Chapter 5

"Well, I believe that was one of the most successful assemblies I have ever attended." Mrs Younge said as she and Georgiana entered the lodgings that Mr Darcy had rented for them.

Georgiana gave a dejected sigh. "Successful in what way?" To show that she was utterly incompetent in society? That she was an outcast? Georgiana had taken Mrs Younge's advice, but beside Miss Elizabeth Bennet, no one had tried to speak to her, not after she had refused the very charming Mr Lucas. Guilt washed over her anew as she remembered the handsome young man's face. She had forgotten to give a sufficient excuse for refusing him, but by the time she had realised her grave mistake, Mr Lucas had already stalked away. And he had been none too pleased, to judge by the look on this face as he had talked with his family.

Word must have spread of the incident, for no other gentlemen approached her for the rest of the evening. Ashamed, she had suggested to Mrs Younge that they make an early and very speedy exit from the festivities, and her companion had thankfully agreed. "It will only add to your air of mystery, I assure you. Believe me, men will be lined up at your door to call on you."

Mrs Younge's words had not calmed her nerves or allayed her fears. Georgiana did not believe in the slightest that any man would want to call on her after the travesty that had been that evening's first outing.

"You were a glowing success, my dear!" Mrs Younge said as she took off her wrap and handed it to Georgiana's maid. Their wraps were hung near the door on the rack, and the gloves were taken away to be laundered. Mrs Younge walked up the steps of the lavishly appointed apartments, Georgiana following behind in dejected silence.

"I do not see how you can say that, Mrs Younge. No one would even speak to me after I refused Mr Lucas. Other than Miss Elizabeth Bennet, that is."

"Well, it worked to your advantage, my dear. You must be careful with the acquaintances you allow." Mrs Yonge halted on the steps, just two shy of the landing, and looked down at her with a seriousness that engendered even more insecurity in Georgiana's breast. She hated to disappoint her closest friend, but she sometimes wondered if her advice was sound.

"Heed my word, Georgiana," Mrs Younge went on. "You are better than them. You must be on your guard against those who would use your position and prospects for their own gain."

Georgiana could not bring herself to disagree with her companion's greater experience, though she did not entirely care for the advice. Would it not be sinful pride to consider herself better than others? And in any case, it certainly was not true. She raked her teeth over her lower lip. "I should visit Miss Elizabeth Bennet tomorrow, in thanks for her kindness to me."

Mrs Younge's brows drew together. "I think that would be unwise, Georgiana. I am uncertain that she is the kind of company you should be keeping. Allow me to make some inquiries about the families in the neighbourhood, to see if there is a more suitable set for you to become acquainted with."

"No," Georgiana said quickly. Difficult as it was to insist on having her own way, she felt she could not bear to leave such kindness unacknowledged. "Please, Mrs Younge, I really feel that I must. It is the right thing to do."

Mrs Younge turned, waving her off as if the idea were of little consequence. "Have I ever steered you wrong, my dear young friend?"

Georgiana frowned, pouting as she followed her up the last few steps and they entered Georgiana's apartment of rooms. Her brother had had it specially decorated to fit her tastes. Soft shades of pink, ivory, and gold, all done in the gilded French style, made her feel at peace. And at the moment, she needed some peace.

"I feel I have ruined all our chances of being accepted here, Mrs Younge. Can you not see that everyone in Meryton has turned against us because of my foolish error with Sir Lucas's son?" She sat down at the vanity and motioned for her maid to come and start taking down the elaborate hairstyle. If she could have done so, she would have curled up under the covers of the plush bed without taking off her gown or having her hair undone and brushed, so great was her need to hide from the shame she had brought upon the Darcy name. "Would it have been so bad to have accepted his invitation to dance?"

"I do not think you understand what is at stake here, Mis Darcy. Trust me, I know these sorts better than you do. You are newly come out into society. Please, allow me to lead you." Mrs Younge smiled at her, but Georgiana could not seem to find any warmth in it. Her companion's eyes looked rather cold, as though they contained many thoughts she did not wish to share. Perhaps that was for the best. Certainly anyone as polished and experienced as Mrs Younge would not wish to share all their thoughts with anyone as foolish as she was.

Georgiana was the first to look away. She turned back around to face the mirror, swallowing back tears as the maid began her ministrations. Mrs Younge's face softened in the mirror's reflection. "Do not be so hasty, Georgiana. I would not say that all is lost. But visiting Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her family might be unwise. There is talk about them."

Georgiana frowned. "About the Bennets? What have you heard?"

"Only whisperings at the assembly, and my own observations. Mr Bennet is a nice enough country gentleman, but his wife is out of hand. She is a silly woman who cares for nothing but idle gossip and marrying off her daughters by any means necessary. And her two youngest daughters take after her. The middle daughter, Miss Mary Bennet, may be a little more sensible, I believe. But she is still not an appropriate friend for you."

Georgiana cocked her head to the side, giving Mrs Younge a slight scowl in the mirror's reflection. How does she know who is an appropriate friend and who is not? Georgiana could not help thinking the question, but she held her tongue.

