visiting her regularly, she had once more become the sister Elizabeth knew.

Yet Elizabeth sensed that Jane did not wish to confide what troubled her, and on Violet's and William's advice, she resolved to give her time.

She therefore determined to enjoy her sister's company without creating conflict between them.

Georgiana, however, was very excited, for her father wished to meet her new friends.

Richard had spoken highly of Mr. Dalton's wife, and Mr. Darcy assumed that Mr. Bingley's wife must be as pleasant and friendly as her sister Elizabeth.

Furthermore, Mrs. Annesley had an excellent opinion of them, and solely for that reason—and not without concern—he had granted his daughter permission to visit them.

Of course, wherever the ladies went, two footmen always accompanied them to ensure their safety.

Mr. Darcy wished to confirm that those ladies were suitable companions for Georgiana, and he intended to judge for himself. If anything displeased him, he would have no hesitation in limiting their acquaintance.

"Mrs. Annesley, I believe everything is ready. Oh no, I forgot to tell the cook to make an apple tart; it is Lizzy's favourite," Georgiana said anxiously.

"My dear Miss Darcy, we spoke with Mrs. Russell yesterday and gave her the full instructions, including tea with a little lemon for Mrs. Bingley and an apple tart for Mrs. Dalton."

"You are right, Mrs. Annesley. I do not know where my head is," Georgiana said, arranging flowers. "I am so sorry that Mrs. Dalton and Mrs. Gardiner cannot come, but I suppose it is difficult when two children are ill at the same time."

"Yes, indeed, but you need not worry, Miss Darcy; the children will be well in a few days," Mrs. Annesley replied.

Mr. Darcy watched his daughter intently and could not deny how deeply moved he felt to see Georgiana so content and excited.

He was sincerely grateful that she had found friends who seemed to like her.

When Mrs. Annesley left to give the final instructions to the cook, Mr. Darcy took the opportunity to speak to his dear daughter.

"Georgie, I wish to know if you have noticed that George no longer comes to this house unless I ask him.

I hope you understand that he is trying to show you he does not wish to make you uncomfortable.

You know why I must protect him, despite the many who criticise me for it.

He lost his mother as a child, which was a terrible blow.

I swore to her, on the day of her funeral, that I would never forget her selfless act of love for my little son.

Just as she gave her life for Fitzwilliam, I resolved to dedicate mine to protecting George.

I hope you can understand, my dear daughter. "

Georgiana sat beside her father, kissed his cheek, and said gently, "Father, of course I understand.

I am glad George realised how uncomfortable he made me feel, and I hope he may once again be the gentleman I respected.

" After that, she felt much calmer and was grateful to Richard for having spoken to her father.

Elizabeth and Jane arrived punctually, and Georgiana was delighted.

She received them in the most elegant drawing room and, with great emotion, introduced them to her beloved father.

Mr. Darcy was the perfect gentleman; he conversed animatedly with them, confirming all that his daughter had said of her new friends.

They were not only very pretty ladies but possessed excellent manners, and he could perceive that their regard for Georgiana was genuine.

Mrs. Bingley was reserved but pleasant and attentive.

Yet he was struck by Mrs. Dalton's beautiful eyes and engaging personality.

It had been many years since he had encountered such a fascinating woman.

"I must confess, Mrs. Dalton, it is uncommon to meet a lady so young who has read history, philosophy, and romances," Mr. Darcy observed with a smile.

"Mr. Darcy, my father once dreamt of becoming a professor at Oxford, but when my grandfather died, he was obliged to manage the family estate.

Since he was deprived of disciples at the university, he taught my sisters and me, though I must admit that I alone paid full attention to his lessons," Elizabeth replied.

"Now, I read romances because I enjoy them, and I assure you my father is not to blame for that. "

"My father always says that such literature is a waste of time," Jane added.

"Though I believe he says it only so that no one suspects he sometimes reads them himself and enjoys them greatly," Elizabeth concluded.

