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reminded her that the adults wished to have some time together and they would call for her when they wanted her to join them.
    Finally, after finishing three books and playing with her new doll for a short while, a young servant girl, Lilia, came to the door to summon them. Emily anxiously jumped to her feet, ready to run downstairs, but Elizabeth stopped her.
    “Now, Emily, let me have a look at you to make sure you are presentable.” Elizabeth turned the girl completely around, readjusting a curl that had fallen out of place. “Remember to be very polite and curtsey, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ and only speak when spoken to.”
    “Yes, Miss Elizabeth.”
    Elizabeth smoothed out the young girl’s dress. “There! I do believe you are ready!”
    Emily clasped her hands and then took one of Elizabeth’s in her own. “Come, Miss Bennet.”
    “No, I believe I will stay here,” Elizabeth told Emily. “Miss Lilia shall take you down.”
    Lilia looked at Elizabeth and with a nod of her head said, “I understand that you are expected to come down as well.”
    “Are you quite sure? I would not wish to impose.”
    Emily looked at Elizabeth and back at the maid. “She would not impose, would she?”
    Lilia laughed. “No, Miss Emily, I do not believe so.” She turned to Elizabeth. “Come along with us, Miss Bennet.”
    Elizabeth looked at the little girl. “Come, Emily. We shall both meet the guests, then.”
    They walked down the stairs, or at least Elizabeth walked. Emily had more of a skip to her gait, as she was always eager to meet new people.
    They walked in, and Elizabeth’s gaze drifted across the room. When Mrs. Willstone noticed them at the door, she smiled and beckoned them to come over.
    A young lady, who was seated facing away from her, turned toward Elizabeth. She had blond hair and deep blue eyes. Elizabeth saw that she looked to be rather young. She smiled shyly at Elizabeth.
    When the gentleman next to her turned, Elizabeth was rendered motionless for a few moments. A look of shock passed between both of them at first, and then a tentative smile came across the gentleman’s face. He stood up abruptly.
    “Miss Bennet!” the young man exclaimed. “It is… it is good to see you again!” His features betrayed the awkwardness they both felt, and the young lady next to him looked somewhat bewildered, looking from him and back to Elizabeth.
    “Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth replied after quickly composing herself. “Is everything well with you?”
    “I am… I am quite well, thank you,” he answered with a nervous laugh. “And you… and your family? Are they all well?” A deep questioning look swept over his face.
    “You may not have heard that our father passed away last year.”
    Mr. Bingley’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “No… no, I had not heard. Please accept my deepest condolences… to you and all your family. I imagine it must be very difficult.”
    “Yes,” Elizabeth answered. “We are doing the best we can.”
    An awkward pause took hold of the room as they looked at each other and then each looked away. It was shocking enough to be suddenly facing Bingley again, but worsened by the fact that he was standing next to the young lady she supposed had replaced Jane’s affections.
    “Miss Bennet, you are acquainted with Mr. Bingley?” Mrs. Willstone quickly interjected.
    Elizabeth looked to Mrs. Willstone. “Yes… yes, I am. He let a residence near Longbourn some time ago.”
    Elizabeth looked directly at him. “I had heard that Netherfield was purchased.”
    “Yes, I have not…” Bingley began. “I heard that as well.” He seemed at a loss for words. The young lady at his side continued to look from him to Elizabeth, and back to him again.
    When the conversation between them ceased, Mrs. Willstone proceeded to make the rest of the introductions.
    “May I introduce you all to Emily’s governess, Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” She then turned to Elizabeth. “Miss