Mrs Younge went on. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet seemed much too forward to me. Very pert indeed."

"She was very kind to me, Mrs Younge. I shall reflect carefully on what you have said, but I really believe I must call on her and thank her for her kindness." Georgiana said, her mouth set in a grim line. "She may be the only friend I have in Meryton."

Georgiana would not allow herself to be dissuaded. The following day, they set off for Longbourn after being given directions by the wary cook that her brother had employed. Even Cook seemed to have heard the story of her disastrous slight towards Mr Lucas at the assembly. It was strange walking through town with only Mrs Younge by her side. She had never been allowed into Lambton by herself. But she was growing into a young woman, and she reasoned that she would have to get used to this one way or another. What if she married a lord? She would immediately become a leader among the local community, and she would have to get over her shyness if she were to succeed. However, such thoughts did not help her heart slow its wild beating, or make her any easier about the visit ahead.

When they arrived at Longbourn, they stood on the other side of the little bridge that led to the lane in front of the house. There was a charming little wilderness near the house, and the birds sang so prettily that it put Georgiana at ease. "See? It is a charming estate for a country gentleman and his family. Their house seems very well cared for."

"It looks like a heap of rubbish—" Mrs Younge said under her breath.

Compared to Pemberley, it was no beauty. But for a pleasant country home, it seemed — cosy, Georgiana decided. Cosy was not the same as sloppy. Or so she told herself.

"Come along. They will not bite." Georgiana drew Mrs Younge across the bridge, over the lane, and through the open gate. "See? They want visitors to come calling. They've left the gate open." Georgiana said, trying to convince herself more than Mrs Younge.

"By all means," Mrs Younge said and waved her hand in front of her, inviting her to walk up the steps first and knock.

It was not long before a respectable-looking older woman came to the door. "I am Mrs Hill, the housekeeper here, miss. What may I do for you?"

"I — I should like to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet," Georgiana stammered, badly feeling her own awkwardness. "Please, take my card. If she is not at home, I would be glad to call again when it is convenient." She took a step back, her heart thundering against her ribs. Why was this so difficult? She wished she had some of Mrs Younge's courage. Georgiana was shaking like a leaf while the older woman seemed quite at her leisure, displeased as she was to be there.

Mrs Hill took the card with a small curtsy. "Just a moment, please, miss. I shall enquire if the ladies are at home to visitors." In no more than a few moments, she returned and beckoned them inside.

Relieved that they were not being turned away, Georgiana stepped into the house, which was rather less refined than she had expected. Mrs Younge looked about the corridor with distaste, being careful not to let her skirts brush up against anything. Georgiana thought her caution rather unnecessary. Yes, the plaster was clearly rather old, but it was still in good repair. The wooden floors bore the marks of years of children running about hither and thither, but they were perfectly clean. Though Longbourn could not boast of Pemberley's elegance, it was entirely suitable as a comfortable family home.

Mrs Younge leaned over to her as the maid opened the drawing room door and stood ready to announce them. "I hope you do not regret our visit, my dear," she remarked under her breath, before plastering her most charming smile on her face.

"Miss Georgiana Darcy and her companion, Mrs Younge," the maid announced.

Georgiana and Mrs Younge entered the room and curtsied, not only to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, but to Miss Jane Bennet as well. "How do you do?" Georgiana asked, her voice shaking slightly.

The girls all curtsied in return, then Elizabeth came forward to greet her, taking her hands. "My dear friend, you are shaking. Please, come and sit by the hearth and warm yourself." She drew her over to a settee that was placed near the fire. "I am sure you were reluctant to leave the warmth of your lodgings, but I am pleased you have come to see us. Did you enjoy the carriage ride over? It is such a lovely day!"

"We walked," Georgiana replied, then flushed brightly with embarrassment. What had she been thinking of, to state the correction so baldly? It was hardly courteous. Miss Elizabeth Bennet must be thinking that her guest had no manners at all. With an effort, Georgiana made herself go on. "It seemed a waste to allow such a perfect autumn day to pass us by." In truth, Georgiana had insisted they walk so she might familiarise herself with the village and the surrounding areas. "Your countryside is some of the most breathtaking I have ever seen."

Elizabeth smiled warmly. Georgiana felt herself relax a little in the warmth of that smile. "I must own I am very fond of it. And I thank you for saying so, but I am sure you exaggerate, Miss Darcy, since you hail from the Peaks District. Oh, I do long to go there someday! Do not you, Jane?"

"I should like that very much indeed," Miss Bennet replied. She came and sat down with them on the settee. Georgiana marvelled at their easy warmth. By the way they treated her, they might have been friends for a lifetime. Such ready acceptance made it far easier to be brave than any number of reassurances from Mrs Younge, though Georgiana felt a little guilty at the thought. Still, Georgiana could not help thinking how pleasant it would be to have such friends with her at Pemberley and to make some return for their kindness. How delighted they would be at an invitation to visit the Peaks District, exactly as they had wished! She would ask her brother if they could come and stay in the spring, and he would not refuse her when she told them how kind they had been to her. By then, she was sure they would be fast friends.

