Chapter 3

"It is very nice to meet you, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth began as she sat in Georgiana's sitting space in her bedroom.

The young lady only nodded shyly and lowered her eyes.

Elizabeth noted her sadness and thought of how she would help her sisters cheer up. She spoke of a topic that the girl might have found more to her liking. "Your cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam has told me a little of your childhood and how much you love music. I am not very proficient on the piano but I do enjoy singing. I would love to hear you play sometime."

Georgiana raised her eyes slowly, still hesitant but responded quietly to the kind woman, "Thank you, Miss Bennet. I do enjoy music but I had not been interested in playing for weeks now." She saw that the lady's eyes were patient and caring without judgment and continued, "I find little joy in all the things I used to love and I know I am only a burden to my brother. He is a good brother and worries for me constantly but I know he has been miserable and I wish we were home at Pemberley. At least I can go out of doors there and find privacy without worrying about who will see me as I do here."

Elizabeth saw the tears forming in the girl's eyes and gently squeezed her hand. "I know you have had your disappointment, and I cannot possibly imagine your heartache, Miss Darcy, but time heals and speaking about your pains might make it easier to think of the past with pleasure. Take my philosophy: Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure. If we dwell only on the sadness of our situation, we might forget that God blesses us in His unique way and take our short time on earth for granted. We must see the good in our lives so that we do not think of ourselves as sufferers of our misfortunes, unable to make choices that we are given and to contribute to the world. I met several ladies yesterday who are organising collections for the orphanages and I find doing something to help others to be a great joy within my own heart. I would love it if you can join me next time I return."

Georgiana's brows rose, "How old are the orphans? Aunt Catherine always calls me a 'poor orphan' but I have £30,000 and my brother and Cousin Richard take care of me. I cannot imagine living in an orphanage!"

"The children range from abandoned infants to children of nine or ten years in age, Miss Darcy," Elizabeth replied. "Those who can find employment can leave and many often return to contribute what little they make, and are thankful that they were fed and dressed when they were in dire need. Most are still poor but they manage to find happiness because they count their blessings and not their adversities. Your brother seems to care deeply for you and you are very much loved, Miss Darcy."

"Will you call me Georgiana? What can I call you? 'Miss Bennet' sounds too formal and I would dearly like a friend." The younger woman gently smiled. "You have such a joy about you and I wish to learn more from you, but I consider you a friend more than a companion. You appear young still and you cannot be more than a few years older than I." She found the spirited young lady delightful and it had been wonderful to speak to her alone.

Elizabeth smiled, "In private, I would be happy if you called me Lizzy, Georgiana. I am twenty years old but have been out for years already and I decided to seek employment because of my family's situation. We are retrenching due to my father's illness and I wished to see more of the world. I am told you were in Ramsgate earlier this summer and come from a beautiful estate in Derbyshire. My aunt is from Lambton and I would love to visit her old home someday. What adventures you must have already had in your young age!"

"Ramsgate was very beautiful. You would love the seaside, Lizzy. Although..." Georgiana took a deep breath, "Although I was deceived by a rake for my dowry, I did enjoy the little village there and I looked at the ocean daily to see the tide roll in and out. I hope to return there someday, and I know my pain... it will heal and I will remember the pleasures of being there."

Elizabeth embraced her young friend, "That is exactly what I mean! You understand me completely, Georgiana, to think of the past with pleasure. Now, I must return to my aunt and let your brother know that I will become your companion. Will you walk with me? I am afraid I will become lost in this magnificent townhouse."

Georgiana stood with the biggest smile she had since returning from Ramsgate. "Of course, Lizzy!" She linked her arm around her new friend's, "I know you will be a paid companion to stay with me and teach me to be out in society but if you will allow, could I introduce you as my friend instead of my companion? I have so few friends near my age and you are far too young to be a companion to anyone."

Elizabeth contemplated the situation, "I will speak with my aunt about it. I rely on her for her guidance and I know I appear young but I have been out since I was fifteen years old. I would not mind being introduced that way but I am concerned for... I will speak with my aunt and your brother about it, Georgiana. I do not wish to create a scandal because of your brother." She continued as they walked down the hall, "As you are preparing to come out, you must understand that for a single lady to reside under the same roof as a single gentleman, there must be some... discretions... that are remembered because one's honour is at stake. As your companion, it would not be considered too contemptible to reside under your brother's roof but as your friend, many would question your brother's intentions and wonder at my virtue." She laughed as she saw her friend's mouth agape. "I have no concerns about myself, dear Georgiana, as I have no plans to marry and will be content to be a companion for the rest of my life, but your brother might have other plans."

"I know he suffered some difficulties because of a lady friend earlier this year, even though he does not know that I know," Georgiana confided in her friend, "but perhaps he will be married soon and no one will say anything then. He might even allow us to go to someplace quiet like Ramsgate or Brighton so that we can find our own enjoyments away from society and we will be two good friends on an adventurous journey. You will have your wish to see more of England and I will have my dear friend with me."

"We shall see, Georgiana," Elizabeth laughed. "Let us take one day at a time for now. I will start next week, if it is acceptable." Georgiana gleefully nodded.

