She blushed further. “Well, sir, I have not yet broached the subject with my brother. I wished to ask you first, in case the idea was not sound.”
“I see.” His tone grew clipped. “That is a matter you should take to your solicitor, ma’am. I see no reason for such concerns to be placed before me. Your brother and your solicitor are the proper persons to manage your dowry.”
He turned at once to Elizabeth, dismissing Miss Bingley without another glance.
“Miss Elizabeth, may I offer you a drink? A little sherry, or canary, perhaps?”
“Sir, I wish to remain alert for the play. Would you think me too staid if I prefer negus?”
He smiled at her, but Miss Bingley sniffed.
“The poor country chit is very unfashionable.”
Both Darcy and Charles reddened.
Elizabeth’s eyes flew to Caroline’s face. Fury met her there, and Elizabeth drew back a step. From the expression she wore, Miss Bingley seemed determined to wound.
Jane did not hear the remark, for she was occupied in greeting Mr. and Mrs. Hurst as they entered.
Mr. Darcy led Elizabeth further into the room and again placed his hand over hers, then he inclined his head and spoke in a low voice.
“I apologize, Miss Elizabeth. Miss Bingley can be sharp, and for reasons I cannot comprehend, she has taken a dislike to you. Pray, pay her no heed.”
He lifted a finger to the waiting footman. “Peter, negus for Miss Elizabeth and Georgiana.”
“Yes, sir, at once.”
Darcy then led her to a dark green velvet settee which faced the fireplace, with carved legs terminating in brass castors, and he seated himself beside her.
“Is there anything I may bring you, Miss Elizabeth, for your comfort?”
Elizabeth had just parted her lips to answer when Miss Bingley dropped herself onto his other side and slipped her arm through his. Mr. Darcy disengaged himself at once.
Elizabeth watched in astonishment, for Miss Bingley would not be discouraged. Though she no longer held his arm, she moved nearer still, leaning close, her body pressed against his, to speak into his ear.
Mr. Darcy drew his head back, and he shifted away from her, moving closer toward Elizabeth.
“Miss Bingley, my guest sits beside me. If there is something you feel you must say which she cannot hear, I ask that you reserve it for another day.”
Elizabeth was just reflecting that Miss Bingley behaved like a troublesome fly, forever hovering near and provoking one to swat her away, when Georgiana entered and approached them.
“Lizzy, may I play a selection from Handel which I have learned for my brother?”
“Yes, I should be delighted to hear it. Would you like me to turn the pages for you?”
Miss Bingley interposed at once. “There is no need, Eliza. Georgiana and I are dear friends. I shall attend her.”
Georgiana’s face fell, but she quickly recovered herself.
“This selection from Handel is called Lascia chio pianga.”
She crossed to the pianoforte, with Miss Bingley beside her.
Mr. Darcy leaned toward Elizabeth, his voice lowered.
“That was fortuitous. I was wondering if I would have no opportunity to speak with you, for Caroline was determined to claim all my attention for herself. If we are very fortunate, she will offer to play the next piece.”
Elizabeth covered her mouth to conceal a giggle.
