"I have had practice. My father insists that a gentleman must be attentive to his surroundings if he hopes to navigate society successfully."
"Your father is a wise man."
"He has his moments." Andrew's expression grew more serious, though warmth remained in his eyes. "I wonder, Miss Elizabeth, if you might grant me the pleasure of calling at Longbourn one day this week? I should very much like to continue our acquaintance."
The request was proper, respectful, and entirely welcome. Elizabeth smiled. "I should be delighted, Mr Lucas. We are typically at home on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons."
"Then I shall endeavour to visit on Tuesday, if that suits you."
"It suits me very well indeed."
As their conversation continued, Elizabeth asked him about his interests and opinions with curiosity. He spoke intelligently about books, expressed thoughtful views on agricultural improvements, and demonstrated a wit that, while not brilliant, was certainly pleasant and engaging.
"You know," Elizabeth said as their plates were cleared away, "I believe I judged this assembly too harshly at the start of the event. It has proven quite enjoyable after all."
"I am glad to hear it." Andrew's grin was gracious. "I confess I had hoped it would prove so. Meryton assemblies can be rather lively affairs when one finds the right company."
"The right company makes all the difference," Elizabeth agreed.
When the evening finally concluded and the guests began to depart, Elizabeth bid Andrew farewell with sincere pleasure at the prospect of his Tuesday visit.
"Well, Lizzy?" Jane asked softly as the Bennet carriage rolled away from the assembly rooms. "Did you enjoy yourself?"
Elizabeth considered the question. She had danced well, conversed agreeably, and secured the promise of a pleasant caller for Tuesday. It had been, by any measure, a successful evening.
"Yes," she said. "I believe I did."
"I am glad." Jane's smile was gentle. "Mr Lucas seemed quite taken with you."
"He is an agreeable gentleman." Elizabeth meant it sincerely. Andrew Lucas was everything a sensible young woman ought to want. He was amiable and appropriately situated in life.
"But?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "No buts. Mr Lucas is perfectly agreeable, and I look forward to his visit."
“I’m happy to hear that.”
Jane squeezed her hand, and they settled into comfortable silence as Longbourn came into view.
Chapter Three
Engleton House, Hertfordshire
Two weeks later
"Imust beg your forgiveness for not calling sooner," Elizabeth said as she was shown into Cassandra's private sitting room. "The past fortnight has been more occupied than I anticipated."
Cassandra waved a dismissive hand, though her expression suggested she had indeed noticed the delay. She sat near the window in a gown of pale blue silk that complemented the room's furnishings perfectly—no doubt chosen with precisely that effect in mind. Engleton House reflected the Rochford family's considerable wealth, from its imposing façade to the opulent interiors Elizabeth had glimpsed on her way through the entrance hall. The sitting room alone could have accommodated Longbourn's entire parlour twice over.
"You are here now. I’ll admit I had begun to wonder if you meant to visit at all."
Elizabeth took the seat indicated, smoothing her considerably less expensive muslin. "I have been rather occupied with household matters. Mama has been in such a state about her distant relative’s impending visit that I've had to take over several duties she would normally manage herself."
"Oh?" Cassandra's tone suggested polite interest rather than true curiosity.
"The cook has prepared three separate menus, and Mama has rejected each one. Yesterday I spent two hours reviewing the household accounts—the butcher's bill alone required considerable negotiation—and this morning I had to inspect the guest chambers to ensure the linens were properly mended."
"How very industrious of you." Cassandra's lips curved in what might have been meant as a smile. "I must say, the Bennets do seem to manage things rather differently than we do here at Engleton. Our cook prepares whatever Mama requests without any fuss, and I cannot imagine having to inspect mended sheets. That is what we employ a housekeeper for, surely? Mrs Worthington manages all such matters even without Mama's supervision. I should not even know where the household linens are kept."
