Charlotte blinked, staring at the floor as her throat worked. “Maria is younger and prettier, and—”
“And your mother has already thrown you over, has she? Who is helpingyouwithyourgown, Charlotte?”
Charlotte looked uncomfortable, her eyes avoiding Elizabeth’s. “Ah… It is my gown that we are making over for Maria. She has grown, and it fits her better now. I have decided not to attend.”
Elizabeth’s eyes widened in shock. “Not attend? Charlotte, what do you mean?”
Charlotte shrugged lightly, a resigned smile on her lips. “Mama wishes for Maria to be seen. After all, I am eight and twenty years old and have more than had my chance. It is time for Maria to be noticed.”
Elizabeth felt a surge of indignation. “That is exactly why I desired for you to make yourself agreeable to Mr Collins. He might not be the most attractive or intelligent man, but anything that belonged to him would only ever be praised. It seems you have had nothing but criticism.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened, her confusion turning to surprise. “Lizzy, you cannot be serious.”
Elizabeth nodded vehemently. “I am entirely serious. Mr Collins is the heir to Longbourn. His standing is secure, and as his wife, yours would be too. No one could criticise you then.”
Charlotte sat back down, looking thoughtful. “But what if I cannot make myself agreeable to him? What if he does not choose me?”
Elizabeth smiled gently. “Mr Collins is easily pleased. Just listen to him, nod in agreement, and show admiration for what he says of Lady Catherine. You have the perfect demeanour for it, and thank heaven, you are not half so impertinent as I am. And think of what it would mean for you, Charlotte. No more sharing gowns with Maria, no more being overlooked.”
Charlotte sighed, her expression softening. “Perhaps you are right, Lizzy. It is worth considering.”
Elizabeth squeezed her friend’s hand. “I know it seems daunting, but you deserve happiness and security. Mr Collins can provide that, even if he is not the man of your dreams.”
Charlotte nodded slowly, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “Thank you, Lizzy. I will think on it.”
Chapter Twenty-One
“Lizzy, look! The chandeliersare even grander than the last time Mr Northam hosted a ball!” Lydia exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement as the Bennet family stepped into the entrance hall of Netherfield.
Elizabeth took in the scene before her, the room bathed in the warm glow of countless candles. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers, and elegant decorations adorned every surface. Why, it must have taken every waking moment of the last fortnight to perfect, and Elizabeth could hardly stop from turning around to try to take it all in. Mama had outdone herself… Well, and Mrs Nicholls.
Mr Wickham and Mr Bingley were standing at the door to greet them, but Mr Darcy was curiously absent. Elizabeth’s eyes skipped up the long staircase until Mr Wickham stepped forward with a charming smile. “Mr and Mrs Bennet, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Miss Catherine, Miss Lydia, and Mr Collins—welcome. We are delighted to have you all here tonight.”
Mrs Bennet, her eyes shining with excitement, immediately took her place beside Wickham, assuming the role of hisde factohostess for the evening. “Oh, Mr Wickham, everything looks splendid! I shall be happy to assist you in welcoming our guests.”
Mr Bennet, who had been inching towards the refreshment table, was halted by his wife’s stern call. “Mr Bennet! Do come and stand with me. It is only proper that we greet our friends together.”
Wickham nodded in agreement, his smile never wavering. “Indeed, sir. Your presence would be most appreciated.”
Grudgingly, Mr Bennet returned to stand beside them, offering a wry smile to Wickham. “Very well, very well. But I daresay you will have a livelier greeting line without my presence.”
“You do yourself too little credit, sir,” Wickham assured him. At that moment, the gentleman caught Elizabeth’s eye and bowed to her with a charming, self-deprecatingsmile. “Miss Elizabeth, I hope you will not think me too forward, but would you object to opening the ball with me? I find myself in need of a most gracious partner.”
Elizabeth’s heart fluttered with relief and a touch of excitement. She had been hoping for this very invitation, particularly after her small fib to Mr Collins earlier when that gentleman asked for the same dance. “I would be honoured, Mr Wickham.”
“Thank you,” he said, his eyes sparkling with gratitude and mischief. “You have saved me from certain embarrassment.”
Just then, Mr Darcy arrived downstairs, coming to stand a little behind the others with a slight bow towards the new arrivals. He looked distinctly pale, but his eyes were clearer than they had been in days. Wickham, noticing Darcy’s arrival, moved to make the introductions.
“Well, we are not all introduced, I see,” he said, extending his hand to encourage Darcy to come forward. “Mr Collins, allow me to present my friend, Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Derbyshire.”
Mr Collins’ eyes widened. “Mr Darcy? The same Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh?”
Darcy’s eyes edged toward Elizabeth, and his throat bobbed as he nodded. “Yes, I am.”
Collins beamed, practically bouncing on his toes. “Why, what a connection! I am the clergyman to Lady Catherine de Bourgh at Rosings Park. She often speaks of you with the highest regard.”
Darcy managed a tight smile. “Thank you, Mr Collins.”
