The Golden Thimble by Hunnicutt Martin

Author:Hunnicutt, Martin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-03-26T00:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 23. Darcy In Winter

Seated in a comfortable chair before a fire in a warm and comfortable parlour, Fitzwilliam Darcy listened as his sister played a pleasant tune on the pianoforte. Georgiana performed admirably and smiled happily when her brother voiced his approval of her selection for each night’s recital.

‘Winter in London is not so very bad,’ he decided. ‘There is little company to be avoided and the shops are nearby. Once the theatres open in February, I shall take Georgie to several recitals or symphonies as a reward for her diligence this past autumn. Mrs Annesley will receive a bonus in her next pay packet as well. My sister is recovering marvellously from Wickham’s attempts to get close to her.’

He caught the eye of the lady’s companion seated nearby and he smiled with a nod of his head which she returned.

‘I must listen to the women around me more,’ he decided after remembering the doubts Mrs Banks voiced concerning the first lady’s companion he hired for Georgiana. ‘But I shall never listen to Lady Catherine… or Countess Matlock.’

For some reason, his thoughts suddenly turned to Elizabeth Bennet, the young woman who could argue politics and discuss the wars with Bonaparte so well. He found himself wondering, ‘What is she doing today? Playing the pianoforte herself? Sewing some new gown?’

Remembering the letter he received from Bingley with the expected announcement, Darcy decided, ‘No doubt Miss Elizabeth is sewing garments for her sister’s wedding.’

Georgiana finished the recital and Darcy rose to approach her at the instrument, kiss her hand and tell her how wonderfully she played. He led her back to the chairs near the fire and they spoke for several minutes about the pieces of music she had played that week, her plans for future endeavours, and the winter weather.

“I have not set foot outside the house for a fortnight,” Georgiana informed her brother. “When I wish to stir my blood, I trudge up the stairs to the third floor, circle the ballroom three times and descend to the ground floor. Then I repeat my steps at least once more before resting,” she explained. “But this regimen is no different than what I would follow at Pemberley or at Matlock.”

Darcy nodded and offered his schedule saying, “The winter weather does curb our opportunities for activity. I ride enough to keep the horses in shape. And I box or fence at my club twice each week.”

Now Georgiana grinned impishly and said, “You should marry brother. Then I could play my instrument while you and your bride dance in the empty ballroom atop the house.”

Thinking she was teasing, Darcy replied, “It would be very cold in the ballroom.”

The girl sniffed and said, “Then I shall have the footmen rearrange the furniture here so you may dance with your bride from the parlour into the dining room, lead her around the table and back into this room.”

“Miss Darcy!” cried Mrs Annesley, hopeful of dissuading her charge from speaking more of such things. However, Darcy laughed at the description of dancing with his wife through the rooms of the mansion.

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