Elizabeth listened to their light conversation as she ate. Across the table, Richard sat beside Bingley, eating heartily, while Mr. Hurst described an American firearm.
“It is a John Hancock Hall invention,” Hurst declared with enthusiasm. “The finest rifle you will ever see. It has a tilting breech-block and a locking mechanism, most ingenious.”
Both men leaned forward, intrigued.
Richard asked, “Did you order it by post, or is there a gunsmith in London who carries it?”
“Neither,” Hurst replied. “An American acquaintance of my brother brought it over. He has ten more and hopes to find a market for them here.”
Richard’s eyes lit. “How might I make his acquaintance? I should like to examine this marvel of a firearm and purchase one, if it proves as fine as reported.”
Bingley added, “And I as well.”
“Colonel,” Hurst asked, “do you return to Pemberley with your cousin?”
“I do. I have twelve weeks’ leave before I report to duty.”
“Then, if Darcy consents, I shall invite my acquaintance to Pemberley. He can bring the rifles with him. I will write today and ask that he set aside three, in case you both wish to buy.”
Darcy inclined his head in agreement, and the talk turned to other subjects.
Elizabeth’s attention drifted toward Jane and Mrs. Hurst, who were speaking quietly at the far end of the table.
“I think I may be with child,” Mrs. Hurst was saying softly. “It has been a long time coming; we have been married three years.”
Jane’s expression was gentle. “What does the doctor say?”
“He says there is no cause for worry. It takes some couples longer than others, but that is easy for him to say, much harder for one to hear.”
Elizabeth’s eye caught movement near the doorway. She turned and met Caroline Bingley’s venomous gaze. The woman stood stiffly, hands clenched in her skirts, her expression dark with anger. A chill passed through Elizabeth. She must take care not to find herself alone with that woman.
Bingley also looked up and caught his sister’s expression. Soon, every eye in the room turned toward Caroline. The men rose instinctively. She composed her face into a false smile and glided forward.
“Mr. Darcy,” she said, curtsying, “you look well.”
She turned to Georgiana. “My dear, how do you do?”
Georgiana curtsied. “Miss Bingley.”
Caroline’s gaze shifted to Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy made the introduction, and she said with a calculating smile, “So, you are the cousin Mr. Darcy praises so highly, the very man he calls brother.”
Richard bowed. “Just so, Miss Bingley. May I serve you?”
Her eyes lingered upon him. Elizabeth watched her closely, then glanced at the colonel. He was a striking man, handsome, broad-shouldered, and well-formed. Caroline seemed to think so as well; she was smiling at him now, like a cat regarding a mouse she meant to toy with. Elizabeth lowered her gaze before her amusement betrayed her.
“Yes, Colonel,” Caroline said, feigning sweetness. “I will take a little bread and cheese.” Her eyes flicked toward Elizabeth’s plate. “Some of us have a care for our figure, unlike the local girls who eat as though they must toil in the fields, consuming like savages to sustain their strength.”
Georgiana gasped. Richard’s brow darkened. Darcy was half-risen from his seat when Elizabeth laid her hand upon his arm. She met his gaze, her eyes calm, one brow lifting slightly, and then she winked, amused.
He started, then slowly sat back, the corners of his mouth curving upward. Richard, catching the exchange, relaxed as well and went to the sideboard to serve the offending woman with exaggerated courtesy.
At the far end of the table, Bingley looked up and caught Jane’s eye. She was watching him closely, weighing him. He, in turn, admired her composure, how unlike the vain beauties of London she was. He had long been courted for his fortune and his looks, yet this woman’s simplicity and quiet warmth offered something rare and precious: the promise of a tranquil home, such as he had lost when his father died, and Caroline became his charge. He must not fall short of deserving Miss Bennet.
He rose, crossed the room, and took hold of his sister’s elbow. His grip was firm. He spoke low, confidentially. “You will walk with me quietly, or you will not accompany us to Pemberley. Am I understood?”
She stiffened and nodded.
By now, they were in the hall. He did not release her arm. “Did you already forget the stipulation? You are to behave with civility toward Miss Elizabeth, or be sent to Yorkshire. Come, sister. I will escort you to your chamber. You will dine in your rooms.”
