Page 192 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

The family had accepted no invitations since Mrs. Bennet's death, but dinner with the Netherfield party was different from returning to society. Jane had admitted that a few hours away from Longbourn might do them all good, and even Mr. Bennet had offered no objection when Bingley's invitation arrived.

When they were shown in, Bingley crossed immediately to greet Jane, while Georgiana welcomed Kitty with such evident pleasure that both Thomas Bennet and Elizabeth smiled. The two girls settled on a couch and fell into conversation. Caroline led Mary to a table near the window, where a workbasket and several skeins of embroidery silk awaited them.

Elizabeth had scarcely entered before her eyes found Mr. Darcy.

He came to greet her with the same courtesy he offered her sisters, although the look they exchanged belonged to neither strangers nor new acquaintances.

“I hope you had a pleasant drive, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Very pleasant, thank you. Papa complained about the road twice, so I believe he enjoyed it as well as anyone.”

Mr. Bennet said, “Lizzy, a gentleman should be permitted some occupation during a carriage ride.”

The evening proved delightful. The company fell into easy conversation, and Georgiana played the pianoforte while Kitty sat companionably beside her.

When the gentlemen joined the ladies after dinner, a servant entered carrying a small silver tray.

“For you, sir.”

Darcy recognized the hand before he broke the seal.

The letter was from his solicitor.

He read it once before folding it and slipping it into his coat.

Elizabeth hoped it was good news concerning his dealings with Wickham, for Mr. Darcy had smiled while he read.

A short time later, he approached Mr. Bennet, and the two men stepped out of the room.

“Your letter brought news?”

“It did, sir. My solicitor has completed his examination of the accounts Colonel Forster provided. Most of Wickham’s creditors have agreed to assign their debts to me, and the accounts should be settled within a few days. He believes he will then have what he requires to proceed against Wickham.”

Mr. Bennet considered this. “I only hope the blackguard does not abscond before we can catch him.”

* * *

Darcy joined Elizabeth near the fireplace.

“You had a letter from your solicitor, sir?”

“Yes. We are very close to putting this matter behind us, Elizabeth. I know how heavily it has weighed upon you.”

“It does ease my mind, sir.” Elizabeth glanced toward her father. “Papa looks easier than he has for some time.”

“He has done everything that could reasonably be done.”

Caroline approached them carrying a sheet of paper. “Miss Elizabeth, I purchased an embroidery pattern in Meryton yesterday and have spent half the afternoon trying to decide which silks to use. Mary has already given me her opinion. Will you give me yours?”

“Willingly.”

Caroline led her to a table where Mary was examining several skeins of silk arranged beside the pattern. Jane joined them when Caroline spread the design before Elizabeth.

“I thought these for the larger flowers,” Caroline said, indicating three shades, “but I cannot decide whether the darkest is too strong.”

Elizabeth compared them. “I think you need the darker shade.” She drew out two lighter skeins and laid them beside the others. “Jane has been known to use as many as eight variations of the same color to give her flowers dimension.”

Jane selected another skein. “There. With these six, I think you will have what you need.”