The Beginning, Next Section
Chapter 1
Elizabeth Bennet loved assemblies. She found nothing more stimulating than large gatherings of people. They gave her the opportunity to hone her wit, evolve her conversational skills to an even sharper edge as well as feed her endless thirst for observation and reflection. She could live for months on one assembly alone, for Elizabeth was a girl who was used to attention, not because she sort it as much as it came to her, a natural result of her presence. She could speak on almost any topic to anyone and if the topic was foreign to her, she had the extraordinary skill of twisting it to suit her experience. She had no qualms about being noticed. It was so natural to her that she failed to even realise that it happened because she lived in a world where beauty was the attribute commented on and intellect was the attribute neglected.
The next Meryton assembly was proving to be of even greater interest because of the arrival of a group of people from town who, it was gossiped, included single young men. For despite her penchant for conversation, she was quite ready to admit that single young men were of extra interest. And this party definitely had some young men. After all she was twenty and far outgrowing the desire to reside with her parents.
The group of people from town did indeed include single young men, rich young men. Mr. Bingley, the host of this town party had heard upon entering the neighbourhood, that it was abundant with pretty girls and he was fortunate soon after his arrival to be visited by the father of some of them. He naturally returned the visit as soon as was expedient as he was twenty-three and his every waking thought was of ladies. And sport of course, but ladies first! He failed to see any of them however as Mr. Bennet kept his visit confined to the library. Mr. Bennet did inform him of the assembly that was to take place in a week though and that was sufficient for him to be glad of his choice of residence.
Besides young men the town party also included ladies of which Meryton assemblies already had ample. This more than average supply of ladies was another reason that the host of this town party chose to attend. He was hoping to meet as many pretty ladies as he could and he was assured that the majority of his party would be more than willing to put on their shiny clothes and do funny things with their hair in order to attend also. You see his two sisters would attend out of vanity. There was nothing better than entering a room wearing the most expensive dress, having the most refined manners and the most fortune. Of this they would be assured in such a small community. The younger of his two sisters, Caroline, had an extra inducement. She was forever attempting to appear outstanding to the other young gentleman in the party and a country assembly offered unlimited opportunities for her to shine, at least in her own eyes. Mr. Hurst, the husband of Mr. Bingley's elder sister, Louisa, would go out of boredom. He could think of nothing worse than drinking alone at home.
The fifth member of Mr. Bingley's party, a Mr. Darcy, was another story indeed. He would go out of respect; respect for his host. However Mr. Bingley was hoping to induce his friend into willing rather than obligatory attendance, perhaps even enjoyment.
'I returned Mr. Bennet's visit this morning Darcy. You should have come with me. There is to be an assembly next week and I think we should all attend. There are to be many pretty girls there.'
'With husband seeking mothers!'
'That is of no consequence. I am not seeking a wife and neither are you, that I know of,'
'Bingley, our desires or reasons are of no consequence at such proceedings. They will think what they will.'
'You are too suspicious man, and think of the dancing.'
'Bingley you know I hate it.'
'But you cannot spend your nights sitting around brooding.'
'I do not brood. I read.'
'What harm is there in talking with pretty girls?'
'Bingley, you astound me with your naiveté. It is impossible for men in our position to even glance at pretty girls without their mothers marital machinations coming into play.'
'It would be an excellent opportunity to try out the coach at night.'
'We can do that without attending the assembly. I came for sport Bingley.'
'And so did I. But a man must have some form of distraction Darcy.'
'Bingley, is that all you think about?'
'No more than you or any other man our age.'
'I do not spend wasteless hours thinking of ladies.'
'They are not wasteless and neither do I. But it is normal to want female company.'
Darcy sighed. 'Of course it is but one must be careful. Giving preference is too easy and before one knows it, one is involved in some form of commitment.'
'Darcy you are too wary for your own good.'
'Bingley, you and I are opposites in this area. You enjoy falling in love. I would rather let Georgiana provide Pemberley with an heir than end up with a wife I loathe.'
'And so you need to fall in love, that is all. And you cannot fall in love unless you spend time with ladies.'
'It is the act of spending time with ladies in a society such as this that can cause problems.'
'We will never agree on this Darcy. But will you come?'
'Yes,' he replied much to Mr. Bingley's surprise.
