Read Online Miss Darcy's Companion: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Joana Starnes - Free Book Online

he observed, allowing himself an encouraging smile, and saw her fleetingly return it.
    “Indeed, I have not been required to contend with either St George or the Dragon,” she airily replied, making Darcy chuckle as he wondered in passing if by the latter she meant Lady Stretton, rather than Hetty’s poor beleaguered doll.
    “I should imagine not. Neither of them have been seen for quite some time at Pemberley,” he replied in the same light-hearted vein, then sobered. “As I have mentioned once before, Miss Bennet, my sister’s happiness and comfort are my prime object. Should you harbour any concerns regarding Georgiana’s welfare and, by extension, your own role in the matter, I trust you would discuss them with me.”
    “Do you have any such concerns, Sir?” she tentatively asked.
    “Not at all. I am reassured to find her in such excellent spirits. I was also pleased to learn that her summer was well spent. Among other things, she mentioned an extensive reading list that you have put together.”
    “Do you approve of it?”
    “I have not seen it yet. Georgiana quoted a fair number of titles from memory, some she has already applied herself to, as well as others she intends to address shortly. A good selection, I would say, from the little I have heard of it. I would like to consult the compilation in detail. Just out of interest, is this a list you have used before, for your benefit or perhaps your sisters’?”
    “No, Sir. I have not recommended reading matter to any of my sisters,” she replied and something in her tone showed that she found the notion entertaining, for reasons he could not begin to fathom.
    “Why is that?”
    “The youngest were too young indeed for such serious topics. The other two consulted their own tastes and made their own decisions.”
    “What about yourself? Have you read all the books you listed?”
    “Oh, far from it. Over half, perhaps. I recommended those and a few others I have long aimed to peruse, and then Miss Darcy and I searched the library together for items of interest. It is a remarkable collection.”
    “I thank you. It ought to be. It has been the work of many generations.”
    “Is there a catalogue of its contents?”
    “There is. Pray remind me to show you it after dinner. It might be of assistance in completing your reading list. Although, from what Georgiana told me, you have already selected enough titles to keep you occupied till Christmas.”
    “True,” Miss Bennet smiled. “Besides, she will have plenty of other occupations.”
    “Such as her music practice. I was very impressed with her performance yesterday.”
    “I fear I can take no credit for that,” Miss Bennet candidly owned. “Miss Darcy is very diligent in all her efforts and plays delightfully. If anything, her proficiency and good example served to complete my own education.”
    “Doubtlessly the hours dedicated to the task have been to the advantage of both,” he civilly replied. “Any pursuit of the kind is preferable to idle dissipation.”
    She cast him a brief questioning glance at that, before replying:
    “I hope you would not be severely disappointed to hear we have had times of idle dissipation too. One could not and indeed ought not dedicate every waking hour to study.”
    “Perhaps,” he conceded. “So, might I ask, how did you fill the hours of idle dissipation?”
    “With strolls in the garden, long walks, lengthy conversations…”
    “The topic of them being?”
    “Yourself, in great part,” she candidly retorted. “She speaks of you often, with the greatest affection, and has longed for your return. It would do her a world of good to spend more time in your company.”
    Darcy looked up sharply. Surely she had not just taken him to task as regards his lengthy absence. What would a slip of a girl know about the duties and the time constraints imposed upon one of his station in life?
    Blissfully unaware of his vague displeasure, Miss Bennet resumed:
    “I