Mr. Darcy's Secret by Jane Odiwe Read Free Book Online Page A

the habit of saying such unfortunate remarks before she considers what she is saying. I am worried that she may not behave with all due decorum and expose my husband and myself to the ridicule of our neighbours, some of whom are difficult to please at the best of times. There, now I expect you will consider that I am a most unfeeling and undutiful daughter."
    "You must not worry; I do understand, you know, and I feel honoured that you are able to speak to me in such a confidential manner. But I am sure that your mother and father will do you proud. Concentrate on the things that matter. Organising such an event will be quite enough for you to think about, without worrying your head over anything else. If I can be of any assistance, it will be a great delight to help."
    "Thank you, Aunt, I knew I should feel instantly better about everything with you here. But tell me, what would you like to do whilst you are in the area? There must be acquaintances you long to see from the old days or perhaps you would like to call on the friends you met in the summer. I can have a carriage put at your disposal at any time if you would like to go visiting in Lambton."
    "Elizabeth Darcy, I should love that very much. You are a very kind girl, no matter what you say to the contrary. Perhaps you would like to come with me when I go visiting. I would like to see how my old friend Martha Butler is faring. We have corresponded for many years but I missed her in the summer as she was visiting her son in London. It would be so very good to see her again. What do you think, Lizzy? Should you like to come with me?"
    "I would love to, if you do not think I would be in the way. There are bound to be many topics on which you will wish to converse and I should not wish to disturb you."
    "Certainly not. Mrs Butler will consider your coming a great compliment and will, no doubt, have her status within the village highly elevated as a result."
    "Then let us make a visit tomorrow."
    "Splendid! Perhaps we could ask Georgiana to come along too. She seems to be blossoming under your care, Lizzy. I remember she was so shy and could hardly speak a sentence in company when first we met."
    "Yes, though I doubt whether I have made any significant difference to her behaviour in the few weeks we have lived under the same roof. And Mrs Annesley is to leave us tomorrow for a little holiday, so I am sure Georgiana will miss her company. But are you quite sure Mrs Butler will want to be so overwhelmed by visitors?"
    "When you meet her, Lizzy, I know you will see I was right. She is a very genteel but very affable lady, and I am sure you will become friends. I would trust Martha Butler with my life and all my most prized possessions. It would be a comfort for me to know that you will have an acquaintance you can call on who is someone to be relied upon at any time."
    "Then let us call on her tomorrow and we shall all have an outing to which we may look forward with pleasure."
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    Georgiana was delighted to join the party that set out next morning after breakfast, driving along in the carriage away from Pemberley taking the road to Lambton. The three women travelled alone with the coachman and his boy, leaving Mr Darcy and Mr Gardiner to their shooting and all the little Gardiners to their lessons with their governess.
    "Thank you so very much for inviting me, Mrs Gardiner," said Georgiana. "I'm rather embarrassed to admit that I am not really acquainted with anyone in the village, though I've always longed to have more friends in the area. But having been in London for such a long time meant I did not have the opportunity to meet with many people round about, apart from the families that called when I was here in the summer."
    "There is no reason why you should be acquainted with anyone in Lambton, Miss Darcy," replied Mrs Gardiner. "I know the circles you have moved in all your life are very different to those of my own and I am sure there was never the chance to