Like the Gentleman He Was Chapter 17, a pride and prejudice fanfic

A/N

Chapter 17 of LTGHW. Hope you enjoy.

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Like the Gentleman He Was

Chapter 17

As one might expect of a newlywed couple, the Darcys kept the knocker off their residence for almost the whole of their first se'nnight in London. Lady Matlock was pleased with this approach because she wanted to ease Elizabeth into the ton gradually, especially after the less than delightful encounter with Ladies Bakerfield and Lancaster. So, on the very day the knocker was put back on the front door of Darcy House, the countess hosted a tea party at her residence. She introduced Elizabeth to a select group of her friends and acquaintances, whom she believed could be expected to keep their claws inside the sheath even if they felt a desire to bare them. One difficult decision for her was whether or not to invite the Duchess of Avon, but eventually she decided to invite her friend. Lady Matlock hoped that now that Elizabeth already knew the truth, things would go back to normal sooner rather than later.

When Elizabeth looked back on the tea party that night, she felt that, on the whole, her first outing among the ladies of the ton went tolerably well. Although there were a few sly comments here and there, mainly from young women her own age, most of Lady Matlock's cronies were welcoming of her, at least outwardly. Even the Duchess of Avon, who arrived sans her daughter, was perfectly polite, if a little chilly in her demeanour. While Elizabeth believed that she had acquitted herself well, she recognised that the majority of the goodwill was due in large part to the fact that all four Fitzwilliam women and Georgiana Darcy made it amply clear to those present that the new Mrs Darcy had their seal of approval.

Elizabeth was touched that Lady Minerva had also come to show her support, even though her disposition before the arrival of the guests revealed that she was not in a very pleasant frame of mind. The protective manner in which Georgiana and Emmaline had unconsciously hovered around her amused and warmed Elizabeth in equal measure. This was her family now, and it gladdened her heart that they were doing their best to ensure that her debut in the beau monde was as pleasant as possible.

Lady Matlock, however, was not amused by the conduct of Elizabeth's ardent protectors. After the guests had left, she wasted no time in letting her disapproval be known. "Emmaline, Georgiana, I am glad that you care for Elizabeth, but I would request that you both not try and coddle her the way you did today!"

"But, Mama, it was you who said…"

"I know what I said, Emmaline. I merely asked you ladies to let it be evident that you approve of Darcy's choice. In any case, it is no hardship, as it happens to be true. However, I certainly did not ask you to stand guard over Elizabeth in the manner you did just now. Except for the duchess, today I largely invited those who are not personally affected by Darcy going off the marriage-mart. They were therefore more inclined to be tolerant of the mysterious bride, as Amanda so eloquently put it."

Lady Matlock paused to smile bracingly at Elizabeth before continuing. "But soon Elizabeth will meet some of the disgruntled mamas and their daughters whose hopes have been disappointed because of her, or so they believe. I can assure you that if even a few of them mistakenly assume that she needs to be protected, they will not be kind. So let us not give that impression, especially since it is unwarranted."

"Oh, yes, how could I have forgotten the skirmish with Aunt Catherine? If Elizabeth can handle her, she can handle anyone." Emmaline grinned, even as Elizabeth flushed uneasily. It was only because Lady Catherine had crossed a red line she should not have that Elizabeth responded to her husband's aunt as she did. However, her impertinence had become quite a source of amusement among the Fitzwilliams, which was beginning to make her uncomfortable.

"Or Caroline Bingley!" Georgiana added, letting out a gurgle of laughter.

"That will do, you two," Lady Matlock admonished, although her own lips twitched. "I suppose I will have to warn Fitzwilliam as well. He can also be quite a mother-hen when his protective instincts are raised," she added.

Like the others, Elizabeth could not help but laugh at the remark. From what she had learned about her husband, the description was not too far off the mark. Although she imagined he would much rather be called an oyster than a mother-hen.

"Now that you have put back the knocker, you will be besieged with invitations, Elizabeth. Before leaving just now, Mrs Chantry informed me that she intends to send you one to the musical soiree she is holding the day after the morrow. Her soirees are usually good and, thankfully, tame. If you and Darcy are not already engaged, I would like it very much if you were further acquainted with London society through her soiree."

"As far as I am aware, we are not engaged on that day. However, I need to confer with Mr Darcy before confirming."

"Very well, my dear. Please let Fitzwilliam know about my suggestion."

