Darcy followed it, his expression sharpening for a moment before he returned his attention to her with a small nod.
At that moment, a servant entered quietly and approached Elizabeth’s chair. “A note from Longbourn, Miss,” he said in a low voice.
Elizabeth set down her cup before taking the note. She broke the seal and read it quickly, her expression remaining composed, though her attention sharpened.
She folded the note with care. “Thank you. If the messenger is waiting, inform him I will be leaving for Longbourn shortly.”
“Yes, Miss.” The servant withdrew.
Darcy glanced at her, clearly aware that the matter was not insignificant, though he did not intrude.
Miss Bingley and the Hursts soon joined the party, and breakfast began in earnest.
“Miss de Bourgh was in Meryton yesterday,” Mrs. Hurst remarked. “I hear she ordered half a dozen gowns.”
Darcy looked up in surprise. “Miss de Bourgh?”
“Indeed. Miss Bennet accompanied her.”
Darcy said nothing, but the information struck him more forcibly than Mrs. Hurst could have intended. His glance toward Elizabeth held a new degree of consideration.
Lady Catherine turned to her daughter in astonishment. “You went shopping?”
Anne smiled, a quiet brightness in her expression. “It was the most enjoyable morning I have had in a very long time.”
Lady Catherine remained silent, as though the world had shifted in some unexpected direction.
Mr. Collins turned again to Elizabeth. “You ought not to have done such a thing without Lady Catherine’s permission.”
Elizabeth looked toward Anne. “May I ask your age, Miss de Bourgh?”
Anne smiled again. “I shall be five-and-twenty next month.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “I do not think a few new gowns will do her lasting harm.”
Mr. Collins stared at her in horror. “But Lady Catherine…”
Lady Catherine glanced dismissively at Mr. Collins, “I am quite capable of speaking for myself,”
Mr. Collins pressed on, though with less certainty. “Miss Elizabeth has displayed a degree of independence quite improper in a young lady.”
Miss Bingley gave a delicate smile. “I have observed the same.”
Lady Catherine turned her attention to Elizabeth. “I spoke with your mother earlier. She attributes a great deal of her present security to you.”
Elizabeth blinked. “My mother said that?”
“She did. With more sincerity than I expected.”
Elizabeth was silent for a moment. Despite her composure, a tear escaped. She brushed it away quickly. “I am… quite astonished.”
***
Elizabeth remained seated for a moment, her thoughts moving quickly. She turned slightly toward Mr. Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, I must return to Longbourn at once. There has been an incident requiring immediate attention.”
Darcy set down his fork without hesitation. “May I be of assistance?”
Elizabeth met his gaze. “You may. The matter concerns Mr. Wickham.”
