“Yes, he is in trade,” Jane said softly, not meeting Miss Bingley’s gaze.
“That is capital,” said Mrs. Hurst with a twitch at the side of her mouth. Both she and Miss Bingley rose and walked to the other end of the parlor to take a turn about the room, leaving Lizzy and Jane alone with Miss Darcy.
Miss Darcy blushed for her new friends, but this emotion was short-lived as Lizzy turned her attention to Miss Bingley.
“I understand, Miss Bingley, that we share a commonality,” she said as she rose to pour herself a coffee from the sideboard.
“Delightful. And what pray tell can that be?” asked Miss Bingley with a smug expression.
Lizzy slowly took a sip and glided back to her seat holding Miss Bingley’s attention. The door from the hallway opened as the men spilled into the room and she smiled sweetly. “We both have family in trade.”
“Family in trade?” asked Bingley jovially as he sat down on the seat next to Jane. “Yes. Not all of us can be born into privilege, eh Darcy? Some of us have to make our fortunes.” Miss Bingley gasped at her brother and Mrs. Hurst lifted her chin.
He shrugged his shoulders and turned back to Jane while Miss Darcy looked at Lizzy with hero-worship.
“Well played, Miss Elizabeth,” Miss Darcy whispered behind her glass of punch. “Well played!”
Darcy wasthe last to enter preceded by Hamilton who made his way toward the empty seat at Miss Elizabeth’s left. Hurst immediately reclined on the divan and began to nod off, and Darcy took the only other seat available—to the right of Elizabeth Bennet.
He had come to an understanding with himself while out with the men shooting. She was forbidden for so many reasons not the least being his own betrothal to his cousin Anne. Looking at his friend James fall into such easy conversation with her, Darcy was surprisingly jealous. However, he knew his feelings must be ignored and turned to Georgiana, avoiding any eye contact with Miss Bingley. He said in hushed tones, “I am pleased you invited Miss Katherine Bennet for tea tomorrow. You are becoming quite the hostess.”
“Well, Brother, it is so much easier when I am comfortable with the people I am hosting. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Katherine are all such admirable girls. True, as Miss Bingley likes to point out to me,” she said, dropping her voice an octave lower, “they are not accomplished in the sense of the ladies in London. But they are all so pleasant company and I feel that they truly like me for me and not for…” She paused, glancing up to catch Miss Bingley watching her. As a practiced smile spread across Miss Bingley’s face, Georgiana nodded at her and continued. “Well, not liking me for…” She paused once again and looked at Darcy apologetically.
“Your wealthy, unmarried brother.” He grinned and reached over to place his hand on hers. “Do not fret, sweet, little sister. I can always tell those who genuinely enjoy your company and those who have other aims. My attentions will never be wrongly placed.”
“Nor can they be, William. You are to marry Anne.” She smiled sweetly at him but not before she saw his frown.
“You are right, my dear. I have forgotten myself.”
“What have you forgotten, Mr. Darcy? I find it hard to believe you capable of not being meticulous about every detail of your life.”
He took a deep breath before turning to face Caroline Bingley standing directly in front of him with a cup of coffee in her hand and a cloying smile.
“I thank you, Miss Bingley but I am not inclined at this moment.”
“But what is it you have forgotten, Mr. Darcy. May I ring the butler?”
“No. It is only that I have heard how lovely Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s voice is and was hoping my dear sister would accompany her on the piano?” He turned to Miss Elizabeth who was speaking to Hamilton. “What say you, Miss Bennet? Will you not sing for us?”
Miss Bingley colored at the loss of Darcy’s attention and returned the cup to the buffet. Miss Elizabeth raised her gaze to meet his. “Mr. Darcy, I assure you, you have been given false information. My singing is hardly what you are accustomed to hearing.” He began to protest, never taking his eyes from hers when she said, “However, if Miss Darcy will do me the honor of accompanying me, my performance will sound infinitely better.”
Miss Darcy looked up shyly. “I would be delighted, Miss Elizabeth. What would you would wish me to play?” Miss Elizabeth took Georgiana’s arm, encouraging the shy girl. As they sat down at the pianoforte chatting, Miss Elizabeth’s laughter echoed through the room.
“They make a pretty pair, eh, Darce?” asked Hamilton, leaning in confidentially. “I haven’t seen your sister in several years. I think it was shortly before your father’s death when he brought her to see you at school. She has grown quite lovely.”
“Yes, quite right. It has been above five years.” They both smiled and sipped their drinks as the object of their conversation spoke with great animation to Miss Elizabeth. “I know next summer when she comes out I will be fending off the suitors daily.” Darcy swallowed before adding, “And what a stroke of luck for you to grow up with someone as spirited as Miss Elizabeth. You are a fortunate man, James.”
“That I am, friend. I did not believe the possibility of her to be in my grasp. But with my aunt not having any heirs and taking me on as her own when I was thirteen, my circumstance changed. I have dreamt about her since we were children.” Hamilton laughed softly. “Darcy, even you, a man with quality women thrown at you for years must recognize that Miss Elizabeth Bennet is enchanting…”
Enchanting…that is the perfect word for her.
“Not only is her personal character desirable, but her manners make everyone at ease. She is a treasure buried in this provincial town of Meryton. I am only too grateful that no wealthy gentleman has come to steal her away from me.” Hamilton chuckled at his own joke and continued with a lowered voice. “She does, however, have a level of impertinence which is a degree too severe for many. I hope she might grow out of her willful streak and will bridle that aspect after we are married.”
“Is she a horse you hope to break?” Darcy took a deep breath and shook his head. “She is a remarkable woman. Her manners are pleasing. Her sense of humor and wit lively. And her intelligence superior. Do not break her spirit, Hamilton. You will not find another like her.” He turned to look at Miss Elizabeth sitting with his sister at the grand instrument.Her figure is lovely, her laugh is melodious, and I could look into her eyes forever.
“You may be right, Darcy, but with her lack of connections and dowry, I cannot expect others to forgive her indelicacies. Yet, I do recognize I am a blessed man. Rather, we have both been blessed. Are you not to marry your cousin?”
“Yes, Anne.” Darcy shook his head to remove the image of Elizabeth from his mind. “It is official then? Am I to wish you joy?”
