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“Miss Bennet is the most admirable woman I have ever met,” Mr Bingley declared. “I do not care about her connections or fortune as she has been blessed with so many more valuable qualities that are scarcely found in one single person.”

At this, Jane’s white cheeks flooded with colour.

“Miss? Will you not enter?” A voice startled them both. Behind them, the butler regarded them, puzzled. It was Elizabeth’s turn to blush.

“Yes, yes, of course…” she whispered, stepping forward. When their presence was noticed, the entire party turned to greet them.

“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, how lovely to see you both,” Mr Bingley cried. “Please allow me to make the introductions.”

He did so, and Jane curtseyed timidly but most properly; the viscount bowed, and Lady Cecilia smiled.

“Miss Bennet, you are exceedingly beautiful. Most women do not look nearly as lovely even when they are in the best of health,” the lady said with an amiable smile.

“Your ladyship is too kind,” Jane replied quietly.

“I am rarely too kind, I assure you. Most of the time I am just plainly honest,” Lady Cecilia declared.

“Let us repair to the dining room. Dinner will be served shortly,” Miss Bingley interrupted.

Mr Bingley immediately offered Jane his assistance, seating her to his left, close to the fire, which he instructed a servant to build up further. Flushed and obviously delighted, Jane thanked him graciously. To Mr Bingley’s right was Mr Darcy, silent and aloof as usual.

“You do look better, Miss Bennet. Quite lovely, I might say,” Mr Bingley offered.

“Indeed, you look completely recovered,” Mrs Hurst agreed. “I am a little surprised you did not return home.”

The offensive remark caused Jane to pale once more. Elizabeth took a deep breath to avoid returning an equally offensive answer. She cast a look about the table and noticed the viscount and his wife exchanging glances before the latter spoke.

“I understand from Mr Bingley that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth intended to leave today, but I insisted they stay so we might become better acquainted. I appreciate that they agreed to change their plans to indulge me.”

“That is true. I had to insist quite vehemently to convince them to stay, and I truly rejoice in my success,” Mr Bingley said. “I, too, appreciate that they agreed.”

Elizabeth smiled at Lady Cecilia and then at Mr Bingley. Mr Darcy remained silent, as did Mr Hurst, who was too preoccupied with enjoying his drink.

“We also appreciate your warm welcome, Bingley,” Lord Dunnroy interjected. “Our rooms are exceptionally comfortable, and my wife enjoys the view exceedingly. You have a handsome property here.”

“Thank you, sir. As you know, it is only let, but I hope one day I shall have the chance to purchase my own estate. My father left me money for that purpose, but I do not trust myself enough yet to engage in such an effort. I know running an estate is not an easy affair.”

“You possess remarkable wisdom and common sense, Bingley,” the viscount continued. “Indeed, managing an estate is a daunting task that involves hard work and responsibility. Most people, especially those who have gained their fortune in recent years, have the arrogance to presume they know more than they do and to treat their duty lightly.”

“Certainly not Bingley,” Mr Darcy said, finally engaging in the conversation. “His main fault is precisely the opposite — he trusts his judgment and his abilities too little.”

“I trust you to advise me when I need it, Darcy,” Mr Bingley responded in a tone that, to Elizabeth, reflected the gravity of the statement. Mr Bingley would likely not make any important decision without his friend’s approval. “And I shall certainly need your assistance if and when I decide to buy that aforementioned estate.”

“That is further proof of your wisdom, Bingley,” the viscount stated. “We all ask for Darcy’s assistance in managing our estates — even our father and our aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Darcy might not excel in manners or entertaining conversation, but he is certainly one of the best masters and landlords in England.”

Elizabeth could not suppress a smile, which she attempted to conceal behind her napkin.

“May I ask which part amused you, Miss Elizabeth?” Lady Cecilia enquired. “The one about Darcy’s qualities or his faults?”

Elizabeth’s smile faded under the scrutiny but quickly returned.

“I have no reason to doubt Mr Darcy’s many qualities, especially since I have never tested any of them. I base my judgment on my personal observation.”

“Then your judgment must be deservedly harsh,” Mr Bingley said. “Miss Elizabeth first met Darcy at an assembly where he refused to dance and spoke to almost nobody.”

“Mr Darcy cannot be forced to pretend he is amused and entertained among society which is far below him,” Miss Bingley said.

“Ah, so that is why he does not appear to be amused or entertained this evening,” Lady Cecilia replied with a quizzical expression in her eyes. “He must find our society far below him.”