“I believe you take satisfaction in it.”
She met his gaze. “I do. But if it were widely known that I manage the estate and engage in trade, people would talk.”
Darcy’s expression softened. “Those wagons suggested something more substantial than mere experiment. Still, I understand your concern.”
Elizabeth glanced back toward the house. “I must go and prepare. We are to dine at Netherfield this evening.”
Darcy reached for her hand and held it a moment. “Then I shall look forward to seeing you again.”
He released her, mounted his horse, and rode off toward Netherfield.
Elizabeth remained where she was, watching until he disappeared from view.
***
Miss Bingley surveyed the dinner table with considerable satisfaction. Mr. Darcy would be seated beside her, as was proper, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet would be placed farther down the table beside Mr. Collins. Her maid had repeated a rumour that Mr. Collins intended to propose. Good. He might begin tonight.
Charles would be safely removed from Miss Bennet; she had placed her four seats from him. Poor Charles must endure Mrs. Bennet at his side. Perhaps that would cure him of any inclination toward such a connection. Yes, this evening promised to be most satisfactory.
Miss Bingley entered the drawing room. Charles and the Hursts were already seated. She took her place upon the sofa.
“Where is Mr. Darcy? Or does he intend to avoid the Bennets this evening?”
“Not at all. I am very much looking forward to it.”
Darcy entered as he spoke and took a chair at some distance from Miss Bingley.
Charles glanced toward his sister. “You will be polite to the Bennets.”
“Of course, Charles. I am always polite.”
Charles did not appear persuaded, though he said nothing.
Voices sounded in the hall, and the butler appeared in the doorway.
“Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Mary Bennet, and Mr. Collins.”
Bingley and Darcy rose as the Bennets entered.
Bingley stepped forward with easy warmth. “Welcome. I am delighted you could join us. Pray make yourselves comfortable.”
As the company settled, Miss Bingley observed that Darcy waited until Miss Elizabeth had taken her seat before crossing to her.
“Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to see you this evening.”
Bingley soon joined Miss Bennet upon a nearby chair, and they fell into quiet conversation.
Mr. Collins placed himself beside Miss Bingley upon the sofa.
“This room reminds me strongly of one at Rosings Park, the seat of my patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.”
Miss Bingley did not immediately reply. She sat with a fixed expression, her composure just maintained.
The butler appeared once more and inclined his head.
“Ah,” she said, rising quickly, “dinner is served.” She crossed at once to Darcy and took his arm, leading the way into the dining room.
Bingley offered his arm to Mrs. Bennet and escorted her in, while Jane followed. The rest of the party proceeded after them.
