“Yes, Jane.” Lizzy took her sister’s hand as they left the store after making their purchases. “It is kindness indeed.”And even I might be so kind as to sacrifice an evening to stay in company with such a handsome man!
* * *
“Oh, Fitzwilliam, the Miss Bennets were wonderful. So attentive and kind. Very solicitous and ladylike.”
Georgiana was anxiously leaning forward on the sofa in her brother’s sitting room while he put his book aside. “And where did you meet them?” Upon hearing the name “Bennet,” Darcy’s eyes became steely and his jaw clenched.I believe I made my feelings about that family very clear to Miss Bingley last evening and do not understand why she exposed my sister to their uncouth behavior.
“…and Miss Katherine Bennet was so thoughtful to offer her advice on a ribbon I was considering for a bonnet. She suggested blue, as it would match my eyes and she was right, dear Brother—it was the perfect choice.”
He had not seen his sister so animated since before they arrived at Rosings and visited Aunt Catherine. If these Bennet women could do this for her, maybe they were not as vile as he originally believed.Maybe it was Aunt Catherine’s letter which had put me in high dudgeon! Well… Their mother and at least one sister are quite gauche.His thoughts were once again interrupted by her next words.
“…and Miss Elizabeth Bennet stated she believed she saw our carriage arrive as she was walking home from visiting her father’s tenants yesterday morning…”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” A pair of bewitching eyes flashed in his memory and a smile pricked at the edge of his lips. “Pray, tell me about these Miss Bennets.” He hoped she did not recognize his eagerness.
“Brother, Miss Elizabeth is lovely. I know the servants have mentioned Miss Bennet as a great beauty—and she is uncommonly pretty—but Miss Elizabeth has a charm about her which I cannot describe.” Georgiana took a deep breath and slowed her rambling speech. “It is not only her physical beauty which is so appealing, but she also draws you in with her friendliness and sincerity. I felt myself at ease in her presence. But what impressed me the most was she was so patient and did not wince at Miss Bingley’s… condescension.”
His thoughts were lost in the description of this maiden. “What did she say?” Darcy asked, returning to the present and concerned about the vulgarities Caroline Bingley was capable of and seemed entitled to bestow as a member of the upper class.
Georgiana shook her head. “Forgive me, Brother. I am not trying to gossip.”
Darcy looked at his young sister’s blue eyes and sweet countenance. How like their mother she was! “Poppet, never be afraid to tell me anything you wish. I will not judge you. Now,” he said, sitting next to her on the couch, “what did Miss Bingley say?”
“In her way, she insulted the village and its people. While attempting to appear to exclude the Bennet family from her avowals, I know her protestations were not genuine. I was embarrassed.”
And this is the example my sister has before her?
“But Miss Elizabeth made Miss Bingley feel the sting of her own words.”
“How so?”
“I cannot replicate it. Suffice to say, Miss Bingley will not likely spar with Miss Elizabeth Bennet ever again!”
* * *
“…and so ifthe offer still stands, Bingley, I will accompany you to the Meryton assembly tonight.”
Fitzwilliam Darcy grinned as he remembered the conversation with Bingley that afternoon in the music room while Georgiana played the pianoforte. She had smiled over her music knowing he wished to avoid being in the house alone with Caroline Bingley. Georgiana had assured him she would retire early and not be bothered by the familiarities of Miss Bingley and encouraged him to join his friend.
“Darcy, that is capital!” Bingley had declared, grinning widely. “And why the change of heart, man?”
Darcy had glanced at Caroline’s ashen face. “Miss Bingley has been so gracious as to stay and chaperone Georgiana that I determined I must go out into society and see for myself if I can recommend you to settle here.”
He chuckled at the thought as his valet, Briggs, straightened his coat and meticulously tied his cravat.
“Is that too tight, sir?” he asked his normally controlled master.
“No, that will do, Briggs. That will be all.”I must seek out this Miss Elizabeth Bennet and thank her for the kindness she showed my sister today.
Chapter 4
Elizabeth Bennet smoothedthe folds of her muslin gown as she observed those about the room. The blend of music and laughter could be heard throughout the assembly hall as young and old, neighbors and acquaintances took pleasure in each other’s company. Drinks flowed and young ladies waited eagerly for a partner to single them out. Unfortunately, on this particular night, partners were scarce so many remained disappointed.
“Lizzy, you look lovely tonight,” said Charlotte Lucas, Lizzy’s good friend and the eldest daughter of Sir William Lucas. “That color is becoming on you.”
“My dear Charlotte, you must have heard Mama declare how this cream-colored frock makes my tanned skin look like a farm laborer! I am sure she would wish me to hide in the house all day and not ramble through the countryside where the sun is apt to spoil my skin. But” —she whispered, dropping her voice an octave lower and conspiratorially leaning in toward her friend— “we both know that is not theonlyfault she finds with her second oldest child.”
Both girls giggled at the obvious favor which Mrs. Bennet showed to both her eldest and youngest. Looking about the room and spying both sisters, Lizzy shook her head at their differences. Both were dancing with young officers from the newly encamped militia. Yet observing Jane, it was obvious she was a polished, young woman. She was attentive to her partner’s conversation, smiled, and replied when needed. While Lydia…
