Page 55 of Colour My World
“And how is this a fine thing?”
“I am thinking of his marrying one of them,” her mother said.
“Is that his design in settling here?”
“Design? I cannot say. But he may likely fall in love with one of them, and therefore, you must visit him as soon as he comes.”
Her father folded his newspaper and stood. “I see that I must. I cannot have you go, for you are more handsome than any of our girls. Mr Bingley might like you the best of the party, and then where would we be?”
Mrs Bennet blushed down to the neckline of her gown. “Oh, Mr Bennet. How you jest.”
“Do I?”
Chapter 18
The drawing room had settled into a quiet ease. The scent of tea and lemons lingered, mixing with the crisp autumn air filtering through the slightly cracked window.
Her father stood in the open doorway. Elizabeth noted the sparkle in his eyes and his efforts not to smile. His tanairebore a chocolate-brown rim. He was teasing out the moment for his amusement. Elizabeth closedWordsworthin her lap and waited.
Mrs Bennet did the honours, then focused on Mr Bennet. Her pale yellowairewas spotted with faint orange flecks. Eagerness. Anticipation.
Mr Bennet commanded the room with a rather deliberate clearing of his throat. “I called upon Mr Bingley this morning.”
A hush fell over the ladies.
Mrs Bennet’sairebrightened to a warm yellow, touched with orange. “Mr Bennet, you darling man. You called on him? Oh, what news! Was he as distinguished a gentleman as reported?”
“Charming, and without hesitation, accepted my company.”
Kitty and Lydia’s whispers escalated into delighted exclamations. But a single, well-timed throat-clearing cut through the noise. “Forgive me,” they said in unison.
Mrs Ecclestone gestured towards the door. “Ladies, I imagine tomorrow will be a busy one. You may excuse yourselves.”
Kitty and Lydia exchanged grins. With curtsies and no protest, they skipped out of the room—lavenders and carnations trailing behind like silken threads.
Jane turned to Elizabeth and smiled. “It is difficult not to be curious.”
“They are not alone in their curiosity,” Elizabeth replied. She turned to Mary. “What say you?”
Mary lifted her teacup, took a measured sip, and then nodded.
Jane addressed their father. “Did he express much interest in Meryton, sir?”
“He spoke warmly of the countryside, favours good company, and delights in meeting his neighbours.”
Mrs Bennet’sairepulsed into a radiant yellow. “Oh, Mr Bennet, this is splendid news!”
Elizabeth caught the quirk of her father’s lips when he sent her a sidelong glance. His tanairedeepened into a richer brown. He was playing his part well.
“I thought it only appropriate to make his acquaintance,” he continued, lifting his tea with an air of casual indifference. “If only to ensure he was worthy of such attention.”
Laughter rippled through the room.
“And tell me, Mr Bennet, he must wish to make himself known among the best families. You invited him, of course?” Mrs Bennet’s tone seemed to increase a half-octave on the last two words. A faint hint of orange seeped into her aire: excitement and uncertainty.
Her father fixed his gaze upon her mother. “I did.”
Mrs Bennet’saireturned amber. “Oh, Mr Bennet, you have pleased me exceedingly. What a chance for our daughters!”
