He then secured a set from Miss Bennet and Miss Mary before moving to the sideboard and loading his plate with breakfast.
Lydia made a remark about enjoying the schoolroom, which the others pretended not to hear.
Kitty muffled a laugh as Mrs. Tyler cast them both a dark look.
***
Caroline entered the drawing room. “The decorations look very well, and the kitchen is occupied with the preparations. The musicians from London should arrive shortly. Everything appears ready. Not that the people in this dismal little town deserve such attention.”
Charles frowned. “Really, Caroline. You should remember that many of these families are landed and have been so for several generations.”
Caroline gave a small shrug as she moved toward Mr. Darcy. “I am sure there are some who would much prefer the entire event forgotten altogether.”
Mr. Darcy looked up from his book. “If that remark was directed at me, you are mistaken. I am looking forward to the evening with a great deal of pleasure.”
Caroline tilted her head. “How very surprising. I had always understood that you disliked country balls.”
“I dislike them less when the company is agreeable.”
Caroline stepped nearer. “Perhaps there is someone in particular whose company recommends the evening to you.”
Darcy closed his book with deliberate calm. “There are several people in Hertfordshire whose company I value.”
Caroline turned away and seated herself beside her sister. “Louisa, you must agree with me.”
Mrs. Hurst did not immediately look up as she turned a page of her fashion book. “What is it that I am to agree with?”
“That there is neither fashion nor breeding in this town.”
Mrs. Hurst gave a slight shrug. “If one is determined to be dissatisfied, one will generally succeed.”
Caroline stared at her. “What a very odd remark.”
Mrs. Hurst rose, still holding her book. “I believe I shall go upstairs and rest before the ball. Pray excuse me.” She left the room without waiting for a reply.
***
As Elizabeth entered the drawing room with Jane, she found the rest of the family already assembled.
Lydia and Kitty immediately set about admiring the gowns worn by Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, and Mrs. Bennet, declaring them all exceedingly elegant.
Jane wore her new pale blue gown; her hair arranged in an intricate braid adorned with pearl-tipped pins.
Mary’s deep plum silk was trimmed with small glittering beads at the bodice, and her hair was pulled up in an abundant arrangement of curls.
Elizabeth wore her dark green dress with slightly puffed sleeves, her long white gloves already in place. Her hair was dressed in a similar style to Mary’s, though with a touch more simplicity.
Even Mr. Bennet sported a new suit.
Elizabeth crossed the room and kissed her father’s cheek. “You look quite handsome this evening.”
Mr. Bennet moved to Mrs. Bennet’s side. “You look very well, my dear. I am even resolved to ask you for a set, if you will grant me one.”
Mrs. Bennet blushed. “I am not certain I remember the steps.”
“Then we shall discover them together.”
The party soon made their way outside, where two carriages stood waiting, the horses patient and ready.
