As the afternoon approached Georgiana had become more and more nervous in anticipation of the visit. She and Mrs. Annesley sat in the drawing room with Darcy while they waited for the guests to arrive. Georgie had her embroidery to hand, but she seemed to be picking out nearly as many stitches as she set in. She startled at the sound of the carriage in the drive. Mrs. Annesley said nothing, but gently patted Georgiana's arm to calm her.
Darcy was surprised when Mrs. Evans escorted three ladies into the room.
"Miss Lucas, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary," she announced and then hurried off to get a fresh pot of tea.
Darcy rose to bow while Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley gave proper curtseys. He vaguely remembered being introduced to Miss Lucas by Sir William on the night of the assembly. He hoped he hadn't been too rude to her.
"Ladies," he said, "allow me to present my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, and her companion, Mrs. Annesley" Turning to his sister he gestured at each of the newcomers as he identified them, "Miss Lucas, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Miss Mary Bennet." The ladies greeted one another and they took their seats. The small party nearly filled the drawing room but Darcy felt it was more cozy than crowded.
"I hope you will excuse me for arriving uninvited," said Miss Lucas, "but I was visiting my friend, Elizabeth, when your note arrived and I thought to take advantage of the opportunity to pass on an invitation from my family as well as to welcome Miss Darcy."
"I am glad you have come," said Darcy. "I am sure any friend of Miss Elizabeth will be good company for me and my sister."
Both ladies colored slightly and smiled at the compliment.
"My family was not aware until today that you and your sister were staying her instead of at Netherfield," Miss Lucas continued. "We are having a small dinner party tomorrow evening. We had invited Mr. Bingley's party but since you aren't there I thought I should invite you personally." She turned to Georgiana. "I understand that you are not yet out, Miss Darcy. The rules here in the country are a bit more relaxed than in town. There will be a few young ladies your age including my younger sister. I know they would be delighted to have your company."
Darcy looked enquiringly at his sister. Georgie hesitated, then nodded slightly.
"Thank you, Miss Lucas," he said. "We would be pleased to attend."
"I will have my mother send over a note with the details," she confirmed.
"I hope you are recovering well from your cold, sir," Miss Elizabeth said with a look that suggested she might know the true nature of his recent malady.
"I am," he replied, just as Mrs. Evans entered with the tea which Georgiana proceeded to pour for the company. Miss Lucas fell into conversation with Mrs. Annesley while the Bennet sisters engaged Georgiana in a discussion of music. Darcy listened as his sister slowly opened up to her new acquaintances. Each time a hesitantly expressed opinion was listened to and discussed with approval she appeared to grow more confident. Miss Mary, in particular, asked several questions regarding technique and gave full attention to Georgie's answers.
With the two youngest members of the party so fully engaged in their conversation Miss Elizabeth apparently felt free to turn and speak with Darcy.
"How do you like the house?" she asked.
"Very well," he answered. "It is comfortable and Mrs. Evans' care makes it feel like home."
I am glad it is working out for you. When Mr. Bingley visited Jane yesterday he said he was sorry to lose his guest but he hoped you would be more comfortable here."
"Mrs. Evans told me he called to check on me yesterday. At her insistence I had stayed in bed and so missed his visit."
"I am pleased you hired Mrs. Evans," Miss Elizabeth said. "She has had a rough time of it since Mr. Evans passed on and I know she would rather earn her way than feel like a burden upon her daughters."
"I feel lucky to have her," said Darcy seriously. "In fact I hope to keep her in my employ in some capacity for as long as she chooses to work."
Miss Elizabeth smiled. "You really are quite different from the first impression you gave."
"You granted me the opportunity to show myself better. I do not want to let you down."
The implied compliment prompted a blush from Miss Elizabeth. She was about to respond when Miss Lucas rose and indicated she needed to return home.
Darcy rang for a servant to escort them to the carriage. He instructed the footman to have the driver take Miss Lucas to her home before returning Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary to Longbourn.
With the usual courtesies and promises to speak further at the following night's gathering the ladies took their leave.
Darcy turned to his sister with a grin when their guests had left. "Well," he said, "what do you think?"
Georgie bounced in her seat, her face alight with pleasure. "Oh Will!" she said enthusiastically, "Miss Mary and Miss Elizabeth are so much more pleasant than any of the girls I met at school!"
He sobered and said softly, "You were lonely at school, weren't you?"
She hung her head. "It's just that most of them were the daughters of peers. The niece of an earl doesn't count for much without a title of her own. They were not very friendly either. Most only wanted to gossip and criticize like Mr. Bingley's sisters."
"I am sorry it was not the best experience for you," he said. "I was lonely at school too, even with Bingley and Richard for company. I had hoped I was sending you to a place where you would find several good friends, but then I forgot to check and see that you were happy."
"You were busy with Pemberley and your investments," she said quickly.
"That's not it," he countered. "I just assumed the outcome I wanted and never questioned my decision. You are more important to me than any business, Georgie. I hope I never made you feel otherwise."
She looked at him hesitantly and chewed at her lower lip.
"Please tell me," he prompted gently.
Very softly she said, "When you sent me to Ramsgate by myself I was very lonely. Being there with Mrs. Young was not the same as spending time with you." She continued in a rush, "And I know you were protecting me from Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, but it still hurt when you left London without me. That's why I am so glad you sent for me."
Darcy felt tears prickling at his eyes and he had to swallow what felt like a sob before he answered, "Thank you for telling me. Going forward, would you let me know if you are lonely or need something?"
She nodded and he turned to Mrs. Annesley who had been quietly tending to her needlework while the siblings spoke. "Mrs. Annesley, I depend on you to remind her to come to me with her concerns. I also want you to let me know if there are any problems I need to resolve or if you think I am missing important information."
"I will, sir," she said with a firm nod.