The young man started, then hurried after him at once.
Mr. Bennet followed, almost running, leaving the rest of them to stare at one another.
Darcy’s voice came at her side. “Elizabeth, are… are you well?”
She turned to him.
Or rather, she tried to, but she could not focus. Everything still felt… distant. As though she were observing the scene rather than standing within it.
Unreal.
“I—” She stopped.
His hand came to her arm, steadying. “Perhaps it would be best if we returned to Netherfield. You need not—”
“No.”
The word came sharper than she intended, but it served its purpose. It cut through the haze. Through the confusion, grounding her.
Elizabeth drew in a deep, steadying breath. “No,” she repeated, more firmly. “I am not leaving.”
There was something in her voice that convinced Darcy she was once again in command of herself. He gave her a brief nod, and she straightened and turned to the rest of the people in the room.
“Bingley,” she said, turning at once, her tone composed and decisive, “pray escort my sister, Lady Anne, and Miss Darcy back to Netherfield. I believe they would be more comfortable there.”
Bingley blinked, then nodded. “Yes, of course. Certainly,” he said, before rushing out to order the carriage.
“Kitty. Lydia,” Elizabeth continued.
Both girls looked at her.
“Upstairs.”
Lydia drew breath, clearly prepared to object, but then Elizabethlookedat her.
That was all she needed to do.
Lydia closed her mouth. “Come along, Kitty,” she muttered, rising at once.
They went.
Elizabeth turned.
“Hill,” she said.
The housekeeper stepped forward immediately.
“Have Cook prepare strong tea. And send a maid to attend my mother—she is to be taken upstairs at once.”
Mrs. Bennet, who had been hovering in a state of agitation, allowed herself to be guided away with surprising docility.
Jane lingered behind. “Lizzy, should we not—”
Elizabeth shook her head.
“No. Too many people will only distress Lady Catherine further. You know her—she will not thank us for fussing.”
Jane hesitated, but her reserved nature caused her acquiesce. “Very well, Lizzy.”
