Page 63

Elizabeth watched them from beside Darcy.

"I believe your friend has found someone to admire," she said.

"Bingley admires many people," Darcy answered.

"Then he has never learned to conceal his preferences."

Bingley returned at the conclusion of the dance looking entirely pleased with life. "Darcy, you must tell me why you never mentioned that Hertfordshire possessed such agreeable company."

"I had not imagined the county required my recommendation," Darcy replied.

"Miss Bennet is delightful," Bingley said. "I shall ask her again before the evening is over."

"You must first allow the other gentlemen an opportunity," Elizabeth teased.

Bingley blinked. "You are Miss Elizabeth Bennet? Darcy has spoken of you. I had not made the connection."

"I fear I possess no influence over my cousin's engagements," Elizabeth said. "But I may advise you that Jane values sincerity more than compliments."

"Then I am fortunate," Bingley answered. "For I have never been clever at compliments."

He hurried away when he saw Jane again, and Elizabeth smiled at Darcy with unmistakable satisfaction.

Caroline Bingley was less pleased with the arrangements. She had long admired Darcy and had been unable to persuade herself that his engagement to the orphaned ward of an earl was either final or advisable. She greeted Elizabeth with polished civility and a question about the financial disadvantages of the Bennet family.

"I had understood there were several daughters in reduced circumstances," Miss Bingley said. "How fortunate that your guardian has been able to assist you."

"Very fortunate," Elizabeth agreed. "I have found that people of genuine consequence are often those least inclined to count another person's deficiencies."

Miss Bingley smiled rather stiffly. "How prettily you express yourself."

"My mother taught me to speak plainly," Elizabeth answered. "I have sometimes struggled to improve upon her instruction."

Darcy arrived before Caroline could respond. He offered Elizabeth his hand for the next dance, and the pair moved away together. Watching them, Caroline was obliged to admit that Mr. Darcy did not appear a man entertaining second thoughts.

The evening proved more complicated when Mr. Collins approached to congratulate Elizabeth upon her engagement. Charlotte was beside him, looking composed but faintly apprehensive. Collins bowed at such length that Darcy could scarcely determine when he had finished.

"My dear Miss Elizabeth," he began, "I must express the sincerest satisfaction at learning of your improved prospects. My noble patroness Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who possesses the most discriminating knowledge of family alliances, will naturally be interested to hear that a relation of mine is marrying her nephew."

"I am sure Lady Catherine will be relieved that the gentleman has chosen someone capable of remembering her existence," Elizabeth said.

Charlotte pressed her lips together to contain a smile. Mr. Collins did not notice.

"You must understand," he continued, "that Mr. Darcy's connections are of the highest order. Lady Catherine has always entertained particular hopes concerning the family."

Darcy's expression grew cold. "My aunt's hopes are her own affairs, Mr. Collins. My marriage is mine."

Collins bowed again, congratulated them with less confidence, and allowed Charlotte to guide him toward another group. Elizabeth looked after her friend with mingled affection and concern.

Later Charlotte found a moment alone with her near the refreshment table.

"You need not worry about me," Charlotte said quietly. "My life is not what you would have chosen, but there are things in it for which I am grateful. I am mistress of my own house, and Mr. Collins can be managed with a little patience."

"I know you have made the best of it. I only wish every choice were a choice between good things."

Charlotte regarded her with kindness. "Then use your own happiness well, Eliza. I should be sorry if gratitude for it made you ashamed of enjoying it."

Elizabeth clasped her hand. They spoke no more of the past. Across the room Collins was explaining the advantages of a newly improved fireplace to a gentleman who had not requested the information, and Charlotte excused herself to rescue his audience.