Unforgiving Temper by Gail Head

Lydia
together and determine whether the attraction was factual or idle
boasting. Any particular attention to a girl of fifteen such as
Lydia, by a man at least ten years her senior, would certainly be
cause for alarm.
    Elizabeth's sense of justice cried out to
expose Wickham for the scoundrel he was, yet she could not.
Although Mr. Darcy had entrusted her with details of the
villain's despicable acts against the Darcy family, astonishingly
in spite of her impertinent words at Hunsford, he had not given
permission to make public such intimate knowledge – nor was he
likely to. She could not reveal the smallest part of Wickham's
deceit to anyone; it was not to be done.
    * * * *
    “Jane, prepare yourself,” Elizabeth murmured
cheerfully as she gazed over her sister's shoulder.
“Mr. Bingley is coming this way!”
    “It is possible you are mistaken, Lizzy.
There are others in this part of the room as well, you know.”
    “Yes, but he is not looking at the others. He
is looking at you! He has not taken his eyes off you since we
arrived. He looks a bit hesitant, but I would wager he is eager to
speak with you.”
    “Truly?” Jane struggled to keep her rising
panic from showing. “Oh, Lizzy, I cannot do this. I thought I would
be able to face him, but I cannot!”
    Elizabeth's reassuring hand shot out,
catching Jane before she could escape. “Yes, you can. I have the
feeling this will all turn out very well; but in any case, I shall
stay by your side for as long as you need me.”
    Her hand remained on Jane's arm as
Mr. Bingley neared. Hoping to ease the awkwardness of the
moment, Elizabeth stepped forward with a welcoming smile.
    “Mr. Bingley, how delightful to see you
back in Hertfordshire! Is it business or pleasure that brings you
back to the neighborhood?”
    “Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet. It is
good to be back. So very good! I have come on some business, but I
hope to spend some time renewing old acquaintances as well. Some
time…I hope.”
    Bingley's silent appeal to Jane for a sign of
encouragement was rewarded with a small, diffident smile. It was a
beginning!
    Elizabeth cheerfully commented on the weather
and amused Mr. Bingley with tidbits of neighborhood news until
Jane felt strong enough to venture some remarks of her own. In a
very short time, the two were conversing comfortably enough that
Elizabeth made her excuses and left them alone. Walking away, she
could not help smiling for Jane. From the looks of it,
Mr. Bingley did indeed intend to renew old acquaintances!
    At the announcement of dinner,
Mr. Wickham moved in Elizabeth's direction only to be diverted
by Lydia laying claim to his arm. Casting an enigmatic glance at
Elizabeth, he allowed himself to be pulled into the dining room.
While Elizabeth had no wish to be in his company, her sister's
flirtatious manner was fast becoming an object of great
concern.
    Her troubled thoughts were interrupted when
Mr. Bingley approached with Jane firmly established on one
arm, and offered to escort the two sisters into dinner. Coming to
the table, Elizabeth worried that she would be forced to make
polite conversation with Wickham during the courses, but she soon
found her place far enough from him so as to make any conversation
impossible.
    Happily, Lydia's place was also at a distance
which prevented conversation with Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth was
quite pleased with the arrangements until she observed that they
were not sufficient to prevent Lydia from catching Wickham's eye
and sending him a mischievous smile.
    After the meal was cleared away, the
gentlemen remained for brandy and cigars while the ladies withdrew
to the salon. Elizabeth persuaded a reluctant Mary to play the
piano-forte and an unobtrusive melody filled the room as the ladies
talked of fashion and neighborhood affairs, Mr. Bingley's
return to Netherfield being the favored topic.
    When the men rejoined the ladies, Elizabeth
observed Mr. Wickham's veiled attempts to single her out.