8. Chapter Eight

Elizabeth watched her sister Mary, brow furrowed in thought, as Mary accompanied their cousin to the door of Longbourn and the chaise waiting outside to take him back to Kent.

"Mr. Collins," Mary said with a polite nod, "I trust you will have a safe journey back to Hunsford. I shall give your proposal due consideration and write to you soon with my decision."

"Thank you, Miss Mary," replied Mr. Collins, his obsequious grin firmly in place. "I eagerly await your response and hope for a favourable outcome."

As the door closed behind him, Elizabeth could not help but feel a sense of relief at his departure. She glanced at Mary, whose contemplative demeanour indicated that the prospect of her decision weighed heavily upon her. Elizabeth could only hope that her sister would make the choice that would best suit her own happiness.

"Mary," she ventured cautiously, "are you quite well?"

Mary looked up, meeting Elizabeth's concerned gaze. "Yes, Lizzy, I am well. I merely find myself... pondering the future."

"Whatever you decide, dear sister," Elizabeth reassured her, "know that you have my full support."

"Thank you, Lizzy," Mary replied softly.

Elizabeth had made no attempt to conceal the fact that Mr. Collins had proposed to her and been rejected, telling Mary and Jane about it as soon as they saw Mr. Collins leave the house, saying he had a letter to post in Meryton. On hearing that Mr. Collins had proposed to Elizabeth, Mary had grown quite grave, before admitting she too had received a proposal.

Elizabeth had wished at once that she had said nothing, but Mary shook her head, saying she was glad she knew.

"I do not think I like being his second choice," Mary murmured quietly. "I am pleased that I hesitated and asked for time to make my decision." She evinced a small smile. "I am not sure I could be brave enough to reject him to his face like you, Lizzy. If I do decide against him, it will be much easier to let him know by a letter."

Seeing Mary now, not even bothering to watch as the chaise rattled away, Elizabeth suspected Mary had already made her choice, but avoided sharing her decision as she wanted to avoid any confrontation before Mr. Collins departed. As Mary had said, a rejection by letter would be far less painful, though possibly not for Mr. Collins, twice rejected by Bennet sisters.

Mr. Bennet departed shortly after Mr. Collins, headed once again for Oxford. He and Charlotte had decided to bring Kitty and Lydia home from school, to spend time with Jane before she married. Late that afternoon, the carriage returned, its occupants alighting with a flurry of excited chatter and rustling skirts. The door flew open and Kitty and Lydia burst into the house, their faces flushed with excitement and anticipation.

"Jane!" cried Lydia, flinging herself into her eldest sister's arms. "Oh, how we have longed to see you! What wonderful news, that you have found a rich man to marry!"

"How good it is to see you, my dear," Jane replied with a radiant smile, enfolding her younger sister in a tender embrace but tactfully ignoring Lydia's unladylike observation.

"Such thrilling news!" exclaimed Kitty, clasping her hands together in delight. "We shall have such wonderful celebrations, and just imagine all the handsome gentlemen who will be in attendance!"

"Kitty, do try to contain your enthusiasm," Elizabeth chided gently, though she could not quite suppress a smile at her sisters' unrestrained gaiety.

"Very well, Lizzy," Kitty sighed dramatically, but her eyes danced with mischief. "But surely, we cannot be blamed for our excitement. After all, it is not every day that one's sister becomes engaged to such an eligible gentleman!"

"Indeed not," Elizabeth agreed, her gaze shifting to Jane, whose cheeks now glowed with a becoming blush. "But let us remember that it is the affection and understanding between two hearts that truly matters, rather than the trappings of wealth and rank."

"Of course, Lizzy," Lydia conceded, rolling her eyes playfully. "But just think of the balls, the gowns and the carriages she will have! Not to mention the dashing gentlemen who will no doubt flock to our sister's side when Mr. Bingley takes her to London for the Season!"

"Lydia!" Jane admonished with a laugh, shaking her head at her sister's incorrigible good spirits.

"Very well, dear sister," Lydia relented, grinning impishly. "In any case, we are all thrilled for you and eager to play our part in your happiness. Especially since Papa has agreed we are all to have new gowns for your wedding!"

"Thank you, my dears," Jane replied, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she regarded her sisters fondly. "Your love and support mean more to me than words can express."

"And when are we to meet your betrothed?" Lydia demanded, eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Tomorrow." Jane smiled patiently as Kitty and Lydia squealed and clapped. "We shall go over for a morning call, and you shall meet Mr. Bingley, and his sisters."

The following morning, the Bennet carriage once again rolled up Netherfield's grand carriageway, carrying the Bennet ladies, all bar one – Mary had elected to stay at home, saying that she wanted to write a letter.

