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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 7, 2009 15:14:52 GMT -5
Georgiana had offered to go--Darcy could easily read the hero-worship in her eyes when Anne Shirley was spoken of. And perhaps he should have let her; his sister was an innocuous presence, and he felt she may buffer his own sometimes rough exterior where someone like Miss Shirley was concerned. But this was his favor, and furthermore he could not resist a good excuse.
His carriage (finely made but not extravagant) rolled to a stop at the gate of Green Gables. He'd driven his own ever since taking over White Sands, when at all possible. He alighted and strode purposefully to the front door.
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Post by Anne on Jan 7, 2009 15:25:54 GMT -5
*Anne rounded the corner of the porch, with a chicken tucked under each arm, her apron filthy, feathers in her hair, and a thin scratch along her chin.*
"MARILLA!" *she bellowed.* "I broke eight eggs!"
*Looking up, she halted dead in her tracks as she saw Mr. Darcy not five feet in front of her.*
"M-Mr. Darcy..." *she coughed lightly.* "How do you do?"
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 7, 2009 15:42:10 GMT -5
Darcy hid his grin at her appearance, especially at the charming feathers nesting in her hair, and inclined his head.
"I apologize for calling without warning," he said. "I had a matter of some importance to discuss with you. But if you are busy, I can return... at an appointed time."
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Post by Anne on Jan 7, 2009 15:47:12 GMT -5
((Charming? She's likely covered in chicken poop and reeks. Boy, he's got it bad.))
"No, no, indeed--we're pleased you could drop by. It seems so very long since I've seen you. Come and sit down inside--I'll just..."
*In a whirl of skirts she was gone back to the henhouse to finish dealing with the mess and uproar there before she hurried back in the back door, pausing in the kitchen to wash her hands and face and change her apron, knowing feather-removal would be a more arduous task than she had time for at the moment.
Finding Darcy in the parlour and Marilla serving him tea, Anne sat down herself.*
"How are you all at White Sands? How's Georgiana?"
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 7, 2009 16:34:37 GMT -5
((He probably hasn't smelled her yet.))
Darcy allowed himself to be whisked inside by the capable hospitality of Marilla, with whom he felt more comfortable than many a higher-placed lady. But he was here for Anne, after all, and stood as she entered before sitting again.
"She is well, thank you," he said. "But White Sands could use your assistance, if you are willing to bestow it."
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Post by Anne on Jan 8, 2009 3:10:24 GMT -5
"Certainly, I'll do whatever I can to help..." *said Anne with a smile.* "But--what could I possibly do for you?"
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 9, 2009 23:16:31 GMT -5
"You may have heard about the gala I'm holding at the hotel," he said, his voice a little uncertain. "I thought it would be beneficial to the community. But I am at a loss when it comes to the finer points; decor, that sort of thing. It would be a tremendous help to have someone with your... imagination... to assist me."
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Post by Anne on Jan 10, 2009 5:41:40 GMT -5
*Anne slowly smiled.*
"I'd be glad to, Mr. Darcy."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 10, 2009 14:36:15 GMT -5
Darcy's answering smile was slightly quicker, and very genuine.
"Thank you," he said. "That is a tremendous load off my mind, Miss Shirley. When would be convenient for you?"
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Post by Anne on Jan 10, 2009 15:11:51 GMT -5
"Oh, er...well..."
*She looked to Marilla.*
"Tomorrow afternoon, I suppose?"
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 10, 2009 15:15:04 GMT -5
"If Ms. Cuthbert can spare you, that would be perfect," he said. "I do want it to be a success. Georgiana is a help, of course, but you know Avonlea much better than we, and can help us navigate local taste." Before, that might have sounded like a slight; now, he was merely stating fact. "And I know she will be delighted to see you."
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Post by Anne on Jan 10, 2009 15:23:56 GMT -5
"Oh, I'm aching to see Georgiana! It seems like ages since we all met at the clambake. Though I suppose the beginning of the harvest has everyone busy."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 10, 2009 15:32:40 GMT -5
"Of course," Darcy said. He sought a delicate way to put this. "How fares Green Gables?"
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Post by Anne on Jan 10, 2009 16:18:09 GMT -5
"We're getting by, as usual," *said Anne cheerily.*
"Mr. Barry almost entirely runs the farm," *added Marilla.* "It's a deal easier for us, and it's a comfort that the land isn't being wasted."
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Post by Mr. Darcy on Jan 10, 2009 18:13:37 GMT -5
"That's right, I recall. It seems an excellent arrangement." He was glad they weren't left alone, the two women and a farm. It was too much. "I'm glad to hear it."
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