Elizabeth's gaze shifted to Mr. Bingley. She wondered whether he would agree with his sister's account.
His fair face was beet red. At least he appeared embarrassed. Was it because of his sister's rude interruption, or because of the manner in which he had left things with Jane? He had abandoned her to the censure and speculation of family and neighbors alike.
Elizabeth made no attempt to ease his discomfort.
As far as she was concerned, he deserved to suffer. Had not her dear Jane suffered? Jane, who was the sweetest woman in the world, had endured heartache because this social climber had not deemed a Bennet good enough for her wealthy brother.
Well, Elizabeth reflected, Jane was far better off without the Bingley siblings.
She was dearly beloved by Sir Gareth and his family. She was well removed from any connection that would have made Miss Bingley her near relation.
Elizabeth was drawn from her thoughts by Mr. Bingley's next words.
"Mrs. Darcy, how is Lady Beaumont?"
She studied his face.
He was sincere. He genuinely wished to know how Jane fared.
"Sir, my sister is very well. Sir Gareth is everything amiable and good. He loves my sister dearly."
Elizabeth was sorely tempted to tell him just how much suffering he had caused Jane, but out of family pride, she kept those recriminations to herself.
Instead, she said, "In her last letter, Jane hinted that she is in a delicate condition. That is why the Beaumonts will not arrive until later this week. Sir Gareth takes prodigious care of my sister and has arranged their journey in short stages to prevent her becoming overtired."
Elizabeth watched Mr. Bingley's face closely. Again, he blushed.
Elizabeth was angry. She was angry with both Bingley siblings.
Lowering her gaze to her dinner plate, she resolved to remain silent lest she commit an indiscretion.
Mr. Bingley turned his attention to the younger Bennet sister.
"Miss Kitty, do you reside at Pemberley with the Darcys?"
Kitty raised her eyes to meet her host's.
"Yes, sir. Lizzy is teaching me how to manage a household."
Mr. Bingley smiled kindly at the younger girl. “It appears that you could not have a better example to follow, Miss Bennet.”
This encouraged Kitty.
"Lizzy is providing instruction to both Georgiana and me, sir. We assisted my sister with the cowpox inoculations this summer. All the tenants received them, as did the Pemberley servants, and of course, we received them ourselves."
Mr. Bingley turned to Elizabeth.
"Cowpox inoculations, Mrs. Darcy? What is the benefit, if I may ask?"
"Inoculation with cowpox provides protection against smallpox, sir."
"How did you learn of such a thing, Mrs. Darcy?"
"I read about it while I was still living at home. The idea returned to me after I began visiting the tenants at Pemberley. It seemed to me that it would be a grave disservice not to offer the inoculation when it is so readily available."
Darcy spoke then.
"At first, our local physician would not hear of it. When Elizabeth asked him to place an order, he refused. I insisted, and we received the cowpox matter within a fortnight."
