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The moment she entered the assembly hall, Elizabeth separated from her mother and sisters and strode to the far corner to join Charlotte Lucas, the eldest daughter of Sir William Lucas.

“I am pleased to see you, Charlotte.”

Her friend beamed. “I am pleased to see you as well. You have not called on Lucas Lodge since before the equinox. What has kept you so occupied of late?”

“My mother has had a trying time the past few weeks. Jane has required my aid with her.” Her mother’s trials were not unknown in the neighbourhood. That would be a sufficient excuse, would it not?

“I am sorry to hear your mother has taken a turn for the worse, but she must be doing well to be here this evening.” Charlotte motioned towards Elizabeth’s mother who, by the waving of her hands, was likely proclaiming some sort of gossip to Aunt Philips.

“My father would not have an easy time of it if he forbade her from coming. Besides, she has had her tonic, and Jane is with us should her calming influence be required.”

Charlotte clasped Elizabeth’s arm. “I heard your father paid a call at Netherfield. My father speaks highly of the gentlemen there. He also claimed they will attend tonight.”

“I heard the same. Papa said Mr. Bingley returned his call about a week ago. He told me Mr. Bingley is quite amiable.” She could say little else.

Most of what had been said was in front of Mr. Darcy, and those hours spent practicing their magic were not meant to be shared with anyone.

As much as she despised deception, she could not tell Charlotte what they were about.

“Yes,” said Charlotte, “my father said much the same. He also indicated Mr. Bingley had some family and a friend who were staying with them, but he did not know much of them. None of the others returned the call with the gentleman.”

The entire room quieted so the last of Charlotte’s statement was heard by a good portion of those around them.

They both straightened, and Elizabeth followed the direction of everyone’s gazes to the door, where a tall blond gentleman, who could only be Mr. Bingley, had just entered.

On his right was Mr. Darcy, who stood a couple of inches taller and appeared every bit the gentleman in his dark suit.

To Mr. Bingley’s left was a woman almost as tall as he was but with dark hair that she had done in the latest fashion with a ridiculous peacock feather towering over everyone in attendance.

“I am told the lady is Mr. Bingley’s younger sister. She is to keep house for him while he is here. The lady behind them is Mr. Bingley’s elder sister and her husband, a Mr. Hurst.”

Of course, Charlotte would know every bit of the tittle-tattle.

After all, Sir William was as proficient a gossip as Elizabeth’s own mother.

Yet, Charlotte had never betrayed one of Elizabeth’s secrets.

Not that Elizabeth was aware of anyway, although she had never shared much beyond trivial confidences with her.

As the group passed, Mr. Darcy’s eyes flickered to Elizabeth for but a second.

Her father had thought it best that the two of them were “introduced” this evening.

While some in the neighbourhood may remember the long association of the Darcy family with the Bennets, some would not.

Papa and the gentleman believed the deception might protect Elizabeth for a while longer if their connexion seemed new.

As soon as the newcomers found a place near the corner, Sir William bustled over and began speaking while his hands made large gestures. She leaned towards Charlotte, but a sudden grasp of her arm jerked her back .

“What are you doing, child? I said we would seek an introduction. Why are you dawdling?”

“Mama, I do not require—”

“Hush,” her mother said in a loud whisper.

Before Elizabeth could object further, Mama dug her nails into the underside of Elizabeth’s arm and pulled, dragging her forward to stand before Sir William and Mr. Darcy’s party.

Lydia and Kitty giggled raucously behind her.

Mary, no doubt, stood beside them but apart as though they held some illness that might infect her.

“Ah,” said Sir William. “Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, these ladies are Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Miss Kitty, Miss Lydia and their mother, Mrs. Henry Bennet.”

Mr. Bingley bowed. “Mrs. Bennet, I am pleased to make the acquaintance of you and your daughters. May I present my brother, Reginald Hurst, his wife Louisa, and my sister, Miss Caroline Bingley.”

Mama gazed at the ladies’ gowns, her vision flitting to the expensive lace before she clasped her hands together. “Miss Bingley, your gown is exquisite, as is yours Mrs. Hurst. You must tell me your dressmaker so we can make an appointment the next time we visit my brother in town.”

Miss Bingley’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly for a second.

“Madame Gérard is quite exclusive. She only caters to the wealthiest in London.” The lady gave what could only be described as a priggish smile to her sister.

“I should be pleased to pen a note to the Madame, but I cannot guarantee she will accept your custom.”

