Page 49

Because Elizabeth just wanted Jane to be happy.

They waited out in the sunshine, well aware that everyone was looking at them. Mama had been approached by several women she knew, and Elizabeth tried not to visibly wince at the words ‘ten thousand pounds a year’, which she heard more than once.

They didn’t have to wait long for Darcy and his party to join them, and Elizabeth found herself nervous, both at seeing Darcy again, but also meeting his sister.

What if she didn’t like her? It was very clear how important his sister was to him, but Elizabeth very much hoped she was not like Mr Bingley’s sister, who, she had to admit, she did not care for.

His eyes lit up when he saw her, and that made her smile.

"Miss Bennet," he said with a bow of his head. "Misses Bennet. Mrs Bennet. It is a pleasure to see you all again."

"And you, Mr Darcy," Jane said as the others bowed their heads.

"You remember, I’m sure, my friend Mr Bingley, who has let Netherfield," he said.

And Bingley freed his arm from his sisters and hurried forward.

"It is a pleasure to see you all again. Indeed, a great pleasure," he said. "I am so pleased to return to this part of the country and on such a happy occasion," he said, smiling in the direction of Darcy and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth dared to glance at her sister, whose cheeks had reddened. They did so easily with her being so fair.

"It is a pleasure to see you, Mr Bingley," Mrs Bennet said, far more friendly than she had been to Darcy, who would actually be her son-in-law in a few weeks’ time. "We were very sad when you quit Netherfield. We hope you’ll be back for some time."

"I hope so indeed, ma’am," he said. "I believe we left too hastily last time and did not have a chance to enjoy everything Hertfordshire has to offer."

"I am sure you did not," Mrs Bennet said. "Well, you must come to tea sometime. Of course we are all still in mourning, but we would be very happy to see you – and your family, of course," she said, although her voice was a little strained at those words.

"Yes," Darcy said. "You remember Miss Bingley, I’m sure, and Mr and Mrs Hurst."

They all nodded and greeted one another.

Elizabeth, however, could not take her eyes off the shy young girl at Darcy’s side. She had listened along politely but had not said a word.

She was pretty, delicately featured, with fine clothes that were surely the height of fashion, from what Elizabeth knew about such things.

"And this," Darcy said, his hand alighting on his sister’s, which was tucked in his elbow, "is my sister, Georgiana Darcy."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you all," she said with a soft smile.

"I am delighted to meet you," Elizabeth said.

"My intended, Miss Bennet," he said to Georgiana, "and her family. Although that, I am sure, you have gathered."

"I hear you play the pianoforte very well," Elizabeth said. "Perhaps we can hear you play sometime."

Georgiana smiled. "I think my brother speaks too positively of my accomplishments. But of course I will be happy to play for you, Miss Bennet."

"We were hoping you would join us for dinner tomorrow night," Bingley said, and Elizabeth could not help but notice how silent his sister and the Hursts were.

But then, she had not supposed they would be happy about this match. At least they were not saying so out loud.

"We would be delighted," Mrs Bennet said, accepting for them all.

Well aware that everyone was watching them and listening, Elizabeth suggested that they walk on.

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Lizzy’s trepidation about the dinner was mostly due to her usual worries about how her family would behave.