Mary raised her head, her eyes wide with embarrassment. “No, Lizzy. I do not know how to speak of such matters with our father.”
“Then he shall not be able to help you. May I speak with him of it?”
Her sister’s eyes grew hopeful. “Yes, Lizzy, would you? I should remain eternally grateful. Perhaps it may lead to some amendment in my husband’s character.”
“I shall. I shall speak with Papa before I leave Longbourn.”
Elizabeth fulfilled her promise, and Mr. Bennet, once informed of the particulars, began considering what he ought to say to Mr. Collins, which books he ought to place before him, and which passages of scripture might best benefit the complicated man.
The Beaumonts arrived at Longbourn four weeks later and remained a full week in Meryton. Sir Gareth, together with Jane, paid all the obligatory visits his mother-in-law believed necessary.
Jane had expected humiliation, but on the evening of their first round of calls, she said, “Lizzy, Mamma has behaved with perfect decorum during our visits. She has offered us no cause for embarrassment. Sir Gareth believes her the very model of beauty and gentility.”
Elizabeth and Mary exchanged glances and laughed.
“What is it, sisters? What have I said?”
“Nothing, Jane. Papa has labored to instruct our mother in matters of etiquette and decorum, and now you tell us he has succeeded.”
The wedding breakfast was in full progress when Elizabeth saw a handsome ginger-haired gentleman enter the house beside an attractive young woman with stunning red hair.
Her father approached the pair and bowed. “Mr. Bingley, Miss Bingley, you are welcome. Pray, join us. Come serve yourselves a plate. The beefsteak has turned out particularly tender, sir.”
He escorted them farther into the house and halted before Elizabeth.
“Permit me to introduce my second daughter, Elizabeth. My dear, this is Mr. Bingley and his sister, Miss Bingley. He leases Netherfield Park.”
Elizabeth curtsied.
Mr. Bennet said, “I had not known you intended to return, sir. I am pleased I was mistaken.”
Mr. Bingley’s face brightened with pleasure. “Yes, sir. I had business in the north, which has now been concluded. It proved a complicated transaction, but all has been settled. I wish to offer your eldest daughter my congratulations, sir.”
Mr. Bennet raised a brow. “Certainly. This way.”
Elizabeth followed after them and took her place beside Jane in case her sister should require support.
Jane had been speaking with the Gouldings, but upon hearing her name, she turned and found Mr. and Miss Bingley standing beside her father.
Jane’s eyes darkened, but she inclined her head in acknowledgment, though she was unable to manage a smile. Elizabeth felt relieved when her sister’s habitual serenity softened her countenance as she performed the introductions to her husband. In contrast, Mr. Bingley’s eyes held something akin to regret or sorrow as he returned the greeting. Elizabeth felt no pity for the man. Jane had suffered through his abandonment, and she felt only gratitude that the Bingleys stood well removed from Jane’s life.
Beaumont’s eyes crinkled in amusement. “My dear, an introduction is unnecessary. Charles and I attended university together.” He extended his hand. “Bingley, how do you do? I have not encountered you at White’s.”
The two gentlemen soon fell into easy conversation.
Elizabeth directed her attention toward the striking woman accompanying him and discovered Miss Bingley’s gaze fixed upon her. The look in her eyes appeared almost feral as it traveled over Elizabeth’s person. She clearly disliked what she saw. Elizabeth merely waited to discover what the lady intended next.
To her surprise, Miss Bingley released her brother’s arm and approached.
The woman spoke in a lowered voice, edged with menace. “Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, that you shall succeed where your sister failed. My brother is destined to marry far above a squire’s daughter who possesses nothing beyond a trifling estate.” She glanced toward her brother. “With his fortune, Charles may court amongst the highest circles.”
Elizabeth had heard quite enough. She curtsied and withdrew from the poisonous cat.
Chapter 35: London
Darcy rose when his cousin was shown in. “Richard, when did you arrive in town?”
“We arrived last evening. Annie felt grateful to escape Rosings. Every chair, room, and hallway carries memories of her mother and Mrs. Jenkinson, and she was often overcome by tears.”
