Page 81 of What Change Entails

“I shall endeavor not to endanger her.”

That won a laugh from her, brief and surprised.

Darcy leaned one hand against the newel post. “Georgiana has been happier since your arrival.”

Lydia’s face warmed with pleasure before she could hide it. “She is easy to like.”

“Not everyone has found it easy to know her.”

“That is because they do all the talking.”

He could not dispute it.

From above, a door opened and Elizabeth’s voice drifted faintly down the stairs. “Lydia?”

Lydia raised her head. “Coming!”

Then she went back, feeling awkward. “I am still angry with Lizzy, you know.”

“I had gathered that.”

“She ruined Brighton.”

“So I understand.”

“But…” Lydia scowled at the candle flame, perhaps for making the moment too serious. “Georgiana should not have to be managed all the time. Nobody likes it. And Miss Bingley is worse than Lizzy because Lizzy at least scolds honestly.”

Darcy pressed his lips together to keep from laughing.

“I shall value the distinction.”

“You should.”

Elizabeth called again, closer now. “Lydia, are you coming to bed or composing an opera in the hall?”

Lydia rolled her eyes. “She has no appreciation for diplomacy.”

Darcy stepped back from the stairs. “Good night, Miss Lydia.”

She held up her candle with a little flourish. “Good night, Mr. Darcy. Do not worry. I shall guard your sister tomorrow as well.”

“I do not doubt it.”

Lydia climbed three steps, then paused. “Though if Miss Bingley says anything about my laugh again, I may become less diplomatic.”

“I shall prepare myself.”

“That would be wise.”

She went up the stairs, slippers tapping against the wood, candlelight bobbing along the wall. At the landing, Elizabeth waited in her dressing gown with a shawl drawn over her shoulders. Her attention shifted from Lydia to Darcy, brows raised.

Lydia said something too low for him to hear.

Elizabeth lowered her gaze to the staircase.

For one moment their eyes met across the dim hall.

Darcy bowed, more because he needed something to do than because ceremony required it at such an hour.