Jane mumbled a greeting that was barely audible. Miss Darcy did exactly the same.
Elizabeth gaze darted back and forth between Jane and Miss Darcy several times. At least upon first meeting, the two seemed very much alike in temperament.
Through the years, Jane had worked hard to acquire the ability to converse with strangers, but she accomplished this only after taking a few moments to calm herself first. Elizabeth had been told by others that, during this initial period, Jane appeared indifferent, but the truth was she felt deeply. Her elder sister could get by, but she was simply not in the habit of expressing her feelings in the presence of anyone but her family and closest friends.
However, under the current circumstances—experiencing duress whilst meeting the girl whom, according to Miss Bingley’s assertion, was to marry the very gentleman Jane loved—her sister had reverted to her old ways.
Honestly, Elizabeth could not fault her.
But… regarding Miss Darcy! How could this be the young lady that Mr. Wickham had described to Elizabeth as being even more proud and arrogant than her brother?
What Mr. Darcy had said to her during their dance at Netherfield only four days ago popped into her mind, “Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making friends, but whether he may be equally capable of retaining them is less certain.”
She had scoffed at Mr. Darcy’s comment at the time, and yet, just now, she would almost attest to the fact that Mr. Wickham had been purposely deceitful when speaking about the young lady who appeared before her. Mr. Wickham could not have been more wrong about the girl with whom he claimed to have been so well acquainted. In fact, he had declared the Darcys were once like family to him.
As a result of these musings, Elizabeth found herself questioning everything Mr. Wickham had told her of the Darcy family… or of anyone else, for that matter.
She glanced up at Mr. Darcy and found he was already looking at her. He quickly looked away.
Had Mr. Darcy’s comment about Mr. Wickham been an attempt to warn her about the man?
Remembering herself, she wracked her brain for something more to say to Miss Darcy. She was about to mention she had heard about the young lady’s accomplishments from her brother and Mr. Bingley’s sisters, but she stopped herself. Jane was in such a fragile state; she, too, was now trembling. Mentioning the name Bingley might make this meeting inordinately more difficult for her.
Mr. Darcy saved her from having to say anything by holding chairs for both Jane and Elizabeth. He then moved to stand to the side, near the window.
Mrs. Cooper began, “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, thank you for joining us, and for answering the call for volunteers. Has your aunt explained what is expected of you?”
“A little… but she is quite distracted at present,” Elizabeth answered, “While we have been assisting Mrs. Gardiner in her efforts for years from afar, our part has always ended before this stage in the preparations. In fact, Mr. Darcy, you might have noticed I was embroidering instead of playing cards with the others one evening at Netherfield whilst Jane was ill.” She glanced at the gentleman, who mumbled something in acknowledgement. “You might have perceived that I was embroidering the flowers displayed on the blouses the girls wear here at the orphanage.”
He seemed surprised, and she guessed he had not.
“The embroidery is the last step in finishing the blouses…” She returned her gaze to Lady Adelaide. “Unfortunately, when Jane became ill, we fell slightly behind.”
Jane coloured a little before adding, “I apologize for the delay, but we should be finished with the last two blouses by tomorrow evening. After church services, Lizzy and I will take turns reading to Eddie whilst the other is embroidering.”
Elizabeth sighed in relief, less concerned about her sister now that she had spoken two complete sentences.
A knock on the door caused Mrs. Cooper to excuse herself before she rushed from the room. Elizabeth assumed it must be an urgent matter if the staff felt the need to interrupt their meeting.
Once the door closed again, Elizabeth asked Lady Adelaide, “Was Aunt Madeline correct in telling us that our assistance is needed in sewing handkerchiefs? We should be available to help with them on Monday.”
“That would be ideal,” said Lady Adelaide. “There is much to do before the sixth of December—it is next Friday! Years ago, we wished to hold a Christmas dinner for the children, but our families, and many others in Town, traditionally spend the holidays at their country estates. Now, our fundraising ball is an institution—it is the final ball before most families return home for the holidays,” she explained. “Will you both be able to join Georgiana and me at Matlock House on Monday morning?”
Miss Darcy almost whispered, “All of the supplies are at our house, Aunt.” She glanced at her brother.
Mr. Darcy said, “Yes… please, feel free to gather at Darcy House at any time.”
“That would be more convenient,” Lady Adelaide agreed. “Shall we meet there at eleven o’clock, then?”
Elizabeth had been thinking they could simply acquire their own materials and thread and make the items at the Gardiners’ home, just the two of them. How would Jane react to being forced to spend time with Miss Darcy?
Astonishing Elizabeth, Jane spoke up and wholeheartedly agreed to the plan.
“Be prepared to remain all day.” Lady Adelaide rose, as did the younger ladies. “If I shall be unavailable to visitors for the next several days, I had best leave now and make a call or three today. I will see you all Monday morning.”
After a flurry of curtsies from the young ladies, and a word from Mr. Darcy, saying he would return in a moment, the gentleman escorted his aunt from the office.
Miss Darcy looked completely lost without her relations present.
Seeking not only to make Miss Darcy more comfortable, but to learn more of her character, Elizabeth said, “Jane and I have never attended a Saint Nicholas Day celebration.”
Miss Darcy’s voice was barely audible. “It is a special day for the children… partly due to the name of the orphanage.”
“It is the Children of Saint Nicolas Orphanage, is it not?” Elizabeth asked with a gentle smile, hoping Miss Darcy would say more.
Miss Darcy simply nodded.
Jane said, “I am eager to witness the children’s reactions at such an event.”
Elizabeth agreed aloud. Privately, she was comforted Jane had spoken again.
Just as Elizabeth was about to ask another question to further draw the younger lady out, Mr. Darcy returned, as did Mrs. Cooper, who apologized profusely for her absence.
After updating Mrs. Cooper as to their plans for Monday, Mr. Darcy turned to Jane and herself. “Your carriage is ready, ladies. As is ours, Georgiana.” He held out his arm to his sister.
Elizabeth was irritated by his assumption that they were departing, for she had seen through the window that several children were making their way out of doors. She would have enjoyed spending time with this group like Jane and she had done with the last.
However, she now resigned herself to the fact they would go.