Mr. Collins spoke. “Your sister Kitty is attending a ladies’ seminary, but she is not so well satisfied with her arrangement.”
Elizabeth turned to her cousin. “What does she find to repine? I would be grateful for the opportunity to study.”
Collins grinned. “We all know that you love to read and learn, Miss Elizabeth, but your sister does not have a turn for education.”
Mr. Bennet huffed. “I knew Kitty was idle, but I had no idea she was lazy. The headmistress advised me not to worry. She has her methods to motivate young women to learn and better themselves.”
Elizabeth grinned. “Will she be able to do for Kitty what none of the rest of us was able to do?”
Bennet raised an eyebrow. “She has been working with young women for twenty-five years. I believe she knows what Kitty needs to motivate her. Fortunately, your sister is only seventeen and has plenty of time to learn and to change for the better.”
Mr. Collins reached for Elizabeth’s hand in the darkness. She flicked it away and slid farther from him. Why had she not taken the seat next to her father? How she wished she could change places with Mary. The silence grew awkward, and she forced herself to say something.
“Mr. Collins, what do you think of Meryton and our neighbors?”
William Collins was determined to court his beautiful cousin. He set himself to be as amiable and respectful as he knew how andregretted having allowed his tongue and playfulness to run away with him early in his visit. He had hoped the two weeks he had spent away from her would have softened her toward him, but now he wished he had not tried to take her hand. It was clear she still thought poorly of him, and he had no one to blame but himself. Time was slipping away, yet with no other contenders, he resolved to slow his pace and make a more measured attempt to win her. Just now, she wished him to talk, and so he set himself to oblige her.
He made a beginning. “Miss Elizabeth, I find Meryton to be a fine little village.” He then spoke of the people he had met and continued in that vein until Netherfield came into view.
When the carriage arrived, Elizabeth caught her breath. The house appeared to be lit by a thousand candles. As they slowly moved forward in the queue, she watched her neighbors step down from their carriages in elegant evening gowns. Her friends were hopeful, their faces alight with expectation. She was not. Mr. Collins had announced his intention to remain by her side the entire evening. She shuddered inwardly.
She turned to look at him. He was watching her with piercing blue eyes. His fair hair, handsome face, and muscular frame made him look every inch a prince, but she knew something of the workings of his mind, and that disturbed her.
At last, their carriage drew up at the entrance. The door was opened, and Mr. Collins stepped out and handed her down. He escorted her inside, to the receiving line, where they greeted their hosts.
The grand ballroom was alive with guests and music. The chandeliers sparkled with candlelight, and the air was sweet with the fragrance of roses. Two great bouquets flanked theentrance, their scent lingering. It was a magical night, despite Mr. Collins at her side. The room was adorned with potted trees, ferns, and netting. Elizabeth had to admit that Miss Bingley knew how to organize a ball.
“Miss Elizabeth, please save your first and the supper set for me,” Mr. Collins said.
Her heart dropped down to her feet.
He chuckled softly. “Your expressive eyes speak your mind, my dear. You really should try to hide the truth if you can.” He looked at her, amused. “Though you do not wish to dance the first and supper sets with me, you are not at liberty to refuse, so I am satisfied.”
Elizabeth’s gaze dropped. “Forgive me, sir, I did not mean to…”
“Never mind, cousin,” he interrupted. “Do not lie to me. It is too late for that. Come, let us get a cup of punch to soften the edge. I sense you are nervous.”
Elizabeth realized she was indeed nervous and afraid. Her cousin was determined to have her. His manner toward her had altered over the past two days, and her mother had wisely retreated, but the change made no difference. She already knew what she knew, and she did not like the man. She held his arm as he led her to the refreshment table and accepted a cup, though she only sipped at it. Elizabeth meant to keep her mind clear.
Mr. James Goulding approached. “Miss Elizabeth, may I have your first available set?”
She smiled at her childhood friend. “The Scotch Reel is open.”
He took her hand and bowed over it. “Lizzy, I have not seen you since I left for University. You have grown more beautiful than your elder sister.”
Elizabeth grinned. “Jamie, you are such a tease. We both know Jane has always been your favorite.” He chuckled and looked to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth made the introductions, and then her friend moved away.
Mr. Darcy approached her. “Miss Elizabeth, may I have the supper set?”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Mr. Collins has my supper set, but my third set is open.”
He bowed in acquiescence and left her.
John Watson stepped to her side. “Lizzy, do you have any open sets left?”
She smiled. “The Quadrille is open, sir.”
He grinned at her. “You clean up well, Lizzy. I can hardly believe you are the same girl I used to fish with. Do you remember that time you fell into the pond and I had to fish you out?”
