Page 67 of Twice Chosen

Nothing about death, time, or a second life changed Mrs. Bennet.

Elizabeth found that oddly reassuring.

Georgiana entered shyly, with Darcy and Bingley behind her. Mrs. Bennet overwhelmed her within four minutes.

"My dear Miss Darcy, we are delighted. Lizzy tells me you play beautifully. Mr. Darcy himself said you are exceedingly accomplished. You must play for us."

Georgiana paled.

Darcy stepped forward.

Elizabeth beat him to it. "Later, Mama. Miss Darcy has only arrived."

"But the instrument is right there."

"It will remain right there after tea."

Mrs. Bennet huffed but allowed Jane to redirect her toward Bingley's opinion of the roads.

Georgiana glanced gratefully at Elizabeth.

Darcy relaxed.

Mary surprised everyone.

She looked at Georgiana and said, with awkward sincerity, "You need not play at all. People ask too often when they learn one plays. Sometimes one does not wish to perform."

Georgiana's expression softened. "Yes."

Mary flushed. "I only meant--"

"I understand."

They sat together.

Within half an hour Mary and Georgiana were discussing music. Mary spoke too formally, but Georgiana did not mind. She preferred predictable conversation to cleverness that demanded quick answers.

Elizabeth looked at Darcy.

His eyes were wet. Barely. No one else would notice.

She knew.

Their Georgiana had once told Elizabeth she wished someone had said those words to her when she was sixteen. No performance. No expectation.

Darcy moved closer to Elizabeth. "Thank you."

Elizabeth whispered, "Mary did it."

"For noticing her."

Elizabeth looked toward her sister. "I failed to once."

Darcy's hand brushed hers where their bodies hid the movement. "Not now."

Across the room Lydia said something outrageous about officers.

Georgiana laughed.