There was a beat of stunned silence.
Then Miss Bingley cleared her throat. “What a charming story. And where did this philanthropic engagement take place?”
“Derbyshire,” Elizabeth said. “Rather under the watchful gaze of the dowager countess, if I recall.”
Miss Bingley paled. “Ah. Of course.”
Darcy’s expression had not changed. “So,” he said. “This is your kingdom.”
Elizabeth raised a brow. “Hertfordshire? Hardly. But yes, you have finally ventured into my corner of the world.”
“Remarkably intact, considering.”
“I make no promises about the company.”
He glanced around. “It seems… festive.”
“You mean chaotic.”
“I was being generous.”
She smiled. “You are not known for that.”
“Nor you for mercy.”
“Then we are well matched.”
They stared at each other a moment longer, neither willing to cede the smallest ground.
Miss Bingley cleared her throat. “Mr. Darcy, perhaps you would do me the honor of showing me the room. I find these assemblies so… provincial without proper guidance.”
Darcy was about to respond—his mouth had just begun to form the wordno—when Mr. Bingley stepped in with a bright smile.
“I would be delighted to do so,” he said quickly, offering his arm before Darcy could speak. “And I believe we have yet to meet our lovely neighbor. Miss…?”
Elizabeth stepped in. “Mr. Bingley, may I present my eldest sister, Miss Jane Bennet.”
Jane offered a curtsy. “It is a pleasure.”
“The pleasure is mine entirely,” said Mr. Bingley, who looked as if he had just been handed the last candle in a storm.
Miss Bingley’s smile tightened. “How charming.”
Elizabeth did not roll her eyes, but it was a near thing.
Miss Bingley took Mr. Bingley’s other arm with forced grace, clearly displeased but unwilling to protest in public. The trio moved into the crowd.
Darcy lingered.
“So,” Elizabeth said, voice cool. “Still unmarried? Or is that lovely creature in taffeta and ostrich feathers the lucky lady?”
He gave a tight grimace. “Not if I can help it. And you?”
“I suspect the question is unnecessary.”
He looked her over, slowly. “Your mother must be all but distraught.”
“She has ample other distractions. You should dance,” she said, just to provoke him.
