9. Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

" Y ou look lovely tonight, Charlotte," Elizabeth said, hoping to lift her friend's spirits. "I am certain you will enjoy yourself."

"Thank you, Lizzy. I am trying, truly."

"We are here to have a wonderful time, Charlotte," Jane added. "The music is lively, and the company is delightful."

The assembly hall buzzed with excitement, laughter, and the shuffling of feet. Elizabeth stood beside Jane and Charlotte Lucas, their second-best gowns a splash of colour against the darker tones worn by the gentlemen in the room. Familiar faces animated with anticipation moved through the crowd. Elizabeth glanced at Charlotte, who wore an artificial smile. How dearly she wished she could do more to ease Charlotte's melancholy! The Assembly was meant to be a joyous occasion, yet the weight of Charlotte's sadness seemed to cast a shadow over the evening.

"Look, here comes your brother John," Elizabeth said, watching the young man approach. "I think he means to ask for a dance."

John Lucas, barely sixteen and awkward in his newly acquired evening attire, made his way toward them. He stopped in front of Elizabeth, his cheeks flushed. "Miss Lizzy, may I have the honour of this dance?"

Elizabeth smiled warmly. "John, I am flattered, but I mean to stay with your sister. Perhaps another time?"

John's shoulders slumped slightly, but he quickly rallied. "Miss Bennet, it is just one dance. Charlotte can manage for a few minutes. Please?"

"I appreciate your persistence, John, but I have quite made up my mind. Unless Charlotte has a partner, I shan't be dancing tonight."

John's brow furrowed in determination. "But, Miss Bennet, you cannot miss the chance to dance. You may not get another one, you know. I promise I am a very good dancer. I have been practising. "

Elizabeth glanced at Charlotte, who was watching the exchange with growing embarrassment. "I do not doubt your skills, John, but another time. Tonight, I must decline."

John sighed dramatically, throwing his hands up in mock despair. "I shall never get a partner! Even Elizabeth Bennet turned me down!"

"Oh, did you hear that little scamp?" Elizabeth gasped in mock horror. "As if I were his third or fourth or fifth choice! The very nerve of that rascal!"

Charlotte managed a genuine laugh, but as soon as the laughter faded, the melancholy returned to her eyes like a cloud obscuring the sun. Elizabeth exchanged a worried glance with Jane, who responded with a subtle nod of understanding.

Determined to keep Charlotte's spirits up, Elizabeth and Jane engaged her in light-hearted conversation as the lively music and laughter filled the ballroom.

"Did you see Mrs Long's hat?" Elizabeth asked, grinning. "I believe it has grown even larger since last year."

Jane giggled. "I half expect it to have its own chair next time!"

Charlotte managed a small laugh, glancing around the room. "It is certainly something to behold. Perhaps it will start a new trend."

"I do hope not," Elizabeth said, mock-serious. "I fear we would all be lost beneath such creations."

They moved closer to the musicians, and Elizabeth pointed out the vibrant decorations. "Look at those garlands, Charlotte. They have outdone themselves this time. The flowers are so fresh and colorful."

Charlotte nodded, her eyes lingering on the decorations. "They are beautiful. I wonder how they managed to get such lovely blooms in this season."

Jane squeezed Charlotte's arm gently. "It is a bit of magic, I think. Just like this evening. Let us enjoy it together."

Charlotte smiled faintly. "You are right. It is a lovely night."

Elizabeth caught sight of Mrs Jenkins and leaned in conspiratorially. "Did you hear what Mrs Jenkins said to Mr Harrison at the market yesterday? She asked him if he had any ‘reputable' ham, as if he might be selling the scandalous kind."

Charlotte laughed again, a more genuine sound this time. "Oh, Lizzy! Scandalous ham, indeed."

"And speaking of the market," Jane added, "did you see Mr Green trying to sell his ‘miracle vegetables'? I do not think anyone believed his claims that they could cure all ailments."

"Yes, and he was so serious about it! I half-expected him to start performing miracles right there among the cabbages."

Charlotte's smile widened, and she began to relax a little. "Jane, I believe you made that up."

"Jane?" Elizabeth scoffed. "Jane could not tell even a little fib. Why, Jane looks guilty when she is telling the truth. Come, Charlotte, let us put her to the test."

Jane took a sip of her punch and raised a teasing brow. "Do not be unfair, Lizzy. If you do, I shall not defend you when Lydia teases you about Mr Wickham."

"Mr Wickham?" Charlotte roused a little. "Oh, is he coming tonight?"

