Miss Elizabeth took her seat between Mrs. Hurst and Mr. Collins.
Darcy took his place between Miss Bingley and Miss Mary. He nodded to Miss Mary and started a conversation with her.
Bingley sat at the opposite end of the table from his sister, between Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Hurst. Miss Bennet was seated at the greatest possible distance. He appeared to resign himself to it, then turned to Mrs. Bennet and engaged her in cheerful conversation.
The first course was served.
Mr. Collins, much gratified by his situation, began at once to detail the many improvements Lady Catherine de Bourgh had recommended for the parsonage.
Darcy and Miss Mary started a discussion about Shakespeare’s comedies.
She turned slightly toward him. “I have always thoughtMuch Ado About Nothingamong the most instructive of his plays. It shows how easily a lady’s reputation may be damaged, and how necessary it is that truth be firmly established.”
Darcy inclined his head. “You refer to the treatment of Hero?”
“Yes. The readiness with which others believed the accusation is rather sobering.”
Darcy considered this. “Indeed. It is a reminder how fragile reputation may be when judgment is guided by appearance rather than careful inquiry.”
Miss Mary looked pleased. “I am glad you see it so, Mr. Darcy.”
Miss Elizabeth, seated beside Mr. Collins, was obliged to listen as he expounded upon his most recent visit to Rosings.
Miss Bingley took a bite of her potatoes. They might as well have been stones. Nothing was proceeding as she had arranged.
Mr. Darcy had spent much of the dinner in conversation with Miss Mary rather than attending to her. Miss Bennet appeared entirely content as though she had no notion how misplaced such ease must be, engaged in discussion with Mr. Bennet on ancient Rome. Even Miss Elizabeth seemed composed, despite Mr. Collins’s unceasing discourse on his patroness.
Miss Bingley turned to Darcy with a bright smile. “Did you attend the Hendersons’ ball at the end of the season? I understand it was quite a crowded affair.”
“I did not attend,” Darcy replied briefly. He then returned his attention to Miss Mary, inquiring further into her opinion of Hero’s reputation.
Miss Bingley pressed her fork into another potato, then set it down again.
At last, the final course was removed and dessert concluded. Miss Bingley rose. “Perhaps the ladies will withdraw to the drawing room.”
***
When the gentlemen entered the drawing room, Miss Bingley was seated at the pianoforte, speaking in low tones to her sister.
Bingley went at once to Miss Bennet and took a seat beside her. Darcy moved toward Elizabeth, but before he could reach her, Miss Bingley called out, “Mr. Darcy, will you turn pages for me?”
Darcy paused and glanced toward Miss Elizabeth before inclining his head. “Certainly.” He took his place beside Miss Bingley.
With evident satisfaction, she began to play.
Mr. Collins approached Miss Elizabeth and looked about for a seat near her. Finding none, he placed himself opposite and resumed his discourse on the many improvements recommended for his parsonage.
When Miss Bingley finished, the company offered polite applause.
Miss Mary stepped forward. “I should be happy to turn pages for you.” She gave Mr. Darcy a small, composed smile and took his place.
Darcy rose at once and crossed to Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet, would you care to sit nearer the fire?” He offered his arm.
She accepted. “That would be most welcome. Thank you.”
They moved to two chairs near the hearth and sat together.
“This is the first opportunity I have had to speak with you all evening,” he said.
