“Oh no! I was very surprised when my brother sent word that we were to expect company upon his return from Paris, for he never invites anyone to stay with us, although I am assured by all whose society he keeps, that he is a most popular gentleman in Paris, and is never in want of gay company there. I suppose that my brother prefers to keep those two spheres of his life apart, and so we see only family here at the château, and never his Parisian friends.”

Upon Elizabeth exclaiming that she was even more highly honoured at such a distinction, Amélie replied,

“I must attribute the reason for the invitation to his high regard for Mr. Darcy. As I understand it, they have long shared a friendship over their common interests in farming and such-like, which, of course, are more easily discussed here than in the salons of Paris. And I am delighted that he has been able to secure Mr. Darcy’s visit here, for it affords me such agreeable company of my own! And, of course, I must not fail to add my obligation to you for your gracious condescension in making your visit. Oh! And I am sure I must not forget to mention Mamma’s pleasure in welcoming you to Belle Aire, as well. I hope that I have said things as I ought, as I rarely get to speak English here, although anyone in France able to afford the tutelage must surely learn.”

Elizabeth privately thought that his sister had quite likely misplaced the direction of the Comte’s intentions, but replied in eager agreement, and echoed Amélie’s delight at the friendship between the two gentlemen, adding that the pleasure of both must provide an especial pleasure for men who perforce spent so much time at their own estates in the unrelieved company of women. Amélie shewed no less enthusiasm for her own good fortune, a compliment that had its intended effect of making her guests feel very welcome in their own right. Returned to the château, they were joined by the dowager Comtesse and sat down to tea.

The dowager Comtesse was something above sixty years, but had been generously spared the usual effects of time, as her face and figure were still decidedly lovely. She had beautiful, pale silver hair—and wore no cap to conceal it—and the sparkling light eyes of her daughter. Her dress was a lovely shade of lilac, and the delicate fichu would have been enchanting on a woman of any age, and set off her features to sublime advantage. She was, indeed, yet a very fine woman.