This earned a genuine smile from Bingley and a subtle softening around Darcy’s eyes.
With a last bow to Caroline and a brief parting word to the gentlemen, Mr. Bennet allowed himself to be shown out, leaving behind a room that felt just a little warmer for the visit.
***
Dinner at Longbourn that evening had the air of mild ceremony. Mrs. Bennet was at her most attentive, fluttering from place to place, making sure the pudding was presented with a flourish and the napkins folded to her satisfaction.
Mr. Bennet took his time slicing the roast, his unhurried pace hinting that he was about to launch into a long conversation.
Elizabeth, catching his eye, raised her head with curiosity. “Papa, you have the look of a man with news. Pray do not keep us waiting.”
He dabbed his lips with his napkin, feigning gravity. “Ah, Lizzy, you read me too easily. Indeed, I bring tidings—from Netherfield Park.”
Kitty and Lydia sat up at once in noisy excitement. “You saw him? Mr. Bingley? Oh, tell us!”
“Yes! Oh, Mr. Bennet, do not tease us—tell us everything at once! Was he as handsome as they say? Did he seem pleased? Oh, I knew you would make a fine impression!”
Jane kept her gaze on her plate, though a flush rose to her cheeks.
Mr. Bennet cleared his throat, putting on pomp. “Yes. I called on him this afternoon and found him all affability. A morecheerful, open-hearted young man I have rarely seen. He was delighted to receive a neighbour and declared he would call at Longbourn without delay. I assured him we would not close the door in his face, certainly.”
Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled. “How generous of you.”
Mr. Bennet gave a solemn nod. “I do try to practise Christian charity.”
Mr. Collins nodded piously. “Indeed, cousin, it is most commendable to make the acquaintance of our new neighbour so promptly. It shows a proper sense of duty to the community.”
Unable to restrain herself, Mrs. Bennet leaned forward, eyes bright with urgency. “Well? Tell us at once—is he married? He is not, I hope? Oh, say he is not!”
Mr. Bennet lifted his brows, dabbing at his mouth with exaggerated calm. “My dear, restrain your joy. He is indeed a bachelor—very much so, I assure you. No wife tucked away in Yorkshire to spoil your plans.”
Kitty let out a squeal of triumph while Lydia clapped her hands.
Mrs. Bennet all but clapped herself. “A bachelor! I knew it! I said so all along! And young? Handsome? What did you think of him?”
Mr. Bennet tilted his head thoughtfully. “Young, certainly. Good-humoured, lively, eager to be liked. I expect he will succeed in that aim without much effort. He seems very ready to be pleased with everything and everyone.”
Elizabeth’s mouth twitched. “A very forgiving disposition in a neighbour.”
Mrs. Bennet ignored her. “And his fortune? They say four or five thousand a year?”
Mr. Bennet nodded gravely. “That is the rumour. I did not examine his bank books, but he did not appear starving.”
This earned a giggle from Lydia, but Mrs. Bennet would not be distracted. “Well, well! And what else? Did you like him?”
Mr. Bennet allowed himself a small smile. “He is easy to like. Very obliging, very polite. In fact, he asked after us all most civilly and expressed the hope of calling at Longbourn very soon.”
Mrs. Bennet sat back in glowing satisfaction. “He must come soon. I shall be quite put out if he delays!”
“His sister, elder I think, was present,” he said, with mild amusement. “A lady of graceful manners, though I suspect she will find Hertfordshire a trial to her refinements. She spent a good deal of time discussing the deficiencies of the local glazing.”
Elizabeth gave a small laugh. “So she admires our windows only when they are freshly washed?”
Mr. Bennet raised his brows. “A strict critic of glass, my dear. But civil enough. She offered tea, which I accepted with heroic fortitude.”
Lydia snickered behind her napkin. Kitty giggled outright.
Mrs. Bennet pressed on. “But tell us of Mr. Bingley, Mr. Bennet! What did you think?”