"I will do that," Elizabeth had promised, and soon after, she and Georgiana had taken their leave of the Fitzwilliams.

~§§§~

Two days later, the Darcys went to Mrs Chantry's famously tame musical soiree. Although Georgiana was not yet 'out' and rarely went to ton parties, an exception was made in this particular case, as not only was the hostess a close friend of the Countess of Matlock, but a musical soiree was also something that interested Georgiana very much.

From Lady Matlock's description and her own previous experiences of such events, Elizabeth was not very hopeful of an entertaining evening ahead, but given that Mr Darcy's aunt was being so considerate of her comfort and her success in the ton, she was more than willing to play her part in the bargain, even if it meant spending a few tedious evenings. However, by the time the evening drew to a close, Elizabeth had learned that not all events touted as tame were actually lacking in excitement, and not all types of excitement were desirable or entertaining.

When they reached Mrs Chantry's residence, it was to find that Lady Matlock and Emmaline had already arrived. Considering it quite a coup to be the first society lady to be hosting the new Mrs Darcy, Mrs Chantry welcomed them with enthusiasm and took it upon herself to introduce Elizabeth to those she considered worthy of the honour.

The initial introductions had just got over when Georgiana suddenly gasped. "Mrs Chantry, is that Miss Sophia Preston I see near the piano?" she asked eagerly.

"Miss Preston?" For a moment, Mrs Chantry looked blank, but her face cleared when she looked in the direction of the piano. "Ah, yes, that is Miss Preston, Mrs Watson's niece, who has come to stay with her for the season."

"Oh, then if you will excuse me, ladies, I will go and greet her. You see, Sophia and I were together at the seminary, and it has been nearly a year since I saw her last," Georgiana said, and left with a quick smile in their direction.

Elizabeth watched her hurry away with an indulgent smile, then looked around for her husband. She found him still talking to a group of old gentlemen who had hailed him as soon as they had entered Mrs Chantry's large and beautifully furnished drawing room. Just then, he glanced her way, and their eyes met. For a moment, his expression brightened, then one of the gentlemen tapped his arm for attention, and he turned away with an apologetic shrug.

She sighed, then let her gaze wander over the lovely room, a portion of which had been transformed into a stage accommodating a plethora of musical instruments. In front of the stage, there were rows of chairs for those who, for various reasons, were interested in the upcoming musical performances. The sudden activity near the stage indicated that the performances were about to start, and Mrs Chantry requested that they take their seats.

However, before they could move in that direction, two things happened simultaneously. A reed-thin matron with lots of feathers in her hairdo called away Lady Matlock, and a group of men came to stop next to them.

"Mrs Chantry, would you be kind enough to introduce us to the very charming Mrs Darcy?" The man who addressed their hostess was a handsome, golden-haired, blue-eyed man. There was something in his air that made Elizabeth think she had met him before.

Although Mrs Chantry did not appear to be pleased with his forward attitude, good manners forced her to perform the office, and Elizabeth found herself being introduced to Mr Samuel Manwaring of Yorkshire. Mr Manwaring leaned forward to catch hold of her gloved hand and gallantly bowed over it. The overeagerness to charm suddenly reminded Elizabeth why the man appeared familiar. Except for the colour of his hair, he was very similar to Mr Wickham.

"And of course you already know…"

"Emmaline Fitzwilliam."

Elizabeth threw a surprised glance at Emmaline for the unusual manner in which she interrupted Mrs Chantry, but that young lady's attention was directed towards the tall, dark gentleman, who was one of Mr Manwaring's party of three.

Mr Manwaring agreed with alacrity. "Of course, who does not know L…"

"Yes, yes, Mr Manwaring, it is to be expected as we move in the same circles. I believe that the little time we have left before the performances commence would be better spent if you introduced us to the others in your party." Again, Elizabeth was taken aback by the coquettish manner in which Emmaline glanced at the tall gentleman, although she addressed Mr Manwaring. The tall gentleman was smartly but simply dressed in a black coat and grey breeches, and frankly, Elizabeth was puzzled by Emmaline's interest in him.

Realising that her services were no longer needed, Mrs Chantry drifted away, and Mr Manwaring graciously took it upon himself to introduce his companions. There was Mr Bramwell, who was a plump, dandified gentleman with shirt points so high that it was difficult for him to turn his head, and his cousin, Major Bramwell, the tall gentleman currently of interest to Lady Emmaline.

