He was owed some boons promised by the royals which had passed to him when his father was called home to God, but Hurst had never asked for anything for himself. When they arrived home, he would ride for London to collect on one of them.
Bennet called out to enter when he heard a knock on his study door.
“The mistress told me to inform you that she has ordered tea if you and Mr Hurst would like to join them in the drawing room,” Hill reported.
The two men entered the drawing room just as the three youngest Bennets and the two eldest Hurst children arrived. Fanny went about the business of pouring tea. The only one she needed to ask about his preferences was Bingley, as she had never served him tea before.
While Bennet sat and enjoyed his tea, he munched on one of three of Cook’s delectable shortbread biscuits from a plate next to him. He looked around the room. Even though he would have preferred it to be some years in the future, he was ready to see Lizzy and Darcy in close conversation, one with the other. However, he noticed that Bingley was paying Mary a reasonable amount of attention, and that was new. The attention was not exclusive to Mary, but Bingley always returned to her after a short while. His middle daughter was only nineteen. He told himself to relax; it was early days yet.
Tisha waited until Lizzy had drunk her tea before she approached her and requested a story.
With an apologetic look to William, Elizabeth allowed Tisha to sit between them and began to tell her a short story she had made up about a fairy queen and her court of fairies.
Seeing how good Elizabeth was with Tisha, enhanced her in Darcy’s eyes.
Once her guests had enjoyed their tea and treats, Fanny rang the bell, and Mrs Hill came and supervised the removal of the tea service. When Mrs Hill and the maids left the room, Fanny turned to Leticia. “Has Sir William mentioned the autumn assembly to anyone at Netherfield Park?” Fanny asked.
Leticia looked to her son, who shrugged his shoulders. “Charles, are you aware there is an assembly in Meryton on Friday?” she enquired. She had to smile at the way his head snapped up when he was addressed, as he had been paying attention to something Mary had been saying.
“Pardon me, Mrs Hurst, I did not hear what you said,” an embarrassed Bingley, the tips of his ears red, responded.
“Aunt Leticia asked if you know there is an assembly in Meryton on Friday,” Mary related.
“I was not aware, but we will attend, will we not?” Bingley enquired excitedly.
“It will be a pleasure to dance at the public ball,” Darcy said, all the while looking into his beloved’s fascinating emerald-green eyes.
“I have some urgent business in London, and I hope I will return by Friday,” Hurst stated. When his wife looked at him questioningly, he gave her a look telling her he would share allwhen they were in private. He saw Louisa nod her acceptance that they would talk when they could.
“Is the assembly open to all? Or do we need tickets?” Bingley queried.
“Residents of the estates in the neighbourhood do not need to purchase tickets,” Bennet responded. “Each estate pays a certain amount towards the costs of the assemblies—there are four each year—so only those who do not reside at an estate need a ticket.”
“In that case, will you grant me the first and supper set?” Darcy requested of Elizabeth.
“We do not have supper, so no supper set,” Elizabeth responded.
“In that case, may I engage you to dance the first and final sets with me?” Darcy amended.
“Yes, William, I would be more than pleased to dance those sets with you,” Elizabeth granted. “However, I once heard that you are not a man who enjoys the art of dancing.”
“That was before William met you,” Georgiana interjected smilingly.
“Not only did you help Gigi leave her shyness behind, but she seems to have learnt to be impertinent from you,” Darcy said in a jesting fashion. He much preferred the outgoing person Gigi had become as her friendship, first with Elizabeth, and then with all the Bennet sisters, had deepened. He turned to look at the woman he was courting. “How can I not enjoy dancing when I am partnered with you?”
Elizabeth felt the compliment keenly and blushed deeply. She turned her attention back to a patient Tisha to complete the story.
“Miss Mary, may I presume to reserve the first set with you?” Bingley solicited. He held his breath while she made her decision.
“I would be pleased to open the assembly with you, Mr Bingley,” Mary agreed.
Bingley was trying to pluck up the courage to request a second set with Miss Mary when he looked over and saw Mr Bennet watching him intently. As if he had divined Bingley’s thoughts, Mr Bennet shook his head, and Bingley understood that he was not to request more than one. Instead, he asked for Miss Bennet’s second set, while Darcy reserved Miss Mary’s second one.
When Hurst noted that the hour was almost midday, he cleared his throat to get his brother-in-law’s attention. When he had it, he cocked his head towards the clock on the mantel.
Understanding the message, Bingley stood, as did the rest of the Netherfield Park Party, even if the two older Hurst children were reticent to leave. Farewell greetings were conveyed, and Darcy promised to ride back later that afternoon, something greatly anticipated and appreciated by Elizabeth. While the rest of their party were saying what they needed to and retrieving their outerwear, Louisa and Hurst slipped out and stood near the coach while Biggs and Johns ensured they had their privacy.
It took no time at all to inform Louisa why he had to go to London and what he was hoping to achieve. By the time theothers had exited the manor house, Louisa had wholeheartedly endorsed her husband’s plan.
