She was a welcome contrast to the company presently surrounding him, unaffected, intelligent, and refreshingly free from pretension.
Miss Bingley continued her lamentations on Meryton, Netherfield, and what she termed provincial aspirations.
Darcy suppressed a sigh. He wished, not for the first time, that he had taken his own carriage.
***
Elizabeth looked about the room as she entered Lucas Lodge. The warmth and cheerful bustle suited Sir William perfectly.
Glancing around the room, she noticed the Netherfield party had not arrived yet.
She smiled at the sight of Charlotte and made her way toward her.
“Charlotte, how well you look. Your gown is newly trimmed.”
Charlotte’s smile was faint but steady. “My mother insisted. She persists in her hopes.”
Elizabeth inclined her head toward a gentleman engaged in conversation with Sir William. “Who is the officer speaking with your father?”
“That is Colonel Foster,” Charlotte replied. “He is to command the new regiment.”
Elizabeth observed him for a moment, a trace of amusement in her expression. “He appears particularly attentive.”
“Attentive?” Charlotte repeated.
“He looks this way with some frequency.”
Charlotte straightened slightly and smoothed her skirt.
***
Darcy stepped down from the carriage and moved aside, allowing Bingley to assist Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
Without lingering, Darcy proceeded toward for the house.
It was not entirely gracious, but he had no intention of offering his arm for the remainder of the evening.
A small stir moved through the room as the Netherfield party entered.
Inside, Sir William received them with effusive warmth.
Once the greetings concluded, Darcy surveyed the assembled company.
It found her at once. Miss Elizabeth stood near Miss Lucas, animated and at ease.
He paused only a moment. Then he crossed the room.
***
Colonel Foster approached Charlotte and Elizabeth and bowed. “Good evening, ladies.”
Both young women curtseyed, and Charlotte made the introduction.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Colonel Foster.”
“A pleasure to meet another friend of Miss Lucas,” the colonel said with easy warmth. "It is a pleasure to be so warmly welcomed to the neighbourhood.”
“We are always glad of new company in our small community,” Charlotte replied, smiling.
