Page 19 of Twice Chosen

He smiled into the darkness.

Tomorrow.

Chapter Five

A Call at Longbourn

Mrs. Bennet was ecstatic when Bingley called. She was less ecstatic about Darcy.

Elizabeth watched her mother from across the drawing room and experienced the peculiar sensation of remembering an event before living it. The room was almost the same: faded carpet, the vase Jane had arranged, Mary's book upon a side table, Kitty and Lydia whispering, Mr. Bennet absent.

But Darcy was not the same.

He entered behind Bingley and bowed to Mrs. Bennet with genuine courtesy. Not warmth--Darcy had never been naturally warm with strangers--but no stiffness either, no sense that Longbourn's modest drawing room offended his standards.

"Mrs. Bennet. Thank you for receiving us."

Mrs. Bennet's response held less pleasure. "Mr. Darcy."

Bingley immediately found Jane.

Darcy found Elizabeth.

Of course.

She pretended to be absorbed in needlework.

He sat across from her rather than beside her.

Wise man.

Lydia began interrogating Bingley about the ball while Kitty joined in, asking whether Netherfield possessed a music room and if the floor in the ballroom had been polished. Mrs. Bennet apologized for neither.

Elizabeth once would have burned with embarrassment.

Now she listened.

Lydia was loud. She was also fifteen and excited. Bingley appeared delighted.

"Will there be officers at Netherfield?" Lydia asked, leaning forward with such enthusiasm that Mrs. Bennet caught the edge of her sleeve before she upset a cup.

"Lydia," Jane murmured.

"What? I only asked."

Bingley laughed. "I have invited none yet."

"Then you should."

Mrs. Bennet gave her youngest daughter a look. "Lydia."

That was enough to subdue her for almost seven seconds.

Darcy's eyes flicked toward Elizabeth. He expected her embarrassment. She knew. Instead she smiled at Lydia and said, "Perhaps Mr. Bingley would prefer to meet his neighbors before supplying you with an army."

Kitty laughed. Lydia stuck out her tongue.

Mrs. Bennet gasped. "Lydia!"