“I have no idea.”
“The elder should marry before the younger, of course.”
“I do not know that such an argument will influence him.” His voice was cool.
“Her looks are certainly in her favour.”
“Both ladies are equally beautiful.”
At this, she pulled back in astonishment. “Why, earlier you said she was only tolerable! Now you compare Miss Elizabeth’s appearance with that of her elder sister?”
Caught off guard, Mr. Darcy reached for his wine glass and took a slow sip. Finally, he said, “It is not my opinion that is of importance.”
And coax as she might, Miss Bingley could get nothing more from him on the subject. Finally freed of her persistence, Mr. Darcy was able to turn his attention to his other dinner partner. “I apologise for neglecting you, Miss Bennet. May I pour you more wine?”
“I thank you, Mr. Darcy, yes.” Her voice was calm, pure.
“Are you glad to be home, Miss Bennet?”
“I am, yes. I love my family and miss them whenever we are apart.”
“Ah. I quite understand. I have a sister, who did not travel here with me.”
“Yes, Lizzy mentioned that to me.”
“Lizzy? Ah, Miss Elizabeth, of course. I suppose I would not be allowed to call her Miss Lizzy.”
His attempt at humour fell rather flat, as she looked at him in confusion. “Of course not, Mr. Bingley. Though our friend, Charlotte Lucas, calls her Eliza. No one else is permitted to do so, as she dislikes the name.”
“Elizabeth is such a very flexible name, is it not?” he went on.
“Flexible? Oh, I see. Beth, Eliza, Lizzy.”
“Exactly.”
“Whereas Jane is simply…Jane.”
“But you are not then burdened with nicknames that you do not care for.”
“That is true enough. May I enquire as to your sister’s name?”
“It is Georgiana.”
“Does she accept any nicknames?”
“Our cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam, calls her Georgie, but she will not answer to it from anyone else.”
Miss Bennet nodded, and returned her attention to her plate.
When Mrs. Hurst rose, signaling the end of the dinner, everyone else rose as well. The gentlemen remained in the dining room, while the ladies retreated to the drawing room.
Miss Bingley asked Mary to play, which she was glad to do. Under the cover of the music, Jane and Elizabeth were able to speak. “Did Mr. Darcy say anything to you?” Elizabeth whispered.
“Not much. We spoke briefly about names, nicknames, and so on. Miss Bingley required a good deal of his attention.”
Elizabeth stifled a smile.
“What is it, Lizzy?”
