Chapter 3: Late for an Appointment
Elizabeth pulled up to the café and pulled off her helmet. She looked around and saw the young woman she agreed to meet with was already seated, and waiting for her. She hurried over to join her. "I'm so sorry I'm late Miss Fitzwilliam. I didn't mean to keep you waiting," she said as she sat down. "I'm Elizabeth Bennet."
"Please, Miss Bennet don't worry about it. I only just got here myself," she said.
"Please call me Elizabeth," Elizabeth told her as she glanced over her menu.
"Then you must call me Georgiana," she said to her just as the waitress walked up. "I'm very excited to see some of your work Miss Benn...I mean Elizabeth."
"What can I get you ladies?" the waitress asked.
"I think I will just have a glass of ice tea," Elizabeth told her as she slipped her jacket off. "I believe it's going to be a long, hot, summer this year."
The waitress smiled. "I think so too. It's been so hot these past few days."
"I was noticing that earlier today. The weather sure changed quickly from spring showers to summer sunshine," Elizabeth commented, then turned her attention back to Georgiana and asked. "What are you going to have?"
Georgiana looked down toward the table. "I think I would like some ice tea too," she mumbled. "Thank you."
Elizabeth noticed how shy and reserved her acquaintance was. She felt sorry for her; she really seemed to be struggling.
The waitress smiled. "Are you sure I can't tempt you with anything else? We have muffins, tea cakes, donuts, and sandwiches?"
"No thanks, we're okay with just the ice tea," Elizabeth told her. She saw Georgiana breathe a sigh of relief, as the waitress left. "Is everything alright Georgiana? You seem a bit nervous."
"I'm sorry...I don't get out much on my own," she took in a small breath then continued. "I guess I can be somewhat shy. I'm attempting to overcome it, but at times it's still difficult."
"It's alright, you're doing great with me," Elizabeth encouraged her.
"That's only because I've seen so much of your work. In a way, I guess I feel like I already know you," Georgiana said then she realized how strange that must have sounded. "That probably sounded like a rather odd thing to say, didn't it?"
"Not at all." Elizabeth tried to reassure her.
"It's just that I follow you on Twitter, and I especially love some of the photo-shoots you have done of your sister, Jane. She's stunning, and you always take such captivating pictures," Georgiana told her enthusiastically.
"Thank you, although I can't take all the credit. Jane is gorgeous and makes taking her pictures very easy work," Elizabeth said. "So, what do you want me to photograph for you? You look rather young; you're not hiring me for your wedding, are you?" she teased her.
Georgiana shook her head nervously and blushed just a little, "Oh no... I'm only 16." she said.
Elizabeth laughed, "I was only teasing you."
"My…" Georgiana stammered just a little as she took in a small breath to calm her nerves. "My brother wants me to have my portraits done and the announcement photos for my upcoming graduation."
"Sure, I can do that," she said. "How soon would you like them done?"
"I would like to do them soon if you are available?" She wanted to get them done before her brother hired one of the photographer's Caroline Bingley recommended.
"I'm available all this week, so how about tomorrow?" Elizabeth offered.
"Oh, that would be wonderful!" Georgiana said, her voice filled with excitement. "Thank you so much. Having you do my photos means a lot to me."
Elizabeth couldn't help but like this young woman. She was so sweet and unsure of herself. She wasn't a fake or conceited like so many of the wealthy socialites in society were. Elizabeth asked. "Where would you like the photos taken?"
Georgiana hesitated. "I'm not sure."
Seeing the frown on her face, Elizabeth said. "We can take them anywhere you like. For instance, the portrait we're doing for your brother could be a location that has special meaning for the two of you. Then for your graduation photos, we could choose another spot. Someplace less personal, such as a park in London or a lovely garden area. I can help you decide if you like?"
"That sounds perfect," Georgiana said, feeling relieved not to have to make the decision on her own.
Elizabeth smiled, "Good it's all settled then."
After the waitress had served their tea, Elizabeth took a small sip then asked. "So you mentioned you have a brother, are there any other family members nearby? Do your parents live in London too?"
"No," Georgiana said rather sadly. "Both my parents have passed away. It's just my older brother and me."
"Oh, I'm sorry Georgiana for the loss of your parents," Elizabeth told her. "It must be hard to have lost both your father and mother."
"It was a long time ago, but I do miss them still very much," she admitted.
Elizabeth didn't know what to say. "But you and your brother, are the two of you close?"
"Oh yes, we are very close," she told her. "William is the perfect big brother. He's always doing things to make sure I'm happy."
"He sounds like the ideal older brother," Elizabeth remarked. "I must admit I'm a bit jealous. I have four sisters, but no brothers. I would have liked to have a brother."
"I always wanted to have a sister. I do have a cousin. But we aren't very close. She's several years older than I am. She's married and living in the United States, so I don't see her very often," Georgiana explained. "Are you close to your sisters?"
"I'm close to my older sister, Jane. She's my best friend," Elizabeth said then commented. "My other sisters and I aren't as close as we could be, but then there is a bit of an age difference between us. My youngest sister is still only fifteen."
"She's not that much younger than me. I turned sixteen just a few months ago," Georgiana told her.
"You seem very mature for your age," Elizabeth sipped her tea then asked her, "Do you live in London?"
Georgiana nodded. "Yes, we do have a house in London for when my brother is working. But I spend most of my time at our home in Derbyshire. I prefer the country to the busy life of London."
"Derbyshire does have a beautiful countryside. I've been there a couple of times, and I enjoyed it very much," Elizabeth told her. "I keep hoping to get back there someday so I can get some more photos for my portfolio."
"Oh, you should come in the summer while everything is in full bloom," Georgiana said.
"Maybe I will," Elizabeth told her.
"I think Derbyshire is the most beautiful place in all the country," Georgiana commented. "Do you live in London?"
"No... I live with my family in a small town about thirty minutes outside of London, called Meryton. I do drive into town for my work, though," Elizabeth said as she glanced down at her watch. She had not realized how late it was. She would have to hurry if she wanted to be on time for the party. "I didn't realize it was getting so late. Give me your address. I will come by early so we can have the entire day to get just the perfect shots for your portraits," Elizabeth told her as she grabbed the check.
Georgiana took a small piece of paper and scribbled down her address. "Come over after eight o'clock, if that's alright?" she said handing Elizabeth the paper. "My brother always leaves early for the office. I'm hoping to make this a surprise for him."
"Not a problem. I will see you tomorrow, say about eight-thirty," Elizabeth said.
"That will be perfect," Georgiana told her as the two parted ways.
Elizabeth tucked the slip of paper into her pocket and headed toward her motorcycle. She was going to have to hurry to get home in time. She slipped on her helmet and thought about Jane. She didn't want her to worry, so she sent her a text, "on my way now."