“You are right, Mary.”
“But I am a little puzzled…”
“Yes?”
“Why has no one thought of bringing Jane home? This Mr. Bingley would doubtless take one look at our sister and fall on his knees before her!”
“This is why; read it, Mary.” Elizabeth pulled Jane’s letter out of her pocket and handed it to Mary.
Mary read it and then she looked up at Elizabeth. “They know of this? Our parents?”
“Not of this particular dinner party, no; but they know that the Gardiners are doing their best to introduce her to as many eligible gentlemen as possible. Papa says he cannot rest the family’s fortunes on just Jane marrying; with me on the marriage market, I suppose it doubles the chances of success.” Her tone was cynical.
“Oh, Lizzy, I am so very sorry. I wish I could help, but…” Her voice trailed off as she gestured toward her own face. “No one is likely to take one look at me and fall to his knees!” She tried to sound light-hearted, but failed.
“Mary, oh, Mary, if I am successful, you will always have a home with me, come what may!”
“I thank you, Lizzy. And now, for both our sakes, let us finish this embroidery!”
Chapter Seven
Mr. Bingley was happy to be going to a dinner party. This is what he had always imagined country life would be like! Going to visit neighbours, discussing crops and drainage – not that Mr. Bingley had anything to contribute to such a discussion at this time, but he certainly would learn.
The Hursts seemed amenable to the idea, particularly given the promise of pheasant, but Caroline objected, as everyone had known that she would. “I cannot imagine a duller evening!” she said, when the invitation had arrived.
“Then you should stay home, Caroline,” her brother said, agreeably. “I imagine you will find your own company far more stimulating than that of our neighbours.”
“I certainly will!” she replied, tossing her red curls. “My own company is vastly superior to anything to be found in this society!”
“Oh, no doubt, no doubt,” Mr. Bingley hastened to concur. In truth, Mr. Bingley was not at all eager to have his annoying sister present at the dinner. He was weary of apologising for her manners.
***
With the more troublesome individuals from both the Bennet and Bingley families absent, the dinner party was a great success. Kitty and Lydia were in their room and Jane wasin London, so that left only Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, and Mary to be introduced to the new neighbours. Elizabeth made it a point to smile winningly at Mr. Bingley when he was presented to her, and he responded at once, choosing to sit beside her in the drawing room.
“How are you finding Netherfield Park, Mr. Bingley?” she asked him. Mr. Bennet had been right; he was good-looking enough. Elizabeth had always preferred dark hair to light, but that seemed unimportant now.
“Oh! I like it prodigiously,” he replied. “It was my father’s dream that I purchase an estate, and leasing Netherfield seems like a perfect opportunity to see how I might like country life.”
Ah, Elizabeth thought. So his family is from trade.
He went on. “I suppose your family has been here a long time, Miss Bennet?’
“Over two centuries, Mr. Bingley.” Her voice became unexpectedly solemn, as she contemplated the Bennet family being forced to move away from Longbourn. With an effort, she forced her mind away from such thoughts. “Do you think you will like country life, Mr. Bingley?”
“I like it already! The air smells so fresh and clean, and I can heard birds sing!”
“I agree entirely. I enjoy London’s museums and theaters, but heavens! The noise, the smell, the congestion! I do not know how anyone tolerates it for any length of time.”
He smiled at her. “We think entirely alike then, Miss Bennet. Though I am not one for museums and theatre, if I am honest.”
“Oh! Then what do you do when you are in London, Mr. Bingley?”
“Vauxhall, certainly. Astley’s Amphitheatre is vastly amusing. There are dances, of course. And I do play cards, as does any gentleman.”
“Do you gamble, Mr. Bingley?” Elizabeth did her best to keep her tone light and amused, as if his reply did not matter.
“Not to excess, no. I have seen too many fortunes lost at the gaming tables.”