Mr. Darcy had no desire for pleasure outside this small group. He was not in humour due to a very distressing incident that he had only recently dealt with. He detested dancing, was completely uncomfortable amongst strangers and had a deep-seated abhorrence of raucous laughing and over indulgent drinking which he suspected this assembly might offer. The fact that single ladies of reputed beauty were to be present did offer a hint of extra inducement however. A man is a man after all. However the social climate of Meryton and its neighbouring village of Longbourn was limited, thus creating obvious inadequacies in the general population. Due to his wealth and connections he felt assured of being singled out in some form, which was the last thing on earth that he ever wanted. Although he had reached the age of twenty-eight he had no pressing desire to form a permanent connection with any lady particularly one from the country.
Chapter 2
The town party was fashionably late of course and met by Mr. Phillips the resident attorney, followed closely by Sir William Lucas, the only knight in the locale. Both men had visited Netherfield and felt familiar enough begin introductions. Mr. Bingley made a discreet enquiry about Mr. Bennet in the hope of securing an introduction to his renowned daughters. However, to no avail as Sir William informed him that Mr. Bennet had chosen not to attend as he always found assemblies not worth his bother. Mr. Bingley introduced his sisters and Mr. Darcy and then proceeded with Sir William to meet his wife and daughters. Mr. Darcy skillfully withdrew from further mingling by engaging Miss Bingley in conversation.
Much to their delight, Mr. Bingley's sisters were immediately noticed and they spent the first few minutes gloating silently on the impression they made on the locals. They stood tall, with feathers even taller, and allowed the ladies present to assess the fashion, style and cost of their frocks. The fact that Mr. Darcy chose to stand with them only enhanced the impression they were sure they were making. There is after all nothing better than being above one's company.
Upon his entrance, Elizabeth noticed Mr. Darcy, not that she knew his name. How could she not when he was so tall and so very handsome! Elizabeth had not seen anyone quite so noble and attractive in many months. He had dark curly hair that had been allowed to follow its own course. More often than not, men of his wealth favoured enhancements of some sort. His colour choices were dark like his complexion but they suited him well. His clothing was expensive but not at all ostentatious. He had wide eyes that were deeply set adding a kind of mystery to him. His teeth she had no idea of, as he never smiled. He had two small creases above his nose that seemed rather permanent for a man still in his twenties. Of course, the attributes or otherwise of the young men were discussed immediately by Elizabeth and her elder sister Jane.
'Jane, Mr. Bingley must be the one with Sir William. Who is the other one?' asked Elizabeth.
'Charlotte told me that she thinks his name is Darcy from Derbyshire,' replied Jane.
'Darcy! It sounds rather like a name he would have. It suits him.'
'Suits him? Lizzy you make me laugh. I think those are his sisters.'
'Mr. Darcy's sisters?'
'No, Mr. Bingley's. Papa said that his sisters were at Netherfield with him.'
'Jane, whom do you like best? Mr. Bingley looks so agreeable but Mr. Darcy is quite handsome. He is older than Mr. Bingley. I cannot believe that he is still unmarried.'
"Mr. Bingley is by the far the most handsome, Lizzy. I do not really like Mr. Darcy's type. He is too dark. I prefer lighter hair. They are both tall though.'
'And well dressed. Although I like pants better than breeches. I think they are more modern.'
'But less formal,' replied Jane. 'This is an assembly and I still prefer men to dress for the occasion. I think their breeches look perfect. I know you think I am old fashioned but I never like the latest fashion.'
'Jane, I do not think you are old fashioned. I just think that it is nice to see a young man up to date. Mr. Bingley has noticed you already, you know. He has been watching you since he came in.'
'Please Lizzy! You know how embarrassed I get when you do that. I hate people staring.'
'Jane with your face, people will stare. Anyway, he is working his way towards you so be prepared.'
'Lizzy, look at his sisters.'
'Hmmm, I have noticed. Unfortunately noticing them is exactly what they want. They really look above their company. And so does Mr. Darcy. Why did he not go with Mr. Bingley to be introduced?'
'Perhaps he is shy, Lizzy.'
'Shy, Jane! You always find a reason why people do not behave as they should. He is obviously of some wealth; he is well connected and handsome. He has nothing to be shy about,' replied Elizabeth. 'Jane, Mr. Bingley is getting closer.'
