Page 46

The drawing room at Netherfield was warmed by a hearty fire crackling in the grate, warding off the chill from the wind which had picked up outside.

Darcy sat near the window with a book he had not turned a page of in quarter of an hour, his attention drawn to the interaction between his sister and Caroline Bingley on the opposite side of the room.

Miss Bingley had cornered Georgiana on the small sofa near the pianoforte, her posture suggesting a confidential tête-à-tête that his sister appeared to be enduring rather than enjoying.

Colonel Fitzwilliam had returned from his morning ride over an hour ago, but had retreated to his chamber to attend to correspondence, leaving the drawing room bereft of his diplomatic presence.

Elizabeth sat nearby, engaged in some needlework, while Bingley paced near the fireplace with unusual restlessness, occasionally glancing toward his sister with an expression that suggested he perceived her intent all too clearly.

“My dear Miss Darcy,” Caroline was saying, her voice pitched to carry just enough to ensure she was overheard without appearing to address the entire company, “I cannot express how deeply I sympathise with your disappointment at being unable to attend last night’s assembly.

To be left behind while everyone else enjoys themselves must have been positively mortifying. ”

Georgiana held herself with a calm dignity that Darcy noted with pride. His sister had grown in confidence over the past months under Elizabeth’s gentle guidance.

“Not at all, Miss Bingley,” she replied quietly but clearly.

“I understood perfectly why my brother and sister thought it best I not attend. I am not yet out, after all, and I found great pleasure in my evening. I brought some new music with me from Pemberley that I have been most eager to practice.”

Caroline’s smile tightened almost imperceptibly.

“How very... philosophical of you. Still, a young lady of your accomplishments and breeding should not be confined to practice rooms when there is society to be enjoyed. I have always thought it somewhat archaic to insist on formal presentations before allowing young ladies to participate in modest country entertainments.”

“My brother knows what is best,” Georgiana said simply, her eyes briefly meeting Darcy’s across the room. The look of quiet confidence she gave him warmed his heart; gone was the frightened girl whose trust had been so cruelly betrayed by Wickham.

“Of course, of course,” Caroline agreed hastily, casting her own glance toward Darcy before returning her attention to Georgiana. “Mr. Darcy is surely the most exemplary of brothers. I merely meant that perhaps in intimate gatherings among friends, such strictness might be relaxed slightly.”

Bingley stepped forward then, perhaps sensing Darcy’s growing tension. “I say, Caroline, Miss Darcy seems perfectly content with the arrangements. No need to make her uncomfortable by dwelling on what she missed.”

“I am merely expressing concern for Miss Darcy’s enjoyment, Charles,” Caroline replied with a pointed look. “Someone must consider her interests, especially now that she is approaching an age where suitable companionship becomes so essential.”

Darcy felt rather than saw Elizabeth’s quick glance in his direction. He maintained his neutral expression with effort, though his fingers tightened slightly on the book he held.

“Indeed, Charles,” Caroline continued, warming to her theme, “you yourself remarked only yesterday how delightful it is to see Miss Darcy blossoming. A young lady of her position will soon be the object of considerable attention in society.” She turned back to Georgiana with a smile that did not quite reach her eyes.

“You must be looking forward to your presentation at court, Miss Darcy. I imagine Mr. Darcy has already begun planning for your come-out in London next season.”

“We have discussed it,” Georgiana admitted, a faint blush colouring her cheeks.

“When the time comes, you will find no shortage of admirers,” Caroline declared, casting a meaningful glance toward her brother. “What a comfort it must be to know that among them will be gentlemen of good character and proper understanding, like my dear brother.”

Bingley’s discomfort became visibly acute. “Really, Caroline,” he protested weakly.

“Oh, come now, brother. There is no harm in acknowledging a friendship,” Caroline replied smoothly. “Miss Darcy knows you have always held her in the highest esteem. Such established connections are invaluable in navigating one’s first season.”

Elizabeth intervened then. “Georgiana, I believe you mentioned a desire to show me the progress on your watercolour of the east lawn. Might we look at it now while the light remains good?”

Before Georgiana could respond, Caroline pressed on, her determination evident in the slight flush rising to her cheeks.