Mr. Darcy laughed heartily at Elizabeth's witticism. "Very likely!" he said, lowering his voice. "I must admit I have done the same more than once."

"Father, is that true?" Georgiana asked in amazement.

"Perhaps, my dear. Shall we show your friends the library? Though I must warn you, it is nothing compared with Pemberley's."

"Then we must invite Lizzy and Jane to Pemberley, Father, do you not think?"

"An excellent idea, child," Mr. Darcy replied. He had spent a delightful afternoon with his sister's friends and felt so at ease that he forgot his illness and his sorrows.

When Elizabeth entered the library, she was amazed by the number of books and thought about how happy her father and her beloved William would be in such a place.

"Mr. Darcy, I must confess I am very impressed with your library; thank you for allowing us to see it."

"If the library at your estate is even larger, I imagine it must be immense," Jane added.

"It is, and it holds exclusive collections on the history of Derbyshire and of England," Georgiana said excitedly.

Elizabeth skimmed several volumes of historical novels she had never before had the opportunity to read, while Georgiana eagerly showed Jane her favourite books.

Later, Mr. Darcy explained to Elizabeth that the library contained texts dating back to the sixteenth century, chronicling the growth of London from a small village to one of the greatest cities in the world.

But Elizabeth's attention was drawn not only to the books but also to the paintings adorning the gallery.

"That is Pemberley, Mrs. Dalton. I confess I am partial, but in my eyes it is one of the most beautiful places in England."

"It is indeed, Mr. Darcy. The mansion is set in a truly privileged spot," Elizabeth said, admiring the lake and the woods surrounding the imposing house.

But when she turned to the opposite gallery, she was astounded to see portraits of two tall, handsome young men who bore a striking resemblance to William.

She stared so intently that Mr. Darcy could not fail to notice.

"Though it is hard to believe, Mrs. Dalton, that handsome young man is me," Mr. Darcy said with a laugh.

Elizabeth could scarcely reconcile the youthful image with the man before her. She reflected how heavily the years and the loss of his wife must have weighed upon him. Perhaps that sorrow explained why he had never remarried.

Her curiosity remained fixed on the paintings until Mr. Darcy asked, "May I know why these portraits capture your attention so strongly?"

"I hope what I say does not sound ridiculous, but—"

"Mr. Darcy, my dear Georgiana, when we heard that Eliza and Jane were with you in the library, we could not resist joining you.

You know how much we enjoy reading and discussing books," Caroline declared as she and Louisa entered.

They would not permit those two interlopers to secure the friendship of their only connection to the highest circles.

◆◆◆

"Caroline, Louisa, please come in. I was just telling Mrs. Dalton about the different book collections, and she was admiring how handsome I was when I was young," Mr. Darcy said, winking at Elizabeth.

"It is good that Eliza may see the library of a house as beautiful as this one.

I imagine you know that her husband is a tradesman, and he has probably never had, nor ever shall have, the chance to see a place like your splendid library.

" Caroline was furious; she did not like to see Mr. Darcy conversing so warmly with Eliza Bennet.

She had known him for years, and he had scarcely spoken to her whenever they were together.

"My dear Caroline, you have known me for many years, and you must understand that I am quite studious.

Believe me when I say that businessmen, especially successful ones such as Mrs. Dalton's husband, will soon occupy an important place in our society.

Moreover, Mrs. Dalton is an avid reader, and I have no doubt that she will always maintain a library well supplied with interesting volumes. "

Elizabeth smiled. She could hardly believe that Caroline could not contain her anger and made a fool of herself in her attempt to humiliate her.

"My husband inherited his father's house in Manchester and has told me there is a well-stocked library there.

The late Mr. Dalton was a highly educated gentleman who instilled in his son a love for reading.

As you see, Miss Bingley, not all tradesmen bequeath only money to their children; some also bequeath education, books, and, of course, good manners. "