Georgiana knocked on the door to the drawing room where Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were sitting with Mrs. Gardiner. "Brother! Thank you so much for finding Lizzy! She is wonderful and she is my dear friend already and I am very excited to make her acquaintance. Lizzy will speak to you about it further but I hope you will allow her to be introduced as my friend and not as a companion. It shall be most enjoyable to do some shopping with Lizzy and take her to my modiste and get some sweets! I have not had iced cream in so long and it is far too warm now but we will have a chance in the winter. I am so excited!" She ran to Darcy and embraced him heartily.

Darcy received the hug in amazement and stood with his eyes wide and looked at Miss Bennet, who was standing next to her aunt with a pleasant smile. Georgiana had been absolutely miserable for the past five weeks and the change in her demeanour after a quarter hour with Miss Bennet had been incredible.

"Hey, now! I was the one who found Miss Bennet!" Richard laughed loudly, "Should I not receive a hug also?"

Georgiana laughed, "But of course, Richard! Thank you for finding such a gem. What would I do without my dearest brother and cousin?"

Richard chuckled as he hugged his young cousin and winked at Elizabeth. "We love you, pumpkin. We will always take good care of you."

Georgiana turned to Mrs. Gardiner and curtsied, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Gardiner. I understand you and your husband reside on Gracechurch Street. William told me about the warehouse he toured yesterday and although I was not paying too much attention, I would love it see it myself someday." She lowered her eyes, "If it is acceptable, that is." She quickly reverted back to her shyness.

Elizabeth wrapped her arm around Georgiana and they took a seat. "I am certain my uncle will be pleased to give you a tour. I practically grew up there whenever I visited as a young girl and I know the place well. My elder sister Jane and I used to play hide and seek and it was the largest play area that a twelve-year-old girl could imagine in the world."

"That sounds wonderful, Lizzy." Georgiana brightened up. "I hope... Brother, would it be all right if we invited Lizzy and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to dine with us sometime?"

Mrs. Gardiner quickly responded, "Oh, Miss Darcy, if you will allow, I would love to invite you and Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam to dine at our home first, tomorrow evening. Once Lizzy makes her decision about her position here, I am certain we will have a chance to dine together often."

Darcy was relieved that Mrs. Gardiner had gracefully diverted the invitation. It was uncommon for a gentleman of his standing to invite a tradesman into his home first, even one as respectable as Mr. Gardiner, and Mrs. Gardiner had been tactful and made the situation comfortable. "That sounds wonderful, Mrs. Gardiner," he responded, "I welcome your invitation. With your approval, may I speak with Miss Bennet for a few minutes? I would like to discuss her decision and the terms of our agreement."

Mrs. Gardiner nodded and Elizabeth softly spoke to Georgiana, "Will you show my aunt the music room? You do not have to play but if you do, my aunt is a talented singer and might sing for us all. I shall join you shortly."

Georgiana nodded with a smile and walked to the music room with Mrs. Gardiner and the colonel.

"Either you are a sorceress or a witch, Miss Bennet," Darcy sat in front of her and stared with an intensity that made Elizabeth blush. "Are you always this cheerful? You have brought laughter back into my house and I have not decided if you will use your power for good or for evil. I hardly recognised my sister who came in here with liveliness in her voice and delight in her eyes."

"I assure you, I am no sorceress or witch, Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth finally met his eyes. "She is a wonderful young lady who has been lonely, and although she has more growing up to do, she is a kind soul at heart and you have done well with her."

Darcy looked at the woman before him and smiled, "Thank you, Miss Bennet. Will you accept? Will you stay on to be her companion? If a quarter hour with you has caused such a change, I wonder what you will accomplish in weeks and months to come." He furrowed his brows, "What was she saying about your being introduced as a friend and not a companion? I did not understand to what she was alluding."

Elizabeth replied, "She thought me too young to be an old companion and wished to introduce me as a friend instead. I did warn her about your thoughts on it and the risk of rumours because you are not married, sir, but I will do as you direct. I wished to speak with my aunt about it as well but since you had asked, I wish to be honest with you. I care not for myself but I know you must be guarded with your reputation and although I, myself, would prefer to be a friend to your sister, you will be my employer and you will have the final say."

"Does that mean you accept?" Darcy asked with a large grin. "I care more about my sister's happiness than the opinions of ignorant gossips and you make her happy. When can you begin? Can you return tomorrow?"

"I accept, Mr. Darcy, and I can begin next week. You are invited to my aunt's dinner tomorrow evening and I have an invitation with Lady Matlock the night after. After church services on Sunday, I will be packing up my meagre possessions and will be ready to arrive here." Elizabeth smiled. "I hope that is acceptable."

Darcy nodded, "Yes, Miss Bennet. I am also invited to my aunt's dinner party so I will see you there. As far as your allowance, it will be deposited directly into an account at the Bank of England in your name quarterly and you will be given a weekly stipend for other small necessities. If you find that you need an advance or are in need of additional funds, please do not hesitate to inform me. I am most pleased that you will be joining our little family, Miss Bennet. I give you my personal assurance that you will be treated with every respect you deserve."

Elizabeth stood to return to her aunt's side. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I truly thank you for this opportunity and I hope to be of service to you and your sister. Let us return to her now. I am eager to see her perform at the pianoforte."

Darcy proffered his arm and Elizabeth gladly took it to walk to the music room to find the young lady playing with a smile on her face and Mrs. Gardiner singing a lovely song. Both Darcy and Richard grinned to finally see Georgiana's spirits rise and it had been all due to the lovely woman on Darcy's arm.