“It is a pity, though, that even in the country Miss Darcy’s circle must be so limited by circumstance.

I noticed at Longbourn when we visited that Miss Catherine Bennet seemed quite eager to cultivate your acquaintance, Miss Darcy.

While family connections are of course to be respected, one must question whether she offers the sort of companionship most beneficial to a young lady of your position. ”

The drawing room fell into a sudden, tense silence. Darcy straightened in his chair.

Georgiana looked momentarily startled, then composed herself with admirable restraint. “Miss Catherine has been most kind to me,” she said. “We share an interest in music and drawing, and I have found her conversation improving and pleasant.”

“Of course she has been kind,” Caroline said with a dismissive wave of her hand.

“Any young lady would be eager to secure the friendship of Miss Darcy of Pemberley. But one must consider whether such a connection is equally advantageous to both parties. Miss Catherine’s education and manners are.

.. well, they are perfectly adequate for her station, I suppose. ”

“Caroline!” Bingley exclaimed, genuine dismay evident in his tone. “This is most unkind.”

“I merely express concern for Miss Darcy’s development,” Caroline defended herself, though her tone had grown sharper.

“Surely Mr. Darcy would agree that his sister’s companions should reflect the circles in which she will move as mistress of a great estate one day.

Miss Catherine, while undoubtedly improved from the girl she was a year ago, remains a country gentleman’s daughter with limited prospects and education. ”

Darcy rose slowly from his chair, setting aside his book with deliberate care. Elizabeth caught his eye, her expression conveying both understanding of his anger and a gentle caution against expressing it too forcefully.

“I have found Kitty’s progress most impressive,” Georgiana said before Darcy could speak, her voice stronger now. “She plays the pianoforte with real feeling, and her sketches show natural talent. Moreover, she has been unfailingly kind and respectful.”

Darcy felt a surge of pride in his sister’s dignified defence, even as his irritation with Caroline Bingley reached new heights.

The woman’s determination to insinuate herself into his family’s good graces through any means, including disparaging Elizabeth’s relations, showed a remarkable lack of perception about his character.

“How nobly expressed, Miss Darcy,” Caroline replied, her tone suggesting she found Georgiana’s remarks na?ve.

“Your generous nature does you credit. I merely suggest that as you prepare to enter society, more stimulating companions might be sought. Perhaps even among those slightly older than yourself, who might offer guidance from experience.”

Bingley shifted uncomfortably, his natural good humour clearly strained by his sister’s transparent machinations. “I believe we should all encourage Miss Darcy to form friendships wherever she finds genuine connection,” he said, with unusual firmness. “Miss Catherine is a very pleasant young lady.”

“Pleasant, yes,” Caroline agreed with a thin smile.

“But one must consider the family as a whole. The connections, the background... these things matter in society, however unfashionable it may be to acknowledge it. Miss Darcy’s future position demands companions of appropriate standing and refinement. ”

Elizabeth’s needle paused in mid-stitch, her expression carefully controlled as Caroline continued her thinly veiled critique of the Bennet family.

Darcy remained standing, his posture rigid with restraint, watching as his sister’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at being the centre of this increasingly uncomfortable discussion.

“I believe,” Georgiana said after a moment, her voice soft but steady, “that my brother and sister are the best judges of suitable companions for me. And they have both encouraged my friendship with Miss Catherine.”

“Indeed we have,” Elizabeth confirmed, her tone light but with an undercurrent of steel. “Kitty has shown remarkable improvement these past months. My father has taken a more active role in directing her studies, and she has responded admirably to his guidance.”

Caroline was not to be deterred. “Education directed by a country gentleman, however respectable, cannot compare to the advantages of proper schooling and refined society. I fear Miss Catherine’s influence might encourage Miss Darcy toward provincial habits and limited horizons, just when she should be preparing for her rightful place in London society. ”

Darcy felt his patience reaching its limit.

Elizabeth caught his eye again, her slight shake of the head cautioning restraint, but he had endured enough of Caroline Bingley’s presumption.

He moved across the room to stand near his sister, his tall figure casting a shadow across the sofa where Caroline sat.