Darcy turned back to the others. “Shall we go?”
***
Though the distance was short, a carriage was ordered, and within minutes Elizabeth found herself on her way to Matlock House.
Darcy assisted the ladies from the carriage, and they walked up to the door. He had not yet knocked when it was opened, and they were immediately invited inside. The butler escorted them to the drawing room. The doors opened, and his voice carried clearly across the room as he announced them.
Elizabeth felt Georgiana draw a little closer to her side. Jane straightened, while Mary remained composed. Elizabeth steadied herself.
Elizabeth saw Darcy’s expression soften as he smiled. “My aunt, Lady Matlock. My uncle, the Earl of Matlock. May I present Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Mary Bennet.”
The ladies curtseyed.
Lady Matlock inclined her head. “Pray be seated. Anne, my dear, you look very well. Catherine, you are here as well.”
At that moment, a gentleman entered the room and paused as he surveyed the company.
Darcy rose. “Richard, I did not realize you were back in London.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled and shook his hand. “I arrived recently, and my mother suggested I come to dinner. I can see she gave excellent advice.” He glanced around the room, then turned. “Anne, is that you? You look very pretty.”
Anne blushed. “It is good to see you, Richard.”
He smiled. “And how are you, Georgiana?”
Georgiana returned his smile, though with a touch of shyness.
Colonel Fitzwilliam turned back to Darcy. “Will you introduce me to your friends?”
“Of course. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Mary Bennet, this is my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
“I can see why you spent so much time in Hertfordshire,” he said with an easy smile. “You did not mention how beautiful all the ladies were.”
At that moment, the butler appeared once more and looked to Lady Matlock.
She rose at once. “Dinner is served. Shall we go in?”
The Earl rose and approached Lady Catherine, offering his arm. Lady Matlock followed, taking Darcy’s arm. Colonel Fitzwilliam offered his arm to Anne, who accepted with a quiet smile. The Bennet ladies followed together, Georgiana quietly taking her place beside Elizabeth.
Elizabeth noted Darcy’s place beside Lady Matlock, with herself seated on his other side and Georgiana beyond.
After the first course had been served, Lady Matlock spoke quietly. “Miss Elizabeth, I was sorry to hear of the fire at your home. I trust no one was seriously injured.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Thank you. We were very fortunate. Everyone was able to leave the house safely. There were some minor injuries from those who assisted in putting out the fire, but nothing of consequence.”
Lady Matlock nodded. “That is indeed fortunate. Will the house be repaired?”
Elizabeth smiled. “Yes. Plans are already being made, and we hope to include several improvements.”
Elizabeth overheard as Colonel Fitzwilliam leaned toward Georgiana. “Georgiana, you must tell me about the Bennets.”
She smiled. “I have only just met them, but they are all very kind. Especially Miss Elizabeth.”
“Oh? And why do you say that?”
Georgiana lowered her voice slightly. “Richard, she is very brave. She is not at all intimidated by Lady Catherine. She told me that I might be brave as well. I am not certain that it is true, but I should like it to be.”
He regarded her thoughtfully. “That is interesting.” After a brief pause, he added with a hint of amusement, “Which of them has caught Darcy’s attention?”
