Elizabeth felt the weight of it settle, not as surprise, but as certainty at last.
The servants entered and began to pour the wine. Lydia made a face as she and Kitty were passed over.
Mr. Bennet raised his glass. “To Longbourn.”
The company followed. “To Longbourn.”
***
Kitty and Lydia were sitting on the sofa in the drawing room, quietly practicing their French lesson. Mrs. Bennet sat in her favorite chair near the fire.
Miss Bingley entered and took a seat opposite the girls. Lydia rolled her eyes when Miss Bingley entered.
She watched them for several minutes before speaking. “Your French is tolerable, though I cannot recommend the manner of its practice.”
Lydia leaned toward Kitty and whispered, casting a quick glance at Miss Bingley,“Elle est agaçante, peu importe la langue qu’elle parle.”1
Kitty attempted to suppress a giggle but failed to do so.
Miss Bingley’s expression hardened. “If you cannot conduct yourselves properly, it would be best if you remained upstairs.”
Kitty’s smile faltered. She lowered her eyes, blinking rapidly.
Lydia sprang to her feet. “You are horrid. I do not know how anyone tolerates you. You may forget about Mr. Darcy. I am sure he thinks you horrid as well. No wonder he is always trying to escape.”
“Girls, that is quite enough,” Mrs. Bennet said.
Miss Bingley turned toward her. "Surely you would not wish your daughters to give offense in another’s house.”
She resumed her seat, but her composure faltered as she saw Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth standing in the doorway.
Darcy’s voice, when he spoke, was quiet. “Miss Bingley, I believe you mistake your role here.”
Elizabeth stepped forward without hesitation. “Lydia, Kitty, come. We will continue upstairs.”
***
Darcy entered the library and paused just inside the door. A small smile touched his lips when he saw Elizabeth seated near the fire, the warm light catching in her hair.
“May I join you?”
Elizabeth looked up and gestured to the chair beside her. “Of course.”
She leaned back, though there was still a trace of wonder in her expression. “I can hardly believe the entail will be broken. It has hovered over our family for as long as I can remember.”
Darcy inclined his head. “I am very glad it has been resolved in your favor. I only regret that it came about through such unfortunate circumstances.”
She gave a small nod. “Yes, but the house can be repaired. Mr. Collins…” A faint smile touched her lips. “Mr. Collins, I fear, cannot.”
Darcy’s eyes warmed with quiet amusement. “I believe you are entirely correct.”
Elizabeth leaned forward slightly, as if recalling something. “Oh, I meant to tell you. Mr. Reeves will arrive next week. Mr. Wilmot spoke highly of him.”
“I am pleased to hear it,” Darcy said. “He is a capable man. There was little opportunity for advancement where he was, so this will suit him well.”
“There is much to be done,” she said thoughtfully. “Repairs will begin soon, but they cannot be completed quickly. I do not believe Miss Bingley’s patience will extend to such an inconvenience.”
Darcy’s mouth curved faintly. “No, I should not expect it to.”
