Page 2 of Idle Gossip

“A gentleman does not stare at a lady to find fault,” Charlotte replied.

“Lizzy! Come meet Colonel Forster.” Lydia appeared at her side and took her hand.

“Very well.” Elizabeth had no objection to being torn away from her friend. Charlotte was behaving very oddly.

Colonel Forster was assigned to the regiment that would be stationed in Meryton over the winter. Elizabeth found him to be an engaging man and anticipated knowing him better. They learned he had lately married and that his wife would be joining him in two weeks.

“Miss Lydia will like my Harriet,” the colonel said as the youngest Miss Bennet pranced away with Maria Lucas. “They have similar temperaments.”

That is all we need—another Lydia. Elizabeth smiled politely. “I am sure my sister will enjoy making her acquaintance.”

She moved away, only to hear Lydia call for dancing.

Sir William quickly agreed. “Yes, let us roll the rugs away and make room. It is just the thing. Those who wish to continue other entertainments are free to do so.”

“Mary, play something lively to start. A jig perhaps.”

Mary, the middle Bennet sister and oft overlooked, did not seem at all pleased to be required to put away her concertos in favor of Lydia’s choice. Sir William did an admirable job of consoling her, however, and soon a line was forming down the middle of the room.

Elizabeth looked around for Charlotte and could not find her. Neither could she see Jane and Mr. Bingley—that alarmed her and she moved away from the dancers in search of her sister.

She nearly collided with Sir William as she approached the adjoining room.

“Ah, Miss Eliza! Come, I was just telling Mr. Darcy how pleased we are to see the young ladies and gentlemen dancing. Mr. Darcy, I present Miss Elizabeth to you for the coming set. She is light on her feet and will make an exceptional partner.”

“I did not come in this direction to beg for a partner, sir,” Elizabeth replied. It was a struggle to keep the irritation from her voice. Sir William did not deserve her ire. “Besides, I have it on good authority that Mr. Darcy does not like to dance.”

“I should be pleased to stand up with you, Miss Elizabeth.”

Mr. Darcy’s words were surprising and Elizabeth faltered briefly before replying. “I do not intend to dance tonight. If you will excuse me.” She bobbed a quick curtsey and hurried away before either gentleman could protest further.

Where is Jane? Elizabeth brushed past Mrs. Long’s nieces. Charlotte stood just beyond, and she realized with a groan that her friend had witnessed the entire interaction. She will be insufferable now.

“Charlotte, have you seen Jane?”

“She and Mr. Bingley are playing cards in the other room.” Charlotte’s expression was unfathomable. “Mr. Darcy asked you to dance? It seems he finds you more than tolerable.”

“Your father pressured him. He was behaving as a gentleman.” For once.

Charlotte’s skeptical look followed Elizabeth as she stalked off. I have no time for Charlotte’s nonsense.

Jane was well. She sat beside Mr. Bingley, all smiles as they played lottery tickets. Elizabeth could see the glimmer of admiration in her sister’s eyes. Mr. Bingley was just the sort of man her sister needed. He was affable and open; his nature would help ease some of Jane’s natural reserve.

Satisfied that her sister was well, Elizabeth went in search of refreshments. A bit of punch would soothe her parched throat and help to cool her. The rooms were unbearably warm.

“Eliza.” Charlotte appeared at her side. “You are a very strange creature.”

“Please, Charlotte, I have not the patience for riddles. What can you mean?” Elizabeth touched the side of her head lightly where it was beginning to pound.

“Mr. Darcy admires you.”

Elizabeth laughed. When Charlotte did not join her, she fell silent.

“Mr. Darcy? The same taciturn, insulting gentleman who has spoken nary a word to any of us since his arrival?”

“Yes.”

“The same gentleman who called me tolerable and slighted by other men?”