Mr Manwaring excused his party soon after a desultory exchange of pleasantries. It appeared his curiosity regarding the much-talked-about Mrs Darcy had been satisfied, for the time being at least.

"Come, Elizabeth, let us have a glass of punch before we seat ourselves. I am feeling rather parched," Emmaline suggested, pointing to the corner where refreshments were being served.

Major Bramwell, who was surprisingly the slowest of the three men, suddenly addressed Emmaline Fitzwilliam, "Please allow me to be of service. Go and take your seats, and I will be down there with your drinks in just a short while."

"How very kind of you, Major Bramwell," Emmaline accepted graciously, and the wide, delighted smile she bestowed on the military man made him blink and stare for a moment before he slowly turned and went to fetch their drinks.

Elizabeth and Emmaline had just taken their seats when the man came back with two glasses of punch.

"Thank you so much, Major," Emmaline said as she took her glass.

She patted the conveniently empty seat to her left and continued, "Let me repay you a little bit for that kindness, sir. Please take this seat. Miss Merryweather is just about to start singing. If you now go around looking for a seat, you will likely miss all the beautiful nuances of what is going to be a wonderful performance."

For a moment, Major Bramwell appeared undecided. He looked around the room as if searching for someone, then, with an abrupt nod of acquiescence, he took the seat beside Emmaline.

It amused Elizabeth to discover that Miss Merryweather could indeed sing beautifully. Her excellent performance was followed by a perfectly competent one on harp, but the previous song had made such an impression that this one somehow fell short of audience's high expectations.

Now that Emmaline was busy having a soft, murmured conversation with the man by her side, Elizabeth occupied herself by looking for her family members. It appeared that the gang of fossilised gentlemen knew some dark secret of her husband's because the poor man had been unable to extricate himself from them even now. Similarly, Georgiana was still chatting with Miss Preston, but at least she appeared happy with her companion, unlike her longsuffering brother.

Elizabeth chuckled under her breath as she turned her head towards Lady Matlock. As judges for the musical performances, she and her feathered friend were sitting in the front row along with Mrs Chantry.

By now, the harp recital had given way to one on the violin, and although this one was an improvement on its predecessor, it very much appeared to Elizabeth that Miss Merryweather was going to be the winner of this informal contest. However, when Miss Preston took the stage, her rendition of the 'Moonlight Sonata' was so flawless that Elizabeth had to remind herself that one should not count the chickens until they hatch.

The audience asked for an encore, but the blushing young girl demurred. She was about to leave the stage when Mr Manwaring appeared to decide otherwise. He came on the stage to declare that he wanted to sing a ditty and sought Miss Preston's help for the impromptu performance. Miss Preston was clearly unwilling. Unfortunately for her, the audience was heavily in favour of Mr Manwaring and his ditty, and with a resigned shrug, she took back her seat. After a brief discussion with her, Mr Manwaring began an Irish song and went on to enthral his listeners with his melodious voice. It was apparent to Elizabeth that he had pleasantly surprised even Miss Preston.

The Almighty has endowed him with much beauty, talent, and charm. I wonder if He has compensated for the overindulgence in some other way, Elizabeth wondered, as she watched him courteously assist Miss Preston down the stage. She had no way of knowing she was about to receive the answer in not-so-distant future.

Before she could have any more of such idle thoughts, Georgiana came over and shattered her peace of mind.

"Elizabeth, Mrs Chantry has asked me to play something, but… I…. W-Would you accompany me and sing that Italian ballad we practiced last week?'

It had been very puzzling for Elizabeth to discover that for all her accomplishments, musical excellence, and playful nature amongst her family, Georgiana was quite an introvert where outsiders were considered. Because of her shy nature, she was uncomfortable exhibiting her considerable talent to anyone but those closest to her. That she had agreed to perform was a huge improvement, and Elizabeth could do nothing but support her. As she rose from her chair, just for a brief moment, she prayed that she did not do anything to ruin Lady Matlock's efforts to successfully introduce Mrs Darcy to the ton.

I hope that at least Mr Darcy finds my singing tolerable enough! She jested under her breath as she followed Georgiana.

If the applause of the audience after their performance was anything to go by, then they had found it much more than tolerable. However, it was no thanks to her annoying husband! Very expediently, he had managed to free himself from the clutches of those old men just before she began to sing and draped himself on a pillar directly in her line of sight. And as if that were not enough, he went back to staring at her just like he used to do in Meryton.

