Elizabeth shook her head. “I would as soon marry the pulpit itself. He speaks without feeling, flatters without meaning, and believes every thought not his patroness’ must be in error.”
Charlotte smiled knowingly. “Perhaps your heart is already engaged elsewhere—to a gentleman of better breeding, with fine eyes and a more reserved manner?”
Elizabeth laughed. “You will have me accused of vanity next. I assure you, Mr. Darcy has no designs, nor I any interest. He is not so very bad, I suppose—but that is as generous as I can be.”
“Say what you will, Lizzy. Hearts have a way of misbehaving when least expected.”
"Then let us hope mine remains rational. Two romantics in this house is quite enough. One is smitten with Mr. Bingley and the other has four legs."
At this, Pippin barked once, as though in agreement.
***
THE MERRY COMMOTION OF returning voices filled the hall just as Elizabeth and Charlotte finished their seed cake. Lydia’s laughter rang out first, followed by Kitty’s fluttering chatter and Jane’s softer tones. A moment later the party from Meryton entered, cheeks bright from the cold and spirits high.
“Mama!” cried Lydia, bursting into the room. “You will never believe it! Aunt Philips says a new regiment has come to town—a whole regiment! Officers everywhere, and they are to be quartered near the High Street!”
Kitty clapped her hands. “Yes, and Aunt Philips says Colonel Forster’s wife is quite amiable and intends to hold a gathering soon. Only imagine, Lizzy, red coats in every direction!”
Elizabeth smiled. “Your imagination has already joined the parade, I think.”
Mrs. Bennet entered at Kitty's call, nearly as flushed as her daughters. "A new regiment? My word! How charming for Meryton! Lydia, Kitty, you must behave like proper young ladies. We would not wish the officers to think Hertfordshire girls too forward."
Lydia giggled. “Oh, I shall be all modesty and decorum, Mama—until one of them asks me to dance.”
Laughter rippled through the room. When it subsided, Elizabeth turned to her guest. “Charlotte, you have not yet met our cousin. Mr. Collins, allow me to present my friend, Miss Lucas.”
Mr. Collins rose with an air of consequence and bowed deeply. “Miss Lucas, the honour is entirely mine.”
Charlotte curtsied, a polite smile playing about her lips. “You are very kind, sir.”
Mrs. Bennet beamed with satisfaction. "Indeed, Miss Lucas and her parents are among our dearest friends. You must visit Lucas Lodge, Mr. Collins; it is but a short walk from here, and I am sure they would be delighted to receive you."
“I shall be most happy to do so,” Mr. Collins replied with solemn courtesy.
"How glad I am to see you," Jane said, her eyes on their guest rather than on the animated discussion of the regiment.
“And I, you,” said Charlotte warmly.
Elizabeth leaned forward. “And beyond the news of soldiers, how was Meryton itself?”
Jane smiled. “Very pleasant indeed. I met Mr. Bingley by chance, just outside Colonel Forster’s house. You know it stands opposite Aunt Philips’s. He had called to deliver a note, I think.”
Mrs. Bennet clasped her hands. “Mr. Bingley again! How delightful, my dear Jane. So attentive of him!”
Jane coloured slightly. “He only stopped to speak for a few minutes. Aunt Philips joined us, and he was his usual pleasant self.”
Mr. Collins, seated stiffly nearby, spoke with great satisfaction. “An amiable young man, that Mr. Bingley. So cheerful, so obliging. I should like to improve the acquaintance.”
"Was Mr. Darcy there as well?" The words left Elizabeth's lips before she could check them.
Charlotte turned to her, eyes alight with amusement. “Mr. Darcy, Lizzy?” she murmured teasingly, but, catching sight of Mr. Collins, checked herself and said no more.
Jane shook her head. “Mr. Darcy was not with him today. Mr. Bingley said he had business elsewhere.”
At once Mr. Collins started upright. “Mr. Darcy! Surely not Mr. Darcy of Derbyshire—the master of Pemberley?”
Kitty, always eager, nodded. “Yes, that is he. Mr. Bingley’s closest friend.”
