Mid-January – February 1812
Four days after visiting Georgiana, as they had not heard from her, Mary and Elizabeth decided that they were not going to return to the Darcys' house...
"… Without a doubt, Georgiana's life has changed, and from what we saw she is very happy with her new friends. In the last fortnight, we went to her coming-out ball even though Lady Matlock's didn't invite our uncle, and afterward, we visited twice at her house... if she wants to see us, she knows where we live."
"I know you're right Lizzy, and I didn't like several things that have happened, but I miss Georgiana..."
"Do you want to visit her again?"
Mary thought for a few seconds, "No, I didn't feel comfortable the last time we met. Maybe it wasn't her fault, but I felt Lady Patricia was doing her best to show that we don't belong to the same social circle as them…"
"Yes, it was as you say. Honestly, I don't care in the least what Lady Patricia or Lady Matlock think. They are the two most shallow women I have ever met, and if Georgiana prefers their company, so be it…"
On the other hand, Mr. Stern kept visiting Elizabeth. Every day he was more interested in her and was seriously thought of courting her. Unfortunately, in the last days of January, he received a letter from a solicitor because a great-uncle had died and he was one of his heirs. He had to travel to Scotland shortly and he hoped that when he returned in a month or two, he would continue to get to know her better. He even thought about talking to her before leaving, but since they had only known each other for twenty days, he wanted to be surer before making that decision...
PPP
The invitations kept coming to the Darcys' house, and at least three times a week they attended a dinner party or even a ball. There were also two gentlemen who intended to woo Georgiana, one of them the youngest son of a baron and the other the youngest son of an earl. They visited her twice a week, and Lady Matlock acted as their chaperone. Georgiana felt beautiful as the two gentlemen were very handsome and very kind to her.
At times Georgiana missed Mary and Elizabeth, but since she had so many parties and had also become friends with Lady Patricia, she didn't have time to think too much about them. On the other hand, she was glad that Richard was back in London and since she went to her aunt's house three times a week, she took the opportunity to see him.
In the first days of February, her brother invited her to go to Hatchard's since she wanted to buy a novel that was in fashion. The siblings parted ways in the bookstore and went to the section that most interested them. Darcy was looking at a book on farming techniques when he heard the beautiful voice of Miss Thompson and a gentleman…
"…I know I should be used to your literary preferences, but they still amaze me."
"You always say the same thing, what book would you recommend?"
"Ummm, if you were another lady 'The Mysteries of Udolpho'..." they both smiled, "But to you, I would recommend the poems of William Wordsworth."
She momentarily thought of Mr. Darcy, "I haven't read Wordsworth's poems yet, and someone else recommended them to me. So, I like your suggestion…"
At that moment, Darcy approached Elizabeth to greet her and was surprised that the gentleman she was conversing with was the youngest son of an earl...
"Miss Thompson, what a pleasant surprise to find you here." He looked at Stern and nodded his head.
She smiled politely, "Mr. Darcy, nice to see you."
"What book are you looking at?" he asked curiously.
"A Vindication of the Rights of Men."
Darcy's eyes widened, "I thought you would rather choose A Vindication of the Rights of Woman."
"I already read it, Mr. Darcy." Looking at Mr. Stern, she added, "We should go to the music section to find Mary." - "Have a nice day Mr. Darcy."
Darcy stood watching Miss Thompson walk away with Mr. Stern and thinking about what his cousin had told him. Even though he hadn't seen her for fifteen days, he didn't stop thinking and dreaming about her. He had even passed the Gardiners' door three times but he didn't enter…
PPP
Mary was distracted looking at the sheet music when she heard someone call her name, she looked up and saw Georgiana.
"Mary, what a pleasant coincidence to meet you here."
Mary smiled, "That's right, how are you?"
"Very well, so many things have happened in the last few weeks. I went to many parties and met several people… You have to come to my house with Elizabeth, so I tell you all the news."
Mary smiled, "I'm going to tell Elizabeth, we can go tomorrow if you want."
"No, tomorrow I'm going with my aunt to Madame Dupree." Georgiana thought for a few seconds, "Perhaps you can come in three days to have tea with me and Lady Patricia."
"I have an engagement that day." she forced a smile, "I have to go now to meet Elizabeth. It was a pleasure to see you, Georgiana."
Confused, Georgiana watched her friend leave... it was the first time that Mary told her that she had another commitment...