Elizabeth, arm-in-arm with Jane and Charlotte, led Kitty and Lydia up the steps to the grand entrance, her heart filled with a mix of anticipation and concern. She knew that introducing her younger sisters to Mr. Bingley's circle would be an important step in their social development, but she could not help but worry about their propensity for mischief and frivolity. School did not seem to have improved either of them particularly; Lydia was still fearless and feckless, though at least had learned to moderate the volume of her voice slightly, possibly because she had learned her noisiness was likely to get her caught out more often. Kitty was still too easily led and did not seem to think through the consequences of her actions.

"Remember, my dear sisters," Elizabeth cautioned as they neared the door, "we are here to make a favourable impression upon our new acquaintances. Please conduct yourselves with decorum and restraint."

"Of course, Lizzy," Kitty replied, rolling her eyes with mock exasperation, while Lydia merely smirked and nodded with a teasing glint in her eye.

As they were ushered into the drawing-room, they found the Bingleys already assembled, along with a young lady Elizabeth did not recognise. The girl, no more than sixteen, stood beside Mr. Darcy, her hands clasped tightly in front of her and her eyes shyly downcast.

"Ah, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Mrs. Bennet!" Mr. Bingley greeted them warmly, coming over to make his bows. "How wonderful to see you again! And these must be your other sisters. I am delighted to make their acquaintance."

Lydia and Kitty were introduced, and then Bingley turned to gesture the young lady with Mr. Darcy to step forward. "And please, allow me to present a new arrival of our own… Miss Darcy."

"Miss Darcy," Elizabeth said graciously. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at last. Your brother has said so many good things about you."

"Th-thank you, Miss Bennet," Georgiana stammered, her cheeks flushing as she curtsied nervously.

As they all took their seats, Elizabeth could not help but observe the contrast between her lively, boisterous sisters and the quiet, demure figure of Georgiana. She hoped that the meeting would serve to broaden their horizons and offer them a glimpse of a different kind of refinement and grace.

"Georgiana plays the pianoforte quite beautifully," Mr. Darcy remarked, as if reading her thoughts. "Perhaps, once we have finished our tea, she might be persuaded to favour us with a performance?"

"Indeed," Elizabeth agreed, smiling warmly at the young girl, who blushed and nodded in response. "I am certain that we would all be most delighted to hear her play."

Georgiana's heart fluttered as she took in the animated faces of Kitty and Lydia, their eyes wide with wonder as they surveyed her attire. It was a mixture of admiration and envy that Georgiana could not help but notice, even though she wished to shrink away from their attention.

"La! Such a lovely silk gown!" Lydia exclaimed, reaching out to touch the fabric before stopping herself just in time. "I dare say you must have the most exquisite taste, Miss Darcy!"

"Indeed," Kitty chimed in, her gaze lingering on the delicate lace adorning Georgiana's sleeves. "And your hair is arranged so elegantly. I do wish we had a maid as skilled as yours."

"Thank you both for your kind words," Georgiana replied softly, feeling slightly abashed by their effusive compliments. She cast a glance towards Elizabeth, who appeared to be watching the exchange with a mixture of amusement and concern.

"Miss Darcy," Lydia said, leaning in conspiratorially, "do you ever wear such fashionable dresses when you attend balls? I imagine you must be quite the belle of the season!"

"Lydia!" Elizabeth scolded gently, though there was a hint of laughter in her voice. "Surely you can find more appropriate topics of conversation."

"Apologies, sister. But truly, Miss Darcy, you must tell us what it is like to attend a ball at Pemberley," Lydia persisted, undeterred by her elder sister's rebuke.

"Um, well…" Georgiana hesitated, unsure how to respond to the other girl's eagerness. "I… I am not yet out, I'm afraid. I have never attended a ball, and I don't believe there has been one held at Pemberley since before I was born."

"Lydia, perhaps Miss Darcy would rather discuss something else," Elizabeth interjected kindly, sensing Georgiana's discomfort. "I am certain she has many other interests besides fashion and dancing."

"Of course," Lydia agreed, though her curiosity remained unabated. "Like music, for instance! That piece you played on the pianoforte was absolutely beautiful, Miss Darcy."

"Thank you," Georgiana murmured, feeling a mixture of pride and embarrassment at their praise. It was true that she loved music passionately, but she had always been shy about performing in front of others.

"Miss Darcy," Kitty ventured hesitantly, "do you think… Would it be possible for you to show us some of your favourite pieces sometime? We have both been studying the pianoforte at school, but even our music mistress is not half so skilled as you."

"Indeed," Lydia added eagerly, "we would be ever so grateful for any advice or instruction you could offer!"

Georgiana hesitated for a moment, considering the sincerity in their expressions. Despite their forwardness, she could not deny that their enthusiasm was genuine. And perhaps, she thought, this might be an opportunity to forge a connection with these lively young ladies who were so unlike herself.

