* * *
“You knowwhat I expect from you both today.”
As Darcy entered the breakfast room Monday morning, he realised too late that he had interrupted a heated family discussion. Miss Bingley glowered at her brother, who looked at her sternly. Mrs Hurst was staring down at her bracelets, her cheeks pink. Miss Bingley had spent the two days since they arrived at Netherfield refusing to speak to Darcy any more than necessary. As resentful as she was over Darcy’s engagement, her avoidance had been a refreshing change from her constant, simpering attentions.
“Caroline, now that Darcy has joined us, was there not something you desired to say to him?”
“What do you mean?” Miss Bingley took an unusual interest in her teacup. However, under the pressure of her brother’s stare, she banged down her cup and looked at Darcy. With outward calm, he set aside his newspaper and braced himself for her insincerity.
“Mr Darcy, allow me to wish you joy,” she said in a dull voice. He thanked her and returned to his paper.
“Darcy, Caroline and Louisa would like to call at Longbourn with us. They both know how important their call is for Jane. It will demonstrate their eagerness to improve their relationship with my future wife.”
Darcy was pleased to see that, since Lydia’s scandalous departure from Brighton was kept quiet, Bingley would see Jane treated properly by his sisters.
“Elizabeth says the Gardiners are arriving today with Lydia. I am sure Mrs Bennet would be pleased to have you join their family gathering.” Mrs Hurst fiddled with her bangles and nodded while Miss Bingley’s attempts to feign cheerfulness made her look sullen.
Jane’s receptionof Bingley’s sisters was more welcoming than they deserved. Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley noticed the others only by a curtsey. Under Bingley’s persistent gaze, Miss Bingley exerted herself to speak to Jane.
The gathering had broken into smaller private conversations when Miss Bingley came to where Darcy sat with Elizabeth and Kitty. With an expression of civil disdain, Miss Bingley accosted his betrothed. “Miss Eliza, I understand you will not long bear the name of Bennet.” Darcy noted that, while Miss Bingley had recognised their upcoming nuptials, she had not congratulated her. “I fear your new elevated station may present a substantial challenge. Let me recommend to you, as a friend, that you conduct yourself with fewer of your typical country manners after you marry.”
Darcy was about to lecture her, but Elizabeth stopped him with a touch. “My dear Miss Bingley, since we are, as you say, friends, allow me to tell you how I dislike being called ‘Eliza.’ Only Mrs Collins addresses me as such, and I permit her out of deference to our long-standing acquaintance. I am sure you understand.” Elizabeth smiled, but Darcy saw it did not reach her eyes.
“Very well.” Miss Bingley looked annoyed that her barb had not had its desired effect.
“Although we ought not to concern ourselves with that, since soon you will address me as Mrs Darcy.”
Elizabeth stared hard into Miss Bingley’s face. Her utterance made Miss Bingley turn red and choke back a reply before returning to sit by Mrs Hurst. Elizabeth never let her countenance falter, but after Miss Bingley had turned away, Darcy felt some of the tension leave her. Through Bingley, he would ensure Miss Bingley paid off every arrear of civility to Elizabeth, or else she would lose the right to visit Pemberley.
“I, too, am eager to call you ‘Mrs Darcy,’” he told her. “Have I told you today how much I admire you?”
“I think not.” She pretended to consider the matter. “You have been remiss in showering me with affection today, and were we in a more private setting, I would demand recompense.” She smiled playfully as she stroked the back of his hand with her finger.
A servant entered to tell Mrs Bennet her brother’s carriage was arriving. For such a large gathering, the room became eerily quiet. Darcy was grateful that Lydia’s sad business had been so well hushed up, and he hoped never to speak of it again. Bingley nervously laughed to himself and was then silent while Jane sat still as she looked to the door. Even Mrs Bennet’s fluttering seemed restrained as the nerve-racking moment approached. Darcy noticed that Mr Bennet had left the library to join his family.
Mr and Mrs Gardiner were shown in with their children bursting with energy after being confined for so long to the carriage. For several moments, the party focused on the good humour and cheerfulness that only small children might provide. After the children were taken to the nursery, their collective eyes turned toward Lydia, who had hung back near the door.
Someone from her family needed to welcome Lydia home. Mr Bennet adhered most conscientiously to his newspaper, and Mrs Bennet chatted nervously with her sister, both parents choosing to ignore the problem instead of addressing it. It was Jane who rose to welcome her youngest sister home after her nearly two-month absence. She demonstrated a sweetness and concern that, in Darcy’s mind, was truly angelic.
“Lydia, how glad I am to see you!” She took her sister’s hands in her own. “You must be famished from your carriage ride.” She showed Lydia the table of cold meats, fruit, and cakes.
Lydia, normally unguarded and spirited, refused a plate with a shake of her head. Darcy considered it a welcome surprise to see her altered and thought perhaps her near ruin had tempered her wilful nature. He was about to lean toward Elizabeth to ask her opinion when he noticed the apprehension on Mrs Gardiner’s face. On every occasion he had previously encountered Mrs Gardiner, she appeared congenial and open, but Darcy discerned the lady was quite ill at ease.
“Do you notice how carefully my aunt observes Lydia?” Elizabeth discreetly asked him after Kitty had moved away to join her younger sister.
“Perhaps she is as surprised as I am to find her so subdued.”
“She is altered, but I do not think it is because she has learned to be ashamed of herself. I do not think Lydia is well.”
Darcy could not speak openly in the crowded room, but he observed Lydia’s actions more closely. Kitty showed her a bonnet she had recently trimmed up, but Lydia only looked on under half-lidded eyes. Her complexion was pallid, and she appeared fatigued, an odd state for a young lady who had spent the morning in a comfortable carriage.
Mrs Bennet, finally ready to engage her wayward daughter in conversation, crossed the room to sit by Lydia. She embraced her and welcomed her with enthusiasm. Lydia smiled but now appeared nearly incapable of remaining upright in her chair.
“My dear Lydia!” Mrs Bennet cried. “It is delightful to have you home. Had I been able to carry my point in going to Brighton with all my family…well, enough on that. I have not seen you for two months! You must tell me of the shopping and sightseeing you had in Brighton.”
“Lord, how tired I am!” Lydia gave a violent yawn.
“You must be hungry, my dear. Here, let Hill fix you a plate, and you will soon be in good humour.”
