Bingley laughed, though there was a trace of impatience in it. “If being pleased is a fault, I am content to remain so.”
Darcy did not intervene. He found his own patience thinner than usual, however, and struggled to keep his peace. By the time they arrived at Lucas Lodge, his irritation had settled into something more controlled, though no less present.
The house was well lit, its windows casting a warm glow into the evening. Voices carried even before the door was opened, and the sound of music drifted faintly from within.
Darcy stepped down first, offering his hand to Georgiana as she followed. She took it with a small smile, her earlier enthusiasm returning.
Inside, the rooms were already full. Darcy’s attention moved at once across the assembled guests. He did not pause to consider his purpose. He knew it.
Elizabeth Bennet stood near the far side of the room, her posture composed, her expression attentive as she listened to something her sister said. Mrs. Collins stood close beside her, angled slightly so that Elizabeth’s left side remained unobstructed.
Darcy observed it without surprise. He had begun to notice such things. The elder sister was called away as they neared, and she cast an apologetic glance at Darcy and his sister.
“Miss Bennet,” he said, as he approached.
Elizabeth turned at the sound of his voice, her face brightening at once. “Mr. Darcy.” There was warmth in her tone. Unforced.
Darcy felt it more keenly than he expected.
Elizabeth’s expression softened further. She turned to greet his sister. “I am very pleased to see you again, Miss Darcy.”
Georgiana inclined her head, her smile small but sincere. “And I am glad to see you, Miss Bennet.”
Darcy watched the exchange with satisfaction. “I thought,” he added, “that my sister might wish to make the acquaintance of Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty. And Miss Mary, if she is so inclined.” Miss Mary did not seem as lively as the other two, but perhaps that was a good thing for Georgiana.
Elizabeth’s smile widened. “I am certain they would be delighted.” She turned slightly, scanning the room before lifting her hand in a small gesture. “Lydia,” she called.
The response was immediate. Miss Lydia appeared at once, her energy undiminished by the evening’s progress. Miss Kitty followed close behind, her expression more restrained but no less interested.
“Miss Darcy,” Elizabeth said, “may I present my sisters.”
Introductions were made quickly. Georgiana’s initial reserve softened under Miss Lydia’s lively curiosity and Miss Kitty’s gentler inquiries. Within moments, the three of them had drawncloser together, their heads bent slightly as they spoke in lower tones, laughter following not long after.
Darcy watched as they moved away, Lydia taking the lead with characteristic confidence. He heard them mention seeking out the third sister, and felt pleased his plans had worked out so well.
Elizabeth followed their progress with evident pleasure. “I am very glad she is here,” she said.
Darcy glanced at her. “As am I.” He paused, then added, with a faint smile, “I thought it prudent to avoid further protests on her behalf.”
Elizabeth’s expression shifted, recognition dawning. “Lydia did speak very strongly on that subject after the assembly.”
“I am sure she did,” Darcy said. “As did my sister. I foundherargument difficult to oppose.”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “I am sure she is even now informing my sisters of her success. Lydia will be gratified on her behalf.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I do not doubt it.”
For a moment, they stood in companionable silence. Then Elizabeth turned slightly toward him. “And how do you find our country society now, Mr. Darcy?” she asked.
Darcy considered the question. “I find it…more engaging than I expected.”
Elizabeth’s lips curved. “That is a cautious endorsement.”
“It is an honest one.”
She studied him for a moment. “And what do you find engaging?”
Darcy met her gaze. “The people.”