"Very well," she agreed softly, her decision made. "I would be honoured to share my love of music with you both, should we have an opportunity."

"Girls," Charlotte said then, "It is a dry, pleasant day. Why don't you take a walk in the grounds?"

Georgiana suspected that Mrs. Bennet just wanted to get the noisy younger girls out of the drawing room so the older people could have a more civilized conversation, but getting out of the house – and away from Caroline Bingley's fawning, false friendship – sounded like a lovely idea, even if it was only for a walk in the grounds. She glanced appealingly at her brother.

Darcy did not hesitate before nodding amiably, saying to her quietly; "You should take advantage of this opportunity to become better acquainted with your new friends. I trust Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia to be sensible companions for you."

"Thank you, Fitzwilliam," Georgiana replied, touched by her brother's unexpected support. She could sense that he felt guilty for having been harsh with her on her arrival, and his encouragement seemed to stem from a desire to make amends. She knew he approved of the older Bennet ladies, and obviously felt that their younger sisters would be suitable friends for her. Georgiana felt her spirits lifting as she put on her bonnet and pelisse in the hallway before stepping outside into the crisp, chill air.

"Come, Miss Darcy!" Lydia exclaimed, her enthusiasm barely contained. "We shall take you on a delightful walk to Meryton. It is the most charming village, and we are quite anxious to meet all the militia officers who have taken up residence there!"

Kitty nodded vigorously in agreement, her curls bouncing with each movement. "Yes! Our friend Maria Lucas has written to us, telling us about them. They are such fine, handsome men, and we simply cannot wait to meet them!"

Georgiana hesitated, recalling her brother's admonition to remain on the estate. Yet she found herself unwilling to disappoint her new friends, whose eagerness was infectious. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as she considered the prospect of venturing beyond the safe confines of Netherfield.

"Very well," she acquiesced, her voice quiet but determined. "I shall accompany you to Meryton."

As they set out on their journey, Georgiana's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She was thrilled by the prospect of meeting new people and experiencing the world beyond her sheltered existence, but also deeply aware of the potential consequences should her brother discover her disobedience. The weight of his expectations weighed heavily upon her, and she could not help but wonder if her newfound freedom might come at too great a cost.

"Miss Darcy, you are unusually quiet," Lydia observed, breaking through Georgiana's reverie. "Are you not excited to meet all the dashing young officers?"

"I am," Georgiana replied hesitantly, unwilling to voice her concerns. "I merely hope that my brother will not be displeased with our excursion."

"Your brother need never know," Kitty chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "What he does not know cannot hurt him, after all."

"Indeed," Lydia agreed, grinning conspiratorially. "We shall be back before he even realizes we have gone, and no harm will have been done."

As they continued their walk, Georgiana could not help but marvel at the exuberance and vivacity of the two younger Bennet sisters. They chattered incessantly about their activities in Oxford, the local gossip and the various families in the neighbourhood, their voices lilting with laughter as they shared amusing anecdotes. Though she felt somewhat overwhelmed by their energy, Georgiana also found herself envying their ease and confidence.

"Miss Darcy," Kitty began hesitantly, "I hope you do not think us too forward or impertinent, but we truly wish to become friends with you."

"Indeed," Lydia added earnestly, "we are most eager to know you better and to learn from your excellent example."

Georgiana bit her lip, touched by their sincerity yet unsure how to respond. She had spent much of her life sheltered from the world, and the idea of forming close friendships was both intriguing and daunting.

"Thank you," she managed finally, her voice barely audible above the rustling leaves. "I would be honoured to count you both as my friends. And to that end, you must both call me Georgiana, please."

"Excellent!" Lydia cried, clapping her hands together in delight. "We shall have no end of fun together, Georgiana, I promise you that!"

The bustling streets of Meryton greeted the three young ladies with a cacophony of sights, sounds, and scents. Shopkeepers called out their wares, children darted about underfoot, and the intoxicating aroma of fresh bread wafted from a nearby bakery. Kitty and Lydia's eyes sparkled with delight as they eagerly scanned the crowd for familiar faces, while Georgiana hesitated, feeling a sudden wave of trepidation.

"Lydia! Kitty!" A cheerful voice rang out above the din, and Maria Lucas hurried towards them, her cheeks flushed from exertion. "You are home!"

"Maria!" Lydia exclaimed, embracing her friend with enthusiasm. "You must meet Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy's sister. She has joined us for our little excursion."

"Miss Darcy, it is an honour," Maria said, curtsying politely before turning to Lydia with a conspiratorial grin. "Now, come and let me introduce you to all the officers, they're all just dying to meet you!"

