Page 94 of What Change Entails

Darcy’s attention found Elizabeth instinctively. She sat beside her aunt near the open window, morning light catching the loose curls near her temple. The expression she wore was dangerously familiar now. Amusement restrained for propriety’s sake. He had become alarmingly adept at recognizing it.

Miss Bingley followed his line of sight.

That she tracked his movements so closely was bothersome. What he saw across the table spoiled the rest of Darcy’s coffee.

There, Georgiana had already withdrawn into herself. Mrs. Annesley was still with her daughter, and Darcy regretted her absence more than he cared to admit. Georgiana loved her companion sincerely, and Mrs. Annesley possessed the rare ability to soothe without smothering. Without her, Miss Bingley’s presence seemed to infect every room with tension.

“Miss Darcy,” Miss Bingley began, leaning slightly across the table, “you must accompany me through the shops after luncheon. I understand Lambton possesses a tolerable milliner, though naturally nothing approaching London standards.”

Georgiana sought Darcy’s face before answering.

Before his sister could speak, Miss Lydia cut in.

“But we are to walk near the stream after breakfast,” she announced. “Miss Darcy promised to show me where Horace fell into the water last spring.”

“I did no such thing,” Georgiana replied, startled into laughter.

Miss Lydia raised a challenging eyebrow. “You implied it strongly.”

“I merely said he enjoys swimming.”

“That is practically an invitation,” Miss Lydia insisted.

Miss Bingley’s mouth hardened. “Miss Lydia, I hardly think wandering through muddy banks preferable to proper society.”

“Oh, I do,” Miss Lydia replied. “Mud does not criticize one’s posture.”

Bingley choked on his coffee.

Darcy hid his face to conceal a traitorous flicker of amusement.

Miss Bingley pressed forward with visible effort. “Refinement is not criticism. It is improvement.”

Miss Lydia tilted her head. “That sounds tiresome.”

Mrs. Gardiner intervened smoothly before the conversation could deteriorate further. “I believe Mr. Darcy mentioned showing my husband the eastern tenant cottages this morning.”

“Yes.” Darcy seized the opening gratefully. “Several repairs were completed last month. Mr. Gardiner expressed interest in the drainage work.”

Mr. Gardiner brightened. “Particularly the stone retaining wall. Your steward described it admirably.”

Miss Bingley visibly lost interest the instant estate management entered the discussion.

Darcy almost pitied her. Almost.

The party separated shortly thereafter.

Mrs. Gardiner elected to remain behind with Mrs. Hurst, whose enthusiasm for outdoor exertion ended sharply beyond ornamental gardens. Bingley joined Mr. Gardiner, eager to inspect anything Darcy inspected. It was agreed they would take two open carriages on their journey, which warmed Miss Bingley to the idea. Determined not to be left behind, Miss Bingley attached herself to Darcy before he reached the front steps.

“You walk too quickly, Mr. Darcy.”

He moderated his pace automatically though irritation pricked beneath the habit. “Forgive me.”

Behind them, Miss Lydia linked arms with Georgiana as they neared the carriages.

“We shall rescue Horace from despair,” Lydia declared. “He has not yet rolled in anything objectionable this morning.”

“Give him time,” Georgiana answered.