Jane knew the next step in her mother’s conversation would be to suggest that he host her sisters or possibly the entire family next season and being the sweet, generous person she was, she threw herself on the pyre to save her sister the same fate.

“Have you seen Mr. Bingley this season?” she asked innocently.

“Yes, I saw him just yesterday, as a matter of fact. He is considering a trip north to visit relations.”

Mrs. Bennet was instantly on the scent of a new suitor and Elizabeth mouthed a silent thank you to her sister.

Tea arrived shortly and a very nervous Miss Darcy poured for her guests.

“Two sugars, please,” said Mrs. Bennet.

Elizabeth thought the ability to request tea in a shrill voice must be a natural talent.

Miss Darcy was so nervous the cup nearly shook in her hand, prompting Mrs. Bennet to say, “Oh, Miss Darcy! Do not worry, we shall all be family soon.”

She gave the girl an exaggerated wink and Elizabeth didn’t know whether to be embarrassed that she had pointed out the girl’s anxiety or happy that her mother was attempting to show this poor orphaned child kindness in her own mortifying way.

“The first time my Lizzy served tea, she spilled an entire cup on Mrs. Goulding’s lap!” Mrs. Bennet tittered and Georgiana looked at her lap, her cheeks ablaze. “These are the most beautiful cakes! Do you have a French chef, Mr. Darcy? Of course you must, you can afford it!”

“Actually, I—” Darcy was interrupted by Mrs. Bennet again.

“Do you have an orangery, Mr. Darcy? If you do not, I must suggest you build one.”

“There is an orangery at Pemberley,” he said gravely, his expression blank.

“Mr. Darcy, did you not say there was a painting of Pemberley you wanted me to see? Might you show it to me now?” asked Elizabeth, her voice a little higher than usual.

“Of course. Come with me, please,” said Darcy.

Georgiana had not spoken more than a dozen words and excused herself to her rooms when the tour began. Mrs. Bennet didn’t seem to notice.

Darcy conducted the tour himself. Elizabeth suspected he didn’t want the servants to see Mrs. Bennet and spread rumors, or even to know he was willingly marrying into such a family. Or perhaps he wanted to spare Elizabeth additional mortification. Regardless of the reason, he was patience itself and while she did see his upper lip curling in distaste more than once, he was unfailingly polite to her mother. She could not blame him for not being exactly friendly; she was nearly ready to do her mother bodily harm herself and she loved the woman! Mr. Darcy could not be expected to have the same affection for her or to have built up the same level of tolerance for her behavior.