Her mother gave a slight flinch. “I see.”

“Mrs. Bennet,” said Mr. Bingley somewhat louder than necessary.

“Might I ask for the pleasure of the first set with Miss Bennet?” He glanced at his sister for a moment while he spoke, and his cheeks held a slight pinkish hue they had not previously possessed.

Hopefully, he was embarrassed by his sister’s rudeness.

Elizabeth would have been if her sister had behaved so.

“Oh!” Mama fanned herself. “I am sure my Jane would be happy to stand up with you.” She looked at her eldest. “Jane?”

“I should be pleased to accept your offer, sir.” If Mr. Bingley’s cheeks had been pink, Jane’s now held a healthy blush.

A wide grin overspread Mr. Bingley’s features. “Excellent!”

At Mr. Bingley’s smile, a surge of joy struck Elizabeth in the chest. She looked towards Mr. Darcy, who winced.

He had mentioned Mr. Bingley’s lack of control at times.

It seemed the prospect of a dance with her sister made him so pleased he could not withhold the emotion. Elizabeth bit her cheek. How sweet!

“Mr. Darcy, I hope you have come eager to dance as well.”

The gentleman gaped at her mother, then at Lydia, who guffawed, then her. “I do not dance.” Without another word, he strode to where Mr. Goulding stood and began speaking to the other man.

“Well!” Mama crossed her arms over her chest with a huff. “I suppose a rich gentleman can offend where he pleases, but I must say he seems a most disagreeable sort.”

“Mama,” said Jane in a low tone. Jane placed her palm on her mother’s back, and Mama visibly relaxed. “I am certain Mr. Darcy did not mean to offend.”

“My friend is uncomfortable in large gatherings, Mrs. Bennet. Pray, do not hold his reticence against him. I assure you he is amiable when in a group of friends he knows well.”

Elizabeth could vouch for Mr. Darcy’s manner. He had been every bit the gentleman during their time in Oakham Forest.

“Mr. Darcy,” said Mrs. Bennet in a mumble. “Mr Darcy. I once—”

“I appreciate your assurances of Mr. Darcy’s good temper.” Elizabeth spoke a little louder than required in case her mother finished her statement. “Perhaps after a few weeks in our neighbourhood, he may feel more comfortable and more inclined to converse with us.”

Mr. Bingley grinned and rubbed his hands together while Mr. Hurst looked everywhere but at them. The sisters wore tight smiles that did not reach their eyes.

The first set was announced, and Mr. Bingley held out his arm to Jane. “Shall we, Miss Bennet?”

Lydia and Kitty were also claimed for the first by the second Lucas boy and young Mr. Goulding respectively, leaving Mary to claim a chair in the corner.

Elizabeth let out a long exhale and remained in her spot. Mama could not be left alone, so it was up to her to keep her mother from mischief. She was the last person who should be responsible for her mother, not that she had any choice in the matter this evening.

After the first set, Mr. Bingley returned Jane. “Miss Elizabeth, would you do me the honour of the second?”

“Yes, thank you.” She set her hand on Mr. Bingley’s arm, and they made their way to the centre of the room. After they honoured their partners, they waited for a couple to take the first turn of the dance before they took their own.

“I have read of your father, Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Bingley. “Who has not? I confess I had to rein in my enthusiasm when I met him. If someone had no magic, they might think I was meeting royalty by my excitement.”

She laughed. “Royalty? Sir, I believe that is an exaggeration. My father is not—”

“In magical circles, the Bennets are revered. Meeting him made me wish to be the magical heir of my family so I could request he teach me anything—anything at all.”

“That is kind of you to say. My father would be flattered, but he does not consider himself more than anyone else. ”

As Elizabeth passed Mr. Bingley’s sisters during the dance, the two ladies spoke quietly and watched the room as though they saw little of worth or beauty. “I hope your sisters are enjoying their time in Hertfordshire.”

“They both prefer London, but I do hope to purchase an estate soon, so they accompanied me while I learn what I need to be a good master. Darcy has been invaluable in teaching me what I should know thus far.”

She lifted her eyebrows. Mr. Darcy had been busy if he was aiding her and her father in the mornings and spending the remainder of his day with Mr. Bingley.

Due to the movement of the forms, she was separated from Mr. Bingley, and they had little opportunity to converse during most of the second dance. She curtseyed to Mr. Bingley at the end of the set then glanced about them as he walked her to her mother, who was speaking to Aunt Philips.