In the Carriage

"How much Captain Milton's manners have changed since we first met him! I am coming to believe that James was right." I commented as Captain Milton's carriage took us to Uncle Darcy's house.

Liza laughed. "I know! What was James right about?"

"Well, he said that he thought that Captain Milton's behavior would change after being in society for a few months. I was doubtful, but it has proven true! But really, it's only been three weeks since the ball at the Smiths. I wonder if he's going under the same transformation as your father did way back when." I said playfully. Liza and I laughed together, but then I saw that Lizzy was not enjoying the conversation.

"Oh, Lizzy, I'm sorry! I wasn't trying to pain you. We'll not talk about it anymore." I apologized. Lizzy smiled gratefully at me while Liza gave her a reconciliatory hug.
"Thank you." she said quietly.

"Let's talk about something pleasant." I suggested. "How much do you two know about the town house that Uncle Darcy owns?"

"Not much," Liza replied. "except that it is in a very fashionable part of town. It was our grandfather's before, and is very old and stately. My mother has been trying to describe it to us, but I think we'll have to see it with our own eyes first."

"My father owns a house in town, near your father's. I've never been there either, although my brother has before. Father used to be in town often on business, and took Richard -at the boy's insistence- along as a traveling companion for safety." All of us smiled, Richard was well liked and respected, but often took his role as oldest son so seriously that it bordered on humorous.

"Richard is a dear fellow." Lizzy piped up. She was looking much better, her color was returning. "It's been too long since we've seen him."

"Speaking of your family," Liza said, with a trace of slyness, "how's your family friend, James? Wasn't he planning on coming to town soon."

I felt my face turning a little red against my will. "Yes, but I don't know when. He said at least a fortnight. Do you know when our first party is scheduled?"

Liza said she didn't know, and just then we pulled up in front of Uncle Darcy's house. It was more splendid then any of us really were prepared for. As the coachman helped us out, all three of us stared up in awe. The entire front of the house was stone. Huge pillars were on either side of the door, which was made of fine, dark wood. Each of the stone blocks under the windows was carved with elegant scrolls. I could only imagine how the inside looked. I got shivers up my spine, and knew that I was in for the time of my life here in London.