Page 31 of A Different Impression

“At least one of my younger sisters seems determined to make better use of her freedom,” she said softly.

Darcy followed her gaze. From what Elizabeth had said, Miss Kitty was delighted simply to have been granted permission to escape the confines of Longbourn, even if it required her to rise earlier than was her wont. She had brought her sketchbook, determined to draw the view from Oakham Mount rather than attempt to keep pace with the courting couple.

Still, Darcy was careful not to let Miss Kitty stray too far from his notice. She made a decidedly inattentive chaperone, but he preferred knowing precisely where she was.

After some time, he and Elizabeth joined Kitty to admire her work. To his own surprise, Darcy found himself offering a few suggestions about perspective and shading, explaining that he had occasionally attended Georgiana’s lessons after engaging a drawing master for her.

“When my sister arrives,” he said, “perhaps the two of you might draw together. Georgiana enjoys it greatly. She is no expert, but she has benefited from the instruction of several excellent masters.”

Kitty’s eyes brightened. “Do you truly think she would not mind?”

“I am quite certain she would be pleased by the opportunity to share some of her knowledge,” Darcy assured her.

Soon, the three returned to Longbourn, where Darcy was persuaded by both ladies to stay for breakfast. Mrs Bennet had not yet appeared downstairs, but Jane and Mary were already seated in the breakfast room. Jane’s expression fell ever so slightly when she realised Bingley was not among them.

“I believe my friend intends to join us later this morning,” Darcy said before she could ask. “Although he knew of my intention to rise early and meet Miss Elizabeth, he sent word with his valet that he could not rise so early this morning. He is far more used to keeping Town hours, despite my encouragement otherwise.”

The reassurance restored Jane’s smile at once.

Breakfast passed pleasantly. Conversation wandered from books to music and finally to art, with Elizabeth and Darcy carrying much of the discussion while Jane, Mary, and Kitty joined in whenever the topic suited their interests. Darcy could not remember the last time he had enjoyed such an easy morning in company.

When the meal was nearly finished, Mr Bennet entered the breakfast room and paused at the sight of Darcy seated beside Elizabeth. His eyes narrowed slightly before he seemed to recollect himself.

Darcy rose at once. “Mr Bennet.”

“Mr Darcy,” Bennet replied, dryly enough that Darcy was not entirely certain whether amusement or disapproval held the greater claim. After a moment, however, the older gentleman looked towards the table. “Darcy, will you join me in my study after breakfast? I wished to speak with you about one of the matters we discussed last week. Have you heard anything from your aunt regarding schools or companions?”

“I have, sir.” Darcy instinctively patted his coat pocket before remembering he had left the letter at Netherfield. “I received a letter from her Saturday evening, though I neglected to bring it with me yesterday. She did have several recommendations. I am ready to speak whenever you are.”

Bennet stood. “Well, let us begin, if you are ready. Lizzy, I shall return him to his courting before too long.”

Heat rose in Darcy’s face before he could prevent it. Elizabeth blushed as well, though she managed to add a scowl for good measure. Bennet merely laughed, looking far too pleased with himself, and led Darcy from the room.

Once inside the study, Darcy accepted the chair Mr Bennet indicated. The older gentleman remained standing for a moment before moving to the window, where he looked out over the lawn with his hands clasped behind his back.

“I daresay Elizabeth has already told you something of last night’s excitement,” Bennet began.

“She has, sir.”

Bennet nodded. “I thought as much.”

After a brief silence, he continued. “My wife is incapable of educating Lydia properly, which leads me to suspect Jane and Lizzy turned out so well because they spent so much of their childhood with the Gardiners. Mrs Gardiner likely had more influence over them than my wife ever did. Mary, meanwhile, has largely educated herself, though she has unfortunately preferred Fordyce to Shakespeare. I have recently attempted to remedy that.”

Darcy made no immediate reply. His esteem for Mr and Mrs Gardiner had only increased since becoming acquainted with Elizabeth, and Bennet’s assessment rang true.

“Kitty and Lydia, however, have been influenced far too much by my wife,” Bennet continued. “Kitty already seems to be improving after only a few days apart from her sister. Lydia, on the other hand...” He sighed heavily. “Lydia must go to school. There is no question of that. She needs discipline and structure she will never receive here. The person I do not know how to manage is my wife.”

Darcy considered his answer carefully. Offering advice to a gentleman old enough to be his father sat uneasily with him, yet Bennet had asked for his opinion.

“Sir, if I may make a suggestion...”

At Bennet’s encouraging nod, he continued.

“I agree entirely regarding Lydia. As for Miss Kitty, I wonder whether she might benefit from spending some months in London with your brother and sister. You have already observed the influence Mrs Gardiner had upon your eldest daughters. Removed from the present influences at Longbourn, Miss Kitty might continue the improvement you have already begun to see.”

He paused before adding, “She is also near my sister’s age. Georgiana has lately resumed drawing lessons and would, I think, enjoy having another young lady with whom to practise. Mrs Annesley would, of course, supervise them both, so I should have no concern about either girl being improperly influenced.”

Bennet turned from the window.