As the first course was removed and the second arranged, Lydia sighed audibly.
“We encountered officers this morning. They look exceedingly handsome in their red coats. It is my fondest wish to marry an officer.”
Elizabeth spoke gently. “Lydia, you are very young yet. There is much to enjoy before such matters need be decided.”
“I am weary of lessons. I wish to dance and have a little excitement.”
Darcy turned his attention toward Lydia. “May I inquire why you are so eager to marry?”
“What a triumph it would be to be married first, and I the youngest of all.”
A thoughtful expression crossed his face. “It is a generous ambition.”
“Generous?” Lydia repeated.
“A young officer must often live with considerable economy. Few possess independent fortunes. A wife in such circumstances must be prepared for frequent removals and modest accommodations. There is seldom much allowance for ribbons.”
Lydia blinked. “And no servants?”
“Not unless one can afford them.”
She stared at him in dismay and glanced toward her father.
Mr. Bennet nodded mildly. “Mr. Darcy does not exaggerate.”
Elizabeth regarded Darcy with quiet amusement. “I believe, sir, you have accomplished what no one else has managed.”
He met her eyes briefly. “I only offered information.”
Across the table, Miss Bingley endured Mr. Collins’s discourse with strained composure. Lady Catherine’s name recurred with remarkable frequency, accompanied by detailed accounts of her condescension and discernment. Miss Bingley listened with visible restraint, uncertain whether to admire the lady’s consequence or resent the repetition of it. Mary, attentive but composed, posed occasional polite questions which only served to prolong the subject.
Mr. Hurst, seated near Kitty, devoted himself almost entirely to the wine and the dishes before him, contributing little beyond a murmur of approval. Kitty, receiving scant encouragement, soon directed her attention toward Jane’s livelier conversation.
At length, the final course was removed and dessert enjoyed. Mrs. Bennet rose with satisfaction. “Shall we adjourn to the drawing room?”
The ladies followed her from the dining room, leaving the gentlemen to their wine.
***
When the gentlemen joined the ladies in the drawing room, Mary was playing at the pianoforte, with Elizabeth turning pages for her. Kitty and Lydia were speaking quietly together. Mrs. Bennet and Jane were seated near Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. Mrs. Bennet asked Kitty to request tea from Hill.
Darcy crossed to the pianoforte. Mary soon finished and smiled at Elizabeth before moving to the other side of the room.
Elizabeth looked up at Darcy. “Do you have a request?”
Darcy paused a moment, then smiled. “I much admired the piece you played the other evening.”
Elizabeth nodded and selected a sheet of music.
“May I turn pages for you?” he asked.
“Thank you.”
Miss Bingley watched the exchange with a tightened expression and murmured something to Mrs. Hurst.
Mr. Collins approached and stationed himself near Mr. Darcy. “I shall turn pages for Miss Elizabeth. There is no need for you to trouble yourself.”
“No trouble at all,” Darcy replied evenly. “I am very well as I am.”
