Page 44

"Are you really going to marry Elizabeth?" one of the youngest, Kitty, he thought, asked and she was immediately glared at by Elizabeth.

Ah, Elizabeth.

She was standing in the corner of the room in a plain black dress that somehow looked more stunning than the finest dresses he had seen in London. Her hair was pinned into a crown. Even when she was glaring at her sister, he thought she had the most beautiful eyes he’d ever seen.

"Yes, I am," he said simply.

It seemed the girl did not have any more questions.

"How are you finding Netherfield now you have returned?" Mrs Bennet asked as they all took their seats.

Elizabeth stayed standing and he wondered if she was nervous about the encounter.

"As charming as I left it," he said. "Although it is not currently staffed, but that can soon be remedied."

Mrs Bennet nodded. "Indeed. It is a shame your friend chose to quit it so suddenly when he seemed to enjoy the area so much. And we had such high hopes for him," she said with a pointed look at Jane.

Darcy swallowed. Her meaning was extremely clear, but he did not think such a topic should be discussed like this in front of everyone. He had admitted to Elizabeth that he might have been wrong, but he could not summon his friend out of thin air. He would undoubtedly be returning soon, and then perhaps all could be mended.

"I’m sure he shall be pleased to return to it," he said instead, hoping to smooth over the discussion.

"Mr Bingley is returning," Lydia said, her eyes sparkling.

"I believe he will come for the wedding, yes," Mr Darcy said.

"Did you hear that, Jane?" Mrs Bennet said. "Mr Bingley returning to Netherfield. My, my."

Darcy pulled at his too-tight cravat and wished that this meal was not necessary in securing the affections of his betrothed. But he rather thought it was.

"Will you be inviting any of the officers to your wedding?" Kitty asked. "They’re still stationed at Meryton, you know, and they make fine wedding guests in their regimentals."

"No." Elizabeth cut across her before Darcy had a chance to.

All eyes turned to her.

"You cannot keep people out of a wedding if they want to come, Elizabeth," Mary said. "The church is God’s home, not yours."

"I am well aware. Thank you, Mary," Elizabeth said. "But the guests we invite shall be small in number and certainly will not include an entire regiment."

Darcy was pleased that she had rejected the idea before he had to. He had no issue with most of the soldiers, although saw no need for them to be at his nuptials, but one in particular – Mr George Wickham, who had inserted himself in these parts – was not welcome anywhere near Darcy.

He didn’t think he’d be stupid enough to turn up, but still, a direct invitation might make him think he was welcome, and he most certainly was not.

"Dinner is served," a voice at the door called, and they all stood.

Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, who smiled and then took it, and they followed her mother into dinner.

◆◆◆

When dinner was finally over, and Elizabeth had winced repeatedly at the number of inappropriate and audacious comments and questions levied by her family, Mr Darcy said, "Perhaps we could take a stroll in the gardens before I leave."

Elizabeth nodded. She was keen for some fresh air and to have a moment to assure him that she was quite ashamed of her family, and did not approve of their comments.

"I hope this evening has not been too taxing," she said as they stepped out into the chilly evening air.

She wished she had thought to bring her cloak.

"Not at all," Darcy said. "Thank you for inviting me. I suppose I did not think that your family were still in mourning and that it might be an imposition, me being here."