Desiring to appear indifferent lest Charlotte tease her or Jane suspect her, Elizabeth kept her reply casual. “It was an agreeable way to spend half an hour, I suppose. Certainly, it was better than sitting and watching others dance. Your brother stood up with Miss Bingley. What did he think of her?”
“John said she barely spoke a word the entire set. He claims he will not rush to spend time with her in the future, no matter the size of her dowry. It is too bad Mr Collins could not be there. When do you expect him? I had understood he would be home already.”
The subject of her cousin remained one Elizabeth avoided with Charlotte, and she busied herself with adjusting the shawl she wore.
Jane felt no such qualms and explained his prolonged absence, adding, “He should return by the end of this month or early November.”
“You will be glad to see him, especially if he brings good news about securing a living.”
Charlotte’s statement was directed to Elizabeth, who both nodded and made a noise of agreement.
“We all pray he has such happy tidings to impart,” Jane said.
Not wishing to continue the subject of her cousin, Elizabeth mentioned recent predictions regarding the weather that autumn. “If it is fair, we should arrange to show the Netherfield party more of the county. What do you think?”
“That is a good notion, Lizzy,” said Jane.
The light blush on her cheeks almost made Elizabeth laugh at her sister again. No doubt, Jane was keen to see Mr Bingley. Instead, she said, “What shall we do? Perhaps a walking party, though the question becomes, where? Haye-Park might do, if the Gouldings agreed.”
CHAPTERTEN
The Gouldings were generous, and when Mrs Goulding and her two daughters called at Longbourn the next day, they immediately took the hint that they should offer up their estate for an excursion to help welcome the Bingleys to the neighbourhood. They had a lake which, while small, was wonderfully picturesque, and the lands about it were well suited for strolling. The date was settled, and, soon thereafter, invitations were sent.
Before the day of the Gouldings’ party, the Bennets saw Mr and Miss Bingley several times. At the first such meeting, Elizabeth was disappointed they did not also see Mr Darcy. The Bingleys were riding, and Jane and Elizabeth walking. Miss Bingley could be excused for not dismounting, Elizabeth supposed, but she was surprised Mr Bingley did not. She amused herself by thinking,Perhaps he is worried about looking foolish when he attempts to mount again. Whatever the reason for their behaviour, it made talking to each other a little awkward and necessarily kept their conversation short.
When she enquired after their absent friend, Mr Bingley informed her that he had gone to town to see to certain business affairs.
“We expect him to return very soon,” Miss Bingley said.
Elizabeth noticed that the lady had a habit of not looking in her direction even when addressing her. Rather, she always seemed interested in what was taking placebehindElizabeth.
“I have no doubt Darcy will be with us again the moment he is able. He was very upset he had to leave, poor man. I hope he does not make his solicitor’s life too unpleasant over it.” Mr Bingley, smiling and jovial, patted his sister’s arm.
Miss Bingley blushed and lowered her eyes. Her voice soft, she said, “I am sure he would do no such thing. Mr Darcy is the very best of men. You know you must not criticise him in my hearing, Brother.”
“As you say.” Mr Bingley laughed then said they had best continue their ride as they were expected at Netherfield. “Cook will have tea ready, and I dread angering her by being late.”
Jane and Elizabeth continued their walk. After two or three minutes, Jane broke the silence.
“I did not realise you found Mr Darcy’s company so enjoyable, but you must have done so to ask after him.”
Elizabeth was glad for the coolness of the day. It kept her cheeks from colouring. “It was not so odd as that, was it? We know that Mr Darcy is their guest, he was not with them, and it was natural that I would ask.”
Jane regarded her, her brow arched.
“Oh, very well. Ididhave an agreeable conversation with him at the assembly and”—Elizabeth swallowed against the sudden dryness in her mouth—“I saw him the next morning, while I was taking a walk. He claimed a liking for the open air, and I was surprised not to see him with his friends. There, Jane, is the complete tale of my acquaintance with the gentleman.”
“Why did you not tell me you saw him that morning? It was days ago, and this is the first I am hearing of it.” There was a trace of exasperation in Jane’s voice.
Elizabeth began to shrug but covered the movement by adjusting her hat. Jane would have seen the gesture as a mark of discomfort, which would have led to more questions. “There was no particular reason. We spoke for a few minutes, after which I returned to Longbourn. Do you not think that tree has the most interesting shape? It looks like a gentleman making a deep, formal bow.”
Fortunately, Jane allowed herself to be distracted. They continued their stroll, mostly content to maintain a companionable quiet. Elizabeth’s thoughts remained on Mr Darcy. Despite the brevity of their time together, Elizabeth liked him, perhaps too much for her peace of mind. When she reflected on Mr Bingley’s implication that Mr Darcy was attached, or at least becoming attached, to Miss Bingley, Elizabeth felt a stab of bitterness. While there was nothing likethatbetween her and Mr Darcy and never would be, Mr Darcy could do a good deal better than Miss Bingley.
The Bennets and Bingleys also met at a card party, and then the brother and sister came to dinner at Longbourn. Elizabeth took cautious delight in seeing Jane befriend Mr Bingley and his sister, although there was still something she did not quite like about the lady. Outwardly, she was polite and gave every appearance of wanting to make a place for herself and her brother in the neighbourhood. However, there were moments when Elizabeth sensed a lack of sincerity, such as her unwillingness to look at Elizabeth when talking to her. Because she could not point to specific reasons or instances to support her unease, she said nothing about it. After all, that particular habit might be a mark of shyness. However, and as much as Mr Bingley appeared everything friendly and open, it left Elizabeth with a persistent worry that they, especially Jane, should give themselves more time to know him before deciding he was the perfect addition to the neighbourhood.
* * *
Elizabeth was in the sitting room with Mrs Bennet, Jane, and Mary the afternoon following the dinner party at Longbourn. Mrs Bennet was speaking of what had, apparently, become a favourite topic.
