Page 48 of Attempted Compromises
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The parlor at the Philips’ house buzzed with lively conversation and bursts of laughter, the air filled with the faint scent of tea and candle wax. Elizabeth stood near her aunt, chatting idly with Charlotte Lucas and a few neighbors. Across the room, Lydia and Kitty were the center of a small group of officers, their flirtatious giggles carrying over the hum of voices.
Elizabeth’s gaze flickered toward her younger sisters, shaking her head in mild amusement at their antics. “Kitty and Lydia appear to be enjoying themselves,” she said to Charlotte.
“Indeed,” Charlotte replied, her tone dry. “Though I doubt they’ll leave without monopolizing every officer present.”
Elizabeth laughed lightly but couldn’t help noticing the absence of the handsome officer they had met the day before. Her thoughts lingered briefly—his easy charm, the way he had paled at the mention of Darcy—before the sound of the door opening drew her attention.
The Netherfield party had arrived.
Mr. Bingley entered first, his warm smile and genial air instantly drawing the attention of the room. Mr. Darcy followed, his tall, composed figure cutting a striking presence. Elizabeth’s gaze, however, landed on the younger figure at his side, her arm resting on his.
A grin crossed Elizabeth’s face.She came after all!
Georgiana Darcy, with her wide blue eyes and shy demeanor, looked hesitant as she scanned the unfamiliar faces. Elizabeth could see her clenching and releasing the hand that hung at her side, and a protective instinct stirred within her.
Excusing herself from Charlotte, Elizabeth made her way over to the newcomers, curtsying as she greeted them. “Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Miss Darcy,” she said warmly. “How wonderful to see you all this evening. Miss Darcy, I trust the drive over from Netherfield was pleasant?”
Georgiana offered a tentative smile, her gaze darting briefly to her brother. “Yes, thank you, Miss Elizabeth. It was quite… pleasant.”
“I am delighted you’ve joined us,” Elizabeth said. “Such gatherings can be daunting, but I assure you this company is as welcoming as it is lively.”
Georgiana managed a small smile, but her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve. Sensing her discomfort, Elizabeth turned to Mr. Darcy. “I must thank you for bringing her. It’s a pleasure to have her here.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly, a flicker of relief in his eyes at her words. Turning back to Georgiana, Elizabeth gestured towards Charlotte and Maria Lucas. “May I introduce you to some friends?”
Georgiana once again looked hesitantly at her brother, awaiting his approval. He nodded, prompting Georgiana to say in a quiet voice, “I… I would like that very much.”
As Elizabeth led the younger girl across the room, she whispered in her ear, “Maria is rather shy, like Jane is, and Charlotte is one of my dearest friends. I think you will feel comfortable with them.”
They reached the two Lucas sisters, and Georgiana curtsied as introductions were made. “It is a pleasure to meet you both.”
Elizabeth motioned to another figure who stood nearby. “This is my sister Mary. Like you, she is very fond of music.”
Mary inclined her head politely, her tone measured. “I do enjoy music, very much indeed. Do you prefer playing or listening, Miss Darcy?”
“I enjoy both,” Georgiana said shyly, “but I find great comfort in playing.”
“You and Mary will have much to discuss,” Elizabeth in a playful whisper to Georgiana. “As for my younger sisters, Kitty and Lydia, they are currently quite occupied with the officers. I think it best to introduce you to them another time when their attention is not so… divided.”
Georgiana let out a soft giggle, her posture relaxing further. Maria Lucas, emboldened by the levity, confided with a blush, “They are quite handsome in their red coats, are they not? Most of the girls in Meryton are wild about the officers.”
“Yes, it seems to be the fashion of the season,” Elizabeth said with a smirk.
The group shared a quiet laugh, and Elizabeth felt a warm sense of satisfaction as Georgiana seemed to settle into the conversation.
Shortly afterward, Mr. Philips began arranging tables for cards, and the room filled with cheerful movement as chairs were gathered and partners chosen. Elizabeth found herself partnered with Mr. Darcy, a pairing that sent a subtle thrill through her, though she strove to appear unaffected. Georgiana partnered with Mary, completing their table.
However, just as Darcy was about to deal the cards, a loud voice broke through the gentle murmur of the room.
“Cousin Elizabeth!” Mr. Collins exclaimed, bustling over with an air of exaggerated importance. “Your excellent mother had promised me that you would be my partner for the evening.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed as several heads turned their way. Darcy, seated across from her, stilled, his face growing stern as his gaze shifted to Mr. Collins.
“I am very sorry, Mr. Collins,” she began in a quiet voice. “I was unaware of my mother’s desires, and I have already committed myself to being Mr. Darcy’s partner.”
Mr. Collins’s eyes widened in exaggerated affront. “Miss Elizabeth, it is hardly becoming for a young lady of your station to impose upon a gentleman such as Mr. Darcy! I must apologize on your behalf, sir, for any presumption my cousin may have shown. She is, of course, well-meaning, but sometimes lacks the refinement to—”
