“He is a very good man. He could have called for the constable or yelled at me and he had every right to be angry but he was only concerned for your wellbeing and was patient. I am so sorry, Caroline. I hope your ankle is not causing you too much pain.” Bingley replied.
“Ankle? Oh, yes. My ankle is fine. It will be right as rain in no time.” Caroline replied. “This house is magnificent. I heard all about Pemberley and young Mr. Darcy is the sole heir to an estate of ten thousand a year. Can you believe it? We are now acquainted with such a man! I plan on capturing him for a husband and you might call him brother by the end of the year!”
Bingley’s brows rose, “I did not think you knew anything of him by what you said to him, Caroline. He is a very kind gentleman and I am glad to have met him, though. I need to write the note to papa and will ask him to come here directly. His carriage will need fixing and I am going to be punished for the rest of my life.”
Bingley took a seat and began to write. Miss Bingley looked around the drawing room and noted the elegant furnishings and the beautiful decorations that exuded affluence. She stood to walk to the mantle and touched several of the shiny items and dreamt of residing in such a home.
She turned her head when she heard a young voice call out into the room, “Lizzy! Are you hiding in here? I am going to find you soon!”
Georgiana gasped when she saw the guests in the room and blushed. She stood for a moment, contemplating whether to run away or greet them.
As she stood frozen, Miss Carter, her governess, coughed from behind. “One does not stand about at the door, Miss Darcy. What should you do?”
“I will enter, Miss Carter.” Georgiana shyly answered and stepped into the drawing room.
Miss Carter smiled and turned to the guests, “Young Mr. Darcy sent word to me that he has visitors and that he will be joining us very soon. I am Miss Carter, the governess, and this is Miss Darcy. It is a pleasure to meet you both.”
Georgiana curtseyed and took a seat quietly to observe the pair. Mrs. Mason also brought in the refreshments and exited quickly.
“I am Miss Caroline Bingley and my brother Charles Bingley. Mr. Darcy was of a great service to us and we are most grateful for his assistance.” She spoke as she sat back down. “Charles is writing a note to our father and we are devastated by the injury my brother caused Mr. Darcy.” She turned to the young girl, “You are so pretty, Miss Darcy. Your dress is very fine and I am pleased to make your acquaintance. How old are you?”
“I am nine years old, Miss Bingley.” Georgiana answered quietly.
Miss Bingley smiled as she began the tea service, “I remember being nine. You must think me so old compared to yourself but I have only come out into society this month and I am already meeting the most wonderful people in town. My special friend, Miss Grantley, will be having a ball for her coming out in two days and I am to be her guest of honour. Do you know the family?”
Miss Carter raised her eyebrow and answered, “I know the family, Miss Bingley. I believe the Darcys have been invited and they plan on attending.”
Georgiana hid her amusement, knowing that Miss Carter had been Miss Grantley’s governess for three years before coming to the Darcy household.
“How wonderful! I hope to dance with the handsomest gentleman there.” Miss Bingley cooed. “I am eager to meet Mr. and Mrs. Darcy as well. Do you know when your parents will return?” She asked Georgiana.
The young girl looked at her governess to answer for her.
“Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne,” Miss Carter clarified, “will be returning later this afternoon. Mr. Darcy had businesses to attend and Lady Anne is shopping on Bond Street with her houseguests. It was one of the girls’ birthday last month and there is another birthday in a few days. The younger children are at the park with their governess.” She smiled at Georgiana.
Miss Bingley gasped, “Lady Anne! That is right. I had forgotten that Mr. Darcy’s mother was of noble descent. Can you tell me more? Who are the houseguests? Are there many children? No young ladies... that could possibly become... the future mistress here?” She hoped the governess would share all the gossips.
Miss Carter calmly replied, “Lady Anne is the daughter of an earl, Miss Bingley. The Darcys are hosting a family from Hertfordshire where they have a summer residence and there are five girls, none of whom are out yet. Miss Darcy has been most fortunate to gain many friends nearer her age.”
Then, William entered the drawing room in his pristine suit and cravat. “My apologies for the delay. I hope you are all well. I am pleased to see you have been taking your refreshments.” He sat next to Miss Bingley and smiled, “I hope you are feeling better, Miss Bingley. You are looking well. Very well, indeed.”
Miss Bingley fluttered her lashes as she beamed. “You are too kind, sir. I was getting to know your sister and her governess better, Mr. Darcy. I understand you are likely attending the Grantley Ball in two days. I explained to your sister that I will be there also and will be a guest of honour there.”
“How wonderful! I will certainly be there now.” William declared. “I hope you will save me a dance, Miss Bingley. It would be my pleasure.”
“But of course, Mr. Darcy.” Caroline answered. “It would be an honour. Which set woul...”
There was a knock on the door. “The doctor is here, Mr. Darcy,” the butler announced.
“Ah! Mason,
