“We have something in common, Lydia,” said Georgiana. “Perhaps we can use that to forge a new friendship together.”
“I should love to have a new friend,” replied Lydia. Still, she did not move from her father’s side, though Georgiana offered her a welcoming grin.
“It is a relief that all has ended well,” said Mrs. Bennet. “I thank you gentleman for your assistance in protecting my daughter.”
The two men murmured their acceptance, claiming they had done nothing out of the ordinary. Mrs. Bennet, however, had not finished.
“What I should like to know,” said she with a pointed look at Mr. Darcy, “is what you mean to do about my second daughter.”
“Please, Mama,” begged Elizabeth. “That is not a subject to discuss in such terms as this.”
“There is, it appears,” said Mr. Darcy, startling Elizabeth, “little enough I can do. I would propose to Miss Elizabeth this instant if I thought she would accept me.”
The entire company burst into laughter at this observation, though Elizabeth could summon little mirth, so mortified was she. Mr. Darcy did not leave the subject at that.
“It seems she is stubborn, Mrs. Bennet. There is nothing I can do but wait to see if I can alter her resolve.”
“Oh, you may depend upon it, Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Bennet, eyeing her, “Lizzy is not so inflexible; we shall bring her to see reason.”
“If you all do not stop,” cried Elizabeth, “I shall become quite cross.”
Elizabeth fixed a hard look on the gentleman. “I said I might reconsider, but if you continue to tease me, I doubt I shall so much as give you a second glance!”
“You see, Mrs. Bennet?” said Mr. Darcy, a plaintive note in his voice. “It appears a hopeless business.”
“Not another word, Mama!” scolded Elizabeth.
While her mother regarded her for a long moment, she appeared to take solace in what she knew of Mr. Darcy’s character, which must have told her he was not bereft of determination. Saying nothing, she settled back in her chair wearing a self-satisfied air like a cloak about her. Then an expression of utter horror came over her.
“But you are to go to the north!” gasped she, horrified at the notion.
“You are to travel?” asked Mr. Darcy.
“I am,” said Elizabeth, lifting her chin to confront him. “My aunt and uncle are to come to Longbourn, and I shall travel with them.”
“And where are you bound?” asked he, intent upon her answer.
“Their original destination was to the lakes,” replied Elizabeth. “Uncle’s business will not allow him enough time away, so instead we shall go to Derbyshire.”
Belatedly, Elizabeth remembered the gentleman’s home was in Derbyshire. Surely fate could not betray her so much that their travels would take them near Mr. Darcy’s estate!
“My aunt spent many years in a small town there called Lambton.”
An expression of delight settled on the man’s face. “Lambton is not five miles from Pemberley,” said he.
“You will join us at Pemberley!” exclaimed Georgiana.
“I do not know if that is proper,” replied Elizabeth weakly.
“I cannot understand what would not be proper about it,” said Mrs. Bennet. “You are acquainted with Mr. Darcy— he may offer an invitation that you could pass to your uncle. Surely my brother and sister would be more comfortable at Mr. Darcy’s estate than an inn, no matter how finely appointed.”
“I agree with your mother’s interpretation,” said Mr. Darcy. “If you would consent to pass the invitation to your uncle, I would be very much obliged, for I would be happy to make his acquaintance.”
“This is all unseemly,” said Elizabeth, glaring at them all, while her father and Colonel Fitzwilliam chortled. Even Lydia appeared to have recovered a little of her spirits and was grinning at her from her father’s side. “Do you all suppose that I will capitulate even if you are all united against me?”
“It seems you would do well to give it up, Lizzy,” said her father. “Now that Mr. Darcy has enlisted your mother to his side, I have little hope for you.”
“And I shall enlist your sisters too!” exclaimed Georgiana. “What fun we shall all have in Derbyshire!”
