The Darcys of Pemberley
Unconsciously
expecting an adolescent girl to come forth, he was presented with a
handsome, fully-grown woman in her stead. As before, with his wife,
Darcy required a moment before responding with praise similarly
concise and heartfelt.
    Georgiana’s glowing countenance evinced her
pleasure in her brother’s approbation. Yet, the next minute, as the
trio turned to start downstairs, she froze.
    “Good heavens, Georgiana. What is the
matter?” Darcy asked.
    “Oh dear,” she said, clasping her fingers
together to stop their trembling. “I thought my nerves were under
control, but now that the time is at hand, my courage deserts me.
All these people assembling on my account – it is both flattering
and terrifying. With everybody’s eyes on me, I am sure to make some
awful blunder.”
    “You are a Darcy, Georgiana. Remember that
and all will be well,” her brother told her firmly, only adding to
her consternation.
    Elizabeth’s comments were more germane. “Look
at it this way, dear. Tonight you will be surrounded by dozens of
people who love you and who already think you are wonderful. You
have nothing to prove to us, and no possibility of disappointing
our expectations. As for the rest, they will no doubt be more
concerned with making a good impression on you than the
other way round. So you needn’t be afraid of them either.”
    Georgiana collected herself, straightened,
and said, “Yes, you are quite right. I am ready now.”
    As they descended the grand staircase, it
occurred to Elizabeth that she would do well to listen to her own
sage advice, as she was by then uncomfortably aware of a distinct
fluttering of nervous tension within herself.
     
    ~*~
     
    When the three Darcys descended, the Bingleys
and Kitty Bennet, who had stayed on at Heatheridge after Christmas,
were just arriving. With them came a person uninvited and rather
less welcome: Lydia Wickham. Darcy and Elizabeth, instantly on
alert, strained to ascertain whether or not her husband accompanied
her. Fortunately, he was nowhere to be seen.
    After the first flush of greetings, which
included Mrs. Wickham with careful politeness, Jane drew Elizabeth
aside. “Forgive me, Lizzy, for catching you off guard. We were
expecting the Wickhams, of course, but not for a few more days.
When they arrived late yesterday and Lydia heard about our plans
for tonight, she begged to come along. Apparently, it has been some
time since she has attended a ball of any sort, and you know how
she adores dancing. I could not say no, although I wish I would
have had time to forewarn you. Do you mind terribly?”
    “Not for myself. Georgiana’s comfort and
happiness are my only concerns tonight; nothing must be allowed to
spoil her evening. I doubt she will be much offended by Lydia’s
mere presence, but I pray our sister will not make a spectacle of
herself, as she has such a talent for doing. God forbid she should
mention Wickham’s name in Georgiana’s hearing.”
    “She has promised to be on her very best
behavior, and I will hold her to her word.”
    “That is an audacious claim, Jane. I suspect
it is not in your power, or even Lydia’s, to govern her conduct
with any security. Still, I suppose we must hope for the best.”
    As they rejoined the others, Mr. Bingley was
saying, “The house looks marvelous, Darcy, and I am quite certain I
have never seen so many candles alight in one place before.” Darcy
accepted the compliment, and the gentlemen moved off to peruse the
well-lit ballroom.
    With the five ladies left to their own
conversation, Lydia giggled slyly. “What do you think of Jane,
Lizzy? Has she not grown since you last saw her?”
    “I hardly know, Lydia. All I noticed
was that her gown is very becoming.”
    “Are you well, Jane?” asked Georgiana.
    “Yes, quite well. I only worry that my
condition may already be too conspicuous. I thought perhaps I had
better have stayed at home, but I did not wish to miss your
party.”
    “I am honored that

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