Page 41

His relations settled themselves and then came down when it was time to depart. They took the carriage, and Georgiana peppered him with questions the entire way.

“She sounds delightful,” Lady Matlock said. “We will support you against Catherine, if that is why you have not proposed yet.”

He could not very well tell them why he had not proposed. “I appreciate your support,” he said instead.

The Bennets greeted them warmly. Mrs. Bennet was in awe of her august guests, but she was still very much herself. She was kind, welcoming, and hospitable.

Richard and Elizabeth got on very well. Darcy reminded himself that it was in her nature to be kind and conversive, and that it did not mean she liked his cousin better than himself. She behaved likewise with Georgiana, but his sister was soon carried away by Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty.

Overall, the visit went well. Lord Matlock and Mr. Bennet played chess while everyone else conversed. When they departed, Lady Matlock told Mrs. Bennet how eager she was to spend Twelfth Night with them.

“I used to hold a ball on Twelfth Night, but no longer,” she told Elizabeth’s mother. “I think intimate family gatherings to be much better this time of year.”

Mrs. Bennet agreed, though she added that she would very much enjoy another private ball.

“That went well,” Elizabeth whispered to him as they went to the door.

“Of course, it did. Your family is always welcoming.”

She giggled, but he did not understand what she found so humorous.

“Until tomorrow evening, then,” she said as he donned his hat and gloves.

“Until then,” Darcy agreed. He kissed the back of her hand and departed, praying that tomorrow he would make her an offer.

“When are you going to give that poor man your hand?” Jane asked after their guests had departed.

“Tomorrow,” Elizabeth replied.

“Truly?”

“Yes. I love him, Jane. All my reservations are gone, especially seeing how happy you are with Mr. Bingley.”

“I admire Mr. Darcy, and he will make a wonderful brother,” Jane confirmed. “But I love Mr. Bingley as one should love a husband.”

“Then it is settled. Our husbands will be brothers.” Elizabeth leaned her head onto her sister’s shoulder. “And together we will bring our family much happiness.”

18

Twelfth Night

Elizabeth dressed with care. She donned her finest gown, one made in London when she last visited the Gardiners there. It was royal blue with gold trim on the sleeves and a wide gold ribbon at the waist. She wore diamond studs and a matching pendant on a gold chain.

In her pocket, she placed the berry from the kissing bough. She would give it to him tonight, a symbol of her affection and permission for him to propose.

He is waiting for me. She knew it, and she did not wish to keep him waiting any longer. Perhaps they could share a wedding date with Jane and Bingley.

“Girls! Come down now before our guests arrive. We must not be late. An earl and a countess at my table! Oh, Lady Lucas will burn with envy.”

Mama’s silly competition with Lady Lucas had grown since Charlotte had married Mr. Smith. Mrs. Bennet considered it the ultimate challenge when one of her daughters’ suitors had chosen a Lucas instead.

Elizabeth met Jane in the hallway outside their chambers. Lydia, Kitty, and Mary were already on the stairs in front of them.

“Let us hurry lest Mama lose her composure,” Jane whispered.

Elizabeth giggled and took her sister’s hand, anticipation coursing through her.

The family assembled in the west drawing room. Though it was the largest room in the house for gatherings, Elizabeth imagined it would feel slightly cramped with the newest additions.