Unfortunately for her composure, she now understood that he was not looking at her in disapproval. Even had she not known, her galloping heart and suddenly dry mouth would have told her differently. To continue singing without stuttering, she had forced her gaze away from him, only to look into the dark, malevolent eyes of a beautiful woman she had not before seen in the gathering. And then, she had missed a word! It was only Georgian's excellent skills on the piano that ensured that her faux pas was not easily discernible.

Now, as she walked back to rejoin Emmaline, Elizabeth remembered the malice in the other woman's eyes. The memory disturbed her enough that she wanted to discover the lady's identity.

When she reached Emmaline and found her alone, Elizabeth asked, "Where is Major Bramwell?".

Emmaline Fitzwilliam let out a deep sigh. "Uh… he remembered an important errand. I just hope it has nothing to do with the fact that he discovered, Richard, his commanding officer at one time, is my brother."

"Oh, I am sure it is nothing like that," Elizabeth soothed her involuntarily, although she had no way of knowing the truth. She waited a heartbeat before asking, "Who is that lady in the crimson dress?" Fortunately, the strange woman was no longer staring at her.

Emmaline slowly turned her head to take a look before replying, "That is Letitia Hawkins, wife of the Earl of Stalbridge. Why? Did she say something to you?"

"N-No, I have not been within speaking distance of her at all. It is just that she appeared completely murderous as she stared at me when I was singing, and I could have sworn my singing was not that awful," Elizabeth joked to hide her discomfort.

Emmaline's lips quirked up appreciatively. "Oh! But I thought she had more control than that," she said finally.

"Please speak in the Queen's language, Emmaline," Elizabeth protested mildly.

Emmaline sighed before adding, "Darcy, Stalbridge, and Letitia's brother, Cyril Blackmoore, were in Cambridge together and quite friendly at that. As a consequence, Letitia came into contact with both her brother's friends. She decided to set her cap on Darcy, who was not interested, but Stalbridge was. So, three years ago, Miss Letitia Blackmoore became Countess of Stalbridge. One would have thought that three years of being a countess would have lessened the sting of rejection; it appears not."

"Oh!" At this rate, I will have to modify my daily schedule to make an entry for discovering some female who either threw herself or was pushed by her relatives at my husband. She thought wryly. The jest tasted bitter on her lips.

Before she could think any more on the subject, however, there was a sudden commotion in Mrs Chantry's drawing room. Elizabeth turned her head to see where the noises were coming from and noticed Mrs Weston leading her visibly upset niece into the drawing room from the French windows to the garden outside. Miss Preston's face was tear-stained, and she was as white as a sheet. Elizabeth also saw a troubled Georgiana starting to make her way towards her friend, but Mrs Weston did not pause in the drawing room at all. Instead, she practically pushed her niece towards the exit.

As soon as the two beleaguered ladies disappeared from sight, Mr Manwaring also came inside the drawing room through the same French windows that the ladies had taken only a few moments ago.

Oh! Elizabeth gasped as she finally guessed at the events that might have taken place in the garden, and sure enough, the room was soon abuzz with licentious tales of how Miss Preston had been discovered in Mr Manwaring's arms. Some suggestions that Mr Manwaring needed to do right by Miss Preston also started making the rounds in the room.

However, the man himself was heard negating it in the most offensive manner possible. "I cannot be expected to marry every young lady who decides to follow me out to the gardens when I go out for a smoke, now can I?" he jeered, and laughed uproariously when one of his cronies made a ribald remark in response.

Elizabeth heard his crude words, and her lips tightened as she realised that the one very important thing that the Almighty had not bestowed on him was honour.

"He is a lying scoundrel. Sophia will never follow him out to the garden for the reason he is suggesting!" Georgiana hissed as she reached them. "She told me he has been pursuing her in a very discomforting manner ever since she refused his invitations for a dance and a drive to Hyde Park. But… nobody seems to believe in her innocence," Georgiana added in a voice that appeared near tears.

"I believe her, Georgie, because I know men of Mr Manwaring's ilk rather well." Darcy's voice was grim as suddenly he was standing in front of them protectively. "Please do not distress yourself in this manner, my dear," he said in a gentle voice while placing a comforting arm around her. "I am taking her home, Emmaline. Please convey our regrets to Aunt Susan that we could not take our leave of her."

"Do not worry about that, Darcy; mother will understand." Emmaline Fitzwilliam smiled with understanding and waved them off.

