Chapter Two
Kitty stared outside at the drizzling rain. A week had gone by since our last encounter with her, but the combination of her sister's wedding and the ongoing rain meant that she still had not recovered to her usual lively spirits. She had tried listening to Mary read aloud in her shrill voice. She had tried to help her mother with some embroidery whilst her mother prattled away in an even higher voice. She had even summed up the courage to try and help her father with his papers, but this mission had faltered when her father had waved her away with an absent-minded smile. So she was back to staring out of the window and crying, though the intervals between these weeping fits were beginning to increase. After all her aunt had invited her to supper a few days from hence and she did not wish to completely lose her beauty. Her aunt had hinted that there might be a few dashing young men who would join the party. Of course Kitty was still maintaining her idea of being a spinster, but they would be a welcome distraction.
Georgiana Darcy was also staring at the rain, though her only reason for being melancholy was that the rain prevented her from riding. She was waiting, very impatiently, for tomorrow when her brother would be back from his honeymoon in Italy and bring his blushing bride to Pemburly. She liked what she saw of Elizabeth, who was straight-talking and enjoyed life. She would be a refreshing diversion after the haughty Miss Bingley who had been only just left this very morning.
'And not a moment to soon.' Georgiana voiced her opinion out loud as she changed seats, moving from the window to the piano stool where she began to drum a tune. She had once admired Miss Bingley, thinking her majestic, but now saw her for the bitter gossip she was. She carried on beating out a melody until she was calm, and then moved on to an elegant air. When she came to the end she stood up to take a mock bow, but her daydream of applause was shattered by the sound of real applause. Her elegance changed to into embarrassment as in her surprise she fell over the stool. Blushing deep red, she accepted the hand offered to her and found herself facing a young man.
'I really do apologise for starling you, but your playing was exquisite.'
Georgiana smiled in thanks, but was confused. Who was this man and why was he here? Her face reddened again when she tried to say something but was too tongue-tied to speak. It was then that her mind saw what her heart had known all along. This man was not only young, he was also exceedingly handsome. Turning away to hide her colour she sat down and motioned him to a seat. At first he did not notice, so caught up was he in this charming young lady. When he realised what she was doing he gave a blush to equal her own.
I'm sorry. I was miles away.' He stammered, giving each word twice as many syllables than needed.
'Actually I am here to talk to Mr Darcy. But the servant told me he was away, and I was wondering if you could tell me when he is returning and perhaps tell him I've called?'
'Of course. He is returning tomorrow so you could come again then.'
'Tomorrow is too late. I must be gone now in fact. If you would be so kind as to tell him that Rory Delaney called I would be eternally grateful. I must take my leave now, thanks once again for your delightful playing.' And with a quick bow he was gone. Georgiana, in spite of herself, rushed to the window to catch a last glance of the mysterious man. It was awhile later before she was shaken by the dinner bell and had to move. It was then she became conscious of the fact that she had completely forgotten his name.