Fortunately Mr. Bingley was quickly informed that Mrs. Bennet and her daughters had attended and very soon he had successfully had them pointed out to him. As a result of his observations, he was making a polite but determined path to them. He was still some way away but they indeed appeared to live up to the rumours he had heard. The fairer one was indeed a beauty. His attempt to drag Mr. Darcy across the room with him proved futile so he was proceeding alone.
After being introduced by Mr. Phillips, an uncle of the girls, Mr. Bingley wasted no time in securing Jane for the next set leaving Elizabeth alone with nothing better to do than observe the remainder of the party, beginning again, of course, with Mr. Bingley's friend. Within a short while, she decided that Mr. Darcy appeared rather grumpy. He seemed to make a point of staying in the background and she wondered if there had been some disagreement prior to their coming. Indeed, he showed every sign of it being the last place on earth he wanted to be. There had been such talk of this party. Yet now there was only one person worthy of note. Mr. Bingley seemed to be the epitome of delight. To see Jane, her eldest sister, so instantly flattered and increasingly happy was the very thing Elizabeth needed. Well despite a partner as charming as Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth humphed to herself as she shrugged her shoulders. She might not have the enjoyment of a devoted dance partner but no matter. She would have a good time anyway.
The local ladies made it a point of circulating their opinions of the town party by clustering in small chattering clumps. Elizabeth had always found this mode of conversation somewhat embarrassing in a large room. However, it was part of the nature of such assemblies. Dancing was the apparent object, gossiping was the entertainment. Mr. Bingley was judged the finest of gentlemen. He talked and smiled with as many people as he could. He danced with all the appropriate ladies and gave Jane the honour of being singled out twice.
His sisters, overdressed and underbred, spoke mainly to each other with a tertiary comment to anyone brave enough to approach them. Mr. Hurst drank. The wine was not up to his normal standard but it was wine and that was sufficient to keep him content. Mrs. Bennet and her sister Mrs. Phillips were the linchpins in the circle of chitchat.
'Sister, sister, are they not wonderful additions to our society?' asked Mrs. Bennet.
'More than wonderful, sister. I have heard that there is great fortune on both sides,' replied Mrs. Phillips.
'I knew that already, sister!' replied Mrs. Bennet, never allowing herself to be second on receiving such information. 'Great fortune indeed! But you know I do not expect my girls to marry only for money. It is much more important that they find happiness. People put far too much stock in fortune.'
'Of course, sister. Happiness is by far the most important thing for your girls. How much did you say that Mr. Darcy was worth?'
Mrs. Bennet, always considering herself the epitome of decorum, immediately whispered in her sister's ear the amount whispered to her by Lady Lucas. Mrs. Phillips, equally sure that her manners were beyond criticism, gasped loudly and repeated the amount aloud. The part of the room in which they stood all turned as Mr. Darcy's annual income was announced. The ladies responsible seemed oblivious to any indiscretion and continued without a pause.
Within minutes, the amount was circulated throughout the guests. Watching as the whisper contaminated the room, Mr. Darcy had his every impression confirmed and after having fulfilled his obligations by dancing with both of Mr. Bingley's sisters, preferred his own company. The assembly was filled with people who had nothing better to discuss than his income. Nothing could raise them in his estimation after that. With perfect deportment, he spent the next hour striding about the room appraising the populace. He made no approach to any of the ladies present except his host's sisters and spent his time as far away from groups as he could get. In fact, he was excessively dour.
Elizabeth was far from ignoring his demeanour. Despite the gossip that he was better connected and had a greater fortune than Mr. Bingley, he showed no signs of contentment in her eyes. He stayed still only to speak a word or two to his own party and when they were occupied, he made a point of moving around the perimeter of the room. In Elizabeth's observation, this was solely to avoid being spoken to by anyone else. His was a restless soul caught in a tightly wound body.
That he had actually danced greatly surprised Elizabeth because his dislike of dancing had been strewn about the room along with his income. He definitely did not look like a man ready to enjoy himself but as he only singled out Mr. Bingley's sisters, she soon realised that here was a man who fulfilled his obligations no matter what the circumstances. His dancing was as faultless as his attire, which was the second surprise for Elizabeth. If he hated it so much, when did he become so proficient? No doubt his hatred of dancing was merely a rumour. She also noted that his observational skills were no less than perfect.
