Page 34 of The Crown’s Gift

Elizabeth leaned her head against his shoulder as she had not done since childhood. "I am glad the King ate that sugar plum."

Sir Thomas's chest moved with a laugh. "Do not say so within hearing of the Queen."

Preparations for London occupied the following weeks. The Bennets kept a modest house in Brook Street during the season, purchased after Jane's presentation. Lady Bennet considered it small. Sir Thomas considered any house in London large enough if it possessed doors that closed.

Mary's anxiety increased with each fitting.

"I shall trip," she said while Madame Laurent pinned the hem of her presentation gown.

"Then I shall trip beside you," Elizabeth answered.

"That would make it worse. Everyone would remember both of us."

"Very well. I shall create a more interesting scandal on the opposite side of the room."

Mary's reflection almost smiled.

Jane joined them in London, staying first with the Gardiners in Gracechurch Street. She insisted this had nothing to do with Bingley.

"It has everything to do with Aunt Gardiner," she said.

Elizabeth did not challenge the fiction. Their aunt's warmth and uncle's good sense were reason enough.

The morning after their arrival, Jane sent a note to Caroline. A reply came two days later, affectionate in words and empty in feeling. Miss Bingley was overwhelmed with engagements. She hoped to call when possible.

She did not mention her brother.

Jane read the letter and placed it on the desk. "Now I know."

"You know Caroline is false."

"I know I need not wait for her friendship. The rest is still Mr Bingley's choice."

Her voice trembled only on his name.

Elizabeth embraced her. Jane permitted it, then straightened.

"You must go to your dancing master. Mary will panic if you are late."

"Mary will panic if I am early."

"Then arrive precisely."

In that, at least, Jane could still direct someone.

CHAPTER SIX

London Lessons

Darcy saw Elizabeth first at the Royal Academy, standing before a landscape and arguing with Colonel Fitzwilliam about sheep.

"They are not too small," she said. "The valley is meant to appear immense."

"They resemble crumbs."

"You have spent too much time at military maps. Every object need not announce its scale."

The colonel laughed. "Darcy, settle this. Are those sheep or the remains of luncheon?"