Elizabeth had a sudden epiphany as she watched her husband begin to lead Georgiana towards the door. Just like Mr Manwaring, the Almighty had bestowed everything on her husband, from beauty to wealth to intelligence. But the qualities she most admired in him were his honour, his integrity, and his empathy. She found she was rather glad that He had compensated for it by bestowing on her husband quite a lot of arrogance and a dash of mostly justifiable pride.

If they are the only vices he possesses, then I am rather glad that the Almighty chose to bestow those particular ones on him! Her lips twitched at the absurd thought just as she began to hurry after him and Georgiana. When he abruptly stopped and looked behind him, she almost cannoned into him. He smiled when he saw her immediately behind, and the next instant he raised his free arm and draped it around her.

The simple gesture warmed Elizabeth to her toes, and just for a moment, she could not help but rest her head against the steady beat of his heart.

It was a good thing that as they walked away, neither Elizabeth nor Darcy looked towards the hate-filled eyes that followed them till they disappeared from view.

~§§§~

Two days after the soiree, the Darcys were having breakfast when Georgiana asked her brother, "So, do you still plan to remove to Pemberley soon after Aunt Susan's ball, Brother?"

Darcy looked up from his newspaper and replied, "I would like to, and I feel that much of the ton's curiosity about my 'sudden' marriage will be satisfied after the ball. However, I have not apprised Aunt Susan of my plans yet, and I would want to do so before finalising anything." He took a sip from his coffee cup before adding, "But why are you asking, Georgie? Are you having second thoughts about going to Pemberley?" Although Darcy addressed his sister, his gaze encompassed both the ladies at the dining table.

While Elizabeth smilingly shook her head, Georgiana responded hesitantly, "Actually, Fitzwilliam, I… um… I would like to call on Sophia Preston once before we leave. Although we were never great friends, she was one of those who were kind to me during my stay at the seminary. Truth be told, she was kind to everybody, and I do not want her to think that I am letting myself be influenced by vile rumours, even… even if she made a mistake. I…" Georgiana looked beseechingly at her brother.

Elizabeth expected Mr Darcy to advise his sister not to keep up the acquaintance with someone visited by scandal, so, she was taken aback when he nodded. "I am pleased by your consideration, my dear. Of course, you may visit Miss Preston, but please do not go without Mrs Annesley."

"Oh, thank you, Fitzwilliam."

Darcy smiled faintly at the eager words. "But why do you want to wait before visiting her. The sooner you go, the better it will be for Miss Preston's morale."

"I will write to her today itself and will visit her as soon as it is convenient for her."

"Hmm. Although…" Darcy broke off, deciding against giving words to whatever troubled him.

"Although, what, Brother?"

"Nothing… nothing of any import, Georgie." Unwilling to comment more on what he suspected, Darcy turned to his wife and said, "Oh, before I forget, Elizabeth, you have received a letter from Longbourn." He removed a sealed letter from his pocket and presented it to her.

"It is from Jane."

"Please do not hesitate to read it now if you do not mind doing so in front of an audience." Darcy smiled before returning his attention to his newspaper.

In her last letter, Jane had mentioned Mr Bingley's increasingly marked attentions, and Elizabeth was eager to know whether there had been any advancement apart from the attentions.

After all, when were Mr Bingley's attentions towards Jane not marked? But when is he going to do anything about it? she wondered as she impatiently broke open the seal.

"Oh!"

"What has happened, Elizabeth? I hope everything is well at Longbourn," Georgiana asked worriedly at the sharp exclamation.

"Yes… yes, all is well at Longbourn. Jane and Mr Bingley are to be married!" Elizabeth replied with a beaming smile.

"That is excellent news. Bingley was determined to confess his feelings this time around," Darcy interspersed with a grin.

"Has the wedding date been decided?" Georgiana enquired,

"Yes, they are to be married on March 15th. And Jane is coming to London a few days after our wedding ball for shopping," Elizabeth supplied as she once again read the relevant portions.

"Hmm. So, only about two months before the wedding. Well, then, our journey to Pemberley stands deferred until after that happy event."

"Oh, but if you have some urgent work, we can always go now and return for the wedding," Elizabeth protested.

"There is nothing that I cannot handle from here. The journey to and from is nearly ten days, and it makes no sense to attempt it within such a short span. Also, I know you would want to be there with Miss Bennet… um… Jane for all the shopping and the preparations for her wedding."

"It will be wonderful to have her in Darcy House," Georgiana added excitedly.

