The Trouble with Mr. Darcy Read Online Free PDF Page B

Jens Oeggl, and his wife, Anita, had decided to join the caravan as soon as they learned of Lord and Lady Matlock’s plan to take Miss Darcy on a grand tour. All the arrangements were made, including connecting with several other friends who wished to travel and, as expected, the locals in Switzerland were stocked with every supply needed. A larger company moving together was the safest plan, Darcy immeasurably relieved and thankful to learn of the family’s inclusion.
    “Tours across Europe are popular for the Darcy kinsmen this year.” It was twilight on May twenty and the main parlor, stretching across the rear of the house with a panoramic view of Lake Genève, was packed with adults lounging about in that hazy place of contentment after a day replete with activity and a sumptuous dinner. Baroness Oeggl’s murmured statement was easily audible to all since most were reading, silently playing games, or staring at the scenery.
    “Yes,” Darcy responded first, laying his book aside and attending to his aunt, “we are a platoon-sized force blazing across the continent. Somewhat ostentatious at times.”
    The corners of her mouth lifted slightly at his joke. “Oh yes, I recall the feelings of pretension when traveling in the past. Our recent journey from Vienna was a formidable host, more of a battalion with all of us.” She swept her eyes over the loungers, most of who were listening to the exchange with smiles on their faces. “However, I was not only referring to those currently residing here. Your cousin Maria and her husband are in Russia, of all the outlandish places to visit.”
    “I think Russia would be a fascinating place to tour. It is an ancient culture with architecture found nowhere else.”
    Lizzy’s zealous interruption was met with a faint frown, the Baroness continuing as if she had not spoken, “Freiherr Oeggl’s youngest brother and family are already in Italy, since last fall, and currently the Marchioness of Warrow is dwelling at our house in Vienna.”
    “Aunt Beryl is in Vienna?” George blurted.
    “Lady Warrow,” Mary corrected primly, “is accompanying her grandson, Mr. Butler, while he studies music in Vienna.”
    Darcy looked toward his wife. “I believe he mentioned his plans to tour abroad when we met him last year, did he not Elizabeth?”
    “He did. I was not sure of details in his plans, however. Did he speak of it to you, Georgiana?”
    “We conversed for a few minutes only and then about the pieces he wrote. I know nothing of his private matters, but I am not surprised. If the compositions played for us are an indication of his talent, then it is sensible to further his study. He plans to tour Italy, I assume?”
    “Not as yet. My understanding is that he hopes to be a student at the Paris Conservatoire de Musique…”
    “Oh!” Georgiana blushed at her interruption but could not hide her animation. “How extraordinary! For a foreigner to be admitted is an incredible honor. Mr. Butler surely possesses a talent vastly exceeding my impression if he has such expectations. How extraordinary,” she repeated, face dreamy as she lapsed into silence.
    “He does play beautifully,” Mary resumed, “and with my knowledge of music I can assert he is prodigiously skilled. I am sure in time he will comprehend the importance of visiting Italy to study opera where it originated and reigns supreme.”
    “If he is as precious to the musical world as it appears then hopefully he will sail to Italy rather than risk his magical fingers or genius brain to the rigors of crossing the mountains!”
    Laughter rang out at Herr Oeggl’s exaggeration, only his mother pursing her lips and remaining silent.
    “Jens teases at Mr. Butler’s expense not out of maliciousness, Miss Darcy, but because the two instantly bonded in friendship. Mr. Butler is as humorous as my husband, if one defines sarcasm as humor.” Anita Oeggl winked at her spouse, Herr Oeggl bowing in mock salute.
    “Only