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“Eliza! Jane, how good to see you both.” She kissed Elizabeth’s cheek, then Jane’s. “I have heard you are engaged, Jane, and that you, Elizabeth, are as good as.”
“Jane is engaged, yes, but I am not.”
“Yet,” Charlotte replied.
“How is your family?” Elizabeth asked, changing the subject.
“The children are well, and my dear husband is a wonderful father. Jane, I am forever in your debt for aiding me in finding such a man.”
“And now it is my turn,” Jane answered. “I cannot wait for you to meet Mr. Bingley. He is my match—perfect in every way.”
“That is the best sort of marriage. I used to think happiness in marriage was entirely a matter of chance. I know that to be false.” Charlotte beamed. “Ah, look, there is the Netherfield party. Jane, you must introduce me!”
Elizabeth trailed behind them as Jane tugged Charlotte to meet her betrothed. She watched from a distance as Mrs. Smith met Mr. Bingley, the Hursts, Miss Bingley, and finally, Mr. Darcy.
I love him, she realized, as the gentleman spoke warmly with the former Miss Lucas.
But when would she tell him? How should she tell him? She put her hand in her pocket and felt the little berry she carried everywhere. Was tonight the night?
He joined her soon after, took her hand, and bowed low over it.
“I see Miss Bingley was convinced to join the festivities,” she managed as her heart threatened to pound itself out of her chest.
“Yes, she did not like the idea of being alone tonight. She has spent most of the festive season ill in her chambers.”
“It is an unfortunate situation,” Elizabeth said amiably. “Hopefully she has an enjoyable time tonight.”
“Her pique over her brother’s engagement seems to have abated, though now she wonders at my sanity.”
“Indeed? How can she question it?” Elizabeth queried.
“A man of my status courting a penniless country miss? It violates everything she has come to expect from men in the first circles. Though she has ties to trade and her fortune is steeped in it, she considers herself a better fit for a man like me. She has been mingling with the upper echelons of society for some time now.”
“Do you consider someone of her background to be a worthy match?” She felt the stirrings of jealousy again at the thought of Miss Bingley being the one on Darcy’s arm.
“It has been many years since such things were a consideration,” he assured her. “If I am to be truthful, meeting your sister first caused me to question the dictates of the first circles. How many marriages have I witnessed that were miserable? Many, and all borne of convenience, arrangement, or expectations.”
“Such pretty sentiments. I suppose I ought to be glad you do not find me inferior now, despite what you once thought.” She teased him, and she could see he understood.
The new year came with little fanfare between them. They stood near an ancient standing clock on one side of the room, a bit away from the rest of the guests. As the minutes ticked down until midnight, Elizabeth thought that the coming year would be one of new beginnings…and new love.
17
The Last Days of Christmas
Miss Darcy arrived with Lord and Lady Matlock and their son, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, just before Twelfth Night.
“Georgie!” Darcy held her close. It had been some months since he had seen vibrancy in her eyes. “You look very well.”
“I am. As you can see, I have fully recovered. Aunt and Uncle have coddled me sufficiently, and Richard spoiled me when he returned.”
“When are we to meet your lady, Darcy?” Richard asked.
“The Bennets have invited us to dine for Twelfth Night,” Darcy replied. “But I intend to call today, if you care to join me. Bingley sees his angel every day, and I accompany him.”
“Bingley is engaged, then?” Richard asked. “I never thought he would do it—not for many years. His attention is so fleeting.”
“Not with Miss Bennet. He is very much in love, and she loves him, too.” Darcy did not mention his past with Miss Bennet. Richard would only tease him.
