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Unlike dinner the previous night, this one was somewhat subdued even with Jane joining them. Bingley was quick to pick up on the mood of his friend and his two wards and made it a point to talk quietly with Miss Bennet after everyone had settled down for the meal. When he found out they were to leave the next morning, he tried to convince her to stay at least one more day. To his dismay his requests were politely declined.

Miss Bingley, who was not so astute as her brother, talked away as if nothing had happened. She was thrilled at Darcy’s elevation to the peerage but wisely made no mention of his new title. Her brother had made his point perfectly clear to his sisters before dinner. There was to be no mention of Darcy’snew status whatsoever on the pain of immediate banishment back to York. He had been so resolute, for once they believed he would carry out his threat. Mr Hurst reinforced the dictate to his wife, as living with his brother-in-law saved him money and provided him with better wine.

Darcy was surprised when Anne decided to have dinner downstairs. He did not know how, but Miss Elizabeth had somehow convinced her. It was a minor miracle in his estimation. While he had left Anne’s company with a new hope in their relationship, she was still despondent over Richard’s death.

Darcy, once again, could not help but notice the contrast between the two women. Miss Bingley all but ignored his wards, devoting most of her attention to him as she always did. Much to his aversion, she made it a point to reach out and touch his arm more than usual. She rattled on about events she had attended in London. Dropped names of those she had met, which, in her mind, elevated her status far beyond where it actually stood.

On the other hand, Miss Elizabeth dedicated her time to the girls, engaging them in light conversation about books and other topics of interest to them. She ignored him as she attempted to keep their minds occupied with pleasant conversation. Having met so many insincere people and believing himself a good judge of character, except with Mrs Young, he knew her behavior was genuine.

His final conclusion was that despite Miss Bingley’s education in one of the finest seminaries, she was still crass and no better than those she looked down upon. If he thought about it honestly, the fact was that she was worse, as she appeared to have no grasp of decency. If it were not for her brother, he would give her the cut direct and be done with her.

As Jane Bennet was able to join them, Bingley wanted to make the most of the evening and decided to do away with the separation of the sexes. After the meal, the party moved into the drawing room. The fireplace was going at a respectable intensity to keep the chill from invading the room. Jane was given the spot closest to the fire, and Bingley took the place next to her. With as many nights Jane had spent under his roof, this would be the first and only time he had to enjoy her company, with their departure scheduled for tomorrow at midday.

The two other gentlemen separated from the woman. Mr Hurst went to the card table after pouring himself a liberal amount of port. To Miss Bingley’s disappointment, Darcy sat in the lone chair, somewhat away from the couches where the ladies were figuring out their seating. Elizabeth sat where she had a view of her sister to look for signs of weariness or discomfort. Anne and Georgiana immediately sat beside her, leaving Bingley’s sisters to sit on the other couch.

A footman entered and deposited the large tea service on the table. Miss Bingley happily chatted away as she poured the cups. Much to Elizabeth’s delight and approval, Mr Bingley collected the first cup for Jane. Georgiana dutifully brought one to her brother after making it how he liked it. Elizabeth noticed their hostess did not look pleased with this, as she wanted to do it herself. It was painfully obvious that Miss Bingley had set her sights on Mr Darcy; it was just as obvious to Elizabeth that he did not reciprocate her desire. With him sitting far enough away from the group to make polite conversation impossible, Miss Bingley was forced to talk with her other guests.

The two educated ladies baffled Elizabeth. When they applied effort, they could carry on an entertaining conversation. Miss Bingley displayed a good sense of humor with her stories. Her only flaws were name-dropping and continually glancing at Mr Darcy to see if he was paying her any attention.

Elizabeth knew Anne was doing her best to be attentive but failing. She set her cup down and quietly suggested that it was best to retire for the night. Anne nodded, thankfully.

When they stood, Darcy looked up from his book. Elizabeth announced that she would see Anne up to her room. Georgiana set her cup down and said she would go as well. As they bid Darcy goodnight, Elizabeth headed for the door.

“So dutiful, you are Eliza,” Miss Bingley said.

Elizabeth looked back at the lady, puzzled by the comment. She was going to ignore it but found she could not.

“Caring is not a duty,” she replied, then looked at her sister. “I shall be back down, Jane, after seeing them settled.”

Louisa raised her eyebrows at her sister while Caroline suppressed a grin as her failed rival held the door open for the two young women.

Darcy was also puzzled by Miss Bingley’s comment but did not want to engage her in conversation by asking her what she had meant by it. Mr Hurst took the opportunity to inquire if there was any interest in a game of cards, which was declined by all. Bingley, who was too caught up with entertaining Miss Bennet, did not bother to reply.