A quick word with Jane gave Elizabeth the rest of the story. Mrs. Bennet had gone to her chambers to take a bath and ready herself for the evening. As she had bustled around to light candles, she had noticed every candelabrum and candlestick was empty. Confused, for the maid had just put new ones in yesterday, Mrs. Bennet called for Hill. Hill, in turn, called for Sally, who confirmed she had replaced them just yesterday afternoon. They had been used only once.
Mrs. Bennet, thinking someone had played a prank, began to search her drawers in hopes of discoveringwhere her candles had gone, only to discover her gloves missing. Lydia and Kitty were called and interrogated, and for the first time, the Bennet matriarch turned her ire on her youngest child.
"Lydia is rather upset," Elizabeth told Jane.
"I know our mother dotes upon her, but our younger sister is of an age to behave." Jane shrugged.
Elizabeth shook her head. "I do not believe Lydia is the culprit," she confided. "You know our sisters have never been able to lie to me—not successfully, anyhow. Lydia's distress is genuine."
Jane furrowed her brow. "Then who—”
"That is the true mystery. Mama will turn to the servants next. If we have a thief in our midst, then we must root them out."
Lucas Lodge
Lydia did not cease her protestations of ill use until the family departed. She tried to accompany them, only to be turned back to her room.
"My new gloves, Lydia!" Mrs. Bennet snapped. "Your Uncle Gardiner procured them especially for me, and I planned to wear them tonight! No, you will stay home. I cannot bear the sight of you right now."
Lydia had promptly burst into tears once more before running off to her rooms. Kitty seemed rather smug about the entire thing, and Elizabeth wondered whether she had something to do with the missing items. Perhaps she had happened upon the idea after her locket had been taken.
Mrs. Bennet's complaints of ill-use filled the carriage on the way to Lucas Lodge. Mr. Bennet shared an exasperated look with Elizabeth. The latter shrugged and turned her attention to the carriage window, staring sightlessly out into the night.
Lucas Lodge was ablaze with lights. The Bennets traipsed inside, eager to be out of the chill and in the drawing room with their friends. Immediately, Elizabeth noticed several red-coated soldiers milling about the room. Kitty's expression brightened considerably when she saw them and she hurried off to find Maria Lucas.
"I do not see the Netherfield party yet," Jane murmured quietly in Elizabeth's ear. She looked lovely in a gown of blue silk. Pearl pins dotted her coiffure, and her elbow-length gloves had shimmering embroidery up and down the arms.
"I haveit on good authority that they will be here," Elizabeth assured her sister. "Charlotte says the invitation was sent and accepted."
As if summoned by their conversation, the aforementioned group arrived in the doorway. Elizabeth's gaze immediately sought Mr. Darcy. Their eyes met, and he tipped his head ever so slightly in greeting. His eyes twinkled with good humor—a vastly different expression than the one he wore at the assembly.
It was not long before Miss Bingley and her sister were drawn into conversation, leaving the gentlemen to escape. Mr. Hurst disappeared into a card room, and the other two approached Jane and Elizabeth.
"Good evening!" Mr. Bingley's beaming countenance made Jane blush, and she greeted him in return.
“Mr. Bingley,” she said softly, her smile radiant. “How lovely to see you again.”
“And you, Miss Bennet—indeed, this evening has improved dramatically since my arrival,” he said with unfeigned delight. He turned to Elizabeth. “Miss Elizabeth, you are looking particularly well this evening. I do hope we are not too late?”
“Not in the least,” she replied, curtsying. “In fact, you have arrived just in time to save us from the beginning of yet another one of Sir William’s speeches.”
Mr. Bingley laughed good-naturedly. “He means well. And now, if I may—Miss Bennet, might I beg for the honor of your company for the first dance? I understand Sir William always rolls the rugs away.”
Jane nodded, her blush deepening, and allowed herself to be led away with a shy glance at Elizabeth, who smiled encouragingly.
Darcy remained, hands clasped behind his back, his expression calm but attentive.
“Miss Elizabeth,” he said with a slight bow. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”
“And you, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth replied, dipping a curtsy. “I had begun to think you might be avoiding Hertfordshire society altogether after the assembly.” Her teasing made him smile slightly.
“I assure you I had no such intention.” His tone was smooth, but a glimmer of wryness danced in his eyes. “I have found company outside the drawing rooms of late. Though I must admit, the idea of another evening under twinkling chandeliers was…daunting.”
Elizabeth laughed lightly. “At least the company is more agreeable this time.”
“I would agree,” he said, looking at herdirectly.
They stood in companionable silence for a moment, the din of the gathering ebbing and flowing around them like waves.
