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Darcy told the sisters about Anna.
Jane was pleased. She asked whether the little girl might come to her for a quiet visit beforehand, if Martha thought it suitable. Elizabeth looked at Darcy, but did not speak for him.
“We can ask,” he said. “I do not wish to make the afternoon too long for her.”
“Of course,” Jane replied. “Another day will do just as well.”
The matter passed without difficulty into the rest of the preparations. He had expected the announcement to alter the room. Instead Charles wrote one more note, Jane suggested a quieter corner, and Elizabeth smiled at him when nobody else was looking.
“We ought also to settle the invitation to your parents,” he said, looking from Jane to Elizabeth. “I understand you mean to write today.”
“I do,” Elizabeth answered. “Jane thought the fifth would suit, if it would not be inconvenient for you to receive them so soon after the gathering.”
“It would suit me very well.”
“They will wish to know what to do with the younger girls,” Jane said.
“Papa will decide that before he promises anything,” Elizabeth replied. “But Aunt Phillips has offered to stay with them whenever Mama comes north. They need not all undertake the journey.”
Darcy looked at Elizabeth. “May I add my own invitation to yours? I should like your father to know that we shall welcome them both.”
“Thank you. I think he would be pleased to hear it.”
After the sisters left, Charles went in search of Caroline, carrying the list but leaving Darcy to explain Anna’s part in the afternoon himself. Darcy wrote the invitation while the date and the girls’ wishes were fresh in his mind.
Pemberley, October 21, 1813
Dear Mr. Bennet,
Your daughters have spoken of the pleasure they would have in seeing you and Mrs. Bennet here before Mrs. Bingley’s confinement. May I add my invitation to theirs? If the fifth of November is convenient for your arrival, we shall be very happy to receive you then, and to have you remain during the time when your daughter most wishes for her family.
You need have no concern about our ability to accommodate you. The rooms can be prepared without disturbing Mrs. Bingley’s arrangements, and we can provide a sitting room if either of you should wish for some quiet apart from the general company. My library is also at your disposal, subject only to Miss Bennet’s warning that you may discover my unfinished books before I return to them.
Bingley joins me in hoping the visit can be arranged. Please convey my respects to Mrs. Bennet.
Yours sincerely,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
He sealed the letter and left it to go with the sisters’ correspondence.
Caroline received his account of Anna’s introduction with perfect attention.
“Before supper,” she repeated. “Then I shall reserve the music until she has been introduced.”
“Thank you.”
She made a small mark upon her own paper. There was no reproach in her manner, but no invitation to prolong the conversation either. Darcy thanked her again and went to find Reynolds.
Elizabeth was waiting in the hall later that afternoon, her pelisse fastened and Sally beside her.
“The weather has consented,” she said. “Has your hand?”
“It has raised no objection.”
“Then we may keep our appointment.”
They took the upper garden path, with Sally following and Sir discovering fresh occupations beneath every tree. Elizabeth had finished the novel. She did not approve the ending, and explained why with an animation which made Darcy glad he had recommended it. When they returned, he promised to find her another.
