“Georgiana is a lovely name,” Jane said.
Miss Bingley had now recovered herself. “And she is a lovely young lady! Such poise, such elegance of manner! Not to mention her exquisite performances on the pianoforte!”
“She sounds quite a paragon, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth murmured.
“Oh, she is indeed. You would not find her like in the countryside, I imagine.”
Elizabeth looked confused. “And yet I thought she lived in the country, in Derbyshire?”
Mr. Bingley began to laugh. “Caught you out there, Caroline! Of course she lives in the countryside.”
Miss Bingley began, “I only meant – “ And she trailed off, uncertain as to how to retract her comment without looking foolish.
Mrs. Bennet decided it was time to take charge of the conversation. “In any case, we do hope that you learn to appreciate Netherfield and our small society. I believe Sir William Lucas plans to host a card party quite soon; I am certain you will all be included. And, of course, there are assemblies. I believe Mr. Darcy enjoyed our most recent assembly, as he danced nearly every dance.” All eyes turned to Mr. Darcy.
“I did enjoy it, very much,” he admitted, much to Mrs. Bennet’s delight.
“There you are! And I heard a rumour, just this morning, that a militia regiment is to be posted here in Meryton, which will add a good deal of merriment, I am certain!”
“The militia! Mama, do you mean it? Where did you hear that?” Lydia was on her feet, eyes wide with excitement.
“Sit down, child. Yes, I do mean it, I heard it from Sir William, and I believe they are to arrive later this month.”
“Oh, just imagine!” Lydia turned to Kitty, and the two actually squealed.
Mr. Darcy flinched. Miss Bingley sneered. Jane, Elizabeth and Mary closed their eyes in mortification.
***
Mrs. Bennet had planned her table most carefully. Mr. Bennet sat at the head, of course, with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst on either side; this was quite proper. Mrs. Bennet sat at the foot of the table. Mr. Darcy was on her right, also quite properly, but rather than putting Mr. Bingley on her other side, as might have been expected, she sat Mr. Hurst there.
Beside Miss Bingley was Kitty, who could question Miss Bingley on fashion to her heart’s content. Then came Lydia, and then Mary beside Mr. Hurst.
Next to Mrs. Hurst, she sat Jane, and beside Jane was Mr. Bingley, just as everyone had hoped. On Mr. Bingley’s other side, she sat Lizzy. But this then put Mr. Darcy to Lizzy’s left! Ha! Mr. Bennet may think what he liked about Mr. Darcy not being pursued, but Mrs. Bennet had eyes in her head, and her eyes told her that Mr. Darcy was not indifferent to Lizzy.
Mr. Bingley was everything delighted; he was sitting beside Miss Bennet, just as he had hoped. Kitty was delighted; despite Miss Bingley’s snobbishness, she hoped to gain some fashion insights during dinner. Jane was also delighted, as were Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth was glad to assist Jane’s relationship with Mr. Bingley by telling him little tales that showed Jane’s goodness, kindness, and eminent suitability to be the wife of a future estate owner.
But sitting beside Mr. Darcy? She had rather mixed feelings about it.
Elizabeth felt the danger of spending too much time with Mr. Darcy. For, truth to tell, she was very much attracted to him. She knew, of course, that he was destined for better things, so she had no one to blame but herself if she lost her heart to a man who could not commit himself to her, especially when she had been specifically warned against doing so.
On the other hand, surely she could enjoy his company as long as he was here, could she not?
When dinner ended and Mrs. Bennet led the ladies to the parlour, Miss Bingley immediately sat down to the instrument and began a complex Pleyel piece. Mary sat back, her hands firmly folded on her lap; she was now ashamed of her poor efforts at the piano. Evidently her accomplishments were meager indeed when compared with ladies such as Miss Bingley.
Jane, sitting beside Mary, saw her sister’s downcast face, and whispered, “She has had the benefit of London masters, Mary; but you have done very well without them!” Mary just shook her head.
In the dining room, the gentlemen were occupied with a very good brandy that Mr. Bennet had received from his brother-in-law, Mr. Gardiner, when he had returned Elizabethto Longbourn. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley murmured their appreciation of it, and even Mr. Hurst grunted his approval.
Mr. Bingley began, “I feel I must apologise for my younger sister’s behaviour, Mr. Bennet.”
“We were forewarned, as it happens,” his host replied.
Mr. Bingley looked puzzled.
Mr. Darcy rather wished Mr. Bennet had not spoken of it, but now felt he must step forward. “I told the Bennets that your younger sister is a decisive person,” he said.