Elizabeth opened her mouth, her cheeks flushing as she stared back at Jane. Then she smoothed it with a smile. "Indeed, he promised he would."

As if on cue, the doors to the assembly hall opened, and Mr Wickham entered. A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd, heads turning, and conversations pausing. Elizabeth watched as he moved gracefully through the throng, charming everyone he greeted. His smile seemed to light up the room, and the way people eagerly welcomed him showcased his popularity in Meryton. Elizabeth could almost hear the collective sighs of admiration.

"There he is, Charlotte. Mr Wickham has arrived." Elizabeth nudged her friend gently.

Charlotte looked over but then averted her eyes. "I do not think I am up for meeting new people tonight, Lizzy. I feel rather... dull."

"Nonsense, Charlotte. You are always delightful company. Come, let us go and greet Mr Wickham. He has such a charming presence; I am sure you will find him pleasant."

Charlotte shook her head, looking down at her gown. "I feel frumpy and uncomfortable. I would only be a burden to your enjoyment."

Elizabeth exchanged a concerned glance with Jane. "You are not a burden, Charlotte. But if you truly feel that way, let us go to the retiring room together. We can freshen up and then join the others."

Charlotte managed a small smile. "No, Lizzy. I insist that you and Jane go greet the gentlemen now. I will go to the retiring room alone. I promise to join you both soon."

Elizabeth hesitated, but Charlotte's resolute expression left little room for argument. "Very well, Charlotte. But do not be long. We shall be waiting for you."

As Charlotte turned to make her way to the retiring room, Elizabeth's eyes followed her, worry gnawing at her. Jane touched her arm gently, drawing her attention back to the approaching gentlemen. Elizabeth took a deep breath and put on a bright smile .

Mr Wickham was weaving through the room with effortless grace, charming everyone he greeted. As he neared, Elizabeth noticed a familiar face beside him. Her pulse quickened—it was Mr Bingley! So, it had been his carriage she had seen in the market two days ago.

Wickham finally reached them, his eyes alight with genuine pleasure. "Good evening, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. It is a delight to see you both."

They curtsied together. "Good evening, Mr Wickham. The pleasure is all ours."

Wickham gestured to the gentleman beside him. "And may I introduce my esteemed guest, Mr Charles Bingley?"

Elizabeth's pulse quickened as Mr Bingley's eyes locked onto hers, recognition dawning in his widening gaze. A flicker of warmth crossed his features, his lips parting as if to speak her name. But Elizabeth felt a sudden surge of alarm—what if he mentioned their first meeting? The memory of that day, bedraggled and limping, was something she would rather not have broadcast, especially not in front of Mr Wickham.

She met Bingley's gaze with a faint, urgent shake of her head, willing him to stay silent. For a moment, he hesitated, the words dying on his lips. Then, understanding her unspoken request, he offered her a subtle nod and stepped back, allowing Wickham to take the lead in the introductions.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth," Bingley said, his warm smile not dimming in the least.

Before the conversation could progress, someone tapped Mr Wickham's sleeve, drawing him aside momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, Elizabeth turned to Jane with a quick explanation. "That is Mr Bingley, Jane—one of the gentlemen who helped me when I injured my ankle."

Jane's eyes widened with realisation. "The day you took the horse out in such terrible weather? You were so muddy when you returned home."

Elizabeth nodded, her cheeks colouring slightly at the memory. "Yes, and now I must thank him properly. Mr Bingley, it is very likely I would not have been on both my feet yet had you not stopped when you did. I am sure to have done myself a mischief by trying to manage two miles in that condition."

Her expression warm, Jane added, "Indeed, Mr Bingley, we are very grateful for your assistance."

Mr Bingley beamed back at them both. "It was nothing, truly. Well, Darcy's idea, really, but I am pleased to see you fully recovered and enjoying the evening, Miss Elizabeth. "

"It might have been Mr Darcy's idea, but it was your carriage, so my gratitude must extend to you both," Elizabeth replied lightly, hoping to move past the subject before Wickham could overhear.

Mr Bingley looked abashed, but before he could respond, Mr Wickham clapped him on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. "What is this? Laughing with the ladies without me, Bingley? Why, you have hardly met them, yet I think Miss Elizabeth is smiling at you more warmly than ever she did at me. Should I be jealous, my friend?"

Elizabeth laughed. "Not at all, sir. It was only a happy coincidence of timing. If you like, you may turn around again, and I will make certain to be frowning when you turn back."

Mr Wickham bellowed with laughter. "You see, Bingley? I did warn you—Meryton's ladies are not to be underestimated. It seems you have a talent for being in the right place at the right time."

