Page 56 of Attempted Compromises
Caroline Bingley
“Is it not the most wonderful thing?” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, practically dancing in her seat. “Oh, my dears, you must go! And to think—Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley will both be there!”
Elizabeth stood and took the note from her mother’s hand, her brow furrowing slightly as she read the lines. Caroline’s tone was overly familiar, her insistence bordering on condescension, and the mention of Darcy set Elizabeth’s heart fluttering uncomfortably.
“I suppose we cannot refuse,” Jane said softly, glancing at Elizabeth.
“No,” Elizabeth agreed with a faint smile, folding the note. “I suppose we cannot. Although I wonder why on earth she invited us.”
“Clearly she wishes to further a friendship with us,” Jane said, her eyes shining. “I believe she is more amiable than you give her credit for.”
Elizabeth thought back to the harsh looks and snide remarks she had received from Miss Bingley during their time spent at Netherfield while Jane was recovering her health. “Perhaps,” was all she replied. “Very well, then. We shall go to tea tomorrow evening at Netherfield.”
Mrs. Bennet beamed, her earlier woes about the rain forgotten. “It is settled, then! Oh, what a fine time you shall have. Oh, Jane, you must wear your best silk gown—it will complement your complexion perfectly.”
Elizabeth sighed, folded the note and set it aside. “Mama, the invitation is for tea, not a ball. I am sure simple evening attire will suffice.”
“Nonsense!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. “Every moment in the company of such gentlemen is an opportunity not to be wasted. And Lizzy, do not forget to fix your hair properly this time.”
Elizabeth bit back a retort, instead rising from her mother’s side to return to her book on her chair. As much as she dreaded enduring Caroline’s airs, the thought of seeing Darcy again—despite her best efforts to dismiss it—filled her with quiet anticipation.
She could not help but wonder at Miss Bingley’s sudden eagerness to host them.I do hope it is nothingtoonefarious that calls us there.
Laughing at herself, she dismissed the idea with a toss of her head. The rain continued to patter against the windows, but Elizabeth’s attempts to read were frequently interrupted by thoughts of the enigmatic gentleman who had so affected her heart and mind.
Chapter 15
The morning of the Netherfield tea dawned with a wintry chill that clung to the air despite the pale sunlight filtering through the clouds. Elizabeth woke to the sound of raindrops pattering faintly against the windowpane and sighed as she gazed at the sky, which threatened to unleash a heavier storm later in the day.
The Bingley carriage arrived promptly at Longbourn that afternoon, gleaming in defiance of the muddy roads from the morning’s rain and the cloudy threats of more. Jane and Elizabeth stood in the hall as Hill helped them into their cloaks, their mother bustling about with last-minute instructions and reminders.
“Now, Jane,” Mrs. Bennet said, adjusting her eldest daughter’s bonnet, “do not let that odious Miss Bingley overshadow you. Remember to sit where Mr. Bingley can see you clearly. And Lizzy,” she added, turning to her second daughter, “try not to antagonize anyone. Not everyone appreciates your sharp tongue.”
Elizabeth gave her mother a tight smile, holding back the retort that rose to her lips. She was used to these admonishments, but today, her thoughts were elsewhere. As Hill opened the door and the chill of the afternoon breeze swept inside, Elizabeth glanced at Jane, who was already stepping forward with her usual serene grace.
They climbed into the carriage, and as soon as the door was shut and the wheels began to turn, Elizabeth allowed herself to sink into the seat with a sigh. The countryside rolled by, its muted colors softened by the gray skies above. She tried to focus on the familiar sights, but her mind kept drifting back to Netherfield.
Caroline Bingley. Elizabeth couldn’t decide which was worse—the idea of enduring Caroline’s sly remarks and thinly veiled insults, or the possibility that Caroline would simply ignore her altogether. Either way, she knew the evening would be fraught with tension. The presence of Mrs. Hurst, who so often mirrored her sister’s disdain, would do little to improve matters.
And yet... a flicker of excitement sparked within her, unbidden. Darcy. The name alone sent a ripple through her chest, a curious mixture of anticipation and uncertainty. Elizabeth had been replaying their conversations over the past weeks in her mind, each one revealing more of the man beneath the aloof exterior. She found herself eager to see him again, though she quickly reminded herself not to dwell on it too much. It was merely the prospect of engaging in stimulating conversation, she told herself, nothing more.
“You seem lost in thought, Lizzy,” Jane said, her voice gentle and teasing. “What occupies your mind so thoroughly?”
Elizabeth turned to her sister with a wry smile. “I was merely considering how best to endure an evening with Miss Bingley. Her charm, after all, is matched only by her graciousness.”
Jane laughed softly. “Perhaps you might be surprised. Miss Bingley may not be the easiest of companions, but she does make an effort to host us.”
Elizabeth arched an eyebrow but refrained from commenting further. Jane’s determination to see the best in everyone was both her greatest strength and her greatest flaw. Elizabeth had long since learned to let it go, knowing her sister’s outlook brought her peace.
By the time the carriage arrived at Netherfield, the sun had briefly emerged, casting a golden light over the estate. Elizabeth stepped out onto the gravel drive and was greeted by the smiling figure of Mr. Bingley, who had come to the door himself to receive them.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth! Welcome, welcome!” He approached with a wide grin, his gaze immediately finding Jane’s. “It is always such a pleasure to have you here.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow as he stepped forward to help Jane descend. “You are opening your own door, Mr. Bingley? What of the footmen?”
Bingley chuckled, glancing back toward the house. “Caroline insisted on giving the staff the afternoon off. She thought a more intimate gathering might be... charming. They’ll be back in an hour or so, I believe.”
Elizabeth exchanged a glance with Jane. Giving the entire staff even a few hours off was highly irregular. “Quite charming indeed,” she murmured under her breath as she stepped inside, the grandeur of Netherfield’s foyer uncharacteristically still without the usual bustle of servants.
