Ever eager to promote her daughters’ matches, Mama said, "Lizzy especially loves cats, but Jane prefers dogs."
Colonel Fitzwilliam coughed. Reaching for his tea, he pounded on his chest with his other hand and cleared his throat. After a sip, he asked, "Is that so? Why the distinction?"
Miss Bingley snorted. "What a question! Miss Darcy is fortunate with Serafina and her offspring. In my experience, most felines are snarly creatures who thank you for your attentions with bites and scratches."
The colonel raised his eyebrows. "You must have a great deal of experience with the species."
Mr. Bingley chuckled. "Our aunt in Scarborough keeps at least a dozen cats as pets."
Miss Bingley's teacup was not large enough to hide the disgust on her face.
Jane said, "Dogs are always so happy to see their master—even if he or she is only away for a few minutes, they make you feel as though you are their favorite person in the world."
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked levelly at Jane. "Would that people were as loyal."
Jane replied, "I have often wished the same."
If Mr. Bingley had a tail, he would be wagging it. "That is precisely my thought."
The colonel did not look away from Jane. "And can you explain Miss Elizabeth’s preference for obstinate felines?"
Jane shifted her weight in her seat. "I cannot speak for Lizzy, but I have always suspected she is drawn to the independence cats are known to display."
The colonel turned to Elizabeth. "Is that so?"
Elizabeth knew better than to take this sort of conversation—or the gentleman making the inquiry—too seriously. She promptly replied, "They do not suffer from want of personality. I love dogs too, but they tend to be more consistently loyal and agreeable. There are exceptions, of course, but to win the affection of an independently-minded cat, that is an honor worthy of some pride, for their approval is so rarely bestowed."
"Well said." The colonel clapped.
Mrs. Hurst was not as impressed. "Lovely as they are, cats are so much more work. I would rather not put forth the effort when my exertions are more easily rewarded elsewhere."
Mr. Darcy spoke. "That is precisely the point. Some enjoy the challenge."
Elizabeth felt her smile in her bones. He understood her.
"Have you picked names for the kittens?" Kitty asked.
Miss Darcy shook her head. "I have not."
That provoked several gasps around the table.
"What do you call them? Kitty One? Kitty Two?" Lydia giggled at her own joke.
Miss Darcy picked at her fingers, her voice barely above a whisper, "They have such distinct personalities. I have not been able to settle on the perfect names.” She looked up and just as quickly back down at her hands. “Besides, I shall not be able to keep all of them, and I fear growing too attached if I give them names."
"Very sensible."
In response to Mary’s commendation, Miss Darcy looked up at her with a small smile.
Miss Bingley suggested she name them after French authors. When Miss Darcy tentatively supplied several options. Molière, Comtesse (de Ségur), Corneille, Sevigné... every name was met with a blank look Miss Bingley attempted to disguise by proclaiming herself enraptured with their work.
Colonel Fitzwilliam could not countenance a name originating from the country with which England was at war. "Colonel or Commander would make a fine, strong name for the tomcats."
Papa suggested a Greek God theme. "Artemis is often associated with cats in Greek mythology. Her Roman goddess equivalent, Diana, was known for transforming into a cat."
Mr. Darcy suggested music-inspired names: Nonet, Cadenza, Iphigenie, Almavia, Allegra... Miss Darcy appeared pleased at his knowledge of musical vocabulary. To take such an interest in something his sister loved, he was obviously an attentive brother.
Kitty proposed names of flowers and gemstones.
