Elizabeth smiled. “I believe that was by design.” She glanced toward the pianoforte, where Miss Bingley had begun another piece, her expression less composed than it had been.
Darcy kept his attention fixed upon Elizabeth. “She overheard our plans for tomorrow and means to join us.”
Miss Bingley finished and rose, crossing directly toward them. Mary began a cheerful air at the pianoforte.
“Miss Eliza,” she said, “I understand congratulations are in order.”
“I am afraid I do not understand your meaning.”
“There is no need for coyness. I refer, of course, to your engagement to Mr. Collins.”
“I believe you are mistaken. There is no such engagement.”
“That is not what I have heard.”
Elizabeth gave a small shrug. “I cannot answer for what you may have heard. I can only assure you there is no engagement between us. Though…” she added lightly, “if you are interested in Mr. Collins, I should be happy to recommend you.”
Miss Bingley drew herself up. “Do not be absurd. I have no interest in Mr. Collins.”
“My apologies. I could not otherwise account for your concern.”
Miss Bingley made no reply and withdrew to her sister, her composure strained.
Darcy gave a quiet laugh. “That was very well managed.”
Elizabeth raised a brow. “I thought it merely practical.”
“Practical, perhaps, but executed with admirable restraint. Many would have shown less composure.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “You credit me too highly.”
Darcy did not immediately respond. Instead, he leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice so that only she might hear.
Elizabeth felt the shift at once and turned toward him.
Across the room, Miss Bingley glanced toward them once more. Her smile grew slightly strained as she watched Mr. Darcy.
Chapter ten
Elizabeth entered the drawing room the next morning and found Mrs. Bennet with Jane and Mary. “Good morning. I am glad to find you all here. I wished to speak with you about the ball.”
Mrs. Bennet frowned at once. “I hope you do not mean that we are to forgo new gowns because we are saving money.”
Elizabeth paused, then sighed lightly. “No, Mama. I meant that we have an appointment this morning with Mrs. Turner for new gowns for all of you, so we had best not delay.”
Mrs. Bennet’s expression transformed instantly. “Truly, Lizzy? You are not teasing?”
“I am not teasing. The carriage is at the door, and the horses will not thank us for lingering.”
The ladies hastened for their pelisses and bonnets and were soon on their way to Meryton. When they entered the shop, Mrs. Turner greeted them, several bolts of fabric arranged neatly upon the table.
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes widened. “Why, these are very fine silks.” She touched them with evident delight.
Mrs. Turner smiled. “As I have your measurements, we need only settle upon fabrics and patterns. For Miss Bennet, I thought this pale blue might be particularly becoming.”
She held the silk up against Jane.
Mrs. Bennet clasped her hands. “Oh, that is very pretty indeed. What do you think, Jane?”
