The Houseguest A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Elizabeth Adams Page B

interruption of callers. He always leaves the knocker off the
door the first week after he returns from a trip.”

“I suppose that makes sense. Was your visit pleasant?”

"Pleasant enough.” Georgiana looked uneasy and twisted her hands in front
of her. “Miss Bennet, may I ask you a question? Are you good friends with Miss
Bingley?"

"I wouldn't say we were good friends, no, not exactly. We are more
acquaintances," she said uncomfortably.

"If I were to confess something to you, would you think me terribly horrible?"
Miss Darcy asked nervously.

"Miss Darcy! I doubt there is anything you could confess to me that would
make me think you terribly horrible."

Georgiana paused, then said, “Very well, then. Miss Bennet, I find that I am
not desirous of meeting with Miss Bingley too often and that I am fearful of
being thrown continually into her company.” She released all the words in one
breath and heaved out a long sigh at the end of her speech, her shoulders
slouching.

Elizabeth stifled a laugh but composed herself enough to respond. “Miss Darcy,
whatever would make you think you might be thrown continually into her
company?”

“Miss Bingley seems desirous of an alliance with my family,” Georgiana replied
quietly, looking at her feet, twisting her hands again.

“Oh, I see. You are afraid Mr. Darcy will marry Miss Bingley and you will have
to live with her?” Georgiana nodded slightly. “Oh, dear! Miss Darcy, how can I
comfort you? I understand your concern, and I can only try to assuage your
doubts as best I can. From my observations, you are correct; Miss Bingley does
desire a greater connection to your family. But without overstepping propriety,
may I also say that my observations showed that feeling to be unreciprocated.”

At this, Georgiana’s head flew up and she smiled brightly. “Really, Miss
Bennet? Do you really think so?”

“Yes, I think so. I may be incorrect of course, but it would appear that your
‘family’ is not desirous of the connection. Does that make you any easier?”

“Yes, it does. Thank you, Miss Bennet!” 

With that, Georgiana squeezed her hand and flew from the room. 

Elizabeth looked out the window, and noticing that the sun was still shining
brightly, she decided to take a short stroll to the park to get a bit of fresh
air. After collecting her things from her room, she headed downstairs.

She was almost to the bottom step when she was arrested by male voices coming
towards the entry.

“Good to see you again, Darcy.”

“You too, Malcolm.” They were shaking hands and about to part at the door when
they noticed her waiting on the stairs. The man called Malcolm eyed her
appreciatively, but as Darcy did not offer an introduction, he merely stepped
out the door with a nod of his head in her direction.

“Miss Bennet, are you just arrived?” Darcy asked her.

“No, I am actually on my way out. I thought I’d enjoy the sunshine while it
lasted with a turn in the park.” 

“Does Georgiana accompany you?” he asked.

“No, I go alone.”

“Alone?”

“Yes, sir, alone. Good afternoon, Mr. Darcy.” She made for the door but was
blocked by him standing in her path.

“Miss Bennet, I cannot allow you to walk in the park alone,” he said stiffly.

“Allow me, Mr. Darcy?” She raised a brow and looked up at him, her ire
beginning to rise. Darcy fought the smile tugging at his lips and pressed his
case. 

“Miss Bennet, while you are staying at Darcy House, you are under my
protection,” Elizabeth felt her cheeks growing hot, “and as such I cannot
simply watch you go off on your own into a busy city park. This is not
Hertfordshire where you are known to every neighbor. Someone should accompany
you.” 

Elizabeth knew that in a way he was right, but for some reason, she did not
want to capitulate to this overbearing man. 

“And who would you have accompany me, sir? I find my stride is too quick for
both Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley and neither