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As soon as they arrived in the marketplace, Lydia and Kitty hurried off towards a group of officers, and the others followed at a statelier pace.

“Mr Denny! Mr Chamberlayne!”

Their cries drew everyone’s attention, and the two named officers turned and approached their group. With them was a third man — a stranger with the most charming smile and handsome features. All three bowed to the ladies, who curtseyed in return.

“Where have you been?” Lydia asked Mr Denny directly. “You went away for a few days, we were told.”

“I was in London,” the officer replied. “And I brought my friend George Wickham here back with me. He is to join the regiment too.”

Lydia clapped her hands together. “How delightful! We look forward to seeing you in uniform, Mr Wickham,” she said, paying no attention to Elizabeth’s censorious glare.

Introductions were performed, including to Mr Collins, who shifted uncomfortably in the officers’ presence. Pleasantries were exchanged; Mr Wickham expressed his delight in Meryton and the people he had met so far, then Mr Denny said they were expected by Sir William.

“What a coincidence!” Lydia cried. “We were about to call on Maria Lucas, so we can all go together!”

They began to walk in the direction of Lucas Lodge, some of them with restraint, others with embarrassment or animation, until they were interrupted by the sudden appearance of Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy on horseback. While the others exchanged greetings, Elizabeth fought a strange perturbation as she observed Mr Darcy’s gaze, this time fixed not upon her but upon Mr Wickham. The former’s face turned red, the latter’s pale.

A few moments later, a carriage — Mr Bingley’s — stopped beside them, and Lord Dunnroy stepped out, while his wife remained inside.

“Wickham?” he called with apparent amazement. “What are you doing here? How has it happened that we are all gathered together in this small town?”

“Lord Dunnroy…this is a strange reunion, indeed. This is the last place I expected to see you…”

“I absolutely agree. So, what are you doing here?” the viscount repeated.

“I have recently joined the militia encamped here,” Mr Wickham answered with apparent uneasiness.

“Have you?” Lord Dunnroy continued. “So you have changed your profession again? Last I heard, you were studying the law. Well, at least you are never idle.”

His mockery clearly did not please Mr Wickham, who took some time before answering.

“I believe being an officer will suit me very well.”

“I hope Darcy is not paying for this new commission,” the viscount continued. Mr Wickham frowned, and he looked about as though seeking an escape.

“I assure you I had no notion Wickham had changed his occupation again or that he had joined this regiment,” Mr Darcy interjected. The entire conversation was awkward, but only the three involved in it seemed to notice. And Elizabeth.

“Miss Bennet, we intend to call on Colonel Forster, and then we shall go to Longbourn. Will you be home by then?” Mr Bingley asked, and the change of subject was met with relief.

“Yes, sir. We shall eagerly await your visit,” Jane replied, a light blush covering her cheeks.

The Netherfield party departed, and an awkward silence remained until Lydia spoke again. She was eager to go to Lucas Lodge and rejected Jane’s suggestion of returning immediately to Longbourn.

“Miss Bennet, if it is acceptable to you, we shall escort Miss Lydia and Miss Catherine home later on,” Mr Denny offered.

“Oh yes, yes! Please say yes, Jane!” both girls pleaded. They were creating a spectacle in the middle of the street, so Jane reluctantly agreed.

“We shall come with you to greet Sir William and Lady Lucas, then we shall return home. You may stay a little longer but not too long. Otherwise, Papa will send his carriage for you, and that certainly will not please him,” Elizabeth warned.

Following the plan, they called at Lucas Lodge only long enough for Mr Collins to be introduced, then returned to Longbourn.

To all her previous musings, Elizabeth had more to add. Who was Mr Wickham, and what was his connection to Mr Darcy? Were they related? Why else would Mr Darcy pay for his commission, as Lord Dunnroy had suggested? And if they were related, why did they greet each other with such coldness, as if they were perfect strangers?

She did not have long to ponder those questions as the news that the Netherfield party would call threw the entire household of Longbourn into chaos. Mrs Bennet did not stop fussing until the guests — Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy, and the Dunnroys — were announced.

It was then Mr Collins’s turn to become irrational, in addition to being annoying, tiresome, and ridiculously solemn.

“Mr Darcy, Lord Dunnroy, having the honour of meeting you has made this one of the most extraordinary days of my life! When I came to Hertfordshire, I could not have anticipated such an event! I am pleased to inform you that your aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh was in perfect health three days ago when I left Rosings!”