“Does your father keep a house in London?”asked Caroline, a sneer tickling at her lip.
“No.Our father does not enjoy Town enough to keep a house there.We usually stay with our Uncle or cousins, or with other friends.”
“And where is your uncle’s house?”
Elizabeth knew what Miss Bingley was doing, but she would not allow this harpy to degrade her.“My uncle has a home on Gracechurch Street.We visit them often as they are our favorite family members.”
“Do not let Cousin Claude hear that or he will be terribly put out!”said Kitty.
“You are right, Kitty, of course.I should not speak for all of us.I am particularly close to my uncle Gardiner as he is also my godfather, but I am very fond of our cousins as well.”
Caroline was clearly displeased at not achieving her aim and said loudly, “Miss Catherine, would you favor us with a song?The day is so dreary.A little music will be just the thing.”
Kitty smiled and nodded, rising gracefully and moving towards the instrument.
“I shall turn your pages,” said Elizabeth and quickly followed her sister.
“My, she is relentless!”whispered Kitty once they were safely hidden behind the pianoforte.
“I know.Poor Jane.She may have to live with her.”
“Let us hope she lives with Mrs.Hurst.”
There was a slight snort behind them, and they looked at one another, realizing they had forgotten Mr.Darcy’s presence by the window.
“How about this one?”said Elizabeth brightly, holding up a sheet of music, telling Kitty with her eyes not to say anything more in Mr.Darcy’s hearing.
“Wonderful,” replied Kitty, scooting onto the bench.
Kitty played moderately well, and she had a nice enough singing voice.However, the real talent of the Bennet sisters was when they sang together.Their harmonies were of the type only achievable with close relations, and between them all, their range was impressive.
Kitty began playing and Elizabeth stood at her shoulder until it was time for them both to sing, then their voices rose together in synchronicity.Miss Bingley’s head shot up when she heard them, and Jane smiled proudly while Bingley smiled at Jane.Elizabeth nudged Kitty, slanting her eyes to Miss Bingley’s angry expression, and they continued with gusto.Elizabeth only smiled brighter when she noticed Mr.Bingley leading Jane out the side door without saying a word to anybody.
The storm continued into the evening and it was decided the Bennet sisters would have to stay the night at Netherfield.A note was dispatched to Longbourn and they retired upstairs to dress for dinner in more borrowed clothes.Elizabeth went to the library first to find a book and told Kitty she would meet her upstairs.Jane was still off somewhere with Mr.Bingley.
Mr.Darcy finally decided to step away from his beloved window and when Elizabeth stepped into the hall near the stairs, he was waiting for her.
“Good evening, Mr.Darcy.”She was still disconcerted from her earlier thoughts of him and his possible attraction to her.She could not make him out; they had never spoken much, though she did often find him looking at her.But they had never had a full conversation, and she could not say she truly knew him, let alone what he thought of her.
“Miss Elizabeth.”Darcy bowed his head and looked at her expectantly.
She waited, and when he said nothing more, she held up the book in her hand.“I was just borrowing a book from Mr.Bingley’s library.”
“Did you find anything of interest?It is woefully understocked.”
“There was not a great selection, but I found something to read.”
He looked at the title in her hand, surprised to see it was in French.“You read in French?”
“As you see.”
“I did not know you spoke French.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath.“Ladies can be educated properly, even in a backwater like Meryton.Good evening, sir.”
She turned to go and Darcy rushed to stop her.
“Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth.I meant no offense.”
