Jane took a sip of her punch and raised a teasing brow. “Do not be unfair, Lizzy. If you do, I shall not defend you when Lydia teases you about Mr Wickham.”
“Mr Wickham?” Charlotte roused a little. “Oh, is he coming tonight?”
Elizabeth opened her mouth, her cheeks flushing as she stared back at Jane. Then she smoothed it with a smile. “Indeed, he promised he would.”
As if on cue, the doors to the assembly hall opened, and Mr Wickham entered. A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd, heads turning, and conversations pausing. Elizabeth watched as he moved gracefully through the throng, charming everyone he greeted. His smile seemed to light up the room, and the way people eagerly welcomed him showcased his popularity in Meryton. Elizabeth could almost hear the collective sighs of admiration.
“There he is, Charlotte. Mr Wickham has arrived.” Elizabeth nudged her friend gently.
Charlotte looked over but then averted her eyes. “I do not think I am up for meeting new people tonight, Lizzy. I feel rather... dull.”
“Nonsense, Charlotte. You are always delightful company. Come, let us go and greet Mr Wickham. He has such a charming presence; I am sure you will find him pleasant.”
Charlotte shook her head, looking down at her gown. “I feel frumpy and uncomfortable. I would only be a burden to your enjoyment.”
Elizabeth exchanged a concerned glance with Jane. “You are not a burden, Charlotte. But if you truly feel that way, let us go to the retiring room together. We can freshen up and then join the others.”
Charlotte managed a small smile. “No, Lizzy. I insist that you and Jane go greet the gentlemen now. I will go to the retiring room alone. I promise to join you both soon.”
Elizabeth hesitated, but Charlotte’s resolute expression left little room for argument. “Very well, Charlotte. But do not be long. We shall be waiting for you.”
As Charlotte turned to make her way to the retiring room, Elizabeth’s eyes followed her, worry gnawing at her. Jane touched her arm gently, drawing her attention back to the approaching gentlemen. Elizabeth took a deep breath and put on a bright smile.
Mr Wickham was weaving through the room with effortless grace, charming everyone he greeted. As he neared, Elizabeth noticed a familiar face beside him. Her pulse quickened—it was Mr Bingley! So, ithadbeen his carriage she had seen in the market two days ago.
Wickham finally reached them, his eyes alight with genuine pleasure. “Good evening, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. It is a delight to see you both.”
They curtsied together. “Good evening, Mr Wickham. The pleasure is all ours.”
Wickham gestured to the gentleman beside him. “And may I introduce my esteemed guest, Mr Charles Bingley?”
Elizabeth’s pulse quickened as Mr Bingley’s eyes locked onto hers, recognition dawning in his widening gaze. A flicker of warmth crossed his features, his lips parting as if to speak her name. But Elizabeth felt a sudden surge of alarm—what if he mentioned their first meeting? The memory of that day, bedraggled and limping, was something she would rather not have broadcast, especially not in front of Mr Wickham.
She met Bingley’s gaze with a faint, urgent shake of her head, willing him to stay silent. For a moment, he hesitated, the words dying on his lips. Then, understanding her unspoken request, he offered her a subtle nod and stepped back, allowing Wickham to take the lead in the introductions.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley said, his warm smile not dimming in the least.
Before the conversation could progress, someone tapped Mr Wickham’s sleeve, drawing him aside momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, Elizabeth turned to Jane with a quick explanation. “That is Mr Bingley, Jane—one of the gentlemen who helped me when I injured my ankle.”
Jane’s eyes widened with realisation. “The day you took the horse out in such terrible weather? You were so muddy when you returned home.”
Elizabeth nodded, her cheeks colouring slightly at the memory. “Yes, and now I must thank him properly. Mr Bingley, it is very likely I would not have been on both my feet yet had you not stopped when you did. I am sure to have done myself a mischief by trying to manage two miles in that condition.”
Her expression warm, Jane added, “Indeed, Mr Bingley, we are very grateful for your assistance.”
Mr Bingley beamed back at them both. “It was nothing, truly. Well, Darcy’s idea, really, but I am pleased to see you fully recovered and enjoying the evening, Miss Elizabeth.”
“It might have been Mr Darcy’s idea, but it was your carriage, so my gratitude must extend to you both,” Elizabeth replied lightly, hoping to move past the subject before Wickham could overhear.
Mr Bingley looked abashed, but before he could respond, Mr Wickham clapped him on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. “What is this? Laughing with the ladies without me, Bingley? Why, you have hardly met them, yet I think Miss Elizabeth is smiling at you more warmly than ever she did at me. Should I be jealous, my friend?”
Elizabeth laughed. “Not at all, sir. It was only a happy coincidence of timing. If you like, you may turn around again, and I will make certain to be frowning when you turn back.”
Mr Wickham bellowed with laughter. “You see, Bingley? I did warn you—Meryton’s ladies are not to be underestimated. It seems you have a talent for being in the right place at the right time.”
“Not entirely,” Mr Bingley said with a modest lift of his shoulders. “For if that were true, I would beyourhost at Netherfield rather than the reverse.”
Mr Wickham shook his head regretfully. “Alas, my one regret in securing the lease was that I inadvertently caused the disappointment of a very good man. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, I hope we can make it up to Mr Bingley by showing him the very best of Meryton’s hospitality.”
