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“The conquering heroes return,” quipped Elizabeth, earning the laughter of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. “Can I suppose you found success in your efforts to terrorize the fish in the lake?”

“Not at all,” said the gentleman in question, “for we fished in the stream rather than the lake.” The gentleman winked at her. “The expedition was a success, for we have depleted the stream of many of its denizens and provided dinner for the company.”

“Darcy has invited us to stay and partake of the bounty of our efforts,” said Mr. Gardiner. “Knowing we have no plans for the evening, I accepted on our behalf.”

“That is not a simple decision, Husband,” said Mrs. Gardiner, ignoring Miss Bingley’s renewed displeasure. “The wonders of Pemberley’s kitchens as opposed to the fare we might get at the inn.”

“The inn is excellent,” said Mr. Darcy, looking at Elizabeth, “but I hope you will not brand me prideful if I suggest Pemberley is the better quality.”

“Oh, without a doubt, Mr. Darcy!” exclaimed Miss Bingley. “No one could mistake the quality of your excellent staff’s exertions, though I cannot but suppose there are many who would not possess the discerning palate necessary to appreciate it.”

It was on Elizabeth’s mind to laugh in the woman’s face, so Mr. Bingley’s interruption was well-timed.

“Even those who have never dined in such a place as Pemberley must understand its quality when partaking of the fare.”

Miss Bingley sniffed her disdain and turned to Elizabeth; it seemed the woman had opted for confrontation rather than subtle disparagement or silent endurance.

“How fortunate you are that Mr. Darcy has seen fit to welcome you all here. I might not have thought it possible.”

“Why you suggest such a thing, I cannot say,” said Elizabeth. “The hospitality of Pemberley is renowned in these parts—I cannot imagine Mr. Darcy behaving in such an aloof manner as you suggest.”

“No, indeed,” said Mr. Bingley, the glare at his sister daring her to comment further. “As we are all friends here, I am certain we can all join in civility. We would not wish for others to misconstrue our words if we do not speak plainly.”

Miss Bingley gave the same impression of paying little attention to her brother’s words, but she did not press the matter further.

It was perhaps fortunate that Elizabeth was to depart with her aunt and uncle in only two days, for she thought the situation would devolve to pulling hair and screeching if she stayed longer.

What that would do to Mr. Darcy’s apparent and stated interest was not clear, but Elizabeth did not wonder for long—the gentleman clarified it himself.

“Do not concern yourself, Miss Bennet,” said he when Elizabeth made some slight comment on the subject. “Though I regret your intention to leave the neighborhood, I will be in your company again long before you expect.”

Elizabeth regarded him, noting his sense of smugness, wondering what he was about.

“That is interesting, Mr. Darcy, for I had not supposed you would act with such swiftness. As I recall, you suggested you might request Mr. Bingley’s leave to stay at Netherfield or lease your own estate in the neighborhood—have you already acted on that notion? ”

“No, I have not,” replied the gentleman, still the picture of self-satisfaction. “Bingley himself suggested we go to Netherfield, for in his words, he has an estate to manage, and I have a woman to woo.”

That was no less than a surprise. “You are to come to Hertfordshire?”

“I am, though I do not yet know the timing.” The gentleman leaned in conspiratorially and added: “If I have any say in the matter, it will be early in September, but I do not know when Bingley will be available.”

This action was another in a long line of offenses Miss Bingley had to lay at Elizabeth’s door, and the woman’s sour expression further emphasized that fact.

Whether it was the gentleman’s apparent comfort with her or the simple fact of his position next to Elizabeth, she could not say, but she decided she would not pay any attention to her.

“There may be a drawback in Mr. Bingley’s plans you have not considered, Mr. Darcy.”

The gentleman quirked an eyebrow. “Oh? And what is that?”

“He is yet a single man with an excellent fortune.” Elizabeth held in her mirth by the barest of margins.

“My mother has improved a great deal, but her goal in life is still to marry her daughters to available men! When Mr. Bingley reappears, she will forget all about the past and act to display her remaining daughters for his consideration!”

Mr. Darcy’s low chuckle pleased Elizabeth, for she would not have thought him capable of reacting with pleasure to such a statement before their meeting a few days ago. “I shall warn him, Miss Bennet. I cannot suppose your younger sisters will interest him, but stranger things have happened.”

“That they have, Mr. Darcy. I do not blame Mr. Bingley, for my younger sisters would not suit him. Tell me, are there other ladies among your acquaintances who might do?”

“Do not suggest such a thing, Miss Bennet! I have already confessed to my inability to advise my friend on such subjects; it is best not to tempt me.”

It was with such enjoyable banter as this that Elizabeth passed the time until the call to dinner arrived, and then she entered the dining-room with Mrs. Hurst on Mr. Darcy’s arm.

Unlike the previous evening, Mrs. Hurst proved more voluble, such that even if her earlier banter with Mr. Darcy ceased, Elizabeth still enjoyed the conversation.

Though there was no way to foretell the future, Elizabeth wondered what lovemaking Mr. Darcy was capable of unleashing.

In some ways, she could not wait to learn.