“Disapprove?” he asked as he raised his head. “Certainly not. I have nothing but the utmost approval and respect for everything you do, my alluring wife. I will even go so far as to say it has been many months now I have considered you to be the most accomplished lady of my acquaintance, for a multitude of reasons that I shall be only too happy to enumerate for you.”

With a slow, languorous smile, Elizabeth slipped her arms around his neck and fingered his cravat. “Such flattering words, sir! But I am afraid I must confess to having a very attentive instructor. He has been most diligent, you see, in his duties to the constant improvement of my mind. However, it may be time for another, more thorough, lesson.” Then, quirking her brow, she inquired with an air of seduction, “Do you, Mr. Darcy, happen to know of anyone to whom I might turn for such attentive instruction?”

Darcy grinned as he ran one finger across her full lips. “I believe I happen to know of just such an instructor, and I daresay, madam, he is at your disposal.”

*   *   *

By the time they had bathed, dressed, and made their way downstairs for breakfast, it was quite late, and though Darcy had already been up for several hours—he had met Bingley quite early for a ride across the neighboring fields—Elizabeth could hardly contain her embarrassment at the lateness of the hour, especially when she saw that Georgiana, Miss Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst had already finished their morning meal. They were about to rise when Elizabeth and Darcy joined them at the table.

Everyone exchanged pleasantries, and then silence settled over the table as those who had not yet finished continued to eat. Miss Bingley chose to remain and, so, sat quietly clearing her throat and smoothing her gown. After much pause, she ventured to speak. “I trust you slept well, Mrs. Darcy, and are rested and refreshed after your journey yesterday?” Her addressing Elizabeth in such a civil manner caused the others at the table to turn their heads toward her. Her tone and her expression held no hint of the jealousy and contempt she was well known to harbor toward the mistress of Pemberley. It was remarkably out of character for her to address Elizabeth as anything other than Elizabeth, and it did not go unnoticed by those in attendance, either. Darcy’s eyes narrowed.

Elizabeth stared at Miss Bingley for several seconds before she managed to find her voice. “Yes, I thank you. I slept very well, indeed.”

Miss Bingley offered her a strained smile before she turned her attention to Darcy. “And you, sir? Did you sleep soundly, as well?”

“I did, thank you, Miss Bingley.”

“I am glad to hear it.” She offered Darcy a similar version of the same smile, though decidedly more sincere, before she astonished the group further by addressing Elizabeth once more. “I know there is nothing quite like being in one’s own home, but I do hope you are both comfortable here at Netherfield. I shall trust you to notify me of anything particular you may require, Mrs. Darcy. We have an excellent staff here. You may rest assured they would be more than happy to see to your every need.”

Throughout the entire exchange between Miss Bingley and Elizabeth, Georgiana, Bingley, Darcy, and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst could do nothing but stare in wide-eyed astonishment.

“Thank you again, Miss Bingley,” Elizabeth said in what she sincerely hoped was a calm, pleasant voice. “I am well acquainted with the efficiency of your excellent staff. I am certain, however, such attention on your part is hardly necessary. I would not wish to put you to any trouble.”

Miss Bingley straightened her shoulders and sniffed. “Nonsense,” she said dryly but with civility. “We are to be family, Mrs. Darcy. I assure you, it will be no trouble at all. It would be my pleasure.” She cleared her throat once more and rose from her seat. “If you will excuse me, I must see to several last-minute preparations for tonight’s ball. I would like everything to be perfect for Jane and Charles.”

Mrs. Hurst also rose and followed her sister, leaving behind a table full of incredulous people. It was Mr. Hurst, however, who finally broke the silence. “Who was that woman, and what the deuce did she do with our Caroline?”

Georgiana choked on her tea while Bingley merely shook his head and stammered, “I hardly know.”

*   *   *

Elizabeth and Georgiana ventured to Longbourn after breakfast, leaving the gentlemen to themselves for several hours. Though Elizabeth was excited about the prospect of becoming a mother, she dreaded her own mother’s reaction to her news. She had tried, in vain, to persuade Georgiana to remain at Netherfield, but her sister-in-law would not hear of it. Unfortunately, Mrs. Bennet’s joy, as well as her advice on such an occasion, was not to be underestimated.

“Oh! I knew how it would be!” she cried. “You must take after me, Lizzy, for I was with child in no time at all after my marriage to your father. You have done your duty to your husband very well, indeed. Now, if you can just give him a son, then I am sure Mr. Darcy would not mind in the least if you were to tell him you do not wish to do it again.”

Elizabeth was grateful Georgiana was, at that precise moment, engaged in earnest conversation with Lydia and Mary on the other side of the room, especially after she heard her father add dryly, “I would certainly not count on that, my dear, if I were you.” He then retreated behind his paper with a throat-clearing and did not emerge until the end of the visit. Elizabeth blushed.

Upon their return to Netherfield, Elizabeth and Georgiana were astounded to see Miss Bingley’s earlier civility—though whether forced or sincere, they had yet to determine—had survived the course of several hours. Their hostess made a concerted effort at small talk without insulting or disparaging Elizabeth even once, showing the mistress of Pemberley every courtesy in her power. Georgiana made a point of observing Miss Bingley carefully, and upon noticing her staring at Darcy and Elizabeth with what could only be described as an unfathomable expression upon her face, she became even more bewildered by her behavior. Georgiana could detect nothing malicious or calculating in Miss Bingley’s manner, however, so only exchanged a confused look with her brother.

Even Darcy could not find fault with Miss Bingley’s conduct, though it did continue to baffle him, as well. He could hardly credit this sudden change in his friend’s sister, but it did not necessarily follow that he did not appreciate the effort it certainly must have cost her.

