“Which are the same here as everywhere else,” Elizabeth added, wondering whether Miss de Bourgh were even conscious of what time she had called at Longbourn the previous day. The information was apparently not of interest to her, however. She had turned to talk to her companion again, though with so little effort to lower her voice as convinced Elizabeth she was meant to hear every word.
“I know of many young ladies who claim to be visiting friends when their real purpose is to put themselves in the path of their friend’s handsome brothers.”
Elizabeth laughed before she could help herself.
“You are amused, Miss Bennet? I would have thought that finding a husbandamongst your acquaintancewas a matter you might take more seriously.”
“Forgive me. Mr Lucas and I have known each other all our lives. I am sure he would be flattered to know you consider him handsome, but I could never think of him in that way. We are more like cousins.” No sooner had she closed her mouth on the words than she realised her mistake. She had intended no insult, but Miss de Bourgh evidently perceived one, for her eyes narrowed and the colour returned to her cheeks.
“Oh yes, I recall now. You are not in favour of cousins marrying.” She stretched her neck long, which gave the impression of leaning forward without shifting her weight. “You will have to take my word that, in my sphere, it is not only considered acceptable but eminently sensible.”
“I am not against cousins marrying in principle.” She glanced at Charlotte and hastily added, “When they are well suited to each other in disposition. Only, sometimes it transpires that one of the two finds a better match elsewhere.”
Her attempt to placate her friend only seemed to fluster Miss de Bourgh more, and in an attempt to appease her, Elizabeth was on the verge of explicitly congratulating her on her engagement to Mr Darcy when Charlotte intervened.
“Eliza, you must be thirsty after your walk here. Maria, will you call for some tea?”
Maria nodded enthusiastically and hastened to ring the bell.
“Youwalkedhere?” Miss de Bourgh repeated. She looked just as disgusted by the revelation as her cousin had the morning Elizabeth walked to Netherfield two months ago.
“I did. My mother would have had me ride, but?—”
“Can you not drive?”
“It would not matter if I could, madam, for we do not possess the means.”
This remark seemed finally to mollify Miss de Bourgh. She relaxed back into her seat with a slight smile. “No, that is true. I had forgotten your circumstances were so reduced compared to my own.”
Maria sidled back to the sofa, taking a wide berth around Miss de Bourgh. There seemed little need, however, for her earlier observations had been proved correct. The lady had deigned to give her no attention whatsoever. Elizabeth might have suggested that Maria sneak out of the room if she thought the girl had the courage to go.
“Mr Collins has said he will teach me to ride his gig,” Charlotte said to Miss de Bourgh. “He has always spoken very highly of your skill with a phaeton. My father never thought it necessary for his daughters to learn, but I believe it is because of your example that Mr Collins deems it a vital skill for his wife.”
Miss de Bourgh nodded, her eyes on Elizabeth as she agreed. “I presume you do not have the correct clothes for riding, either. Do you stay abreast of the latest fashions?”
“When I can, though I do not have much opportunity,” Charlotte replied.
Miss de Bourgh flicked a vexed look at her and then repeated her question to Elizabeth.
“Charlotte has greatly the advantage over me, being the oldest daughter in her family. I must make do with whatever my eldest sister, Jane, no longer wishes to wear.” This was not entirely true. She and Jane shared their clothes by choice. Aware how dearly her friend wished to appear in a favourable light, she added for good measure, “Charlotte always dresses beautifully.”
“That is well. My mother will expect you to dine often at Rosings, Miss Lucas. It will be imperative that you dress and behave appropriately. Have you spent much time in company with people of higher rank?”
“A little. As you know, my father has been knighted. We occasionally accompany him to court.”
“You have an advantage over your friend, then. Miss Bennet’s father apparently dislikes town.”
Elizabeth grinned. “It is an advantage to which Charlotte is more than welcome.”
“You do not care for polished society, Miss Bennet?”
“With one or two exceptions, I do not consider the society I keepunpolished. And what I have seen of the manners of those who frequent more fashionable places has not left me with any peculiar sense of deprivation. Besides, a woman ought not to be judged by the company she keeps or the places she visits but on her own merits. Would you not agree?”
Miss de Bourgh did not answer immediately and regarded Elizabeth with puzzlement. When another minute went by without her speaking, Mrs Jenkinson began to fuss.
“Are you quite well, Miss de Bourgh? Should you like a measure of your tincture? Allow me to fetch it.”
“I am sorry she is being so difficult,” Charlotte said quietly, leaning over the arm of her chair towards Elizabeth.
