Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley's dislike of her had originated in jealousy,she could not help feeling how unwelcome her appearance at Pemberley must be to her,and was curious to know with how much civility on that lady's side the acquaintance would now be renewed.
“Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the―shire Militia removed from Meryton?They must be a great loss to your family.”
While thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of deciding whether she most feared or wished for the appearance of Mr.Darcy,by the feelings which prevailed on his entering the room; and then, though but a moment before she had believed her wishes to predominate,she began to regret that he came.
By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley they were noticed only by a curtsey; and, on their being seated, a pause, awkward as such pauses must always be,succeeded for a few moments.It was first broken by Mrs.Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse proved her to be more truly well-bred than either of the others;and between her and Mrs.Gardiner,with occasional help from Elizabeth,the conversation was carried on.Miss Darcy looked as if she wished for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a short sentence when there was least danger of its being heard.