At the mention of Mr Bingley, Elizabeth’s ears perked up, a flicker of recognition sparking in her mind. What could Mr Bingley’s disappointment have to do with Meryton’s good fortune?
But that was all there was to be heard from her aunt Philips, for her uncle had drawn her away, obviously trying to prevent her from making a scene at their party. It would not be the first time… Elizabeth dabbed her mouth with her handkerchief to hide the irreverent smirk that overtook her features when she recalled one particularly memorable episode at Longbourn involving Aunt Philips, a bit too much of her Papa’s brandy and Mama’s new hat…
Yes, perhaps it was better that Mrs Philips took a moment to compose herself. What would Mr Wickham think of his new neighbours if they all slurred when in their cups? But it truly did set her curiosity awhirl.
Had Mr Bingley been inquiring about the same property just after Mr Wickham took the lease? The timing would have been about right, as well as the place she had encountered the gentlemen. Why, it made perfect sense. A pity, that.
A pity because there were not houses enough for both gentlemen, for both would have made for… interesting neighbours. But itwasstrange because Netherfield had sat vacant for over a year, and now two handsome, single men wanted it at almost the same moment? Uncanny.
Chapter Four
Elizabeth sat idly besideCharlotte, toying with a funny little flaw in the fabric of her skirt and trying to look like she wasnotwatching Mr Wickham charming the room. She could hardly help making mental comparisons between the two men who both wanted Netherfield. While Mr Wickham was undeniably charismatic and engaging, there was something about Mr Bingley’s simple, honest kindness that stuck with her.
For herself, she could not help but fancy that, perhaps even more than Mr Wickham’s polished charm. But charm could be useful, and it appeared that the gentleman did, indeed, know how to employ it well.
Lost in these thoughts, Elizabeth was startled when Lady Lucas descended upon them, her face alight with excitement. “Charlotte, my dear! You must come and meet Mr Wickham. Such a charming gentleman! Why, you look as though you do not even know which gentleman I speak of! Lizzy, tell her she must come at once.”
“Of course, I know who he is, Mama. The whole room is talking of nothing else.”
Lady Lucas tutted, waving her fan. “Then what are you waiting for, my dear? Your father must introduce you! Such a genteel man, he will appreciate your… kindness. Mr Wickham is quite the catch, you know. Five thousand a year!”
“Mama, Mr Wickham has already been enchanted by half the county,” Charlotte protested. “What reason would he have for noticing me?”
“But you can speak, can you not? You are… well, you are eminently sensible.” Lady Lucas sniffed slightly, and Elizabeth caught a slip of the lady’s eye as she darted a glance at Lydia and Kitty, squealing with laughter in the corner. “If you will not speak to him for yourself, my dear, then consider Maria. A gentleman likes to think that he would find himself in possession of agreeable relations when he marries.” Another swift glance at Elizabeth’s family.
Elizabeth suppressed a smile. “Indeed, Lady Lucas.”
Lady Lucas glanced around the room and clucked her tongue faintly. “Oh, and wheredidMaria go off to? I made her promise to wait for me by the Ficus plant, but she has gone off somewhere—no doubt giggling with her friends. I shall fetch her. Make haste, girls! We shall all be presented together.”
Charlotte’s eyes flickered with uncertainty as her mother tripped away. Elizabeth stepped closer. “Shall we go together? Or perhaps we could make our excuses to the gentleman and haunt the retiring room?”
Charlotte’s smile was weak. “Lizzy, you know I am not unwell. But truly, I cannot present myself to Mr Wickham. Look at him, so charming and popular. What interest could he possibly have in someone like me?”
“A great deal, if he values good conversation, and by all appearances, he does.”
“Then it isyouwho ought to meet him, Lizzy, not I.”
Elizabeth shrugged. “A pity I have no interest in speaking to him without you at my side. Truly, how could I be presented to such an amiable gentleman without having my dear friend at hand to laugh at his foibles with me afterwards?”
Charlotte’s smile was more genuine this time. “What would I do without you, Lizzy?”
“Let us hope you never have to find out,” Elizabeth teased, linking her arm with Charlotte’s.
Lady Lucas met them without Maria, but she seemed no less determined in her quest. “That silly girl has gone off who knows where, but we shan’t missouropportunity to meet the gentleman.” She seized Elizabeth and Charlotte’s arms, steering them across the room. “Come, girls. Mr Philips has promised to introduce us to Mr Wickham at once!”
Elizabeth caught Charlotte’s eye, seeing her friend’s resignation and trepidation. As they approached, Mr Philips turned from his conversation with Mr Wickham to greet them.
“Ah, Lady Lucas! And Miss Lucas and Miss Elizabeth, too. Just the ladies I was hoping to see.” He gestured to Mr Wickham. “Allow me to introduce Mr George Wickham, the new tenant of Netherfield. Mr Wickham, this is Lady Lucas, her daughter Miss Charlotte Lucas, and Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn.”
Mr Wickham bowed, his smile warm. “Lady Lucas, Miss Lucas, Miss Bennet. It is a true pleasure. I have been looking forward to meeting more of Meryton’s most charming residents.”
Lady Lucas beamed at Mr Wickham. “The pleasure is all ours, Mr Wickham. We aresodelighted to welcome you to our community. Are we not,girls?”
Charlotte managed a shy smile and a polite curtsy. “Indeed, sir. Welcome to Meryton.”
Elizabeth dipped a curtsy of her own. “A pleasure, Mr Wickham. We have heard so much about you already.”
“All good things, I hope,” Mr Wickham said with a droll smile.
