Charlotte’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Mr. Darcy, indeed. And what am I to understand from that?”
Elizabeth colored slightly. “He has been very…attentive.”
“Attentive?” Charlotte returned with a knowing look. “How very interesting.”
Elizabeth laughed softly, then grew a little more serious. “In truth, that is partly why I came. We are to leave tomorrow forLondon. Mr. Darcy has invited our family to stay with him and his sister.”
Charlotte’s expression softened. “Then I fear it may be some time before we meet again. The regiment is to leave Meryton in a few months and proceed to Brighton.”
“Brighton!” Elizabeth said with a smile. “You must write to me of all your adventures there.”
“And you,” Charlotte replied, taking her hand, “must write to me of yours.”
Chapter twenty-three
Elizabeth rose early the next morning. The sun had only just begun to rise, and the fire had not yet been built up. Her clothing was packed, her travel dress hanging neatly on the door.
Millie entered quietly. “Would you like to dress, Miss Elizabeth?”
Elizabeth nodded, and Millie assisted her, fastening the buttons at her back.
Elizabeth glanced at her. “You are packed as well?”
“Yes, ma’am. That was done last evening. My trunk has already been taken down.”
Elizabeth nodded thoughtfully. “I have a box in the library with the ledgers. They are important. Please ensure they are placed in my carriage.”
Millie smiled. “They have already been loaded, ma’am.”
Elizabeth gave a small laugh. “I should have expected no less. Thank you, Millie.”
It was still early, but Elizabeth made her way down to the dining room. She was pleasantly surprised to find the sideboard already laid out.
She prepared a small plate, poured herself a cup of hot chocolate, and took a seat.
Jane entered soon after. “Good morning, Lizzy.”
Elizabeth smiled over her cup. “Good morning.”
Jane filled her own plate and sat beside her.
With quiet happiness, she said, “Charles told me they will be going to London as well.”
Elizabeth’s lips curved. “Charles told you so, did he?”
Jane blushed. “We have been using our given names.”
“Then am I to wish you joy?”
Jane shook her head, though she could not suppress her smile. “No… not yet.”
Darcy entered the room. “Good morning, ladies. Do you expect the others soon?”
Elizabeth looked up. “Good morning. I do not think my mother will be down just yet. They will be traveling in their own carriage. In fact, there will be several. I hope that will not be inconvenient.”
Darcy smiled. “Not in the least. If necessary, I may make use of my uncle’s carriage house.”
Mary entered quietly, took up a scone and a cup of tea, and looked between them. “When are we to leave?”