Elizabeth wanted Jane to stay with her, but she did not know how comfortable Mr Darcy was with the idea. He had been kind enough to say her sisters were now his, but not so long ago, particularly at the Netherfield ball, his feelings for the Bennets were not that difficult to decipher. And she did not want Georgiana's enthusiasm to put him in a difficult position. "Uh… I am not sure where Jane would be staying…" she began, but was unceremoniously interrupted.

"Why, where else would she stay but with her sister?" Darcy asked, raising his eyebrow in challenge.

"There is Uncle Gardiner…"

"And then there is her favourite sister," Darcy quipped, then added with an amused look, "Also imagine how happy Bingley would be if Jane stayed at Darcy House. He could see her at any time without having to worry too much about propriety and protocol."

Elizabeth could not help but smile at that clinching argument. "Hmm. After that, there is nothing further to be said. I will write to her today and invite her to stay with us."

"Good!" Darcy smiled and rose from his chair, neatly folding the newspaper to carry with him.

"Will your mother be accompanying Jane?" Georgiana asked innocently, and Elizabeth, who had been drinking in her husband's smiling visage, was amused to see his eyes widen at the query. Although he immediately lowered his eyes to hide his expression, his dismay was easy to decipher. For one mischievous moment, she wanted to say yes, simply to tease him, but he had so generously altered his plans to accommodate hers that she did not have the heart.

"Um… no. Fortunately, Mama will not accompany my sister. Jane arrives with our neighbour Sir William Lucas and his daughter, Maria, who are very expediently travelling to Kent to see the elder daughter of the family."

There was an instant easing of Mr Darcy's countenance. He threw a quick sideways glance at her and coloured when he noticed the amusement dancing in her eyes.

"Why do you say, fortunately?" Georgiana asked in astonishment.

"Well… I say so because my mother favours too much lace in wedding gowns, and Jane would have had a difficult time convincing her otherwise," Elizabeth replied guilelessly, even as her amused eyes continued to clash with her husband's.

Darcy tried hard to maintain a dignified silence as he picked up the newspaper and walked away. Although she would not have wagered her life on it, Elizabeth believed that she heard him mumble something about annoying females as he went past her chair. She gazed after him smilingly, unaware that her feelings were obvious to any keen observer, and Georgiana was certainly one of those where her brother and his wife were concerned.

As Darcy stepped out of the room, Elizabeth glanced away from the door, only to find Georgiana staring at her with a mischievous smile.

As the silence between them stretched, Elizabeth felt compelled to ask, "I-Is something the matter?"

Georgiana she shook her head even as her smile widened some more. "No, nothing is the matter, Elizabeth. It is just that today I was witness to the fact that it is possible to have two sets of conversations when only one set of words is spoken."

"Ah…"

Georgiana's smile turned a little wistful as she continued, "I did not understand what that was all about, and I do not want to. It is between you and Brother, but I sincerely hope and pray that when I marry, I will be half as much in love as you are."

With tacit understanding, the two young women rose and left the dining room together. Elizabeth felt a little overwhelmed by Georgiana's heartfelt words and was unable to laugh them away as she would have done in ordinary circumstances.

Love? Is that what it was already? she asked herself.

She did not think that love would or could come so quickly. But she definitely knew this much—that liking, friendship, and comfort had already grown—very much. And… yes… attraction. She had read enough novels by Mrs Radcliffe to know what it was that she felt when he lifted her down from Snowdrop every morning. It was a good thing that she had begun to enjoy her riding lessons for their own sake. However, even if she had continued to be apprehensive of horse riding, she would have happily gone for her lessons every day, simply for the heady, mouth-drying, heart-stopping excitement she experienced whenever her body slowly slid past his before reaching the ground. She swallowed and blushed a deep red at her unladylike thoughts.

"Elizabeth?" She started when Georgiana called out to her softly.

She had been so busy with her thoughts that she did not realise that they had reached the door to Georgiana's music room, and her sister had already stepped inside for her daily practice.

"Yes?"

"Actually, I want to let you in on a secret."

The playful glint in Georgiana's eyes told Elizabeth that she was possibly in for some more teasing. "I am all ears, Georgie."

"Well, over the years, I have heard my brother complain about some annoying female or the other quite a few times, but it is the first time that I have heard him do so with such pleasure!" Georgiana replied solemnly, before immediately ruining the effect by bursting into giggles.

Like The Gentleman He Was