"One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives." - Euripides

Chapter 4

As expected, Mrs. Bingley accepted Miss Darcy's invitation to tea. So it was, that Mrs. Bingley emerged from the carriage to enter Darcy House full of anticipation to meet the young lady whom she had heard nothing but praise.

Miss Bingley followed Jane with the air of one with superior knowledge of the residence and the exalted company within. As is always the case when either Darcy is present, Caroline Bingley prepared herself mentally with an arsenal of compliments in hopes of securing their good opinions or, even better, securing a life-long position within their family. With that thought, a beatific smile graced her face as she urged Eliza to hurry along so that they would not be late.

Unfortunately, this caused Elizabeth's smile to turn into a slight scowl behind her 'new sister's' back. Elizabeth was eager to meet Miss Darcy, as well. Mr. Darcy had proved to be less haughty than he initially appeared which caused Elizabeth to wish to know more of him. Her expectations of Bingley's best friend were not very high given that he could not attend Charles and Jane's wedding. She felt that it showed very little loyalty that the great man of Derbyshire could not support his supposed best friend in such an occasion. Although, Jane did not feel the snub, Elizabeth wondered if her family's poor standing had anything to do with his absence. However, when his generous gift arrived for Jane after their wedding, Elizabeth had to concede that she might have been mistaken.

Her thoughts were interrupted as they were led into the grand home and shown into a luxurious day room. A timid-looking young girl stood besides a kind, matronly woman. Although the girl was taller than Elizabeth and quite a beauty, she appeared somewhat awkward receiving her guests. Elizabeth decided that she must help to put the young woman at ease.

"Georgiana, my dear! I am so glad to see you again," exclaimed Miss Bingley.

"Good day to you, Caroline." The young woman responded quietly.

"Allow me to make the introductions," Miss Bingley said with an air of authority.

"Georgiana, these are my new sisters, Mrs. Bingley and Miss Bennet. Jane, Eliza, I am pleased to introduce, Miss Darcy, of Pemberly in Derbyshire."

Since it was obvious that Caroline was not going to acknowledge her companion, Georgiana spoke up to say, "I am pleased to meet you both. This is my companion, Mrs. Annesley."

All of the women curtsied as they were introduced until Georgiana remembered her duties and asked her guests to have a seat as she rang for some refreshments.

"Miss Darcy, thank you for inviting us today. I have heard much of you from Charles and Caroline and have been quite eager to make your acquaintance." Jane said to her young hostess.

"Thank you, Mrs. Bingley." Georgiana responded. When it appeared that she would say no more, Elizabeth noticed Mrs. Annesley to give the young girl a slight look that appeared lost to Jane and Caroline; however, Georgiana raised her eyes to Jane again immediately and continued speaking.

"I was also eager to meet you, madam. Mr. Bingley has always been very kind to my brother and I. I look forward to getting to know you better." Although it appeared difficult for Georgiana to say such a speech, it was said so sincerely that this young woman was instantly endeared to Jane and Elizabeth.

"I look forward to that, as well, Miss Darcy." Jane replied.

"Yes, I am sure that we shall all be a merry party, indeed, this Season." Caroline added with a large smile.

The ladies continued speaking as refreshments arrived and were served. Elizabeth found a smart, if a bit reserved, conversationalists in Mrs. Annesley. The slightly elder woman was well read and, therefore, the two had quite a few topics to discuss.

Elizabeth was certain that Georgiana was only shy but could see that the young lady was working to overcome that shyness in the face of her new guests. Although she did not add much to the conversation, what little she said was always intelligent and kind. Elizabeth could see how such a person could be overwhelmed with Miss Bingley's 'exuberant' friendship.

The visit did not last past what is acceptable; however, all of the women felt satisfied with the meeting. As the Bingley party prepared to depart, promises were made for a return call as well as an upcoming visit to the museum.

Later that day, Darcy joined his sister and Mrs. Annesley for their evening meal.

"Good evening, ladies." He said with a smile.

"Good evening, Will."

"Good evening, sir."

"Tell me Georgiana, how did your visit go today?"

"Oh William, Mrs. Bingley is certainly the most beautiful woman I have ever met." Georgiana responded.

Her brother gave her an indulgent smile before asking, "And is that all that you gleaned from your tea today?"

"Of course not. Mrs. Bingley was kind to me. I believe that I shall like her very much."

"I am glad, my dear." Before he could continue, his usually calm sister exclaimed.

"And I greatly enjoyed meeting Miss Bennet as well. She is much more talkative than Miss Bennet…a bit more like Charles, actually."

"Yes, I believe you are correct. Now, was not Miss Bingley in attendance? I have heard naught of her from you." Darcy said with a smirk.

Georgiana immediately dropped her smile and replied, "Yes, Caroline was here as well."

Then, his young sister brightened and asked, "Is it true that we will be going to the museum soon? I am looking forward to the Egyptian exhibit that you spoke of. I believe, Miss Bennet, is as anxious as I am to see the artifacts. Did you know, Will, that this is her first time in town for the season?"

Darcy was slightly uncomfortable with Georgiana's change in subject and did not wish to explain the inferiority of her new friends' background at this time.

"Yes, I did know it." He said quickly before continuing on, "I will see Bingley in the morning at the club and we shall fix the day for the museum outing. It appears that you young ladies do not wish to wait."

Throughout their meal, Georgiana continued to speak of her visit with Mrs. Bingley and Miss Bennet. Darcy caught Mrs. Annesley's eye and she smiled at her young charge. Perhaps these new additions to Bingley's family would be just the distraction his sister required to overcome her recent disappointment…regardless of their lower social standing.

As they rose from the table, Darcy addressed Georgiana once more.

"I am glad that you enjoyed making new friends today, Georgie."

Darcy felt a slight easing of the weight that had been upon him ever since he retrieved Georgiana from Ramsgate. He longed for his sister to thrive again and, watching her lifted spirits this evening, he finally felt as if that might be possible.