He beamed down at her. “I visited the tenant farms, as you suggested, Miss Bennet.”
It had been Mary’s suggestion, but no matter. “Did you? Oh, that is excellent news, Mr. Bingley. What did you think of your tenants?”
The resulting conversation lasted through the entire first dance. When the second began, Mr. Bingley offered his arm.
Mr. Bingley was a good dancer; Elizabeth had no difficulty in partnering him. “I saw you speaking with Sir William,” she said, when the dance permitted conversation.
“I did, yes; I am to dance with his daughter for the fourth.”
“That will be with my dear friend, Charlotte Lucas. She is an intelligent and sensible young woman; you will enjoy your time with her.”
“I would far rather talk aboutyou, Miss Bennet,” he replied at once.
Elizabeth reddened. She dropped her eyes, modestly. “There is little to tell, Mr. Bingley.”
“I doubt that very much. You have taken on the responsibility for my tenants as well as your own; that tells me that you are kind and generous. You sing beautifully. You mentioned that you play a little, but since I already know you to be modest, I suspect you play rather better than just ‘a little.’ I also now know you to be an excellent dancer.”
“Your praise is far too much, Mr. Bingley!” Elizabeth had to laugh. “Let me balance your opinion at least a bit. I do not ride, as I fear horses, so I walk wherever I need to go. As a result, my skirts are dirty more often than not, which makes our maid shake her head at me on laundry day. I –“ here she hesitated.
“Go on; these paltry faults do not in the least change my opinion of you.”
“I read books, Mr. Bingley. I am not a scholar, of course, but I love to learn, and my father has allowed me to study both Greek and Latin.” There; he may as well know the worst of her!
“You remind me of Darcy!” Mr. Bingley laughed.
“You have mentioned your friend before; you admire him, I think.”
“Oh, I do! He is the cleverest man I know, and has helped me in innumerable ways.”
“I am glad you have such a friend.”
“He will visit us in the next few weeks; you and he can discuss books and I will listen admiringly.” He seemed not in the least deterred by her admission. “You speak French, I imagine.”
“I do, yes, and Italian as well.”
“You are the very epitome of an accomplished young lady!” he exclaimed. The dance ended then, and he returned her to Mrs. Bennet and offered his arm to Mary for the third set.
“The two of you looked perfect together!” Mrs. Bennet enthused, clutching Elizabeth’s hand.
“Mama, he must be told that I have no dowry.” Elizabeth’s tone was firm.
“Of course, but not quite yet.”
“Mama –“
“Elizabeth, hear me.” Mrs. Bennet took Elizabeth’s arm and turned her so that they were face to face. Her voice was low, but harsh. “This is no small matter. Our entire family’s future is at stake. You will do as I tell you.”
Elizabeth bit her lip and nodded. She felt tears coming to her eyes, but she forced them back.
***
Later that evening, Charlotte found Elizabeth all but hiding behind a column. “Eliza! There you are! Is something wrong?”
“Oh, Charlotte!” Elizabeth’s voice broke.
“Eliza, heavens! What is it?”
“I cannot speak of it here; will you visit me tomorrow? No, better yet; will you meet me at Oakham Mount just after breakfast?”
