Darcy's Surprise Betrothal by Zoe Burton

Author:Zoe Burton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: JAFF
Publisher: Zoe Burton
Published: 2018-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Several hours later, refreshed from her travels, Georgiana descended the staircase with her father and governess, ready to entertain the Bennet ladies and be entertained in turn.

Upon entering the drawing-room, Georgiana was immediately claimed by Jane and Elizabeth, who drew her to a table in the corner of the room that was laden with bonnet-making materials. They spent a pleasurable half hour in light conversation, getting to know each other before being called to dinner.

At the end of the evening, as she retired to her room for the night, Georgiana was in high spirits. She felt that she had gained five new friends, and the fact that they were sisters made her all the happier. She enthusiastically chatted with Miss Smith about them.

“So, you liked them all? You found them to be pleasant company?” The governess had witnessed the evening’s events, as she had been present for the meal at Mr. Darcy’s insistence.

“I did! They are all so different; you could choose a personality for each day of the week.”

Miss Smith’s brows rose. Her charge was not used to such unrestrained company as Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty, and she had expected a very different reaction to those particular Bennets than the one she was seeing now. “Do you have a favorite?”

“Well, Miss Elizabeth is probably my favourite, or should be, since she is to marry my brother, but after her, I am not certain; I do admire Miss Lydia’s fearlessness. I should like to be the same; unafraid to speak my mind.”

“I see.” Miss Smith was thoughtful as she assisted Georgiana with her toilette. “What do you think your father would do, were you to speak to him the way Miss Lydia spoke to Mrs. Bennet?”

Georgiana’s shoulders slumped. “He would not like it. He would likely banish me to the nursery for the rest of my life. Still, I should like to have confidence in myself, like she does.”

“I am certain that with age and maturity it will come. Do you not think Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth confident? Yet, their behavior is exemplary.”

“It is.” Georgiana sighed, a sound that seemed to come from the depths of her being. “It is also rather boring.”

Oh, this is not good. “I suppose to a child, that which is loud and flashy might seem more exciting than that which is proper. I warn you, however, that behavior such as Miss Lydia’s will not serve you well in the society in which you live. It will only earn you punishment and disfavor, with your family and friends. Your father would be so disappointed to learn that his darling daughter had been impertinent and disrespectful. Do you really want to witness that?”

Georgiana chewed her lip, her eyes large as she considered the ramifications of disappointing her beloved Papa. “No,” she shook her head vehemently. “I could not bear to hurt him.”

“Then, you know what you should do.”

“I will take Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet as my models.”

Miss Smith smiled. “I think that is an excellent idea, Miss Darcy.

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