Page 224 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

Mary moved the notebook between them, and they bent their heads over the work.

* * *

A few evenings later, the Bennets dined at Netherfield.

They arrived a little before dinner, and the gentlemen congregated around the sideboard to drink port and discuss the war. Caroline remained at Mr. Darcy’s side, watching him as he spoke. Elizabeth found Mr. Darcy’s copy of the Aeneid on a table. She picked it up and had read several pages when Darcy approached.

“Dinner is served, Miss Elizabeth.”

She set the book on the table and took his offered arm.

Caroline had taken particular care with the meal. White soup was followed by lobster patties. Each time another course was served, Caroline leaned toward Mr. Darcy to speak to him in a lowered voice, often touching his arm and once laying her fingers upon his bare wrist.

Elizabeth found herself watching these familiarities and wondering what had prompted Miss Bingley’s sudden boldness when Caroline abruptly recalled her to the conversation.

“You seemed very absorbed in your book before dinner, Miss Elizabeth.”

“Yes. The Aeneid is a particular favorite of mine.”

Caroline paused. “The Aeneid? I confess, I cannot imagine what that is. I suppose one must be something of a bluestocking to be familiar with it.”

Elizabeth considered her answer, unwilling to meet Caroline’s sharpness with her own.

Darcy looked across the table at Elizabeth. “You may read any book of mine that pleases you, Miss Elizabeth.”

Caroline reached for her wine. “I confess I have never understood why some ladies are so eager to display their learning. Surely a woman may be accomplished without making certain that everyone in the drawing room knows it.”

She took a sip of wine. “One need not make an occupation of it.”

Bingley set down his fork. “Enough, Caroline. Miss Elizabeth was reading a book while we waited for dinner. There is nothing in that which deserves your ridicule.”

Caroline looked at her brother. “I did not mean to ridicule her, Charles.”

“Then I suggest we speak of something else.”

Jane glanced at Bingley, her expression warm. “Thank you, sir. I have no wish for scenes at Netherfield.”

After dinner, Caroline settled on the couch beside Elizabeth and looked her over, her attention lingering on Elizabeth’s black bombazine gown.

“Elizabeth, you really must allow me to recommend my dressmaker before the wedding.”

Elizabeth glanced down at her gown. “Is there something amiss with my dress?”

“Your mourning dress is so very plain. Not even a little black lace at the sleeves or neckline. A few scallops would improve it enormously.”

“I am quite satisfied with it.”

“But mourning need not be unbecoming.” Caroline studied the gown again. “A woman may dress appropriately without abandoning fashion altogether.”

Darcy, who stood nearby, looked at Elizabeth. “I can find nothing wanting in Miss Elizabeth’s appearance.”

Caroline’s expression tightened, but she made no response. She stood and moved to sit with Mrs. Hurst.

* * *

A few days later, Mr. Bennet handed Mary a note addressed to her in his care.

“Mr. Fernside reports that five families have pledged regular monetary contributions to your fund, payable quarterly. It appears your enterprise will continue without requiring you to chase down half the parish for subscriptions.”