"Come along, then," Lydia replied, grabbing Maria's arm and pulling her into the throng. "Let us waste no time!"

Georgiana hesitated on the edge of the lively throng of officers and young ladies. The laughter and flirtatious chatter filled the air, creating an atmosphere that was at once exhilarating and overwhelming for the gentle, timid girl.

"Georgiana," Lydia called out, beckoning her forward with an impish grin. "Do come and meet Captain Carter! He has been regaling us with tales of his most recent exploits!"

Kitty nodded enthusiastically, adding, "Oh, yes! You simply must hear about the time he escaped from a band of French spies by swimming across a river in the dead of night!"

Though Georgiana longed to share in their excitement, she could not help but feel a pang of unease at the thought of engaging in such frivolous pursuits. Her brother's stern disapproval seemed to hang in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over even the simplest of pleasures.

"Please excuse me, Lydia," she said softly, attempting to extricate herself from the situation while still maintaining a semblance of politeness. "I fear I am not quite myself today."

Lydia waved away her concerns, replying with a laugh, "Nonsense! A little merriment is just what you need to banish those sombre thoughts. Come along now, there is no use in being shy!"

Despite her reservations, Georgiana found herself unable to resist the forceful pull of Lydia and Kitty's enthusiasm. With a reluctant sigh, she allowed them to lead her further into the crowd, her heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

"Captain Carter," Lydia announced, presenting Georgiana with a flourish, "May I present Miss Georgiana Darcy, sister to Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?"

The captain bowed gallantly, taking Georgiana's hand and pressing a chaste kiss to her knuckles. "Enchanted, Miss Darcy."

"Thank you, Captain," she murmured, her cheeks flushing at his bold display of affection.

As the conversation continued around her, with Lydia and Kitty vying for the attention of the various officers present, Georgiana found herself growing increasingly uncomfortable. Their boisterous laughter and suggestive remarks grated on her sensitive nature, causing her to shrink further into herself with each passing moment.

"Miss Darcy," Captain Carter said, observing her distress, "Are you feeling quite well?"

"Thank you, Captain, but I believe it is time for me to return to Netherfield," she replied, forcing a polite smile onto her face. "My brother will be expecting me."

"Of course," he said, understanding in his eyes. "Shall I escort you back?"

"No, thank you," she insisted, relief washing over her at the prospect of escape, but also horror at what her brother would say if she arrived back at Netherfield escorted by a militia officer. "I shall manage just fine on my own."

Kitty and Lydia did not even seem to notice as she slipped quietly away.

Upon her return to Netherfield, Georgiana found the drawing-room occupied by a small party: the Hursts played a game of whist with Mrs. and Miss Bennet, and Elizabeth Bennet, seated serenely near the window, was absorbed in a book. A soft smile touched her lips as she turned each page with unhurried elegance.

"Miss Darcy," Elizabeth greeted, looking up from her reading with a warm smile. "I hope your walk was enjoyable?"

"Indeed it was, Miss Bennet, thank you," Georgiana replied, hesitating at the threshold of the room, uncertain of her next move.

"Please, do join me," Elizabeth offered, motioning towards an empty seat beside her. Though still somewhat shy, Georgiana could not refuse such a kind invitation and gratefully accepted the indicated chair.

"Thank you, Miss Elizabeth," she said quietly, settling herself into her seat.

"My sisters do not accompany you?" Elizabeth asked, glancing towards the door.

"They decided to walk a little while longer," Georgiana prevaricated, not wanting to get Kitty and Lydia into trouble. "I felt tired, so I came inside."

With a calmly accepting nod, Elizabeth returned her attention to the pages before her, allowing Georgiana a moment's respite to gather her thoughts.

As she sat there, Georgiana observed that Elizabeth possessed a certain grace which had been absent from her interactions with Kitty and Lydia. Her voice, though soft, carried evident strength of character. It was a quality Georgiana admired and longed to emulate, yet feared she lacked entirely.

"Miss Bennet," Georgiana ventured hesitantly, "Might I ask what it is you are reading?"

Elizabeth looked up from her book once more, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "It is a collection of poetry by Lord Byron. I find his work quite enchanting."

"Indeed?" Georgiana said, her interest piqued. "My brother has often spoken of his admiration for Lord Byron's verse, but I have not yet had the pleasure of reading any myself."

"Would you like me to read aloud some passages?" Elizabeth suggested, her voice laced with genuine warmth.

"Very much so," Georgiana responded, a tentative smile forming on her lips.

And so they passed the remainder of the afternoon together, Elizabeth's voice weaving a tapestry of words that resonated deep within Georgiana's soul. The shy young girl began to feel a sense of ease in Elizabeth's presence, as though she had finally found someone who could understand her innermost thoughts and dreams.