“That’s just eighty-five pounds in a year!” Lydia exclaimed, forgetting her anger in her amazement. “That’s hardly more than my pin money. You ought to get more.”
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”
All eyes turned towards Mary, who sniffed with disdain and added, “From the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter five.”
“Lord, Mary, no one wants your lectures now,” huffed Lydia.
“It doesn’t seem fair that you would risk your life for our protection, only to be given so little,” Kitty said in a soft voice.
“I quite agree,” Wickham said quietly.
The room fell silent before Elizabeth said, “Well, I believe that explains why so few of the lieutenants are married! Can you imagine, sisters, trying to live on such a small income? I daresay that Lydia would die without having enough funds for a new ribbon at least once a month!”
Lydia stuck her tongue out at Elizabeth, then laughed good-naturedly along with the rest of the room’s occupants. This last sally proved to be the final part of the conversation, and everyone began their farewells.
As Mrs. Philips pulled Elizabeth into a warm embrace, she said, “I do hope that you will join us for a card party in a few days. We have invited several of the officers, as well as the Netherfield party. It simply wouldn’t be the same without you, my dear! Please do say you’ll come.”
Elizabeth hesitated, then said, “It will entirely depend on how Jane is faring.”
“Of course, I quite understand.”
Mrs. Philips then turned toward Wickham and extended the same invitation, which was accepted on the condition that he would not be on duty the night of the event.
At last, each person made their way through the front door. Kitty and Lydia scuttled towards Longbourn, eager to be the firstto share the news of a card party at the Philips residence with their mother.
For her part, Elizabeth continued her way toward Netherfield, along the main road, her mind full of the charming manners and handsome face of her new acquaintance.
Almost too late, she heard a carriage coming towards her. She stepped to the side, grateful to the driver for slowing down as he approached. The coachman—wearing livery that marked him from Netherfield—tipped his hat as the carriage went past.
Through the open window, Elizabeth saw Miss Bingley sitting in the coach. The woman’s face was a mottled shade of red, and her face was streaked with tears. Their eyes met and held. Then something akin to hatred crossed the passenger’s face, and she turned her back as the window snapped closed.
Elizabeth stifled a chuckle and walked on, feeling more confident about her stay at Netherfield now that the most pernicious of its residents would no longer be present.
Chapter 13
Elizabeth arrived at Netherfield with aching feet and a strong desire to see her sister. As she crossed the lawn towards the front door, she was startled to see Darcy emerging from behind a row of hedges.
“Miss Bennet!” he cried.
She dipped a curtsy and said in a frosty voice, “Mr. Darcy.”
He looked around. “Did you walk all the way from Meryton… on foot?”
She sighed internally and noticeably shifted in her walking boots to alternate the weight on each limb. “As you see.”
“But why did you not ask for a carriage?”
“I do not believe one was offered.”
When he made to acknowledge her point, she added tartly, “Nor did either of yougentlemenstay long enough for conversation that would have allowed me to make such a request.”
The tips of his ears reddened, but before he could reply, she continued with an air of faux blitheness. “It is of no import, sir. Fortunately, my feet have healed sufficiently and are only moderately uncomfortable as I stand here speaking to you.”
Again, without waiting for a response, she dipped another curtsy and walked away, leaving him behind.
∞∞∞
Darcy stood staring at Elizabeth’s back: one part of his brain reeling at her innuendo of his gentlemanlike qualities—or lack thereof—and the other admiring her light, pleasing form from behind and fire the that had been in her eyes when she was facing him…
