Lydia followed her father on unsteady legs. All that the others heard was, “Lord, how tired I am!”
Mrs. Bennet, however, was most pressingly civil in her leave-taking and addressed herself particularly to Mr. Bingley, assuring him how happy he would make them by dining at Longbourn at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation.
She quit Netherfield in the happiest spirits, already indulging the delightful persuasion that Jane would soon be settled there. Elizabeth, on the contrary, felt nothing so strongly as relief at being at last on their way home.
Mr. Bennet and Mr. Collins had already taken their places in the open chaise when the ladies were settled in the carriage behind them.
Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy had followed them outside and now stood upon the gravel before Netherfield House as the servants completed the final arrangements.
Mr. Bennet, gathering the reins, glanced briefly toward the two gentlemen.
Bingley’s presence occasioned him no surprise; the young man’s attentions to his eldest had been evident throughout the evening. That Mr. Darcy should stand beside him, however, and remain there with such deliberate civility was rather less expected.
Bingley’s warmth of temper made such attentiveness entirely natural. Mr. Darcy, by contrast, was not a gentleman who appeared inclined to exercise it without reason.
Jane leaned slightly toward the window as the horses began to move and lifted her hand in a small farewell.
Elizabeth, noticing the direction of her sister’s gaze, followed it – and saw Mr. Darcy standing a little behind his friend. For a moment, she hesitated. Then she raised her hand also, though with less certainty.
Darcy inclined his head in acknowledgement.
The carriage rolled slowly down the drive, leaving the two gentlemen standing together before the house. Darcy watched it a moment longer than was strictly necessary. Bingley, however, continued to gaze after it with undisguised satisfaction until it disappeared beyond the bend of the road.
“You are lost,” said Darcy at length, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Come, Charles. Netherfield has not yet removed itself to Longbourn.”
Bingley laughed. “I cannot help it, Darcy. I have had a most delightful evening.”
“That fact has not escaped my notice.”
Bingley turned toward the house with a brightness that no attempt at composure could entirely conceal.
“You must allow me my satisfaction. I believe I have never been in better spirits.”
Darcy shook his head slightly, though a faint smile accompanied the gesture as they walked back toward the house.
Bingley fell into step beside him. “And you, Darcy? Did the evening prove such a trial? I could have sworn I saw you dancing more than once.”
Darcy gave him a look of mild resignation. “I am occasionally capable of enduring society, Bingley.”
Bingley laughed with unabated satisfaction and began speaking again of the evening’s pleasures as they entered the house, but Darcy soon excused himself and made his way upstairs.
As he ascended, his thoughts returned to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
He had already acknowledged to himself that she was a woman he found striking. Not merely handsome, though her countenance was certainly pleasing, but animated by an expression which seemed perpetually alive with intelligence and feeling.
The recollection of his dance with Miss Lucas returned to him then. He was aware of the difficulties ladies faced. If one did not get a proposal of marriage, society could be harsh. He sensed her resignation. She must be years older than Miss Elizabeth. While she openly smiled and laughed, Miss Lucas’ comments were sharp and tired.
Now another image rose before him with far greater clarity: Miss Elizabeth standing in the library doorway that very evening, her colour heightened and her fine eyes flashing as she confronted Wickham without the least hesitation.
Her stance had surprised him then; the sensation that followed it surprised him still more. For a moment – quite against his expectations – her spirited indignation had seemed less shocking than invigorating.
Darcy paused a moment outside his chamber door.
With that reflection, he entered his room, though the image of her bright, indignant eyes remained with him.
***
The following morning at Longbourn began far later than usual.
