She hesitated, then, with a small but determined breath, added, “May I wear this gown home?”
Mrs. Turner laughed softly. “Certainly, miss. It is yours.”
She carefully boxed the second gown and handed it to Anne.
Anne glanced once more at her reflection, her expression bright with anticipation. “I cannot wait to see what my mother says when she sees me.”
Elizabeth smiled, though she suspected it might prove an experience Anne would not enjoy quite as much as she hoped.
***
When Anne and Elizabeth entered the drawing room, Lady Catherine had not yet arrived. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet were seated near the fireplace, while Jane and Mr. Bingley occupied their usual place upon the sofa, with Darcy seated nearby. Miss Bingley sat near the window, while Lydia hovered restlessly at the edge of the room.
Bingley looked up at their entrance. “You must allow me to say, Miss de Bourgh, that is a most becoming gown.”
Darcy’s gaze followed, and he inclined his head slightly. “The colour suits you very well.”
Lydia sprang from her seat and hurried forward. “Oh, Miss Anne, your dress is quite beautiful! I cannot wait until I am out and may wear such things myself.”
Anne smiled, a little shy but clearly pleased. “Thank you.”
Miss Bingley regarded her with a measured look. “The gown is well enough, though I think Bond Street would have offered a greater selection. Miss Elizabeth has, no doubt, done her best.”
Elizabeth did not turn toward her, though she privately acknowledged a strong inclination to pinch her.
She took a seat near Darcy.
He glanced at her with a faint smile. “I see you have been occupied.”
Elizabeth inclined her head slightly. “I am most curious to see whether we shall all survive the consequences.”
A moment later, Lady Catherine entered and took her seat. Her gaze moved about the room until it fell upon Anne. She paused, her expression sharpening.
“Anne, what are you wearing?”
Anne looked down briefly at her gown, then met her mother’s eyes. “One of my new dresses. Do you like it?”
Lady Catherine looked Anne up and down, her expression assessing and precise. For a moment, it seemed she might speak immediately, but instead she glanced about the room and met Elizabeth’s gaze. There was something in Elizabeth’s expression, composed but unyielding, that gave Lady Catherine pause.
She drew herself up slightly. “It is not what I should have selected,” she said at last, “but it appears to suit you.”
Anne blinked in surprise, then smiled, tentatively at first, then with growing warmth. “Thank you, Mama.”
Lady Catherine inclined her head, as if the matter were settled and required no further comment.
Elizabeth said nothing, but her attention did not waver. She had seen the moment of hesitation, the brief recalculation, and understood it for what it was.
***
The inn parlour was quiet, the fire low, the air still carrying the faint scent of travel and polish.
Mr. Collins rose at once as they entered, bowing deeply, first to Lady Catherine, then to the others.
“My honoured patroness, Mr. Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy. I am most gratified by this condescension.”
“Pray sit down, Mr. Collins,” Mr. Bennet said, taking a chair without ceremony.
Collins obeyed, though not without a slight hesitation, as if uncertain of the ground beneath his feet. Lady Catherine seated herself with dignity. Darcy remained standing for a moment before taking his place beside Elizabeth.
