“Suit yourself,” Fitzwilliam said, leaning back against the edge of the table. “You are right, though. I do have a strategy.”
Darcy’s brows lifted in wary curiosity. “And what is that?”
Fitzwilliam smirked, swirling the wine in his glass. “What fun would it be to tell you?”
The dry humour of the remark caught Darcy unaware, and he allowed himself a faint, rueful smile. “You are ridiculous.”
“Perhaps,” Fitzwilliam replied, lifting his glass in mock salute. “But at least I am on your side.”
Elizabeth adjusted the sprig of holly above the mantelpiece in the drawing room, taking a step back to assess her work. The garland had begun to sag slightly on one side—it might not even survive until Twelfth Night—but before she could fix it, Mr. Collins’s voice intruded on her thoughts.
“Ah, my dear cousin Elizabeth, how delightful it is to see you engaged in the humble yet commendable task of preparing the household for guests.” He rocked back on his heels in a manner reminiscent of Sir William, but unlike the affable master of Lucas Lodge, his words were pettish. “Such efforts, though not strictly necessary for one in your position, demonstrate a praiseworthy diligence. It is a shame that such talents remain confined to your father’s home rather than being put to use in your own household.”
She turned slowly, her brow arching at the barely veiled barb, and answered him politely. “It is heartening to know that even the simplest of tasks can inspire such profound ruminations. Perhaps I might one day aspire to your example of industry, tirelessly occupying myself with the matters of other households in such minute detail.”
Her cousin entirely missed the irony in her statement as hestraightened with a self-important air and replied, “Indeed, Cousin Elizabeth, it is a mark of true refinement to take an active interest in the affairs of one’s neighbours and relations. I havenaturally assumed a sense of responsibility for the welfare of this esteemed family, particularly in light of my future position as the master of Longbourn.” He smiled magnanimously, as though bestowing some great favour.
Elizabeth gave him a smile that, though outwardly pleasant, held a faint edge. “A noble sentiment, Mr. Collins. It is fortunate, indeed, that you have found a partner as practical as Miss Lucas, one who I am sure will complement your sense of diligence. It must be a great relief to her to know that no task will ever go unremarked upon, no matter how small.”
It was a terrible farce that Charlotte Lucas—intelligent, sensible Charlotte—had bound herself to such a man. Elizabeth could not have done it, not even for Longbourn. But since the error of her own judgements had been made clear to her, she was less willing to pass it upon her poor friend, who only wanted her own home to run and to avoid being considered a burden on her brothers. It ought not be necessary, but it was, and so Charlotte had done the sensible thing, however little it was likely to bring her true happiness.
The front hall filled with the sound of greetings as Sir William Lucas’s hearty voice rose above the general commotion. “Ah, Bennet! A pleasure to be here with you and your family!”
Elizabeth followed her sisters into the hall, where Sir William was beaming with delight. “Your home looks splendid, absolutely splendid!” he declared.
Mamma’s smile was gracious and welcoming.
Sir William slapped Mr. Collins on the back, pushing him forward. “And here is the man of the hour! We are blessed indeed, Bennet, that we shall all soon be family.”
Mr. Collins offered a deep bow and began to speak about his great good fortune in finding the perfect woman.
Elizabeth stepped aside as the rest of the Lucases entered. Lady Lucas moved to Mamma, and the two women immediatelybegan an animated conversation about their children. Meanwhile, Maria Lucas hurried over to Kitty and Lydia, the trio falling into giggles and chatter as they examined one another’s ribbons and gowns.
Charlotte had entered quietly and stepped to her intended’s side, where she was now attempting to deflect Mr. Collins’s embarrassingly effusive praise. Elizabeth waited patiently for her friend to approach. As their eyes met, Charlotte gave Elizabeth a small, apologetic glance before allowing Mr. Collins to guide her away.
Elizabeth knew things would be different once Charlotte was wed, but this sign of justhowdifferent was disappointing. Charlotte had always been her wisest friend other than Aunt Gardiner, and though she was now determined not to think too harshly of Charlotte’s choice, Elizabeth struggled to reconcile her friend’s decision with what she had thought was their shared desire to marry worthy men.
“You are troubled.” Mary’s voice broke into her reverie. She stood beside Elizabeth, her hands clasped before her in her usual posture of composure.
Elizabeth offered a wry smile. “And you are perceptive.”
Mary’s gaze followed Mr. Collins as he gestured animatedly toward a landscape that hung on the wall, Charlotte nodding politely beside him. “I will admit,” she said softly, “I once wished that Mr. Collins had looked my way instead of yours.”
“Truly?” Elizabeth did not think they would suit at all. While Mary could be dogmatic and sometimes rated her own accomplishments too highly, she was still a great deal more knowledgeable than Mr. Collins in many ways. From what Elizabeth had witnessed, this included doctrinal matters, and Mary would have a difficult time hiding that.
Mary nodded, her expression thoughtful. “It was a fleeting wish, I assure you. But I understand Charlotte’s position. The prospect of a home of one’s own is tempting.”
Elizabeth reached for Mary’s hand. “I, too, wished that he had looked elsewhere, though I cannot say I would have wished him upon you.”
Her sister’s lips curled into a small smile. “In truth, I am glad he did not look to me. Charlotte will be content to let her husband go his own way, so long as she has a home and station to call her own. I do not fault her for it, but it is not what I would want.”
“I am pleased to hear it, and I hope you do find such a partner. You deserve nothing less.”
“I think it shall be a very long time before I find a man I can admire in that way,” Mary replied.
Across the room, Sir William guffawed.
“Come,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “Let us see to the guests.”
