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“Ah, now I understand your meaning, madam,” Lady Cecilia said with a knowing smile, while Elizabeth and Jane sank deeper into mortification.
Finally, Mrs Bennet realised their cousin was there, and she added, “You are handsome and charming, too, Mr Collins, and we all know you have a comfortable situation in life.”
The afterthought was clumsy, but Mr Collins seemed pleased with it.
“My dear Mrs Bennet, I cannot be compared to any other gentleman in this room, but simply being in their company flatters and honours me exceedingly.”
“Speaking of officers, we have a full regiment of militia in the neighbourhood at present,” Mrs Bennet said. “Some of them are very friendly, as well as charming and handsome.”
“Yes, we know. We called on Colonel Forster before we came here,” Lord Dunnroy replied. “My younger brother is a colonel in the army, and I discovered that the two of them are acquainted.”
“Your brother is a colonel? How wonderful!” Mrs Bennet declared. “I am sure he is very handsome too.”
“Mama!” It was Elizabeth’s turn to cry out in dismay, with as little success as Jane.
The viscount laughed. “It is not for me to judge my brother’s appearance, but I can say he is an honourable, dependable man.”
“He certainly is handsome too. It runs in the family,” Lady Cecilia added.
More refreshments were ordered, and the conversation continued in a light manner for a while, until it was interrupted by the sound of voices and footsteps. Then Lydia and Kitty charged into the room; the former had barely caught her breath before she burst out, “Mama, you will not believe what we heard about Lizzy and Mr Darcy!”
Then she paused and covered her mouth with her palm.
“Oh, dear Lord, I did not know you were here! I had better go to my room.”
Elizabeth froze; she cast desperate looks at Mr Darcy, then at the Dunnroys, all of whom looked obviously dismayed.
In the doorway, Mr Denny and Mr Chamberlayne stood waiting, their embarrassment apparent.
“We just escorted Miss Lydia and Miss Catherine home as promised. Good day, everyone,” Mr Denny said, then the pair left the house in peculiar haste.
Astonishment fell upon the entire room, vanquishing the previous pleasant atmosphere.
“Lydia!” Mr Bennet called out severely. “Wait a moment. What nonsense is this?”
“I would rather not say now, Papa,” the girl whispered, glancing about the room.
“Well, you mentioned the names of your sister and Mr Darcy together, so whatever it is, it must be some absurdity.”
“Yes, Papa… May I go to my room, please? I am very tired,” Lydia pleaded in a manner that was most unlike her.
“You may go. We shall talk later,” Mr Bennet replied, his brow furrowed.
“I apologise for this disruption,” he said to his guests. “Lydia is very young and easily impressed. Who knows what silliness she heard and was eager to pass on.”
“Lady Catherine always says—” Mr Collins began, but Mr Darcy spoke over him.
“There is no need to apologise, and I do not think Miss Lydia is to be blamed.” He cast looks towards Elizabeth and Lord Dunnroy.
Mr Bennet’s frown deepened.
“So…do you know what she is talking about?”
“I might… In fact there is only one thing she could mean. And, while it is indeed a ridiculous absurdity, I believe you should know about it, too, Mr Bennet.”
“Well, well. Now I am intrigued and slightly impatient. If the others would excuse us, would you join me in the library for a private conference?”
“Of course. My cousin may join us, as he is no stranger to this particular situation.”