Elizabeth was born with a mind ready to observe the folly of human nature and there was no better subject for such observation than a man determined to do the same. And thus she quietly watched his silent progress around the room where he exuded just enough hauteur to keep strangers at bay. He offered tertiary comment to Mrs. Long, gave acknowledgement to the gentlemen present but apart from that, his only desire was to maintain his mood of reflection and reserve.
Always concerned for the happiness of his party, Mr. Bingley returned to his friend at various times throughout the evening.
'You should dance at least once, Darcy. Or at least talk to some of the ladies. Miss Bennet's sisters are all anxious to meet you. I think you would find Miss Elizabeth a charming dance partner. There she is over there, talking to Miss Lucas. Near the palm. The one with her back to us.'
'That is Elizabeth? I thought the taller one was Elizabeth. Well at least you have some taste Bingley. That tall one is totally lacking in manners.'
'The taller one is Lydia.'
'Remind me never to dance with her.'
'But what about the others? They are all charming.'
'And that is to be my lot, Bingley? You claim the prettiest and I have my choice of the rest? As far as I can see the room is full of people who are interested only in themselves. The whole assembly is designed for nothing more than gossip about gentlemen's incomes and which lady will claim whom.'
'Well, you will stand around brooding as I tell you so often. The world only has so many pretty girls Darcy. Time's a wasting man.'
'Definitely, Bingley. Or so the ladies think. When can we leave?'
'Certainly not yet. I'm only beginning to enjoy myself and you would help that along by showing some interest. Go on man, ask one of the ladies to dance. One dance will not spoil your image.'
'Bingley, I have no hesitation in saying that my image would only be enhanced by giving consequence to any lady here present.'
'Personally I think Miss Elizabeth is the perfect choice for you. Her manners are discreet and she has a lovely smile. I also heard said that she is an excellent conversationalist and you always prefer dark hair anyway.'
'You appear to be searching for reasons, Bingley. I will entertain myself until you are ready to leave.'
For Mr. Darcy's part, his wanderings had not changed his mind. The tone and object of this assembly was no different from any other he had attended or heard spoken of, improve one's lot by securing an affluent marriage. And any failure of attendees to obey this edict was tantamount to exile. The room was full of talkative strangers who were more interested in themselves and their own opinions that any one else's. They were tolerably attired, for the country. They seemed to all know one another and had little desire to extend that acquaintance unless it was sure to lead to the desired object. How he hated small talk and conversation that was intended solely for affect. They laughed, they danced and they drank. As had been promised by household gossip at Netherfield prior to their coming, the Bennet girls were indeed pretty. However only Jane was outstanding. Unfortunately though, there were too many of them. They were everywhere and as a whole made a formidable collection. To extend any preference in their direction would indeed be a move that required more bravery than Mr. Darcy was willing to exhibit.
Chapter 3
From long experience, Elizabeth knew that assemblies such as these never offered ladies enough opportunity for dance. Long periods had to be filled with small talk and news while they waited for a gentleman to be free to single them out. And such was Elizabeth's lot. She sat and waited, this time alone, as her friend Charlotte was engaged for the next set. As she sat, she observed Mr. Bingley's obvious unease with Mr. Darcy's behaviour. He continually looked around to see what Mr. Darcy was up to. It was during the break in one set that Mr. Bingley returned once again to his friend who was now standing just within earshot of Elizabeth.
Although she knew it inappropriate, Elizabeth could not help but attempt to hear if Mr. Bingley mentioned Jane at all. His first words were a suggestion that Mr. Darcy should find a partner.
Despite Mr. Darcy's refusal, Mr. Bingley persisted and Elizabeth could not help but try to listen in further. Despite knowing that it was highly improper and extremely bad manners, the lure of such a conversation between two gentlemen left her no option but to concentrate on their words.
Mr. Bingley wasted no time in stating that although he found Mr. Darcy far too fastidious, he thought certain ladies were particularly attractive. Darcy was too astute to ignore such a plea and satisfied his friend by stating that Jane was indeed the most beautiful woman in the room.
