Anne brightened immediately. “Oh yes, I should like that very much.”
Elizabeth noticed that Anne appeared in unusually good spirits. She spoke more readily than was her custom and seemed far less inclined to defer to every remark made by her mother.
Meanwhile, Mr. Collins launched into an enthusiastic discourse on the excellence of Lady Catherine and the improvements he was making at his parsonage. Elizabeth soon observed that no one appeared to be listening to him, including Lady Catherine herself.
***
After tea, most of the company dispersed to pursue other amusements.
Lady Catherine remained seated, considering all she had observed of Miss Elizabeth Bennet. If she were entirely honest, she rather liked the young woman. Miss Bennet possessed spirit and, more importantly, was not easily intimidated.
She sighed softly. For many years she had envisioned a marriage between Darcy and Anne. The match had always seemed natural and desirable. Yet she was not blind to the fact that Darcy had never shown particular interest in Anne, nor had Anne shown any inclination toward Darcy. Indeed, Anne had assured her repeatedly that she had no wish for such a marriage.
Lady Catherine herself had never considered affection a necessary requirement in matrimony. Young people, however, seemed to place great importance upon such sentiments.
Even if she allowed that Darcy and Miss Bennet might suit tolerably well, there remained Anne to consider. She had imagined Anne as mistress of Pemberley for so long that she scarcely knew how to relinquish it.
Lady Catherine sighed again. The entire matter was exceedingly vexing.
Her reflections were interrupted when Miss Bingley entered the room. Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed slightly as Miss Bingley approached. This was another young woman whose conduct required some attention. She had already observed the manner in which Miss Bingley hovered about Darcy with persistent flattery.
Miss Bingley approached with a bright smile.
“I hope everything has been to your satisfaction, Lady Catherine.”
Lady Catherine inclined her head slightly. “Yes, it has been sufficient.”
Miss Bingley seated herself nearby. “Miss Eliza has certainly displayed a great deal of composure since the unfortunate fire.”
“Yes, so I have heard.”
Miss Bingley leaned forward slightly. “I was quite surprised to learn that she was directing the men during the fire and,” she paused delicately, “carrying buckets of water herself.”
Lady Catherine regarded her coolly. “I imagine that carrying water during a fire is not an unusual activity. It is certainly preferable to standing by while one’s house burns to ashes.”
Miss Bingley gave a small laugh. “I suppose country girls must be rather strong. I confess I should never think of carrying buckets in such a manner.”
Lady Catherine made no reply.
After a moment, Miss Bingley attempted another subject. “I have observed that Miss Eliza spends a great deal of time in Mr. Darcy’s company. They were riding together early this morning before breakfast.”
Lady Catherine nodded. “Darcy frequently rides early.”
Miss Bingley smiled slightly. “But I cannot help wondering whether Mr. Darcy fully appreciates how calculating young ladies in the country may sometimes be.”
Lady Catherine’s expression cooled noticeably. “My nephew is perfectly capable of choosing his own acquaintances.”
She rose. “I believe I shall rest before dinner.”
Chapter seventeen
Elizabeth stood at the front of the church, her hands loosely clasped before her. The murmur of conversation softened as the doors at the back opened.
Sir William Lucas entered first, his expression radiant with pride, Charlotte on his arm. Both were beaming. Charlotte looked very pretty, her hair dressed more elaborately than her usual low bun, soft curls framing her face. She wore a gown of fine ivory muslin with a delicate lace overlay that caught the light as she moved.
Yet Elizabeth saw at once that Charlotte noticed nothing of the room. Her entire attention was fixed upon Colonel Forster waiting at the front of the church. There was no mistaking her happiness.
Across from Elizabeth stood the colonel, tall and composed in his red uniform, Captain Langley at his side. Both men bore themselves with easy confidence, though there was unmistakable warmth in the colonel’s expression as Charlotte approached.
