“He is an excellent man,” Charlotte pronounced.
“He is; if you are not otherwise engaged for supper, you must join us, Charlotte. I am certain he would not mind.”
Charlotte agreed, happy to spend more time with the Colonel.
***
The Colonel found Miss Elizabeth just before the supper dance. She did her best to look happy and excited, but there was something not quite right. She accepted his arm at once, and they took their place in the line. As they began, she said, “Oh, Colonel, I asked Miss Lucas to sit with us at supper if she was not invited by someone else. I hope you do not object?”
“Not at all; that was kind of you, and I certainly have no objection. I enjoyed my dance with her.”
She chuckled. “I knew you would. There is a sort of – well, I suppose I would say practicality about both of you.”
He nodded. “Being in the Army will teach you to be practical.”
“Charlotte has always been so; she would say it comes from being the elder sister of a large family.”
“Miss Elizabeth, I wonder if I might ask a rather impertinent question of you.”
She hesitated. “I would guess this has to do with your cousin.”
“Your guess would be correct.”
“I do not think I have anything to say.” Her tone was unexpectedly sharp.
“I understand, Miss Elizabeth. I will say no more on the subject.”
The remainder of the dance was spent in silence. When it was over, the Colonel escorted her to the supper tables; Charlotte joined them, chattering happily. Elizabeth did her best to join in the conversation, but it was difficult.
Mr. Darcy had not asked anyone for the supper dance; he secured a seat beside Mr. Bingley, who was sitting with Jane Bennet. He looked about for the Colonel, and was astonished to see him sitting with Miss Elizabeth!
Howdarehe? Had it not been clear that Miss Elizabeth belonged to him? How could the Colonel, his own cousin – but stop, this was completely irrational. Certainly Miss Elizabeth did not belong to him, and if the Colonel wished to court her? No, no, that could not happen.
He stared at her until she evidently felt his eyes on her and raised her eyes to his; then he quickly looked away.
This was complete insanity. There was nothing for it; he would have to leave as soon as may be.
He looked up as Mr. Bingley rose and called for silence. Mr. Bingley raised his glass and called out, “May I have everyone’s attention, please!”
The guests quieted, and he then said, “I am happy to announce that Miss Jane Bennet has agreed to be my wife! Please raise your glasses to the future Mrs. Charles Bingley!”
There was a good deal of clapping and cheering, and everyone raised their glasses of various liquids and drank, as Jane blushed heavily.
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet received congratulations from all sides, and everyone in the room was happy.
Chapter Thirty-Two
The next day, Mr. Darcy rose early. He had not slept well, certainly, but he was determined to deal with Wickham immediately; then he would depart for London to bring the Colonel back to Matlock House and then journey on to Pemberley.
He partook of a quick breakfast in the family dining room, and was not at all disappointed to do so by himself. He then returned to his room, gathered up the relevant papers, mounted a horse, and rode to Colonel Forster’s house.
***
The other residents of Netherfield, apart from the servants, rose quite late. Mr. Bingley looked downright ragged when he finallycame down to breakfast, as he had enjoyed a good many glasses of champagne when celebrating his betrothal.
The Colonel also came downstairs rather late. He had been awake for some time, thinking about his cousin and Miss Elizabeth. He was determined to have a serious conversation with Darcy as soon as may be.
The Hursts walked into the breakfast room just after the Colonel had seated himself. Louisa had been accosted by Caroline Bingley the moment she had come in from the ball; Caroline told her of their brother’s perfidy. Louisa had stared at Caroline in shock before running to her husband to share the news. He had been delighted beyond words, and had shown his wife how very happy he was; as a result, both Hursts rose quite late.