Elizabeth was delighted and could hardly wait to tell Jane. However, her ears were still tuned in and she next heard Mr. Bingley suggest that she might be an appropriate partner for Mr. Darcy as she was nearly as pretty as Jane.
Elizabeth did not find this comment particularly pleasing but somewhere inside was sensible enough to know it was the truth. Second best is never quite what anyone wants to hear and it is especially so when heard spoken by young gentlemen.
Hearing herself mentioned as such, she made extra effort to hear Mr. Darcy's reply. She glanced towards Mr. Darcy and this was almost her undoing because at that exact moment he glanced at her. Their eyes met but thankfully with no acknowledgement from either party. Mr. Darcy turned back.
He went on to say that she was indeed pretty enough but he was still in no mood to dance, with anyone, even if ladies were forced to stay seated because gentlemen had chosen elsewhere.
Bingley sighed and shook his head as he walked back to Jane. Darcy was left alone to mentally peruse his friend's comments. Yes she was indeed pretty but not beautiful. Yes she had a lively face and was without a partner. But that didn't mean he should feel obliged to dance with her. As for her other attributes which had been so generously pointed out earlier in the evening, well smiles can be had anywhere and he seriously doubted her ability to conduct an intelligent conversation beyond the first round.
After Mr. Bingley left he noticed that Elizabeth was quite close. Closer than he was first aware. He had a momentary thought that she may have been listening in and she did after all catch his eye but that thought was dismissed as quickly as it was established. He had not spoken any louder than his friend and he had been able to see her during the whole conversation.
Darcy then wallowed in his displeasure. He had been there two hours and still there was nothing to keep his interest or even to arouse it. The assembly was simply a crowd of strangers to whom he felt no obligation. There was not even conversation to be had as he had no desire to waste narrative with his friend's sisters as he would hear it all on their return to Netherfield and it was certainly not the kind of talk that demanded repetition. His life was in a pattern of responsibility leaving little room for pleasure. It was simply an evening of an aching back and tired feet. After all to take a seat meant that one could be approached so the only safe course was to keep moving.
Elizabeth, meanwhile, sat very still. She could not possibly show any recognition of having listened in to their conversation and she now felt a little foolish for putting herself in such a position of apparent affront. How she maintained her composure she did not know.
As soon as Mr. Bingley had returned to Jane's side, Elizabeth moved from her seat and crossed the room to talk to Charlotte, Sir William's daughter and her friend, who had just been escorted from the floor. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips were also standing nearby. She immediately told them what the gentlemen had said, putting particular emphasis on Mr. Darcy's rejection of her. Elizabeth felt it best to ensure that she was the originator of such information in case others had heard it also. If one was the subject of such a slight, it was best that one brought it to the attention of others before any random gossip began. Yes, Elizabeth was very aware of the foibles of human nature, even her own.
Her mother, however, was simply determined to think the worst and had already decided Mr. Darcy's character on nothing more than appearance. However, this additional evidence provided her with tittle-tattle ramblings to all who would listen and even some who preferred not to.
Mr. Darcy watched as his friend danced with all the Bennet girls including Elizabeth. After he had escorted her from the floor, he returned to Mr. Darcy.
'Bingley, have you had enough yet? I am really tired.'
'You would not be so tired and irksome if you moved around more, talked and danced. Miss Elizabeth is as charming as her sister. You are depriving yourself of good company, Darcy.'
'Good company, Bingley? You are good company. I require no more.'
Bingley smiled. 'And you are good company too Darcy. But not to the exclusion of pretty young ladies.'
Darcy smiled in return. 'Bingley, I do wish I had your spirit of fun. I really do. You find enjoyment anywhere. I am uncomfortable with strangers.
'And so the world will remain if you refuse to participate, man.'
'Then the world will have to do without me. Bingley. Now can we leave?'
'One more set.'
Darcy rolled his eyes as Mr. Bingley set off in search of another dance partner.
The evening dragged from that point on. The principal members of the town party did manage to avoid overhearing any pursuant talk of themselves, or so it seemed, while the ladies in the party continued to pass judgment on all others present but particularly the other ladies.
'Louisa, we need have had no concerns about what we wore. There is not one frock here that could be worn in town. Such basic designs and mostly in voile! Voile, Louisa! Who in society would be seen after five in voile!'
