Page 148 of What Change Entails

Georgiana took one step nearer her brother. “She said Elizabeth was artful. That the Bennets were vulgar. That Lydia ought not to be admitted into decent company.”

“That part was very offensive,” Lydia inserted, because someone ought to acknowledge it.

Darcy did not smile.

Georgiana continued, each word seeming to cost her something. “She said I must be brought back to proper influence. That I was too young to judge. That ‘if opportunities must be managed, they would be managed.’”

Bingley glanced toward the door, as if his sister might appear there by sheer force of embarrassment.

Darcy remained still.

Lydia, who disliked the stillness of serious men, rushed in before she lost courage. “And she said she would do whatever was necessary to prevent Mr. Darcy making a mistake that would degrade him.”

The atmosphere in the room cooled further. Mr. Gardiner’s expression became grave.

Bingley swore very softly, then appeared mortified because ladies were present.

Darcy’s jaw worked silently before he replied. “Those were her words?”

“Yes,” Lydia said. “I did not improve them.”

“She did not,” Georgiana added. “If anything, she softened the tone.”

Darcy walked to the window and stood there for several seconds. Lydia could see his profile. He had the stillness of carved stone again, but not pride. Anger. With himself, perhaps, which was a very Darcy sort of thing to do.

At last, he responded. “Thank you for telling me.”

Lydia blinked. “You are not going to scold me for listening?”

“I may reserve that pleasure for a less serious occasion.” That was unexpectedly handsome of him.

Bingley dragged one hand through his hair. “Darcy, I am sorry. I never thought Caroline would—”

“No.” Darcy’s answer cut across him, though not cruelly. “This is my house. I have excused too much within it.” He had allowed politeness to dictate his actions for far too long.

Georgiana’s eyes shone suddenly.

Darcy crossed to her and lowered his voice. “Forgive me.”

She shook her head quickly. “You did not say it.”

“I permitted her influence to remain where it hurt you.”

Lydia stared at him.

Well. No wonder Lizzy liked him now. A man who could say such a thing plainly was vastly superior to one who merely admired a ribbon.

Darcy drew the bell. When the footman came, Darcy asked for Mrs. Reynolds to attend him when convenient and for Brisby to be sent to his dressing room. His tone gave no hint of scandal, which impressed Lydia deeply. If she had been mistress of the house, everyone would have known everything within three minutes.

Mrs. Reynolds arrived not long after. She took in Georgiana’s pale face, Lydia’s unusual silence, and Darcy’s expression with one sharp glance.

“Mrs. Reynolds,” Darcy said, “Miss Bingley is not to give instructions to the staff except through you. No change in household arrangements is to be made at her request without my approval.”

“Very good, sir.”

“Nor is any guest to be admitted to the private family apartments without invitation.”

Mrs. Reynolds’s mouth compressed slightly. “Of course, sir.”