Chapter 33

Mrs. Bennet returned with Lydia soon after the Gardiner's conveyed Mary to Longbourn. The house was once again in a state of constant cacophony as news of their travels tried to take precedence over the other. Kitty's impending engagement was a sore spot for Lydia, who, though she was the youngest, declared she should be the next to marry.

"John only chose you because I was not here!" She declared in a huff, to which Kitty replied by sticking her tongue out.

Mrs. Bennet and Elizabeth tried their best to calm Lydia's nerves, though Kitty did nothing but silently gloat as she worked on some embroidery. The Fall Assembly was approaching and considering Elizabeth was soon to be out of mourning, Mrs. Bennet convinced her to attend, even if she sat the entire evening. Elizabeth agreed and so on the night of the Assembly she dressed herself and did her hair in a simple chignon, refusing any other adornment.

The Hall was well lit and the orchestra in the balcony were tuning their instruments as the Longbourn women entered the room. Sir William Lucas greeted them, assuring them that his wife, daughters, and indeed John, would arrive later. He gave Kitty a little wink, then moved to greet the next family.

"I shall dance every dance tonight," Lydia declared, "more so than Kitty. I wouldn't be surprised if John asked me."

Kitty glared at Lydia and was about to say something when Elizabeth placed a calming hand on her arm. "Remember Kitty," Elizabeth said under her breath, "John has chosen you."

The Hall filled with revelers, old and young, and soon nearly every chair was occupied. Elizabeth sat next to her Mother and Mary, while Lydia and Kitty greeted their friends. When Mrs. Lucas arrived with her children, John and Kitty drew together as if unseen forces pushed them. The music began for the first set when Mrs. Phillips came to their party, followed by Mr. Hines.

"Mr. Hines!" Mrs. Bennet declared, eyes wide in surprise. "We did not know you would be attending." She gave her sister such a look.

"He stopped by this afternoon unexpectedly and we persuaded him to stay for the dance." Mrs. Phillips said by way of apology.

"Indeed, I do so love to dance, it didn't take much convincing."

"Well, our Lizzy dearly loves to dance as well," Mrs. Bennet prodded her daughter.

"Mama," she hissed, "I am still in mourning."

"Pish, tosh!" She cried. "You are nearly through, and I am sure no one here has been counting down the days. What harm can one dance do?"

She practically pushed her daughter out of her chair, but in order to prevent further embarrassment she willingly took Mr. Hines' hand and allowed him to escort her onto the floor just as the next song began.

"I must confess that I took a circuitous route home just to ride through Meryton." He said as he led her through the steps.

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, "Indeed? Whatever for?"

"Can you not guess?" He smiled, but as the dance called for them to exchange partners briefly, she could not gauge his countenance. "Aside from Mr. Phillips fine company, and his wife's equally fine table, there was only one thing that called me hither."

Elizabeth felt her face flush and she tried to suppress a smile, "Sir, I believe you are either teasing me, or trying to make me give something away."

"No, of course," again, the couples turned about the room, then returned, "I would never tease you on such a short acquaintance and tricks are not in my nature."

The dancing continued and as the song ended Mr. Hines returned Elizabeth to her seat and asked if she could use some refreshment. She thanked him, and as soon as he left Mrs. Bennet said, "Lizzy, he is smitten! Do not push him away!" When Mr. Hines returned Mrs. Bennet left her chair, declaring she needed to speak with a friend.

"Well," Mr. Hines said as he took the emptied seat, "it seems your Mother approves of me."

Elizabeth laughed, "If she were younger she'd seek you out herself."

Mr. Hines smiled, which seemed to brighten his face. "I must say, Mrs. Collins, you truly are a remarkable woman. Such strength and wit and grace. Rarely are those traits embodied within one person."

"You are teasing again," she chided.

"No, I am not." He paused. "I have never been a man to spout poetry or say one thing while meaning another. I have gotten to where I am by speaking my mind and going after that which pleases me...you, Mrs. Collins, please me greatly."

Elizabeth was at a loss for words. He speech was all flattery, but there was sincerity in it. She could not detect any playfulness in his manner and believed him when he said he was truly speaking his mind.

"I thank you, Mr. Hines," she finally said.

"I am returning to town tomorrow for my business. I understand you have an Aunt and Uncle in town?" Elizabeth nodded her head, "If you were ever in town I would love to see you again. I shall ask Mr. Phillips to write a letter of introduction to your Uncle in town. Would that be alright with you?"

"Yes," Elizabeth said, her head swimming.

Though Elizabeth wished to dance with Mr. Hines once more, she said she could not in order to keep speculation down. To deter the gossips she danced once with John Lucas, and once with the nephew of Mr. Goulding who was visiting. Mr. Hines and Elizabeth parted ways as the Assembly Hall emptied, and all the way home Elizabeth smiled, secretly relishing the idea of seeing Mr. Hines again in London.