“You need not be, unless one considers your mind. I am sure you keep that weapon well-polished. That was cleverly done of you, just now; I commend your efforts.”
“I am very sorry for the rift between the Bennets and the Lucases. True and affectionate friends are hard to come by and ought not be so swiftly dismissed.”
The colonel moved closer, a look of curiosity playing over his face. “I suppose you speak from experience – but that cannot be – surely the estimable Miss Dashwood cannot want for affectionate friends. If that is indeed the case, I am perfectly willing to volunteer a certain fellow of first-rate character.”
He grinned and waggled his brows before sweeping into an exaggerated bow, and Elinor laughed. “Are we not friends already, Colonel?”
“I have wished to believe it, most eagerly. And yet, if we were truly such warm friends, I must surely comprehend what great tragedy has given you uncommon wisdom.”
Elinor surveyed him as if searching for mockery in his mirthful visage, but she found only sincerity. Even so, she scarcely wished to confide that beyond her Bennet relations, she was quite friendless. She had lost touch with the few girls she had known during her youth at Norland, she had not even the friendship of John and Fanny, and her most recent acquaintances, the Steele sisters, were hardly genuine in any of their overtures.
But then he winked. “I suppose I ought to confess that my sister has told me what your sister confided in her. Rebecca is under the impression that I am vastly keen to know about you.”
“I have heard it from Lady Rebecca herself that she is never wrong,” Elinor said, allowing herself a little smirk at him.
The colonel moved a little closer. “Well then, Miss Dashwood, what secrets does your serenity conceal?”
“Nothing out of the common way,” Elinor replied. She discreetly wrapped her fingers around the loose fabric of her frock – the fine new silk gown Mrs. Jennings had gifted her– and squeezed tightly to spend the high emotion that swelled inside of her.
She had no intention of telling this charming new acquaintance that she had received another letter from her cousins full of censure for Edward’s behavior in London, and that she began to think herself a hopeless fool for giving her heart to a man who was promised to a harpy yet attempting to court her own cousin. Neither would she admit that she felt a great terror of repeating her mistake, that she might very well attach herself to the man before her, if he continued on so charmingly.
Instead, she attempted a jape. “Nothing more than a reasonable amount of highway robbery and piracy on the high seas. Smuggling, of course, and various arson and larceny.”
He grinned at her. “A woman of myriad talents! My soldiers and I stand little chance of defeating such an accomplished malefactress; our only hope is to join you in your devilry. I remain at your service.”
Elinor smiled wryly at him. “You must not expect to be paid well, nor treated well – no honor amongst thieves, sir.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam rested a hand on his chest and winked at her. “Says the sensible beauty as she steals my heart.”
Elinor shook her head, thinking him a strange fellow indeed, but she was satisfied that her deflection had kept their banter light enough. She would not allow herself to enjoy his flirtation, for it would render her fickle indeed if she could overcome her heartbreak so easily, and yet she was gratified that he wished to make himself so agreeable.
She did not object to him leading her into dinner, though she might have been relieved if he had not been seated beside her. Fortunately, Lady Rebecca was nearby at the head of the table, and she kept up a steady stream of conversation withElinor, declaring herself as eager to get to know the elder sister as the younger.
***
Marianne was vastly chagrined at finding herself seated so far from her new friend at dinner. She had hoped to vent her spleen to Lady Rebecca, and shock her with the details of the letter she and Elinor had received from their cousins in London. Surely Lady Rebecca would be indignant on their behalf and agree to all of Marianne’s furious opinions about Edward’s absurdity.
But when she observed how eagerly Elinor was engaged by Lady Rebecca and the colonel, Marianne was appeased. She had promised not to give voice to any assumptions about Colonel Fitzwilliam’s interest in her sister, but this could hardly prevent Marianne from private speculation. Such musings were all she might look forward to, for she had been placed at Mr. Bingley’s right hand side, with Sir William Lucas on her other side, and Charlotte Lucas sat across from her. She could expect nothing but inanity and presumption in the conversation that accompanied the meal, and Marianne spent the first course determined to think only of her sister as she consumed her turtle soup and turbot.
After congratulating Mr. Bingley on the superiority of the fare, which was fit for St. James’, Sir William turned his eloquence to the officers on his other side. With a look of relief, Charlotte Lucas began to assault their host with her own style of flattery. She praised his hostess, whom she wished to know better, she repined that his own elegant sisters were not present, and she asked a great many questions about his plans for Netherfield.
“I have heard a rumor that you are considering purchasing the estate, sir. I hope that you do, for a neighbor so fond of company and entertainment would be a great distinction for all of Meryton.”
“I am glad to hear it, Miss Lucas, for indeed I am considering the scheme. I wish to be settled, no more flitting about here and there on a whim.” Mr. Bingley turned his gaze to Marianne. “I hope my neighbors at Longbourn would be pleased to see me become a permanent fixture in the area.”
“As I am only a visitor myself, I cannot say,” Marianne replied.
Miss Lucas was happy to make up for Marianne’s deficient response. “And is your sister-in-law to reside here permanently? Surely a lady of such sophistication will wish to return to London ere long.”
“Remaining in London does seem a superior choice,” Marianne said. “My cousin Jane is certainly happier there.”
As Mr. Bingley’s smile faltered, Marianne recollected her promise to be civil to the man. She attempted to say something pleasant to him. “But I should be sorry to see Lady Rebecca go.”
“Netherfield is quite in want of a woman’s touch,” Miss Lucas agreed. “And a lady to act as your hostess, Mr. Bingley. My father is as fond of parties as you are, sir, and he utterly depends upon my mother and her talent for hospitality.”
Marianne sneered as she realized what Miss Lucas was about. Happily, Marianne had made no promise to be polite toher. With an arch look, she observed, “Indeed, your mother has quite a reputation for how she treats her neighbors. One might presume that grief has curtailed your civilities, but here you are, delighting us with your company rather than observing mourning for Mr. Collins.”
Mr. Bingley shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his smile tight and forced. “What a terrible misfortune, Miss Lucas. Of course, one hardly knows what mourning to observe for a man who had not become a relation just yet, but… well, I am pleased that your family accepted my invitation.”
