“I suppose Mr Collins will not be visiting us anytime soon,” Lady Hartford observed, breaking her bread with gusto. “His impending nuptials must occupy all his attention.”
“Indeed,” Elizabeth replied. “Charlotte told me they expect a rather elaborate celebration.”
Lydia snorted. “I cannot imagine why anyone would marry that dreadful man. Poor Charlotte—she must be desperate indeed.”
“It is a sensible match,” Mary interjected. “Mr Collins offers security and respectability. Many women would be grateful for such an opportunity.”
“Security, perhaps,” Kitty giggled, “but can you imagine having to listen to his sermons every day for the rest of your life?”
“Charlotte is making a practical decision,” Elizabeth said. “She deserves our support, not our ridicule.”
Darcy watched Elizabeth’s defence of her friend with admiration. Her loyalty ran deep, even when she might privately harbour doubts about Charlotte’s choice.
“Speaking of secrets and mysterious behaviour,” Jane said with a meaningful look at Lydia, “perhaps our youngest sister would care to explain her recent fondness for solitary walks at odd hours.”
Lydia’s cheeks coloured. “I have not been behaving mysteriously. I simply enjoy quiet walks on my own. Surely I am entitled to such exercise without constant scrutiny. You and Lizzy walk all the time. Mr Darcy and Lizzy even walked here from Longbourn.”
“But you and quiet walks?” Mary raised an eyebrow. “That is rather out of character, is it not? You will take the carriage to go the shortest distance.”
“So what if I do not want to share where I go?” Lydia said with defiant petulance, “I would hardly be the sister to have secret assignations.” Her gaze fixed pointedly on Elizabeth and Darcy, then Jane. “Unlike some at this table.”
“Lydia!” Elizabeth’s voice carried sharp warning. “Mr Darcy and I conducted ourselves with perfect propriety. He was gentleman enough to assist me in an unfortunate situation.”
“Oh yes, the mysterious attack by Mr Wickham,” Lydia rolled her eyes with theatrical disdain.
“That is exactly what happened,” Elizabeth replied, though Darcy noted the slight tremor in her voice. “It is not my fault he proved to be a scoundrel.”
“But you are not even certain it was him anymore, are you?” Lydia pressed with cruel persistence. “You have said as much yourself.”
Darcy felt Elizabeth shrinking beside him, her confidence crumbling under her sister’s attack. The sight filled him with protective rage and self-loathing in equal measure. His lies had created this doubt, this erosion of her certainty.
“That is quite enough,” he said. “It is not proper for you to speak to your sister in such a manner, particularly when addressing a married woman deserving of your respect.”
Elizabeth shot him a look of grateful surprise, but Lydia was not so easily silenced.
“Married to a steward,” she snapped back. “Which hardly makes her a grand lady, does it?”
The words hung in the air like smoke from a fired pistol. Lord Hartford’s fork clattered against his plate as he set it down with deliberate force.
“Mr Darcy is now master of his own estate. You will show him the respect due to a gentleman and your brother-in-law.”
“But only by marriage,” Lydia persisted with reckless disregard. “It means nothing—”
“Leave this table immediately,” Lord Hartford commanded. “You will take your meals in your chamber until you learn proper conduct.”
“Lord Hartford,” his wife protested but he silenced her with one look.
Lydia departed with a flounce of skirts and a sob that echoed through the suddenly quiet dining room.
“I apologise for my daughter’s behaviour,” Lord Hartford said to Darcy. “Such rudeness is inexcusable.”
“Thank you,” Elizabeth whispered, her hand briefly touching Darcy’s beneath the table.
The gesture sent vibrations through him even as the familiar weight of guilt settled heavier on his shoulders. She thanked him for defending her honour, not knowing he was the architect of her doubts.
“Now then,” Lord Hartford continued, clearly seeking to restore civility to the evening, “what is your opinion of our new steward, Darcy? I understand you have had occasion to speak with him.”
Darcy chose his words carefully. “I have met with him only briefly, but I have concerns about his approach to certain matters. Several tenants have expressed unease about his policies.”