*   *   *

By the time the hour of the ball arrived, the house had become flooded with guests, all of whom were eager to enjoy what promised to be a delightful evening. To the four-and-twenty families who resided in the neighborhood were added the many friends and family members who had come from various distances to attend the wedding. Among them was a Mr. Brewster, a young man of three-and-twenty who was to perform the office of standing up with Bingley. He was quiet and seemed somewhat reserved, but very agreeable all the same. His handsome looks and reported income of three thousand a year immediately captured the interest of all the young ladies in attendance, but very much like another taciturn gentleman before him, he had very soon settled his eyes on only one.

“Miss Lydia,” said Bingley, “allow me to present my very good friend, Mr. John Brewster of Scarborough. Brewster, this is Miss Lydia Bennet, my dear Jane’s youngest sister.”

Mr. Brewster bowed to her. “The pleasure is mine, Miss Lydia, and if you are not otherwise engaged, might I request the honor of dancing the next with you?”

Lydia smiled and inclined her head. “Thank you, sir. I am not engaged.”

He offered her his arm, and they made their way to the center of the room. “You reside in Scarborough, then, Mr. Brewster?” she asked.

“Yes, but my family is originally from Brighton. It is where I passed most of my youth.”

“Brighton, you say? How wonderful! You must tell me all about it, sir, for I have always longed to go to Brighton.”

Mr. Brewster could not help but smile at her enthusiasm. The music began, and they proceeded down the dance in happy conversation.

*   *   *

Later that night, Darcy paced the length of Bingley’s study. “All I am saying, Bingley, is you should have consulted with either Mr. Bennet or myself before you took it upon yourself to make the introduction. Lydia is still recovering from what can only be described as a nightmare. She has told me she is reluctant to remain here with her own family because she fears society’s censure, although, I confess, I am somewhat relieved to hear it. She has changed in the last two months, much for the better. She is no longer thoughtless and wild, thank God. Elizabeth and Georgiana have been an excellent influence on her, quite the opposite of her own mother, I must say.”

Bingley took a long sip of port and sighed. “I cannot disagree with you, Darcy, and perhaps I should have first approached her father—especially considering the circumstances of late—but John Brewster is a very great friend. I have known him nearly half my life, and I can say with all honesty he is one of the most respectable gentlemen of my acquaintance. His intentions are honorable. He certainly will not take advantage of Miss Lydia.”

“No. Perhaps not, but what if they form an attachment? What if Lydia one day feels compelled to confide in him her ordeal with Wickham? Is he the type of man who might abandon her and destroy all her hopes after his honor has become engaged? I hate to admit it, but even the most honorable man would be a fool not to think twice before offering for her after hearing such a confession.”

Bingley stared at him. “You are behaving much like a mother hen trying to protect her chick, Darcy. They have danced only two dances together. I hardly think that constitutes an offer of marriage.”

“Yes, they danced two dances but spent the remainder of the night in conversation. Other than you, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardiner, and myself, Lydia danced not one single dance with any other gentleman—not that it would have been prudent, in any case, but you must remember how fond she is of dancing.” With a loud exhalation, he raked his hands through his hair and muttered, “Forgive me, Bingley, but I cannot like it. It makes me uneasy.”

Bingley chuckled. “I truly feel for you, my friend. You now find yourself in the unsavory position of caring for two very young, very impressionable, and very pretty ladies who, for all intents and purposes, are not yet out, and you are feeling the full weight of it.” With a grin, he raised his glass. “For the sake of your sanity, Darcy, I do sincerely hope Elizabeth will give you a son.”

Darcy closed his eyes and massaged the bridge of his nose. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he muttered, “Yes. I cannot but agree.”

*   *   *

The wedding the following day was all that was elegant and delightful. It came as no surprise that Jane, a very beautiful woman, made an equally beautiful bride. While Elizabeth’s wedding gown had been declared exquisite by all who had attended her wedding to Darcy, it was almost deceptively simple in comparison to Jane’s, which was much closer to what society had come to anticipate from the blushing bride of a gentleman of no insignificant means. Nearly every inch of Jane’s glorious silk gown was covered in imported Belgian lace, and though not quite to Elizabeth’s personal taste, the gown her dearest Jane had chosen—or, more appropriately, her mother—certainly succeeded in flattering the new Mrs. Bingley’s elegant figure, to which Mr. Bingley’s steadfast gazes and dreamy expressions were a constant testament.

The wedding breakfast was held at Netherfield, where the bride and groom were to spend their wedding night before leaving to tour some of England’s southern regions. Out of respect for the newly married couple, the many guests and relations who had arrived the day before and had spent the night—the Darcys included—soon made their farewells to the newlyweds and departed.

Mrs. Bennet was quite put out that Darcy would not consent to stay for a fortnight or two at Longbourn. She had been informed by her husband just that morning that Lydia was to travel to London with the Darcys and then on to Derbyshire, where she would remain for the next two months at least. Mrs. Bennet attempted to persuade her second-eldest daughter to use her influence with her husband, but to no avail. In fact, Elizabeth took great pleasure informing her mother that, in this particular instance, Darcy would not be swayed. He was anxious to return to his beloved Pemberley, where he had not set foot for the better part of a year. He was also looking forward to introducing Elizabeth to what was now her home, and extremely desirous of doing it before she could no longer be expected to make such an arduous trip. Assuming the weather was fit for travel, it would likely take them two or three days to reach Derbyshire, even from London. Darcy and Georgiana could barely contain their enthusiasm.