Elizabeth felt the impropriety of Jane’s request at once. As the higher ranked individual, the introduction ought to have come from MissDarcy, not from her sister; yet Jane’s expression remained composed, even resolute.
Almost at once, Elizabeth recognised the impulse for what it was: Jane asserting, in the only way left to her, what little authority and dignity remained.
She stared at her in surprise. Only moments ago, this same gentle sister had nearly sunk in her arms; now she stood upright, cool, and perilously close to offering their guests an affront.
Darcy’s eyes sought Elizabeth’s, as though for direction in how to proceed, but she could give him none beyond the smallest lift of her shoulders. He complied, but he appeared to recognise the strangeness of the situation, and Elizabeth could not doubt he was not alone in perceiving it.
“Miss Bennet, may I present my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, and her companion, Mrs Annesley. Georgiana, Mrs Annesley—Miss Jane Bennet; her sister, Miss Mary Bennet—and?—”
Kitty had reappeared at Jane’s elbow, and Darcy acknowledged her with a bow.
“—Miss Catherine Bennet.”
“Welcome, Miss Darcy, Mrs Annesley,” Mary said, stepping forward to receive them. She greeted the Gardiners more softly and added that she would fetch their children, who must be longing to see them.
Mrs Gardiner, however, detained her at once, insisting she would go herself. Mary yielded and conducted her from the room, the door closing behind them.
Kitty advanced almost immediately, as if determined to dispel the uncomfortable pause, and began speaking with Miss Darcy. Mrs Annesley gently steered both girls towards a corner; as she did so, Elizabeth caught the meaning in the look she directed at Darcy, a silent request for permission, which he granted with a simple nod.
Elizabeth turned to her uncle. With a small gesture, she invited him, Jane, and Darcy to sit.
“Where is Papa?” she asked.
“In his bookroom,” her uncle replied. “I have asked Hill to let him know we are here, but if he does not come of his own accord soon, I shall go and fetch him. In the meantime, Jane, perhaps you will tell us what you can.”
Jane started at that and glanced at Darcy, her hesitation unmistakable.
“Mr Darcy knows everything I do,” Elizabeth said gently. “Pray, do not be uneasy on his account.”
“Why, Lizzy?” Jane asked. There was a flicker in her eyes—quick, bright—before her usual serenity descended once more.
Elizabeth lowered her voice. “We have… an understanding. Nothing may be settled until Papa has been consulted, of course; but Mr Darcy was with me when I read your letter, and he believes he may be of service, should it become necessary. As he is soon to be family, he wishes to assist us in whatever way he can.”
“Very well,” Jane said, her gaze moving from her sister to her suitor, the displeasure she could not wholly disguise still evident.
Jane finally consented; yet Elizabeth knew how little her sister had wished to do so. The concession to speak before Mr Darcy seemed to have been wrung from her by Elizabeth’s insistence, but Elizabeth could not comprehend such reluctance.What did it matter to Jane, that Mr Darcy should know of it?she wondered.
Jane then repeated what she had written in her earlier letter and added what little she knew of Lydia’s return from Brighton; but the particulars remained uncertain, and Elizabeth soon realised they had gained very little beyond what they already feared.
Elizabeth listened as she spoke, aware of Darcy beside her, aware of her uncle opposite, aware that nothing in the room was as simple as it had once been.
Six
Elizabeth had scarcely drawn another breath in the midst of the discussion when the door opened, and her mother swept into the room.
She advanced without appearing to see anyone beyond her own family, and the instant she noticed her brother, she hastened directly to him.
“Oh, Brother,” she cried, in evident agitation, “you must speak to Mr Bennet. He has confined my dearest Lydia to her room and declares he will not allow her—nor Kitty—into society ever again.”
Elizabeth felt the familiar tightening in her temples. Of all moments for such a declaration…
“Sister, you have guests,” her uncle said gently.
Her mother started and looked round, as though the rest of the company had sprung up by magic. The instant her gaze swept the room and fell upon Mr Darcy seated by her least favourite daughter, astonishment chased every other expression from her face.
“Mr Darcy!” she exclaimed. “I am quite amazed that you should visit us after you so plainly disdained us in the autumn. Pray forgive myoutburst just now—but will you introduce me to the ladies who have accompanied you?” She gestured towards his sister and her companion.
Heat rushed into Elizabeth’s cheeks. She could only imagine how the scene must appear to him, how every sound must confirm the worst opinions he had once held of her family, if indeed, they had truly changed. She dared a glance in his direction, absurdly wishing that she might will him not to be troubled by this latest demonstration.
