For a time, Kitty returned Lydia’s unkindness insult for insult, and while the rest of the family looked at them with annoyance, they did not intervene. When the girls’ behavior grew too boisterous, however, Elizabeth would not allow it to continue.
“Why, I should not wonder if the regiment did not concern themselves a jot at the lack of your company.” Lydia had resumed the habit of raising the subject of the officers, her commentary liberally seasoned with boasts of her popularity with them. “Sanderson and Denny only paid you any attention because you were so often loitering near me, and I have it on good authority that Chamberlayne considered you only tolerable.”
As the bickering continued, Elizabeth shared a look with Jane, noting Jane’s pinched expression. If even Jane had tired of the girls’ arguing, there was little to do but put an end to it.
“That is enough, Lydia, Kitty,” said Elizabeth, glaring at the two girls. “Your arguing is wearing on us all. It is time to be silent.”
Kitty, who had been engaged in nothing more than responding to Lydia’s attacks, quieted at once, appearing a little shame-faced for losing her temper. Lydia, however, was not one to allow even an elder sister to reprimand her.
“I need not listen to you, Lizzy,” spat she. “You are not Mama.”
“No, but I am your elder sister, and you will obey me. Mama has just about had enough of your nonsense too.”
It was the truth, for even Lydia recognized her mother’s displeasure. The girl was too far gone in offense, though her concerns were nonsensical. She rose, attempting to present something resembling dignity.
“You are all simply jealous of me, for had I gone to Brighton, I would have married before any of you.”
“Believe what you wish, Lydia,” said Elizabeth. “If you suppose I cared at all for the officers, you are far more foolish than I might have thought.”
Lydia snorted her disdain. “I shall be married and mistress of my own home long after you are an old maid. You weren’t even handsome enough to tempt disagreeable Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth longed to throw Mr. Darcy’s proposal in the silly chit’s face, but she knew the uproar such a revelation must provoke. It was fortunate that their mother finally stepped in, and for a wonder, it was not to support her youngest daughter.
“Lizzy is very well without Mr. Darcy, child. We need hear no more of your ill humor. If you cannot behave yourself, you may return to your room.”
While Lydia glared at her mother, betrayal in her eyes, she possessed some knowledge that told her to protest would serve her ill. Thus, trying to appear unconcerned but with little more than a flounce, she left the room, the sounds of her heavy tread on the stairs speaking to her displeasure. The silence left in her wake after she slammed her door was a welcome reprieve.
“That child will be the death of me,” muttered Mrs. Bennet, again surprising them all.
Then the world turned upside down. On the heels of Lydia’s departure, the door opened, and Mrs. Hill led two gentlemen and a lady into the room. The ladies started and stared, for the gentleman in the lead was none other than Mr. Darcy, and while he was the only member of the party known to them all, Elizabeth also knew Colonel Fitzwilliam. The lady, she assumed was Miss Georgiana Darcy, a surprise as Elizabeth had never supposed Mr. Darcy would expose his sister to such people as the Bennets of Longbourn.
“Mr. Darcy!” exclaimed Mrs. Bennet, for once forgetting her antipathy for the man in her surprise. “What a surprise it is to see you here.”
“I apologize for coming unannounced, Mrs. Bennet,” said the gentleman, appearing distinctly uncomfortable. “I know it is an imposition.”
It was of no surprise to anyone the direction Mrs. Bennet’s thoughts tended. “Of course, you are welcome, sir. Has Mr. Bingley accompanied you?”
Elizabeth noticed Jane’s reaction when her mother raised the subject of the absent gentleman, for her sister appeared quite distressed at the notion of seeing him yet again. Mr. Darcy, it appeared, also noticed it, though his response again took a path Elizabeth might not have expected in advance.
“No, mum, for Bingley is in the north visiting his family.”
Jane and Mrs. Bennet alike appeared crestfallen at the news, but then Mr. Darcy spoke again.
“Before he left London, Bingley and I spoke. I expect that when he returns from York, he will come to Hertfordshire, for he spoke of wishing to see to the estate.”
Mrs. Bennet’s countenance lit up at the notion, though it appeared Jane did not know what to think. As she could not summon the words, the right of response fell to Mrs. Bennet, and for a wonder, she did not embarrass them all with some exclamation.
“We should be happy to welcome him again, Mr. Darcy, for he is an excellent gentleman.”
With a nod, Mr. Darcy gestured to his companions. “Might I introduce my relations to you?”
“Of course,” fluttered Mrs. Bennet, her flightiness coming over her again. “We should be happy to make their acquaintance.”
With a smile, Mr. Darcy introduced his cousin, then confirmed Elizabeth’s conjecture that the young woman was his sister. Those newly introduced stated their pleasure and exchanged bows and curtseys, and then they sat down to visit. The scene was so surreal, Elizabeth thought to pinch herself to ensure she was awake. Yet, Mr. Darcy accepted her mother’s invitation to sit, and if Colonel Fitzwilliam carried most of the conversation, Mr. Darcy did not remain silent. Georgiana Darcy was another matter, for while she wished to contribute, it was clear she lacked the courage to do so.
“Your coming is the greatest surprise,” said Mrs. Bennet, as if she had not already made a similar comment at least three or four times already. “And to come without Mr. Bingley!”
The Bennet matron’s eyes narrowed as she regarded them. “Do you mean to stay long, or are you simply passing through?”
