Page 149 of What Change Entails

Darcy paused. “I also wish any unusual movement in the house after nightfall reported to you directly. Discreetly.”

Lydia regarded him with renewed interest.

Mrs. Reynolds’s eyes moved toward Georgiana. “It shall be done.”

When she departed, Darcy gave his attention to Lydia and Georgiana. “I do not accuse Miss Bingley of intending anything beyond interference. Still, I will not leave opportunities for mischief if she has resolved to create them.”

“What opportunities?” Lydia asked.

Darcy exchanged serious expressions with Bingley, then Mr. Gardiner. “A lady determined to create mischief, whether by scene, implication, or private cruelty may create awkward situations with very little assistance from truth.”

Lydia understood after one second and then wished she had not. “Oh,” she said, with deep disgust. “That is vile.” As hoydenish as she was, she would never force a compromise.

“Yes,” Darcy replied.

Bingley appeared wretched. “You cannot think Caroline would go so far.”

“I do not know,” Darcy answered. “That is the difficulty.”

Brisby appeared at the door. Darcy spoke to him briefly, too low for Lydia to catch every word, though she heard enough: outer door locked, adjoining passage, remain nearby, no one admitted.

Brisby did not appear surprised. Valets, Lydia suspected, knew everything and showed nothing.

After he left, Darcy shifted his attention to the girls. “You are not to confront Miss Bingley.”

Lydia opened her mouth.

Darcy stopped her reply with the full force of his stare. “Particularly you.”

“How unjust. I have been outstanding in my restraint.” Perhaps she was maturing after all.

“Yes,” he said. “Continue.”

That was not as satisfying as praise ought to have been, but Georgiana regarded her with such earnest gratitude that Lydia swallowed the retort.

“I shall attempt it,” she said.

Mr. Gardiner rose then, his expression stern in a way Lydia had rarely seen. “Darcy, I am at your disposal if you require support in managing this.”

“Thank you. For now, discretion serves us best.”

Bingley still appeared miserable. “I will speak to Louisa.”

“Not yet,” Darcy said. “Let me observe this evening.”

Lydia admired that. Observing before exploding was a new concept, but perhaps useful.

“One last thing, Miss Lydia, Georgiana. Let us not bother the other ladies with this information at this time.” Mr. Darcy stared at them until they nodded.

So, I am not to share this with Elizabeth? Lydia thought it rather unfair to keep her sister in the dark. Uncle Gardiner would surely tell his wife. But she would follow Mr. Darcy’s wishes… for now.

The rest of the afternoon continued with an unnatural normality that made Lydia itch.

Miss Bingley appeared at tea wearing ivory muslin and an expression of polished innocence. She complimented Georgiana’s complexion, asked Darcy whether he intended to ride the following morning, and praised Elizabeth’s gown in a tone that made the compliment feel like an insult.

Lydia nearly crushed her cake. Georgiana sat beside her and pressed one slipper lightly against Lydia’s beneath the table. Restraint it would be, then.

Horrid business.