Darcy looked from one to the other. “Have I said something diverting?”
Elizabeth smiled. “Not at all. We are quite ready.”
Soon they were seated in the carriage, and it turned onto Piccadilly.
The street was lively with passing carriages, though all moved with an order befitting its fashionable situation. They passed the elegant windows of Fortnum & Mason before drawing up at Hatchards.
The groom set down the step. Darcy alighted first and assisted each of the ladies.
Once inside, the party soon dispersed.
Mary and Georgiana made their way directly to the music, where several folios had already drawn their attention. Elizabeth moved toward the poetry shelves, her gaze passing thoughtfully along the spines. Anne followed at first, then paused, having discovered a volume that caught her interest.
Darcy stood a moment, observing the disposition of the party, before turning toward Elizabeth.
He found her turning the pages of a small volume, her attention wholly engaged. His eyes fell upon the title. He watched her for a moment before approaching.
“You have chosen well.”
Elizabeth looked up at him, smiling. “You have read it?”
“I have.”
“And this,” she said, lifting another book, “is for my father. He had begun it before it was lost in the fire.The History of the Reign of the Emperor Charles V.”
Darcy inclined his head. “An excellent choice.” There was something in his expression that suggested not mere agreement, but understanding.
Elizabeth glanced about. “We ought to join the others.”
They soon gathered again near the counter.
Mary and Georgiana stood together, each holding several sheets of music, comparing their selections with quiet enthusiasm. Anne joined them, her expression bright as she presented her own choice, a novel,Sense and Sensibility.
“I have heard it much spoken of,” Anne said with quiet interest.
Once their purchases were wrapped and tied, the party returned to the carriage and set out for Darcy House.
***
Elizabeth had been prepared for a formal reception, yet the composed elegance of Lady Matlock’s drawing room suggested something more deliberate than a mere social call.
The butler announced them. “Miss Bennet, Miss de Bourgh, and Miss Darcy.”
Lady Catherine looked up in surprise. “Anne? I did not expect you. Nor Miss Darcy.”
Lady Matlock’s look of surprise vanished almost at once, replaced by the faintest suggestion of a smile. “Pray come in and be seated.”
Elizabeth, Anne, and Georgiana took their places upon the sofa. Elizabeth sat with easy composure, while the other two regarded the room with polite attention.
Lady Matlock inclined her head slightly. “You are aware, I think, of the purpose of your visit.”
Anne and Georgiana both turned toward Elizabeth.
Elizabeth paused for a moment. “I have my suspicions, though I hesitate to presume.”
Lady Matlock’s gaze rested steadily upon her. “You may answer.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Very well. I imagine you wish to inquire into my accomplishments, my suitability, andmy connections, and that you thought the exercise might be rendered more agreeable in the company of your friends.”
