Page 13 of Look on the Heart (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #10)

Breakfast at Longbourn proved a noisy affair, yet Elizabeth paid it little attention.

Her thoughts lingered on their neighbor’s guest. Without meaning to, she had become attached to him.

Mr. Darcy was a friend—of that she was certain—but could he be something more?

Did she even wish for such a thing? He was all a gentleman ought to be in honor, principle, and behavior—and such attributes, to her mind, far surpassed any mere handsome countenance.

After breakfast, the ladies retreated to the parlor.

The clouds had grown ever darker, and Elizabeth knew rain threatened.

Each settled into their own pursuit: Jane brought her embroidery and joined Elizabeth, while Kitty and Lydia bickered in the corner as they attempted to refashion one of Lydia’s bonnets.

Mary, with a book in hand, ignored them as always.

It was in this atmosphere that a note arrived from Netherfield for Jane.

She read it through and then handed it to her sister.

My dear Miss Bennet,

I hope this note finds you in good health and spirits.

My sister, Mrs. Hurst, and I would be most delighted if you would dine with us at Netherfield today.

The gentlemen are to dine with the officers, and so we ladies will be forced into each other’s company for the duration.

As someone with sisters, surely, you must know how dangerous such a plight can be!

Louisa and I will most certainly detest each other by the night’s end!

Pray do not trouble yourself to refuse, as we shall take it quite amiss if you do. We sincerely hope you will favor us with your presence.

Yours most sincerely,

Caroline Bingley

Elizabeth handed the note back. “’Tis a shame the gentlemen are dining out.” She already knew this, for Mr. Darcy had mentioned it that morning. “Shall we ask Papa for the carriage?” She glanced out at the dark clouds once more. “It will rain before you get there; I am certain of it.”

“What is this?” Mrs. Bennet appeared as if conjured, snatching the note from Jane’s hands. “Yes, you must accept, Jane,” she said with brisk authority. “And we might contrive a way for you to remain at Netherfield overnight. I have just the thing—you will take Nellie.”

“Mama!” Elizabeth cried, dismayed. “It will rain—”

“Precisely.” Mrs. Bennet interrupted triumphantly. “And then Jane will be obliged to spend the night.”

So many flaws riddled that reasoning that Elizabeth was rendered speechless. Gaping, she turned to Jane, but her sister merely shrugged.

“I shall send a note to Miss Bingley accepting her invitation,” she said with composure, rising and quitting the room. Unwilling to let her mother’s scheme go unchallenged, Elizabeth rose and made to follow.

“And where are you going, Miss Lizzy?” her mother asked, stepping into her path.

“I must speak to Papa about an important matter.” She stepped to the side, but Mrs. Bennet grabbed her arm, halting her progress.

“You will not spoil this for Jane! It is perfect—she will have more time in Mr. Bingley’s company. Come now, Elizabeth, surely you can see the advantages.” Mama beamed at her own ingenuity.

Sighing, Elizabeth gently disengaged her arm. “And if Jane is caught in the rain and falls ill? She will hardly endear herself to Mr. Bingley from her sickbed.”

Laughing, Mrs. Bennet shook her head. “No one ever died from a soaking. A slight chill will keep her at Netherfield Park all the longer. Eventually, she will be able to leave her bed and join the others downstairs.”

Knowing her mother would not be swayed, Elizabeth left without another word.

To her relief, Mrs. Bennet made no further attempt to detain her.

Determined to speak with her father, she approached the study door and raised her hand to knock, only for it to open at that moment, revealing Jane, a sly grin on her face.

“It is taken care of,” she said, her smile touched with mischief. “Papa has agreed to spare the horses so I may take the carriage. Mama will not learn of it until it is too late.”

Elizabeth laughed. “You sly creature! I had no idea you were capable of such cunning. Brava!”

Jane’s smile wavered. “I do not want our mother to ruin this,” she whispered. “She has driven away so many suitors. A pretty face will not always compensate for troublesome relations.” She reached out, gave Elizabeth’s arm a gentle squeeze, and disappeared—no doubt to pen her reply to Miss Bingley.

Elizabeth entered her father’s study. He looked up from his book with a smile and gestured to the chair beside him. “What brings you here, my dear?” he asked, closing the volume and giving her his full attention.

She laughed lightly. “Jane anticipated my prior purpose, but I have another matter to discuss with you.” She fidgeted, her mind occupied by her father’s habitual indifference for his daughters—an indifference that troubled her more than ever, with the militia soon to be stationed in Meryton for the winter.

“I am concerned for Kitty and Lydia,” she finally said. “The militia—”

“Oh, you must not worry about them!” Mr. Bennet chuckled. “Gracious, Lizzy, there is no cause for concern. Your sisters have nothing to tempt a man to marry them beyond their charms. No one in his right mind would look on them in that light.”

“But what of less honorable intentions, sir?” she asked hesitantly.

“Not every officer in the militia conducts himself as a gentleman ought. Some are eager to feign affection and offer the world, making extravagant promises, and then leave a young lady compromised and disgraced. A moment’s carelessness may cost a girl her future. ”

Elizabeth prayed he would understand. He had once been a young man himself.

Mr. Bennet frowned and folded his hands across his chest. “You make a fair point. I shall have to consider the matter. It would cause undue havoc to declare your sisters no longer out, but perhaps a few restrictions would serve them well. I shall see to it, Lizzy. You have my word.”

It was more than she had hoped. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. Disinterested Mr. Bennet might be, but he still loved his daughters dearly.

“Thank you, Papa.” Rising, she bent to kiss his cheek before leaving the room.

Feeling lighter than she had in days, her spirits buoyed by this success and her earlier exchange with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth was firmly of a mind to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

I do hope I am present when Mama sees the carriage waiting in the drive, she thought in amusement. Yes, it will be a sight to see.