A moment later, the door opened. Georgiana turned in surprise, feeling a little trepidation at the interruption, which took the form of a young woman, likely only a year or two older than herself. Georgiana recalled seeing her among the Bennet family during the public assembly, but could not for the life of her recall the young woman's name.

The introductions were quickly made, and they all sat back down. The newcomer was Mary Bennet, the sister that Mrs Younge had mentioned to her the evening before as being perhaps more sensible than the rest. She was indeed a serious soul and seemed content to stare at Georgiana while the rest of them tried to carry on a polite conversation. Finally, Elizabeth piped up and embarrassed Georgiana to no end.

"Perhaps you two ought to speak a little of the pianoforte. Our Mary is very dedicated in her practicing, far more than I ever am, and I believe that Miss Darcy is a great proficient."

"Are you really, Miss Darcy?" Mary Bennet asked, with more interest than Georgiana had yet seen from her.

"I dearly love to play, but I would not say I am a great proficient," Georgiana explained. "Last evening, I was telling Miss Elizabeth Bennet that my brother gave me a new pianoforte last autumn. I spend many happy hours practising." It was a lonely life, so far separated from society as she was. But she was not averse to it. Surely, there was no greater joy than to play and sing all day long. She was fortunate that Fitzwilliam did not object, but congratulated her on developing her accomplishments.

"I am very fond of our pianoforte, though likely it is not half so fine as yours. I am sure that many an instrument has a better tone. Nonetheless, it has served me well," Mary said.

Georgiana bit her lip. This sister was taking a bit longer to warm up to her, but perhaps she was that way with everyone. "If you come to call on me at our lodgings here in Meryton, I would be happy to play a four-hand piece with you. Though I have never practised a four-hand before, I have been longing to try it with someone who is as avid a lover of music as I."

She was trying to compliment Miss Mary, but she felt her words fall flat. Thankfully, Elizabeth came to her rescue once again. "Why not try it now? The pianoforte here at Longbourn may not be a thing of beauty as yours is, but it still makes music, does it not?"

"Would you be willing to try it, Miss Darcy?" Mary asked expectantly.

Georgiana nodded a little nervously and followed the sisters out to the narrow hallway and down to the little room off the dining area. They sat down at the bench together and tried a piece that Mary found after rummaging through a dilapidated trunk. In the joy of music, Georgiana quite forgot her nervousness, and even when the piece ended and she remembered it again, she found that Mary Bennet seemed to have warmed to her considerably. In sharp contrast to her previous silence, she nearly chattered about the pianoforte, the tune they had played, the difficulties of playing four-handed, and the pieces she wished to learn next. Georgiana listened with a good will, saying "yes, certainly," and "no, I am sure you are right," as the occasion demanded. It was a delightful luxury to listen instead of speaking for a time, especially when the subject was so interesting.

When the time came to conclude their visit, Georgiana stood and curtsied. "I am sorry we missed your younger sisters: Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia, I believe?"

"Yes, they will be sorry they missed you as well," Elizabeth replied. "But they were on a walk to Meryton and were set on making some calls of their own."

"Well, perhaps next time," Georgiana said. They left the drawing room and were soon on their way home. Georgiana hardly wished for the walk to end. It was so pleasant to bask in the autumn sunshine and in memories of how glowingly well the call had gone.

∞∞∞

Elizabeth turned from the porch where she had waved them off, smiling at Jane. "Well, that was a pleasant surprise, was it not?"

Jane nodded. "It was indeed. Once she finds her feet in the neighbourhood, I am sure Miss Darcy will be a favourite among us."

"I quite liked her," Mary agreed.

When they entered the house, they could hear their younger sisters' excited voices coming from the kitchen. They all went to greet them and see what they had been up to on their walk to Meryton.

"Oh, we found the most beautiful ribbons. Next time, you shall have to come with us when we purchase them," Lydia said to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes. "Why? So we might give you the money you require to do so?"

Lydia rolled her eyes. "I have money of my own, thank you very much."

"Well, you just missed our visitor. Miss Darcy came to call," Jane said softly.

Lydia screwed up her nose at the very idea. "Miss Darcy? What do I want to do with her?" Lydia brushed past them and went into the corridor to hang up her bonnet and wrap. "She is proud and thinks she is better than the rest of us. I do not know why she even came to Meryton."

"She is only shy, Lydia," Jane persisted.

"Yes, once she gets to know you, she opens up and is a very sweet young woman." Elizabeth added.

"Well, I am glad we missed her. Are not you, Kitty?" Lydia asked.

"Yes, indeed," Kitty agreed, as she always did.

"You ought not to say so," Jane reproved them gently. "That is very unkind."

Mary even came to her defence. "She was not the least bit prideful or arrogant. She was sophisticated of mind and speech, for which I commend her."

Elizabeth held her chin high. "I intend to repay the visit soon. And I hope you will both come with me, even if Kitty and Lydia do not choose to join us."

Jane and Mary agreed without hesitation, and the three eldest sisters decided to repay the call without delay.