Elizabeth considered a moment. “I find him sensible company.”
“Sensible?” Jane echoed gently. “That is cautious praise.”
Elizabeth only smiled. “We shall see.”
At that moment, Mrs. Bennet hurried into the room. “I wonder whether I ought to have directed cook to prepare an additional course. Yes, I believe I shall speak to her.”
Elizabeth rose at once and guided her mother back to her seat. “Pray do not distress yourself. Everything will be perfectly well.”
Lydia, Kitty, and Mary soon joined them. Mrs. Bennet cast an anxious glance toward the door. “And where is your father? They may arrive at any moment.”
“Then it is fortunate I am present,” said Mr. Bennet, taking his seat with composure.
Kitty, positioned near the window, suddenly exclaimed, “They are here.”
Voices sounded in the hall. Mr. Hill appeared in the doorway. “Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, and Miss Bingley.”
Mrs. Bennet rose with animation. “Welcome. Pray be seated. Dinner will be served directly.”
Miss Bingley inclined her head. “How delightfully punctual.”
Darcy approached and bowed to Elizabeth before joining her and Jane in conversation, while Bingley took a seat beside Jane with evident pleasure.
At that moment, Mr. Collins entered, his eye immediately discerning Elizabeth’s position. A shadow crossed his countenance as he advanced. “Miss Elizabeth,” he began with solemn emphasis, “I should be gratified if you would allow me the privilege of attending you at dinner.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “You are very obliging, sir.”
Before she could say more, Mr. Hill announced that dinner was served.
Darcy stepped forward before any reply could be made and offered his arm. “Miss Elizabeth.”
She accepted without hesitation.
Mr. Collins was left to recover himself as the party proceeded toward the dining room.
As the party took their seats, Darcy found himself placed between Mrs. Bennet at the head of the table and Miss Elizabeth. Bingley, he noted with satisfaction, sat across from him beside Jane.
Mrs. Bennet turned eagerly toward Darcy. “We are so delighted you could dine with us. I hope you do not find our country fare inferior.”
The servants began setting out the dishes for the first course.
“You are most obliging, madam. I am very happy to be included.”
“I insisted that cook prepare the mutton in the best manner. One must make an effort when such distinguished company is present.”
Darcy inclined his head. “It appears to have required no effort at all. The table does you great credit.”
Mr. Bingley seemed entirely content in Jane’s company, speaking to her with easy animation.
At the opposite end of the table, Mr. Bennet addressed Mrs. Hurst with mild curiosity. “I understand you spend most of your time in London. Are you enjoying your stay at Netherfield?”
“The countryside is very pretty,” Mrs. Hurst replied languidly, “though I confess I miss the shops and my friends. Charles wishes to acquaint himself with estate matters before making a purchase.”
Miss Bingley spoke with delicate emphasis. “He would have done better to secure an estate nearer to Pemberley.”
Mrs. Hurst turned toward her sister. “Were you not the one who wished to be nearer town? Pemberley is at least three days’ journey.”
Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair, a faint smile touching his lips. The evening promised more diversion than he had anticipated.