"Not entirely," Mr Bingley said with a modest lift of his shoulders. "For if that were true, I would be your host at Netherfield rather than the reverse."

Mr Wickham shook his head regretfully. "Alas, my one regret in securing the lease was that I inadvertently caused the disappointment of a very good man. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, I hope we can make it up to Mr Bingley by showing him the very best of Meryton's hospitality."

"Of course, Mr Bingley," Elizabeth agreed, linking her arm with Jane's. She noticed the way Bingley's gaze lingered on her sister and smiled inwardly. "I trust you will find ours the most agreeable town this side of London. Tell me, Mr Bingley, do you expect your friend Mr Darcy may also return to Meryton?"

Mr Bingley began to answer, his expression cheerful. Before he could, Wickham's brows shot up in surprise. "Darcy? Why, I had no idea you knew my old friend Mr Darcy."

Elizabeth's curiosity was piqued. Mr Wickham and Mr Darcy also knew each other? How intriguing!

Bingley's face brightened. "You know him as well? Darcy and I met at Cambridge. He is one of the finest men I know."

Wickham's smile broadened, a genuine warmth in his tone. "Indeed, I could not agree more. Darcy and I grew up together. We were practically inseparable as boys. He is the very best of men, as was his father—why, I was just telling Miss Elizabeth only a few days ago about the good and noble man who mentored me. "

"Ah, I have heard much good of him. Alas, I never met George Darcy, God rest his soul, but Fitzwilliam Darcy has always been generous," Bingley said warmly. "He helped me settle in when I first arrived at Cambridge. His guidance was invaluable."

Wickham nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. "Yes, he has a way of looking out for those he cares about. Our history is a bit more... complicated, but there is no denying his loyalty. I trust he is well?"

"Oh, quite so. We intended a shooting party at Pemberley this autumn, but… well, circumstances being what they were…"

Mr Wickham shook his head and waved a hand. "Say no more. It seems I unwittingly ruined more than one plan of yours. And Darcy's, from the way it sounds. What do you say we invite Darcy to Netherfield as well? It would be a pleasure to have him join us."

"That is a capital idea! Absolutely. Darcy would enjoy the company, I am sure."

Mr Wickham chuckled deeply. "Are you certain you are speaking of the same Darcy? I never saw him at a party but that he was looking for an excuse to leave early."

"Well…" Bingley spread his hands in a self-deprecating gesture. "You are not wrong there, but I am sure he would welcome the chance to leave London."

"Then it is settled! We shall write to him first thing in the morning. But I fear, Mr Bingley, we are boring the ladies. Miss Elizabeth?" He bowed deeply. "May I have the honour of this dance?"

" M r Wickham, you are quite the dancer. Have you always been so light on your feet?"

"You flatter me, Miss Bennet. I only hope I do not disappoint."

"Disappoint! Hardly. Why, I think nearly every lady in the room is jealous of me."

Mr Wickham laughed as he extended his hand to her to lead her down the set. "There is one, at least, who is much better pleased with her present partner." He nodded to his right, where Jane was blushing in Mr Bingley's arms. "They make quite the picture together, do they not?"

"Mr Bingley seems completely enchanted," Elizabeth observed. "He can hardly take his eyes off her."

"And your sister? Do you think she is equally charmed?"

She watched for a moment. "Jane is reserved, but she would not be smiling like that if she were not enjoying his company."

Wickham chuckled. "The beginnings of attraction are always fascinating, are they not? The stolen glances, the hesitant smiles."

"Much like a play," Elizabeth agreed. "You can almost see the thoughts racing through their minds. ‘Does he like me?' ‘Does she find me interesting?' It is all most diverting."

"Quite so." He pirouetted and offered her his other hand. "And what about you, Miss Elizabeth? Do you enjoy being an observer, or do you prefer to be in the midst of it all?"

"I suppose a bit of both. I think of myself as a student of characters—albeit an amateur one—and it is rather difficult to do that from the centre of the throng. But there are few things I love better than to laugh and dance."

"Well, I must say," Wickham said, a playful glint in his eye, "I find you quite captivating, whether you are observing or participating."

Elizabeth felt a blush rise to her cheeks. "You are very kind, Mr Wickham."

"Kind? Not a bit of it. I am fascinated, Miss Elizabeth, and I find myself eager to know more of you."

"Flattery, Mr Wickham? What would you say if I told you that I am…" She stepped close in the dance. "… quite immune?"

