Dinner was announced, and the ladies proceeded to the dining room. After the first course, Miss Bingley resumed the conversation. “Your sister appears remarkably engaged in various concerns. Does she frequently travel to town unaccompanied?”
“Lizzy is much attached to our aunt and uncle,” Jane said calmly. “She finds great pleasure in their company.”
“And she is attentive to the estate as well, I believe?”
“She has always been attentive to whatever lies before her.”
Miss Bingley inclined her head, then continued lightly, “And you, Miss Bennet? How do you occupy yourself in the country?”
“There is always something useful to be done,” Jane replied with an easy smile.
Miss Bingley regarded her closely. Jane met her look with the same gentle composure.
“But do you not prefer the diversions of town? Assemblies, concerts, larger society?”
“They are very agreeable,” Jane said, “yet one may find contentment in quieter pursuits as well.”
Mrs. Hurst nodded faintly. Miss Bingley regarded Jane for a moment, then allowed the subject to drop.
When the meal concluded, Miss Bingley rose. “Shall we return to the drawing room for tea?”
***
Jane glanced toward the window as the rain struck sharply against the glass. She folded her hands in her lap and resumed her composure, though the sound of the storm grew steadily louder.
A firm knocking at the front door was followed by voices in the hall. Moments later, Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Hurst entered the drawing room, their boots damp and their coats marked by the weather.
Bingley’s face brightened at once. “Miss Bennet. What a pleasure. I had not the slightest notion we were to be so fortunate this evening.” His gaze flickered briefly toward his sister.
Miss Bingley inclined her head. “As we were to be without the gentlemen, we thought it agreeable to secure Miss Bennet’s company.”
Jane rose gracefully. “It has been a most pleasant evening. I trust my carriage will arrive shortly.”
Darcy crossed to the hearth, removing his gloves as he spoke. “I would not depend upon it. The lane is nearly impassable. The mud is deep, and the water at the creek has risen considerably.”
Bingley’s expression shifted at once from pleasure to concern. “Then it cannot be considered. Miss Bennet, you must remain here tonight. I would not forgive myself were you to meet with difficulty upon the road.”
Jane inclined her head. “You are very kind, sir.”
Miss Bingley rose and drew the bell cord with composed deliberation.
When the housekeeper appeared, she said smoothly, “Miss Bennet will require a chamber this evening.”
“Certainly, madam,” the housekeeper replied.
Jane turned to her with a gentle smile. “Thank you, Mrs. Nichols.”
Darcy’s hand paused upon the poker for the briefest moment before he adjusted the log in the grate.
Mrs. Nichols inclined her head and led Jane from the room.
***
Darcy’s gaze followed Miss Bennet before he turned back to the fire.
When the door closed, Miss Bingley resumed her seat.
“It is fortunate the weather has declared itself so decisively.”
