“Yes.”She took a sip.The soup was delicious.
“Whereabouts exactly?”
“My father’s estate is called Longbourn.It is near the market town of Meryton.It is twenty miles east of Luton, if you are familiar with that town.”She took another sip.At least she would be well fed—if they let her eat.
Lady Hopewell nodded.“And your father has an estate?”
Elizabeth stifled a sigh.“Yes.It is called Longbourn.”As I said.She glanced at Jane.Lord Hopewell was eating his food, ignoring her sister altogether.
“Do you have a large family?”
Elizabeth turned her attention back to her hostess.“At Longbourn, it is only my parents and my sisters, but we have a few Bennet cousins scattered about England.My mother’s sister lives in Meryton, and her brother here in Town.It is he my sister and I are staying with.”
“Oh, are you connected to the Bennets of Gilford Park?It is a lovely estate in Buckinghamshire.”
“I do not believe so, ma’am.”
“Oh.”She took a sip of her soup, looking terribly disappointed.“How many sisters do you have?”
“There are five of us, my lady.I am the second.”
Elizabeth felt as if she were back at Rosings, being questioned relentlessly by Lady Catherine, and she spared a glance for Mr.Darcy.She was trying not to laugh and thought they might share a private joke, but he did not look her way.His posture and bearing were everything they should be, but his eyes looked strained and there was a tension around his mouth only someone familiar with his expressions would notice.Was he disappointed in her answers and her manner with his aunt?She knew she was not being as deferential as she could be.Had he expected her to be?This was Darcy’s family and it was important that she be respectful; it would be necessary for them to all get along.It would be even easier if they actually liked her, if for nothing but Fitzwilliam’s sake.
But she was likely to marry this man.It was equally important that his family respect her and understand that she was not to be looked down on or talked down to simply because she was unknown to them or from a lower circle in society.She would begin as she meant to continue.
“And your sisters are all at home?None are married?”continued Lady Hopewell.
“No, none are married.”She took a final sip of soup before the bowls were removed and new dishes were brought in.
In the bustle of changing courses, Elizabeth looked down the table and willed her sister to look at her.Jane seemed embarrassed that she had been ignored the entirety of the first course, but she sent a tight smile to her sister regardless.Elizabeth sent her an encouraging look and a quick exasperated expression, and Jane smiled more genuinely in response.
When the footmen stepped back and everyone began eating again, Elizabeth noticed that Jane was now talking to Lady Clara.Jane was listening attentively as Lady Clara spoke to her with great animation.Her voice was low, but Elizabeth caught enough words to let her know Clara was speaking of driving a phaeton, and how the horses had utterly refused to do as she bid.Jane seemed amused and well entertained, and Elizabeth breathed a little easier.
“Miss Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth turned her head in surprise at the raspy voice beside her.
“Sir Daniel?”
He bowed his head slightly and she saw that sparkle in his eyes again.“I hope my niece hasn’t been questioning you too much.”
Elizabeth instinctively glanced back at Lady Hopewell.She was in conversation with Mr.Darcy on her other side.
“Not too much, though she does know quite a bit about me now.”
He raised a brow.“I doubt that.”
He took a bite of his food and Elizabeth was allowed a few bites of her own dish.
“What are you reading these days, Miss Elizabeth?”
“We have been so busy of late that I have had little time for books.I have been rereadingLyrical Balladswhen I have a quiet half hour.”
“Ah, yes.I find it soothing to read something familiar when one is in the midst of a hectic period in life.”
“Just so, Sir.”
He nodded again.“Shall you marry my nephew?”
