It was her favorite cream muslin, now transformed by her own hand: satin ribbons arranged in the shape of delicate flowers, tiny pearl beads at each center. Green ribbons wound like vines along the bodice, and subtle gold embroidery caught the light like morning sun on leaves.
She traced one embroidered swirl with her fingertip, a small smile forming as pride and hope stirred within her.
If he is there, will he notice?
The question felt daring—dangerously so.
But as she hung the gown carefully over her dressing screen, a small smile curved her lips.
Whatever the evening brought, she would meet it with her usual wit, courage, and—if fate allowed—perhaps the renewed acquaintance of a certain Mr. Darcy.
“You look very fine this evening, Lizzy.” Mrs. Bennet looked her second daughter from head to toe. “Why, I have never seen such a lovely gown!”
“Thank you, Mama.” Elizabeth beamed. Mrs. Bennet loved all her daughters, but favored Lydia and Jane. Lydia, because her liveliness reminded Mrs. Bennet of her youth, and Jane because of her ethereal beauty. Tall, blonde, and willowy, the eldest Bennet daughter was the perfect example of fashionable beauty, and all hopes for an advantageous marriage lay on her shoulders. Elizabeth knew this, and she bore no resentment. Jane inspired admiration everywhere she went; how could Elizabeth begrudge it?
Mr. Bennet stepped out of his library, dressed in his evening attire. “All our daughters look beautiful.” He kissed his wife’s cheek. “I hope you plan on dancing this evening, Mrs. Bennet. I would like to stand up with my wife, unfashionable though it is.”
Mrs. Bennet tittered and blushed, much to the amusement of their children. Their father next turned to Kitty and Lydia, reminding them in firm but kind tones that their behavior had best be exemplary if they wished to have any further entertainment before they reached their majority. Both nodded fervently. Lydia even restrained her exuberance, taking a deep breath to calm her excitement. It was rather like watching a lively puppy attempt perfect obedience—charming, hopeful, and unlikely to last.
With that, the Bennets clambered into their carriage. Large though it was, it was still a tight fit for six. Elbows bumped, skirtscrumpled, and Lydia nearly sat on Kitty’s reticule, prompting a brief scuffle.
The journey into Meryton for the assembly was filled with amiable chatter on all sides. Kitty and Lydia speculated about with whom they would dance while Mary and Jane quietly discussed a book the former had lately read. Elizabeth stared out the window into the dark night, her hopes for the evening privately contemplated. When the carriage arrived, she was the last of the ladies to descend.He may be here,she thought.Or he may not. Do not be ridiculous, Lizzy—he scarcely knows your name.
“You are rather dull this evening, Miss Elizabeth Bennet,” her father said teasingly.
“Forgive me if I am not loquacious,” she teased back. “What would you like to discuss? Philosophy? Art? The state of the roads?”
He tweaked her nose affectionately. “I had wondered if you intended to win Mr. Bingley’s attention,” he confessed. “Your gown…”
“Ah. No, I do not intend to attract Mr. Bingley’s notice. Everyone knows Jane will have him snared the moment he sees her.”
Mr. Bennet laughed and held out his arm. “Allow me to escort you inside, dear child. Your mother appears to have ushered the others in already.”
Elizabeth took the offered arm, squeezing it gently in affection. “Thank you, good sir.”
Warmth washed over her as she stepped into the vestibule. The assembly hall was ahead, well-lit and already filled with guests. It was fuller than usual, no doubt due to the curiosity spurred by Mr. Bingley’s arrival. The musicians tuned their instruments as those gathered for a night of dancing stood in groups, conversing. All eyes turned to the door with everynewcomer, only to look crestfallen when it was not the one they expected.
The hall itself was charming—if a little worn. Candles glowed from sconces along the walls, their light reflecting off mirrored panels installed decades ago to give the illusion of grandeur. The floor had been polished to a high shine. Refreshment tables on one side held neat rows of punch bowls, cold meats, pastries, and delicate sweetmeats. Gentlemen’s shoes clicked briskly across the boards, and ladies swirled in gowns of every color imaginable—greens like woodland moss, rose pinks, blues ranging from stormy sky to robin’s egg. Ribbons fluttered, fans snapped open and shut, and the hum of conversation filled the air like a living thing.
Elizabeth saw Jane standing with Charlotte Lucas off to one side. Charlotte’s father, Sir William Lucas, was the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Formerly the Mayor of Meryton, Sir William had been knighted by King George. The honor had elevated his family to the gentry. Charlotte was their eldest at nearly seven-and-twenty and was as yet unattached. She hurried to join them.
“Lizzy! How good it is to see you.” Charlotte kissed Elizabeth’s cheek and took her hand. “You look very well this evening.”
“As do you, my friend.” Charlotte wore a new gown of dark blush silk. Her hair had been styled elaborately in a way that flattered her features. The color softened her complexion; Elizabeth thought it made Charlotte look almost luminous.
“You are too kind. I cannot compare to the ‘jewels of the county.” Charlotte smiled self-deprecatingly. “I am pleased enough with my appearance this evening.”
Charlotte was plain of face, but Elizabeth scarcely noticed. Her friend was witty, somewhat sarcastic, prudent, and kind. Any man would be blessed with such a wife. Unfortunately, men didnot often give such ladies any notice. Elizabeth squeezed her hand, hoping silently that Charlotte’s turn would someday come.
“I am eager to finally see Mr. Bingley,” Jane said, breaking the slightly awkward silence that had arisen. “Papa teased Mama mercilessly after his call. He could recall nothing of import, according to her.”
The ladies chuckled good naturedly. “I was fortunate enough to meet him when he returned Papa’s call,” Charlotte confided. “I have never met someone so eager to be pleased with any and everyone around him. Let us hope his good humor lasts when faced with some of the sillier aspects of our society.”
Jane looked slightly alarmed. “Oh dear, I do hope Mrs. Long’s nieces do not descend upon him all at once. And Mr. Goulding’s daughters are so forward—they will quite frighten him!”
Elizabeth laughed. “Or he will be too amiable to be frightened and simply smile through it. He sounds precisely the sort of gentleman Mama has been dreaming of for years.”
Before Charlotte could respond, the murmur of the assembly shifted—like a wave turning direction.
