Mary lifted her attention from her book. “I thought the dinner was to be quite small.”
“It was.” Mrs. Bennet picked up another note. “And apparently Miss Bates accepted as well, though I cannot imagine why she felt compelled to devote three pages to discussing the weather between Meryton and Longbourn.”
Lydia choked suddenly on her tea.
Kitty turned toward her sister. “Are you unwell?”
“Perfectly,” Lydia gasped, pressing her napkin firmly against her mouth while her shoulders shook suspiciously.
Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Across the table Thomas kicked Toby beneath his chair. Toby retaliated instantly. Both boys attempted expressions of grave innocence that only deepened suspicion further.
Mr. Bennet observed the exchange over the edge of his newspaper with growing interest.
Mrs. Bennet opened another note. “I distinctly remember inviting only the Lucases, Netherfield, and Cousin Wilson to dine.”
Mr. Bennet appeared thoughtful. “Perhaps your invitations multiplied themselves in transit.”
“Thomas.” Mrs. Bennet sounded rather exasperated.
“I merely attempt solutions.”
Elizabeth let her gaze travel slowly around the table.
Lydia refused to meet her gaze. The twins appeared suddenly fascinated by sausages. Suspicion solidified.
Mrs. Bennet continued, “I should not object to the additional company if I understood how the confusion occurred.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth.
At that precise moment the breakfast room door opened, and Mr. Wilson entered with all the timing of a theatrical interruption. “My apologies,” he announced cheerfully. “I fear I overslept.”
“You missed nothing except mystery,” Mr. Bennet informed him.
Mr. Wilson seated himself beside Elizabeth before anyone else could occupy the chair.
The twins glowered openly.
Mrs. Bennet explained the situation while Mr. Wilson helped himself liberally to breakfast and declared the entire affair amusing.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, watched Lydia carefully. Her younger sister finally glanced up and caught Elizabeth’s eye. Then smirked. Not accidentally. Deliberately.
Elizabeth nearly dropped her fork.
Good heavens.The realization arrived with astonishing speed.
The twins had escalated. And Lydia had joined them. Across the table Thomas attempted innocence with such effort that he achieved only deeper guilt. Toby avoided looking toward either sister.
Elizabeth pressed her lips together firmly.
Mrs. Bennet sighed. “Well. The invitations stand now, regardless of how they originated. Cook shall simply need to prepare additional dishes.”
Mr. Bennet set his newspaper aside at last. “I confess myself eager for Thursday now. Confusion promises entertainment.”
Elizabeth caught him looking directly at the twins while saying it.
Her father knew. Or suspected enough to enjoy himself thoroughly.
