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“Well?” said Elizabeth, though she softened her tone.
“I wanted to apologize again,” he said at last. “I spoke out of turn, and I am sorry. I will walk you back to the house if you like.”
Elizabeth was sure he was leaving something out but did not press him, and they walked back along the snowy path, making small talk about the evening’s festivities. He told her that the cupola was unusual in that it hid a staircase to a viewing platform which the manor’s balustrade concealed.
“It is from the platform that the torches will be lit to illuminate the cupola and show its gilding to best effect,” Mr. Darcy said.
“Lady Catherine has thought of everything,” said Elizabeth.
“Indeed,” said Mr. Darcy.
They were back at the house, and Elizabeth was glad to be out of the cold. She felt the warmth as soon as she entered through the door he held open for her, and warmer towards him as well. She was going to suggest that he might show her the viewing platform but before she could speak, he bowed quickly, wished her good day, and departed.
The grand dining room was full of guests. Elizabeth and her family were seated some distance from Lady Catherine. The important places near her were occupied by more illustrious persons, which included Mr. Darcy and his sister, but not, alas, Caroline Bingley, nor Mr. and Mrs. Hurst who was seated at their table.
At least, Elizabeth reflected, Jane was happy having Mr. Bingley seated beside her.
“You have a house in London, Mr. Smythe?” Caroline Bingley said, addressing the gentleman seated to her left.
“We do,” answered his mother imperiously. “And a house in Bath as well. Of course, we only go there in the season.”
“Of course,” said Caroline, nodding her head. “The season is so short there, which is why we do not have a house but only rent one on our visits.”
“Good investment a house in Bath,” said Mr. Hurst, with his mouth full. It was the first time he had spoken. “Can rent it out easily in the season when you’re not using it.”
“I can never get Mr. Bennet to take us,” said Mrs. Bennet, speaking with her mouth full as well and pointing with her fork at an imaginary husband. “I have told him repeatedly that the place is swarming with eligible men, but he won’t hear of it.”
“You do not have a house in London, do you, Mrs. Bennet?” Said Caroline. “But you do have family there—in Cheapside, I believe.”
“My brother Gardiner,” said Mrs. Bennet chewing vigorously. “We can’t all stay there, though, too many children and not enough rooms.” She addressed the latter to Mrs. Smythe who did not reply, but merely raised her eyebrows.
“Are you going to the Twelfth Night ball, Mr. Smythe?” Caroline asked. “It will be a splendid affair.”
“I should think so,” said Mr. Smythe without looking at her. “This fish is awfully good.”
“It is, isn’t it?” said Mr. Hurst in agreement. “Very good indeed.”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Caroline said and placed her gloved hand lightly on Mr. Smythe’s shoulder. “All the best people will be there.”
At this, Mrs. Smythe looked at Caroline pointedly. “I know your family,” she said. “You come from trade, I believe.”
Caroline’s mouth fell open, and she seemed lost for words. Elizabeth couldn’t help thinking that she had received only what she deserved.
“Look at my daughter Kitty, sitting up there at the head table with Anne,” Mrs. Bennet’s interrupted. “Kitty is my second youngest daughter, my youngest daughter Lydia is already married and is up north where her husband’s regiment is stationed. Capt. Wickham is his name, and a more charming gentleman you’ll never meet. Lydia was married at fifteen! Fifteen, would you believe it? Puts my other girls to shame.”
Elizabeth observed Kitty and Anne to be once again in conversation. She had asked Kitty what the two found in common, and Kitty had been perplexed by the question, answering only that they spoke of the same things all young ladies did.
At the conclusion of the meal, it was announced that all the guests were to assemble in the Marble Hall, which was the largest reception room at Rosings, after they had retrieved their shawls and coats, after which they were to proceed outside for the unveiling of the cupola.
Elizabeth and her family did as they were bidden and assembled with the other guests in the Marble Hall, where the large marzipan model of Rosings Park was on display, its cupola still covered in muslin.
There were nearly a hundred guests, and they made a very pretty assembly, Elizabeth thought. She felt somewhat in awe of the company, as it was clearly superior to that which she was accustomed to in Meryton.
“Oh, Jane,” said Elizabeth clutching Jane’s arm. “I feel like a country mouse.”
Jane laughed. “It’s so dark outside, how will we see the cupola in the dark?”
Elizabeth knew the answer, for Mr. Darcy had told her, but she decided to keep Jane in suspense. “Perhaps Lady Catherine has arranged a shooting star or a comet.”
