“Yes, thank you,” Elizabeth whispered, narrowing her eyes in disapproval.
Charlotte smiled unrepentantly.
Elizabeth turned her head at the sound of Lydia’s laughter. She was far too loud. Lydia had clearly imbibed too much wine. Fortunately, Jane was sitting next to her. She spoke quietly to Lydia and took her wine glass away from her. Neither of herparents seemed concerned with Lydia’s outburst. Papa did not even send Lydia a look of censure. Elizabeth quickly glanced at Mr. Darcy. There were several people seated between him and Lydia. He was also in conversation with Sir William. Nevertheless, Elizabeth doubted he was completely oblivious. Was it too much to ask that her family not make themselves look like such fools in front of him?
After dinner, Charlotte asked Elizabeth and Mary to play. They each played two songs. Elizabeth sang the last song she played. The guests were generous with their applause for each performance.
Elizabeth walked over to the table to pour herself a cup of tea. Mr. Darcy joined her.
“I enjoyed hearing you this evening, Miss Elizabeth. You play delightfully, and your voice is lovely," he said, smiling.
“Thank you,” she said, blushing. "Would you like more tea?"
“Yes, thank you.”
She took his cup and filled it. “How do you take your tea?”
“With milk,” he replied.
Elizabeth added a splash of milk and stirred. She handed his cup back, then picked up her own teacup.
“So,” Elizabeth looked at him with mischief in her eyes as they moved away from the table, “your sister tells me you take her to the theatre, to evening musicales, and you even take her riding in Hyde Park. I am beginning to suspect that you are an ideal elder brother who dotes on his baby sister and grants her every wish.”
Mr. Darcy simply held her gaze and grinned.
She chuckled. “Now I am convinced! I regret to inform you, sir, your secret is out.”
Still grinning, he said, “I cannot speak to being an ideal elder brother, but it would please me to know she thinks of me as such.”
“Oh, she most definitely does, you may rest assured,” Elizabeth teased with a smile. She took a sip of tea just as Jane and Charlotte joined them, along with Mr. Bingley.
Their group spent the rest of the evening in conversation until the time came to depart.
Wednesday morning, they saw their parents and sisters off, then went to sit in the drawing room.
“Miss Lizzy, a letter has come for you from Gracechurch Street,” Mrs. Hill said.
“Thank you,” Elizabeth said, taking the letter.
Elizabeth opened her letter and began to read. She soon let out a short laugh followed by, “Aunt Madeleine!”
“What is it?” asked Jane.
“What does she say?” Mary asked.
Elizabeth grinned at them both. “I shall read it to you.”
My Dear Niece,
Youruncleand I look forward to your visit, and so do the children! They bring it up constantly. By now, your father should have informed you girls that we have included Mary in the invitation. Also, I have a surprise for you girls. Your uncle and I mean to spoil you with some new gowns and things. I say “things” because I do not want to give away everything just yet. I simply want you and your sisters to be aware that it is not necessary for you to pack as you normally would. Two morning dresses and one evening gown will suffice. I have scheduled an appointment with the modiste for the day of your arrival. It will be at two o’clock that afternoon. Now, I realize it is asking quite a bit of you girls since you will not have much time to rest after your journey. However, I think it is best thatwe take care of this right away. It will take some days for your gowns to be ready, so putting the orders in immediately is imperative. I shall leave it there. I wish you a safe journey!
Love,
Aunt Madeleine
“Oh my goodness,” Mary said in disbelief.
“They are so generous,” Jane said, smiling.
