“Now, there is a pretty notion. You have known me less than half an evening, yet you seem to think I possess some insights worth hearing? Youdoknow how to stroke my vanity, sir.”
“Vanity? I’ve no interest in a lady’s vanity,” he protested. “But I know a lady of uncommon cleverness when I meet her. Moreover, I feel quite safe confiding in you, for I think you are not the lady to lead a gentleman astray for her own ends. So? Am I mistaken in my judgments?”
Her brows edged upward. “I like to think I am both honest and sensible, particularly in my dealings with gentlemen.”
“Then we are agreed,” he laughed. “Care to divulge your thoughts on all the local ladies? Ah, that one for instance. I met her earlier, but I confess, I cannot recall her name.”
Elizabeth followed the direction of his gaze. “Miss King.”
“King! Quite right. It was just there on my tongue before you said it. What can you tell me of her?”
“Oh, she is quite an… eligible young lady. An orphan, sadly, but she has a fine guardian in her uncle. She has a number of friends in town, though she is rumoured to be soon sent away to London.”
“Dreadful shame! And… ah, that one? The younger Miss Lucas?”
“Maria. She is lively and a delightful dancer. I am more particular friends with Charlotte, of course. And then there are the Long sisters, though their tastes run more to red coats.”
Wickham’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “I shall keep that in mind. And let us return to your own family, Miss Elizabeth. You mentioned you have several sisters.”
“I am the second of five daughters. Jane, the eldest, is the sweetest and most beautiful of us all. Mary, our middle sister, is very studious and, she fancies, pious. Then there are the two youngest, Kitty and Lydia, who are quite… ah… spirited.”
“Spirited?” Wickham repeated, clearly intrigued.
“Yes,” Elizabeth confirmed with a sigh. “Lydia, in particular, has a knack for finding herself at the centre of attention. She is quite fearless, much to my mother’s delight and my father’s consternation.”
Wickham nodded thoughtfully. “It sounds as though your family keeps life interesting.”
“Interesting might be one word for it. Chaotic is another. My sisters are quite a handful, each in their own unique way.”
“From what I have seen, I would call it a delightful sort of mayhem. How does your mother manage to keep order?”
Elizabeth laughed softly. “Oh, there is very little order to keep. We mostly operate under the philosophy of controlled chaos. And occasionally, we manage to avoid catastrophe.”
Wickham chuckled. “Controlled chaos sounds like quite the feat. Tell me, Miss Elizabeth, do you often find yourself in the role of peacemaker among your sisters?”
“More often than I would like to admit,” Elizabeth replied, smiling. “But I do enjoy the challenge. And it does make for lively dinner conversations.”
“I can only imagine,” Wickham said. “I must admit, I envy you. I have no siblings, so I am fascinated by the dynamics of larger families.”
“None at all, Mr Wickham? Have you any family to speak of?”
“Not as lively as yours, I am afraid,” Wickham replied with a faint sigh. “I am an only child. My mother passed away when I was young, and my father followed ten years later. I had some distant relations I never met, and I had a very fine mentor who, I regret to say, has also passed on now. So, you see, Miss Elizabeth, I am almost entirely alonein the world.”
“Well, it sounds as though you have done quite well for yourself despite that. Taking up residence at Netherfield is an accomplishment sure to win you universal approval.”
“Ah, but I must confess, it was not entirely my doing,” Wickham said with a grin. “I have been quite fortunate in my circumstances. And now, I find myself in the company of such charming new acquaintances.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, a smile playing at her lips. “You are very practised in flattery, Mr Wickham.”
“I only speak the truth, Miss Elizabeth,” Wickham replied, his tone earnest. “I have every hope of finding happiness here in Meryton.”
“Well, I shall echo that hope for you, and I shall add to that hope my very warmest wishes that you may find a lady of worth here in Meryton. Though I must warn you, my sisters can be quite... overwhelming.”
“I look forward to the challenge,” Wickham laughed. “I am sure I shall manage.”
Just as Elizabeth opened her mouth to reply, Lydia’s voice rang out from across the room. “Mr Wickham! There you are! You must come and meet Kitty’s new friend!” She bounded over, her eyes wide with excitement.
“Lydia, I am sure whatever it is can wait,” Elizabeth began, but Lydia was already pulling Mr Wickham away.
