“What of you, Maggie?” asked Mrs. Darcy. “Do you wish to see your daughter’s future home?”
Mrs. Bennet considered this for a few moments before shaking her head. “I might have liked to go, but I think it may be best if I demurred for the moment.”
“You shall have plenty of opportunities to see Pemberley, Mama,” said Elizabeth, favoring her mother with an affectionate smile. “Perhaps you would all consent to join us there for Christmas.”
“For shame, Daughter,” said Mr. Bennet, trying to project disapproval. “Did I not just state my disinclination for traveling? Do you suppose I shall wish to do itnextwinter rather than the season that is already upon us?”
“I do not suppose you are so opposed as you suggest, Papa. By Christmas, I suspect you will be eager to see the estate.”
Mr. Bennet regarded her, affection in his gaze. “I never could mislead you, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth smiled and turned back to her mother and future mother-in-law. “Should any of my sisters accompany us?”
“Not I,” said Lydia at once. “I have no more liking for travel in winter than Papa, and there are many reasons that I should stay at home.”
“Would those reasons have anything to do with the regiment?” asked her father. “Remember, Lydia, that you are too young to be associating with those men outside your sisters’ presence.”
Lydia was at heart a good girl, but she had definite ideas of fun and tried to push her boundaries whenever she could. Lydia shook her head and affected unconcern.
“Not at all, Papa. I would not wish to interrupt my studies.”
Mr. Bennet snorted, informing them all what he thought of Lydia’s attempt at diversion. The rest of the family grinned, though Mary’s expression was more of a grimace. Even Mrs. Bennet, who had much more tolerance for Lydia’s high spirits, sensed her daughter was dissembling, and she shook her head in despair.
“Your diligence astonishes us, Lydia,” said Mr. Bennet to no one in particular.
“Shall Jane or any of the other girls go?” said Mrs. Darcy, returning the conversation to its original topic.
“I should like to have Jane here with me,” said Mrs. Bennet.
Perhaps Elizabeth was reading too much into her mother’s statement, but Elizabeth suspected that her mother wished for Mr. Bingley to return, though there would be no one at Netherfield to receive him, and preferred Jane to stay in Hertfordshire against that possibility. The way Mr. Bennet regarded his wife, Elizabeth was certain he sensed it too. Jane, the obliging young woman that she was, did not protest her exclusion.
“Then perhaps Kitty?” asked Mrs. Darcy. She smiled and added to Mary: “If you would like to go, Mary, we would be happy to have you too.”
Mary considered it for a moment, then shook her head. “Thank you for including me, Mrs. Darcy, but I am certain that I shall also have many opportunities to see Lizzy’s new home. I shall remain with Mama and Jane.”
Again, Elizabeth suspected an ulterior motive in Mary’s decision, for Mrs. Bennet and Jane were not equipped to ensure that Lydia behaved. Lydia might not listen to Mary so muchas she listened to Elizabeth, but with Jane backing her, Mary could speak and affect Lydia’s behavior. Lydia saw nothing of this; were Elizabeth to guess, she suspected her younger sister was anticipating a fortnight without her stern second eldest sister watching over her, content in the notion that she might do whatever she pleased. Jane shared a glance with Elizabeth, looked heavenward, and shook her head, rendering Elizabeth content. With Mary and Jane watching over her, Lydia would not go too far and expose the family.
“I am to go to the north?” demanded Kitty as if she could not comprehend such a thing.
“Unless you prefer not to go,” said Elizabeth, maintaining an innocent demeanor. “If you wish to remain at home, I am certain I can be happy in Mrs. Darcy’s company alone.”
Kitty reddened, but Mrs. Darcy laughed and directed a mock glare at Elizabeth. “Lizzy! Do not tease your sister so.” Then to Kitty she added: “We shall be happy to have you with us if you wish to go, dear. As I recall, William has a young cousin about your age—perhaps you wish for a new friend?”
Belated though it was, Kitty understood Elizabeth’s jesting and her good fortune, and she gave Mrs. Darcy a grateful—and energetic—nod. Mrs. Darcy turned to Elizabeth.
“Then shall we three venture to the north?”
“I cannot wait,” agreed Elizabeth.
“Yes,” said Mr. Bennet, “I can feel your eagerness from here, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth did not deign to respond. Mrs. Darcy took on the burden of replying to her son’s letter, and they planned to leave on Monday next, which would allow them to travel to Derbyshire, stay a week there, and then return with no need to stay in an inn on the Sabbath. With the composition of the party decided, Elizabeth set to her preparations, eager to be in William’s company again.
AFTER AN INTERMINABLEday of enduring Lady Catherine, Darcy and Fitzwilliam made their way to the study for a nightcap. The way he carried himself, Darcy would not wonder if Fitzwilliam were as bone weary as he felt—there was nothing to compare with enduring the woman, for she was unlike any other that Darcy had ever met.
“I hope you will not blame me if I confess to dreading this visit,” said Darcy, sighing with relief as the study door closed behind them. Darcy threw himself into a chair and stared at the fire in the hearth, glaring at it for its merry crackling and unconcern for the virago who had appeared in their midst. “Do you suppose it is acceptable if I order Lady Catherine from the estate?”
Fitzwilliam, who had approached the sideboard, chuckled as he returned holding two glasses of brandy and offered one to Darcy. With an exaggerated sigh, he settled into the other chair, holding his glass in a negligent hand as if he had forgotten he held it.
