Mrs. Hurst gave a discreet cough.
Miss Bingley corrected herself quickly. “Three and twenty.”
Lady Catherine inclined her head. “You are tolerably handsome, though not striking; yet you display a degree of determination which, if properly directed, may be of advantage. With proper guidance, I have no doubt you might secure a very respectable match.”
Miss Bingley turned toward Mrs. Hurst, her smile held firmly in place, though the strain was now unmistakable. Her grip tightened upon her teacup.
Mr. Bingley, entirely unaware of the discomfort, looked toward Darcy. “I say, Miss Bennet mentioned you are to attend the theatre this evening. It would be quite delightful if we might all go together.”
Darcy allowed himself a faint smile. “Certainly. We should be glad of your company.”
Mr. Bingley’s face brightened. “Excellent. That is settled, then.”
***
Shortly after the Bingleys and the Hursts departed, the rest of the party moved into the dining room for luncheon.
Darcy took his place at one end of the table, with Lady Catherine on one side and Elizabeth on the other. Georgiana sat opposite him, between Anne and Mr. Bennet. Mrs. Bennetseated herself beside Lady Catherine, though her expression suggested she was not entirely pleased. Mary, Kitty, and Lydia occupied the remaining seats.
After the first course had been served, Lady Catherine turned to Darcy.
“You must have some acquaintance who would suit Miss Bingley. At the very least, she might be prevented from seeking your company so constantly.”
Darcy, who had just taken a sip of his wine, was seized with an unfortunate cough.
Elizabeth concealed her smile behind her glass.
When he had recovered, Darcy turned to Lady Catherine. “I fear I should not retain the friendship of any gentleman disposed to such behaviour.”
Lady Catherine considered this. “Yes, perhaps it would be better to find someone who might take her some distance away. I shall give the matter my consideration.”
Darcy made another attempt, though with less conviction. “Perhaps Miss Bingley might be permitted to choose her own path.”
Lady Catherine shook her head. “No, no, that will never do. It would only serve to keep her fixed upon you.”
Mrs. Bennet set down her fork. “You must admit, Lady Catherine is quite right in that. A more determined schemer I have never met.”
Darcy glanced at Elizabeth and said under his breath, “Pray assist me.”
Elizabeth set down her glass. “Anne, have you determined what you shall wear this evening?”
Anne looked at her in some alarm. “No, I have not. I do not believe I have anything suitable. My new gowns will not be ready until next week.”
Elizabeth regarded her thoughtfully. “I am quite certain that between Mary and myself we shall find something that will answer very well.”
Mary nodded eagerly. “Oh yes, I have just the gown in mind. It is a very pretty green silk, and I am persuaded it would suit you exceedingly well.”
Lydia leaned forward with interest. “I cannot wait until I may attend such events.”
Kitty nodded, her expression dreamy.
Jane smiled. “I have a pair of jade earrings that would pair very nicely with that gown.”
Anne looked between them with growing delight. “Perhaps we might look at it together after luncheon.”
Mr. Bennet observed the rising enthusiasm with quiet amusement. Lady Catherine regarded Elizabeth for a moment before giving a small, approving nod.
***