"I would call you a liar, Miss Elizabeth. But a rather fetching one."

"Well, then! I see I am had. Very well, Mr Wickham, what would you like to know?"

He frowned playfully. "Let us start with something safe. Ribbons—do you always prefer lavender and green? Or do you occasionally fancy a bit of scarlet?"

She puckered her lips. "You can do better than that, Mr Wickham."

Mr Wickham dipped his head in defeat. "Dispensing with pleasantries so soon, Miss Elizabeth? Very well, I shall think of a better question. Tell me, how do you know Mr Darcy?"

She tipped one shoulder. "I only met him the one time, when he and Mr Bingley helped me with a twisted ankle."

"Miss Elizabeth, I feel there is a juicy story there. "

"Nothing of the sort, but as you have, by now, surmised, tonight was the second time I have met Mr Bingley. I shall confess that it did make me wonder whether his friend intended to follow."

"He must have made quite the impression, then. Darcy does have a way of doing that."

She laughed. "If I tell you something terribly scandalous, can you keep a secret?"

"I am silent as the grave, Miss Elizabeth," he assured her.

"Well, I must admit, I was covered in mud at the time. I fear I was quite the sight, so much so that I wonder how Mr Bingley even recognized me in fresh attire."

Mr Wickham gasped. "Perfectly shocking, Miss Elizabeth! And did Darcy ride on top of the carriage to avoid dirtying his breeches with your hems?"

"Not at all. In fact, Mr Darcy was nothing but gallant. But why would he be otherwise?"

He held up his hand. "I am in jest, Miss Elizabeth. I am sure he was the perfect gentleman, as he always is. Oh! And to my regret, it seems our dance is over." He stepped back, twirling away to bow to her. "Miss Elizabeth, it has been an immense pleasure."

She curtsied. "The pleasure was mine, Mr Wickham. Thank you for the dance."

As Mr Wickham moved away to find her sisters, Mr Bingley approached Elizabeth with a cheerful smile. "Miss Bennet, may I have the honour?"

Elizabeth gave him her hand. "Of course, Mr Bingley. I hope you are enjoying yourself tonight."

"Indeed, Miss Bennet. It is a delightful evening, made even more so by your company. In fact, all Meryton has proven to be quite lively."

Elizabeth nodded. "It certainly has its charms. And have you been settling in well at Netherfield?"

"Quite well, thank you. The countryside is beautiful, and the people have been very welcoming. Mr Wickham is a fortunate man in the securing of his home."

Elizabeth offered Mr Bingley a sympathetic smile. "I think you are right. Tell me, what do you enjoy doing in your leisure time, Mr Bingley?"

"I enjoy riding and the occasional game of billiards. But what I love most is social gatherings like these. There is something so invigorating about being surrounded by friends and music, do you not think?"

"Absolutely," Elizabeth agreed. "There is a certain energy that comes from being in good company. And what about reading? Do you enjoy books? "

Mr Bingley chuckled. "I must confess, I am not much of a reader. My friend Darcy has an impressive library, but I find it difficult to sit in one place for so long. What about you, Miss Bennet? Are you fond of reading?"

"Very much so. I enjoy walking, reading, and spending time with my family. There is a great deal of satisfaction in a good book or a long walk through the countryside. But I declare, there is no delight like dancing."

Mr Bingley laughed heartily. "I am glad to hear that."

They passed the half-hour in perfect delight. Mr Bingley was just as gentlemanly as she had found him to be on their first acquaintance, save that his gaze occasionally wandered to where Jane was dancing with Mr Wickham.

She could hardly blame his distraction, for her thoughts were more often chasing after Charlotte. How long had it been since she had even seen her? Guilt twisted inside her as she scanned the room. No sign of Charlotte. Mr Bingley returned her to the side of the room, and she excused herself, her worry mounting with each step as she wove through the crowd.

Where could she be? Elizabeth moved quickly, her eyes darting around the hall. Faces blurred together, none of them Charlotte's. Panic rising, she finally stepped outside the main hall and spotted a servant. "Have you seen Miss Lucas?"

The servant nodded. "She left the dance some time ago, Miss Bennet."

Charlotte had left. How could she have been so wrapped up in her own enjoyment and not noticed? Guilt gnawed at her, more insistent now. She should have been more attentive, more aware.

Tomorrow. She would visit Charlotte first thing. Tonight's emotions and revelations had been overwhelming, but she couldn't ignore her friend's sadness. The music and laughter from the hall felt distant, almost mocking. Elizabeth vowed she would not let Charlotte go unnoticed again.