Page 44 of The Secret Diary of Anne de Bourgh

I looked at him in surprise. I had not known that Darcy had mentioned Mr Byerly to him at all, much less that he had found a great deal to say. I wondered what those conversations might have included.

“Your cousin has been very generous with his time,” Mr Byerly replied. “I fear I have troubled him with a great many questions.”

“Then you must allow him a little respite. Here, take my place. I have been meaning to speak to Spears.”

Before I could remind him that he had been speaking to me, Richard had moved away, following Darcy to where Christopher stood beside the window.

Mr Byerly sat down.

I could hardly object. Indeed, I smiled and asked whether his sister had enjoyed the visit she had mentioned upon our last meeting. He answered pleasantly, and soon had us talking very comfortably, except that half my attention was upon the other side of the room.

Richard had seated himself near Darcy, with Christopher standing beside them. I could not hear everything they said, but presently Christopher laughed, and Richard said something which made Darcy smile in that sudden, unguarded manner he has when he forgets to look grave.

I wanted to know what had amused them. More than that, I wanted Richard to come back and finish his account of the lady in Vienna.

“Do you not agree, Miss de Bourgh?”

I turned towards Mr Byerly in dismay.

“I beg your pardon. I fear I did not quite hear.”

He repeated his observation without appearing offended. It concerned Evelina, and I was obliged to attend very closely, since I had been so insistent that he should read it. He had a perfectly sensible opinion to offer, and under any other circumstances I should have enjoyed discussing it.

As it was, I found myself resenting that Richard had abandoned me.

This was unfair. I was sitting in a comfortable room, surrounded by friends, with an agreeable gentleman taking considerable pains to entertain me. There are much worse situations in which a young lady might find herself.

I am afraid this reflection did very little to improve my temper.

Georgiana joined us after a while, and the conversation became easier. Mr Byerly asked about her birthday, and she told him something of the plans for the house party. He expressed the hope that he might still be in the neighbourhood, which I thought a little unnecessary, since we already knew he intended to remain at Thurston Hall for the summer.

Elizabeth invited him and his sister before he could say anything further.

I glanced towards Richard. He was looking in our direction, but when our eyes met, he merely smiled at me and turned back to Darcy.

Our visitors stayed for above an hour. When they had gone, Christopher and Mary went out to walk upon the terrace, where Kitty and Georgiana were already examining something in the borders. Elizabeth was called away by Mrs Reynolds, and I took the opportunity to return a book to the library.

I had nearly reached the door when I heard Mr Byerly’s name spoken within.

I ought to have continued upon my way. Instead, I stopped.

“Byerly appears quite at home here,” Richard was saying.

“He has been a frequent visitor,” Darcy replied.

“So I gather. What do you know of his circumstances?”

“A very considerable fortune. The money comes from trade, of course, but he is a well-mannered, well-educated young man. I am not at all sorry to have made his acquaintance.”

“He speaks as though he means to buy an estate,” Richard observed.

“He does. And he intends to manage it properly, which is more than can be said of some men who inherit one. He asks sensible questions and remembers the answers. I have been pleased to assist him.”

I stood quite still, with my book clasped against me.

“And he shows an interest in Anne; you approve?”

“I see nothing to disapprove of,” Darcy answered. “Anne appears to enjoy his company, and he is very respectful in his attentions to her.”