Free Mr. Darcy's Secret by Jane Odiwe Page B

allow me to show you around."
    Mr Butler rose from his seat, at once reminding Georgiana of his stature. Her own height often made her feel too significant. She quite liked the fact that he made her feel almost dainty by comparison. "That is very considerate of you, Miss Darcy," he said, as he bowed in her direction. "I am most sorry to put you out, for I am sure I must be disturbing you. I could come back tomorrow if you have other plans."
    For a second, Georgiana was tempted to say that sounded an excellent idea, but realised in time how rude that would appear and was able to reply with an assurance she did not feel that it was her pleasure to escort him.
    "I have been looking over your work, Miss Darcy," he announced before she had time to think of what she should say next. "I have rarely seen such draughtsmanship. You have a great talent."
    "You flatter me too well, sir," Georgiana replied with difficulty. She was most overcome that he had praised her work so highly, but immediately thought that he must be teasing her. There was certainly something in his expression, a hint of mischief about the twinkle in his eye. Perhaps he was laughing at her?
    "No, Miss Darcy, I see what you are thinking. I am most sincere. You draw exceedingly well. I was a drawing master for some time and I assure you, I have never seen such aptitude for the subject amongst any of my former pupils."
    "I expect that was because your pupils had no natural inclination for the subject. I do not mean to say that you would not have been an excellent teacher or that you could not have inspired them with enthusiasm," she added, watching his expression change, "but I have often observed that when masters of any subject have been engaged by well meaning parents, unless the pupil has an earnest desire to learn or a real interest in the subject, it is not only a wasteful but also expensive exercise."
    Tom laughed. "Miss Darcy, you are quite correct, but I assure you, in this case, I see great aptitude and application. Your style reminds me very much of the French artist, Madame Vigee Le Brun. About ten years ago I was lucky enough to see her paintings in Rome whilst on a tour with my uncle."
    "Oh, how wonderful, and how lucky you were to see her work, which I have long admired, though I admit only to having seen her paintings in a pamphlet."
    "Without a doubt, Rome was wonderful, but I understand you have spent a great deal of time in London, where you must have attended many fine exhibitions."
    "Oh, yes, Mr Butler, I have been to Somerset House and studied the masterpieces of the day. There is nothing like seeing great painting for one's own inspiration."
    "Yes, that is very true, and talking of inspiration, I'd best be getting on with my work," Tom said, promptly shutting up the folder of work, as if suddenly conscious that he was talking too much. "Mrs Darcy told me you knew of the area in the grounds that she would like me to redesign."
    "Yes, of course," answered Georgiana, relieved that employment and action would now take the place of conversation. "We will go directly I have found my cloak and bonnet."
    As soon as they were ready, the couple made their way out to the rear of Pemberley House taking a shortcut through the formal gardens and making their way towards the upper slopes of the wild garden. They strolled across the open landscape, following an ancient stone wall which ran along the slope like a pointing finger, silvered with lichen and frost-covered mosses. The larch wood at the top of the hill was their destination, and as the incline increased so did the effort to keep moving. The higher they climbed, the shorter was their breath, which came out in bursts, and Georgiana felt her heart race with the effort of keeping up with Mr Butler. It was wonderful to be outside in the crisp air, and although she had imagined that it might be easier to converse outdoors in such a beautiful setting, nevertheless Georgiana and Tom did not exchange one word.