Millie appeared in the doorway, beaming. “It is a boy!”
Elizabeth released a breath, her shoulders easing.
***
Darcy looked up from his book as the rest of the Netherfield party returned.
“Ah, Darcy,” Bingley said with a broad smile. “You should have accompanied us. I made the acquaintance of a most delightful young lady, Miss Bennet.”
Darcy returned a faint smile. “That does not surprise me.”
Miss Bingley approached him at once. “And how have you been occupied this evening, Mr. Darcy? We quite missed you.”
Darcy’s expression sobered. “I had business to attend to.”
Bingley nodded. “And was it settled satisfactorily?”
Darcy inclined his head. “Everything is as it should be.”
He rose. “If you will excuse me, I shall retire. Good evening.”
His thoughts returned, not for the first time, to Miss Elizabeth and he found the recollection unexpectedly persistent.
Chapter three
Elizabeth entered the room and was relieved to find no guests had yet arrived. She sat beside Jane and took up the handkerchief she had been embroidering.
Jane gave her a small smile, then cast a glance toward their mother before looking back at Elizabeth.
Mrs. Bennet regarded Elizabeth with a frown. “And what have you to say for yourself, Lizzy? You know I expected you to attend the assembly with Jane and Mary.”
Elizabeth paused a moment before replying. “Should Mrs. Smith have been left to manage her confinement alone? Would it have reflected well upon us, to neglect our tenants?”
Mrs. Bennet gave a dissatisfied huff. “Of course we take care of our people. But I cannot conceive why it must occur on the very night of an assembly.”
Elizabeth inclined her head slightly. “I am sure she did not plan it so.” She turned to Jane. “Did you enjoy the evening? Did you meet the Netherfield party?”
Jane smiled at once. “Oh yes. Mr. Bingley was exceedingly kind. He asked me to dance twice. His sisters appeared very elegant, though they kept much to themselves.”
Mrs. Bennet’s expression changed at once. “Twice, did he? Very proper indeed!”
Elizabeth then looked toward Mary, who sat beside their mother. “And you, Mary, did you enjoy yourself?”
Mary nodded solemnly. “I danced a few times, though gentlemen were rather scarce.”
Mr. Hill entered and announced, “Lady Lucas, Miss Lucas, and Miss Maria.”
Mrs. Bennet turned at once. “Hill, bring tea.”
Elizabeth set aside her needlework and rose as the guests entered.
***
Mr. Bennet looked up from his desk as Elizabeth passed the door of his book-room. “Elizabeth, I should like you to see this letter.”
“Of course, Papa.”
Elizabeth went to the desk, took the offered letter, and seated herself in a nearby chair. As she began to read, Mr. Bennet watched her. His lips curved in amusement
