When Elizabeth returned downstairs, the parlour was as lively as she had left it.
Mrs. Bennet was describing, with increasing energy, the many inconveniences of uncertain weather. Lydia and Kitty had resumed their debate about whether the militia officers would venture out despite the threat of rain, and Jane was listening to them both with patient amusement.
Elizabeth paused for a moment at the door before entering, as though hoping to slip quietly back into the room.
But Jane looked up almost immediately. Her eyes rested on Elizabeth for a moment, and a small smile appeared. “Lizzy,” she said gently, “you were not long.”
Elizabeth crossed the room with what she hoped was perfect composure. “No. I had only to fetch something.”
Jane did not inquire further, though her glance lingered just a moment longer than usual.
Lydia, however, was less discreet. “Well!” she exclaimed suddenly. “Lizzy, you have changed your dress.”
Elizabeth stopped.
“It was inconvenient for the morning,” she said calmly.
Lydia laughed. “How very particular you have become all at once!”
Kitty turned to look at her as well. “I think it looks very well.”
Mrs. Bennet glanced up briefly. “Yes, yes, very pretty. Lizzy always looks well in blue. Now Jane, my dear, why do you not put a menu together for when Mr. Bingley returns? We have to be ready.”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks grow warm again.
At the far end of the room, Mr. Bennet observed all this with quiet interest. He said nothing.
But when Elizabeth happened to glance in his direction, she found him watching her over the edge of his book with an expression that suggested he understood the entire matter perfectly.
Elizabeth looked away at once.
The conversation in the parlour had scarcely resumed when the distant sound of hooves upon the gravel reached the window.
Lydia was the first to hear it. “A rider!” she cried, jumping to her feet. “Perhaps it is one of the officers.”
Kitty hurried to the window. “No – it is not a red coat.”
Mrs. Bennet turned quickly. “Well? Who is it then?”
Kitty leaned forward to see more clearly. “It is…”
Before she could finish, Lydia exclaimed triumphantly,
“It is Mr. Darcy!”
Elizabeth felt the words strike her with sudden force. For an instant, she did not move.
Mrs. Bennet rose at once, smoothing her gown with sudden energy. “Mr. Darcy! Well! I am sure we are very glad to see him again. Jane, my dear, ring the bell. Hill must bring tea immediately.”
Elizabeth had not yet risen. Her heart, which had been only quietly unsettled before, now beat decidedly faster.
He had come.
The door opened only a few moments later.
Mr. Darcy entered the room with his usual composed manner. He bowed first to Mrs. Bennet, then to Jane and the others.
Elizabeth stood. And for an instant, the room seemed to fall entirely silent to her.
