Darcy’s stomach twisted. An army of Bennet sisters, come to array the ladies of Netherfield in splendor… but Elizabeth would not be among them. Egad, howwashe to survive the next couple of days?
He forced a nod and turned toward Fitzwilliam, grasping for a distraction. “Richard, what else remains to be arranged?”
“Plenty, though we’ve made progress. Bingley and I have been attempting to teach some of the chaps to dance. A noble effort, but one that’s mostly ended in bruised toes.”
Bingley chuckled ruefully. “The men are willing, but the coordination is… lacking.”
Darcy grunted. “Well, this is not a ball, for a mercy. There will be no dancing.”
Fitzwilliam’s expression sobered. “Just a bit of a jest, Darcy. Criminy, where has your humor gone? I know as well as you do that some of those fellows have peg legs or injuries that make dancing impossible. Watching others enjoy it might only remind them of what they’ve lost. But we did have a bit of fun in between hanging greenery and new drapes, eh, Bingley?”
“Indeed.” Darcy looked away, his thoughts drifting to Elizabeth. A good thing there was to be no formal dancing. The very idea of dancing without her felt hollow. It was not just the soldiers who would find no joy in it.
Georgiana touched his arm lightly. “Brother, shall I begin with Miss Flora and Mrs. Jackson?”
“Yes,” Darcy replied, more quickly than he intended. “Of course, though I am sure you want to refresh yourself first. But I think they will be grateful for your help.”
She smiled, but the question in her eyes overshadowed any pleasure in her face. She had sensed his mood since London—how could she not? Thus far, he had tried to shield her from his bitter disappointment, but it would become more difficult now, with the loss of Elizabeth creating a gaping hole where once joy had taken root. He squeezed her hand, and she followed the maid out of the room.
Fitzwilliam glanced at Darcy, his brow furrowed. “Rough travels? You look worse than some of those poor devils in the ballroom.”
Darcy exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “It is nothing. Let us ensure tomorrow’s gathering meets its purpose.”
Fitzwilliam watched him for a beat longer before nodding. “Whatever you say, Darcy.”
But Darcy’s mind remained elsewhere, the ache of Elizabeth’s absence gnawing at him. He had envisioned this moment—the introduction of Georgiana to Elizabeth—countless times. Now, it felt like a shadow of what it could have been. Without her, even his best efforts seemed to falter.
Mrs. Bennet burst throughthe front door, her shawl trailing behind her as she waved both arms in the air. “Lizzy! Is it really you?” Kitty and Lydia followed on her heels, their skirts tangling as they raced each other to the coach. “What a surprise! We had no notion you would return so soon!”
Kitty and Lydia darted forward, almost colliding with each other in their haste. “Lizzy! Oh, what timing!” Kitty started, her breath coming fast. “You’ll never believe the arrangements.”
Lydia cut in, barely waiting for Kitty to finish. “Mama and Mrs. Philips have been working endlessly. You should see the decorations!”
“And Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley sent crates of things from Town,” Kitty added. “You should see the trimmings! Ribbons, lace, everything!”
Mrs. Bennet fanned herself with her apron, beaming. “Oh, it’s been a flurry of work, but we’ve prevailed. The neighborhood is positively abuzz, and it’s all thanks to our efforts! Even Mrs. Long had to admit—”
Kitty broke in again, barely pausing to breathe. “Oh, and the gowns! Jane and I just came back from Netherfield. Lizzy, wait until you see them. Dozens of them, all sent straight from Town.”
“They’re perfect!” Lydia crowed. “And we’re going to help the Netherfield ladies dress tomorrow. We’ll be arranging their hair, styling them—it’s like something from a novel!”
Elizabeth laughed, almost lost in the swirl. “You’ve all been very industrious. I shall have to see what wonders you’ve accomplished.”
Mrs. Bennet looped her arm through Elizabeth’s, drawing her toward the house. “Oh, Lizzy, you cannot imagine the work we’ve had convincing the entire neighborhood to attend! Mrs. Philips and I have all but pleaded with Mrs. Dunning and Mrs. Goulding, but what finally got them is hearing that Mrs. Purvis and Lady Lucas will have the pleasure of seeing their daughters with so many beaux and Netherfield all beautiful with candles. Oh, and the musicians! Did you hear about the musicians? And now everyone is coming! It will be the grandest affair Hertfordshire has ever seen, I daresay.”
Elizabeth’s feet barely touched the ground as they dragged her inside. Jane appeared at the doorway, her calm presence a stark contrast to the bustle. “Lizzy,” she said with a conspiratorial smile, “it is so good to have you home.”
Elizabeth returned the smile, though she felt her sister’s assessing gaze.Jane knew. Of course, Jane knew. She always did.
As soon as they were fully inside, Elizabeth turned toward the stairs, but Jane caught her arm. “We must speak,” she said, her voice low. “Come upstairs with me.”
“In a moment,” Elizabeth replied, gently extracting herself. “I should like to speak with Papa first.”
Jane’s brow lifted, and a knowing look flickered across her face. “Very well. But do not think you will escape me, Lizzy.”
“I know better than that.” She made her way to her father’s library and found him seated comfortably with a book, his glasses perched low on his nose. He glanced up as she entered, his expression both pleased and amused.
“Ah, my prodigal daughter returns,” he said, setting his book aside. “I trust your sojourn in London was not entirely unpleasant?”
