“Because I am not yet out.”
Lydia stared at her as if she could not fathom such a thing. “Not out? Why, you are older than I am, and I have been out for a year now.”
Kitty kicked at Lydia’s foot, and while it provoked a glare, Lydia lapsed into silence, though she still appeared astonished. That Kitty had the sense enough to stifle Lydia’s outburst was a surprise, though welcome. It was no surprise when Lydia chose another tactic.
“Surely you would not require your sister to stay at Netherfield when we shall all have fun at the assembly, Mr. Darcy.”
The gentleman appeared to consider this for several moments. “If you wish to attend, I have no objection.”
Georgiana’s eyes widened to the size of teacups. “I may attend?” It was little more than a squeak.
“You may,” replied Mr. Darcy. “As you are unknown in Meryton, it is an excellent opportunity to experience your first function without the pressure of London or Derbyshire. There will, of course, be certain restrictions.”
So pleased was Georgiana that she did not object at all. “That is wonderful, Brother. Thank you!”
“Might I assume your restrictions will include partners?” asked Mrs. Hurst who was looking on with interest.
“That would be prudent,” said Mr. Darcy. “A young lady at her first event should not make herself available to every man in the room. Perhaps myself, Bingley, or even Hurst and Mr. Bennet should they be inclined.”
Mr. Hurst, Elizabeth noted, did not appear pleased, though Elizabeth supposed Georgiana would not be so eager to dance with him even if he was. Mr. Bennet snorted but said nothing, and Georgiana nodded eagerly.
“My sisters and I shall also stand up with Georgiana,” said Elizabeth.
“We often do it when gentlemen are scarce,” added Kitty, excited about the prospect.
“Then it is settled.” Mr. Darcy grinned at his sister. “I can promise you several dances, Georgiana, as my disinclination for much dancing is such that only a few will be sufficient for my interest.”
“Only you, Darcy,” said Mr. Bingley, shaking his head, “would suggest dancing with your sister to avoid the other ladies in the room.”
“Not at all, Bingley,” was Mr. Darcy’s bland reply. “I shall look on it as a duty to my sister.”
“Will you not dance with other ladies?” asked Mrs. Hurst. “Charles cannot be the only member of our party doing his duty to the ladies of the neighborhood.”
“No, I suppose not,” replied Mr. Darcy. “I shall stand up for a few, Mrs. Hurst. How many is a matter as yet undecided.”
This seemed to satisfy Mrs. Hurst, yet Elizabeth had a sense that there was an undercurrent in the exchange she could not quite understand. Mr. Darcy turned back to her, and soon they were engrossed in another conversation, pushing the matter from her mind.
ON THE DAY OF THE ASSEMBLY, an event of some significance occurred, though the families at Netherfield and Longbourn would not learn about it until later. It was a typical winter day, the weather a little mild for the season which tended toward dreary clouds, rain, or even a light dusting of snow.
By this time, the Netherfield party had been present at the estate for almost two weeks, and had settled in with a comfort that would have seemed impossible the season before. Visits between Netherfield and Longbourn were common if not daily, and that fine morning those at Netherfield had set out for Longbourn for their usual visit. With five members of the party in the carriage, the quarters were tight, but not unbearable for a short journey. The conversation was pleasant and even affectionate, and before long it turned to future events, and even gentle teasing.
“Well, Darcy,” said Bingley, his efforts to tweak his friend’s nose not unusual, “tomorrow is the assembly. Do you mean to shun the local ladies and stalk about in your usual stupid manner?” Bingley grinned and added: “Or perhaps this time it is unnecessary, as Caroline is not here to vex you.”
“Oh, Charles,” said Mrs. Hurst with a disapproving shake of her head, though Darcy noted the woman’s slight smile.
“If it were not true, I would not say it,” said Bingley, raising his eyebrows.
“Mayhap it is,” conceded Mrs. Hurst. “There is no need to say it.”
Bingley just grinned and turned back to Darcy, one eyebrow arched as if in challenge. Darcy, unbothered by his friend’s jesting, took a moment to respond, listening instead to the horses’ hooves and the rumble of the carriage wheels on the hard-packed gravel.
“You know enough of me to understand that I do not perform to the masses,” said Darcy at length.
“Well do I know it,” said Bingley.
“Do not concern yourself, my friend, for I shall not embarrass you. I cannot imagine I will frequent the dance floor so much as you will, but I am not opposed. Besides,” said he, giving his sister an affectionate look, “I must dance at least three dances with my sister.”
“Oh, but you must favor the local ladies with your hand,” said Georgiana. “I must insist on this, Brother.”
