“Have you been honoured by dancing at St James Palace?” Sir William queried, oblivious to Mr Darcy’s pique.
“No, I have not, and it is not anhonourI seek,” Darcy managed.
Just then Elizabeth crossed the room close to the two men. “Come now Miss Eliza, why do you not dance? Allow me to propose Mr Darcy as your partner for a dance,” Sir William suggested.
“I have no intention of dancing, thank you Sir William,” Elizabeth said and was off before Darcy could say a word.
By the time the Netherfield Park Party departed with a more sullen Miss Bingley than she had been when they arrived, Darcy had not been close to Miss Elizabeth again. He would find an opportunity to make his amends, his honour demanded it.
Chapter 7
Asennight before the rest of the regiment was to march into Meryton, a contingent of officers and soldiers arrived to create the encampment where the soldiers would reside in tents. The officers would be boarded around Meryton where room was available, with the Colonel renting a house where his office would be situated as well.
An invitation arrived at Longbourn inviting all men of the house to join the Colonel and his officers, who were already in Meryton, at a dinner to be held at the Red Lion Inn on the penultimate Friday of October, a few days before the balance of the regiment would arrive on the final Wednesday of the month.
At first Bennet was inclined to decline the invitation, but in the end he accepted. He was well aware some of his neighbours would not behave properly, and he was counting on it to add to the entertainment which he would have at said dinner.
A few hours after the invitation to the men of the house, one arrived from Netherfield Park addressed to Jane and Elizabeth. Thankfully, Hill handed it to Jane before their mother could waylay the message to read herself.
“What is that letter and who is it from?” Fanny demanded. If it had not been too much of an effort to stand and retrieve the missive from her daughter, she would have. She needed to remember to chastise the butler for handing the thing to her daughters and not to her. Just because it was addressed to them did not mean she should not see it first.
“Mama, we know not yet, but as soon as we read it we will inform you of its contents,” Jane stated gently before Elizabeth could make sport of their mother. Jane broke the seal on the pressed, expensive paper and held it so they could both read the note.
21 October 1812
Netherfield Park
Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth,
You may or may not know the men are to dine with the officers. That will leave my sister Caroline and me alone.
My sister and I would like to further our acquaintanceship with you. In furtherance of that aim, will you agree to attend us on Friday the 23rd day of this month at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
In his role of master of the estate, my brother seconds this invitation and is only sorry he will be at the inn by the time you arrive. He hopes he will manage to return home before you both depart.
Please send your reply with the groom who is waiting to carry your missive back to me.
With regards and hoping I will see you here,
Mrs Louisa Hurst
“Well! What does it say?” Fanny carped impatiently.
“Lizzy and I are invited to spend some time with Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley while the men are with the officers on Friday,” Jane revealed.
“Why could we not go with Papa to dine with the officers,” Lydia whinged before Fanny could respond, not for the first time since learning of the invitation to their father.
“Unless you are a man, you are not invited,” Elizabeth shot back exasperatedly. “Do you wear breeches?” Lydia looked outraged, but it seemed she finally got the message as she began to pout.
“How can you say that to your sister?” Fanny interjected.
“Mama, did I say anything which was not true?” Elizabeth replied shortly.
Fanny had to cogitate about her second daughter’s words. As she did, she remembered what Jane had related regarding the invitation. “I do not see why Lizzy should go with you and distract Mr Bingley. She needs to remain at home,” Fanny decreed.
“In that case I too cannot attend,” Jane averred. “You would not like me to look rude by arriving on my own when the invitation is to both of us, would you? Also, Mama, remember the men will be at the Red Lion Inn and not present, which is why Mrs Hurst invited us for that afternoon and evening. Her aim is to get to know us better.”
“And Mama, surely you can see that if Jane becomes friends with his sisters, it will be a good thing with regards to Mr Bingley,” Elizabeth suggested.
