Miss Darcy's Companion: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Joana Starnes Page B

claimed him when it did. It was his duty to assess the young lady’s suitability as his sister’s companion, and he had not discharged it well by sending them away from him without adequate supervision. But it could not be helped and at least they had been left unsupervised in the safe haven that was Pemberley. Nevertheless, it was imperative to learn more about Miss Bennet and her ways.
    The best place to start was with a private interview, similar to the one he had just had with Georgiana. A firm believer in the adage claiming there was no time like the present for addressing a significant task, Darcy set to it as soon as they had returned to Pemberley and his sister had repaired to her chambers to divest herself of her riding habit. Rather than following her example, he inquired into Miss Bennet’s whereabouts, only to be told by a footman that she was last seen reading on a bench in the rose garden.
    “Should I inform her that you wish to see her, Sir?” the footman obligingly offered and Darcy was about to send him on that very errand when, upon reflection, he decided otherwise.
    A conversation in the garden might suit his purpose better than a formal summons to his study. She might feel more at ease and thus more likely to speak freely. The same, however, could not be said of himself. He would have certainly preferred the study. This was where his steward or Mrs Reynolds were uniformly summoned whenever he had business with them. It would not have crossed his mind to seek them in the steward’s office, the housekeeper’s parlour or goodness knows where else. Unfortunately, he was as unaccustomed to dealing with a lady’s companion as Miss Bennet was with being one, and both of them would have to learn their respective skills as best they could.
    Firmly determined to acquire his own, Darcy made his way to the rose garden in search of Miss Bennet. He eventually spotted her in a small alcove by the orangery, her dark attire of no assistance in the matter, for it made her blend into the shadows cast by the latticework and the surrounding greenery. Engrossed in her book, she failed to notice his approach until he was but a few steps away. She looked up then, but did not start, although she must have been surprised to see him. She closed her book in readiness to stand.
    “Good afternoon, Sir. I did not know you had returned. Does Miss Darcy need me?”
    Darcy suppressed an indulgent smile at this new reminder that she came from a much smaller household. Clearly it had not crossed her mind that at Pemberley, had she been required indoors, a footman – and not he – would have been sent to convey the message. Nevertheless, he merely said:
    “Not yet. She has just retired to change.” Joining her in the alcove was not an option worthy of consideration, so he added, “I was hoping to speak to you about your time at Pemberley to date. Would you care to take a turn with me?”
    At that, she stood.
    “Of course. What should you wish to know?”
    Darcy chose his words as they fell into step together. Belatedly, it occurred to him that he might have done her the courtesy of offering his arm. After all, she was not a lady’s maid, nor his housekeeper. Yet she did not appear to expect it, but ambled alongside him holding her book, so he kept his hands behind his back and spoke with some deliberation.
    “I believe I should start by thanking you. During our morning ride I had a lengthy chat with Georgiana and she declared she had spent some very happy weeks with you. I appreciate your efforts in that regard.”
    “I am thrilled to hear it, Sir, but no thanks are needed. There was no effort on my part, quite the contrary. Your sister is a delightful young lady. I should be the one to thank her, and you, for the kind welcome.”
    “I take it then that you are comfortable in your current position.”
    “I cannot imagine anyone who would not be.”
    “I suppose that, after your last, anything would appear to advantage,”