'Mrs. Bennet's sleeves are definitely silk though, Caroline. But did you see the worn edge on the piping? And the colour is almost lost. They obviously do not even have adequate laundry staff. And the daughters! I definitely think it is quite forward to have such necklines,' censured Mrs. Hurst in response to her and her sister's scant décolletage.
'You know these country girls have only one thing on their minds, Louisa. But I do think they should not be so obvious about it. I am sure Mr. Darcy is blushing at such displays.'
Mr. Darcy was not blushing. Mr. Darcy rarely, if ever, blushed. Not that he was devoid of such passion. It is just that he had learned many years ago to avoid any situations that might elicit such a response. Instead, he found it best to study and evaluate in private, concealing his thoughts and leaving the general populace no opportunity to evaluate him. He had no interest in strangers. His life was filled with estate business and sport leaving him little time for the niceties of social intercourse. His fortune, connections and looks required that he was always noticed and this, from a young age, had forced him to withdraw into himself. He was a private boy and an even more private man, intensely private in fact, and his only recourse from such attention was withdrawal. One slip and he found himself exposed and vulnerable which was a state he abhorred. He allowed very few people to know the real man. He had been educated to exude a certain demeanour and over the ensuing years he had allowed it to progress, albeit unconsciously, to its present state of haughtiness.
Chapter 4
The days following such an assembly naturally required the local ladies to offer extensive examination of every twist and turn of the evening; who heard what and about whom; the frocks of course; and most importantly, who was the most handsome in the room.
Mr. Bingley, by popular vote, was pronounced the most handsome but there was a small contingent of females who would have preferred to vote for Mr. Darcy. However to do so meant a defense of his attitude and that was tantamount to expulsion in such a group of country girls. As Elizabeth was the woman known to have been rejected by Mr. Darcy, it was necessary for the ladies to offer her some pity. However, the information they had was from her own lips so she could not expect anything less. The ladies fulfilled the obligations of all young ladies at a dance and managed to notice everything important.
'Lydia, did you see Miss Bingley's petticoat? It was silk I am sure,' said Kitty.
'I know. And it was the most handsome colour. I think that shade would suit me fine,' replied Lydia.
'Oh nonsense Lydia. You are too fair for such a strong colour. I think it would suit Lizzy or Kitty much better,' answered Mrs. Bennet.
'If it would suit Lizzy and Kitty, then it would suit me too,' replied Mary. 'My hair is the same colour as theirs.'
'Of course it is dear but you are much better in lighter shades,' replied Mrs. Bennet, firmly returning Mary to the background of the conversation where she preferred her.
Although Mrs. Bennet was fiercely protective of all her daughters' rights to good marriages, she was not lacking in her obvious preference for certain of her daughters over the others. She had established a pecking order in their early years and this had never wavered. Jane was the most beautiful and the eldest, Lydia was the liveliest and the youngest, Lizzy was pretty as well but too smart for her own good and far too close to her father which unconsciously made Mrs. Bennet feel left out. Kitty was always complaining but was pretty enough and Mary, despite her inadequate beauty, would be accomplished at all costs.
'I thought that Mrs. Hurst's hair arrangement was outstanding. And her feathers!' continued Mrs. Bennet. 'How I wish I had feathers like that. I must write to Mrs. Gardiner and see if she knows where to purchase them.'
'I prefer much simpler hairstyling,' said Jane. 'Their curls were too tight.'
'Absolutely!' replied Elizabeth.
'I cannot imagine how I would spend that much money,' stated Mrs. Bennet.
'What money, Mama?' asked Elizabeth.
'Why Mr. Bingley's and that Mr. Darcy's. Mr. Bingley has five thousand a year. Five thousand! Imagine the feathers I could buy with that.'
'Mr. Darcy has ten thousand!' added Lydia. 'But I'd still prefer an officer. What is money when one is stuck with such a boring husband!'
'Lydia! I am sure that Mr. Darcy is not boring,' said Jane.
'How would you know?' asked Lydia. 'He hardly spoke to a person in the room.'
'He is Mr. Bingley's friend,' replied Jane.
'Jane, I thought Mr. Bingley's waistcoat suited him perfectly,' said Elizabeth.
Jane smiled. 'Yes indeed, but Mr. Darcy's choice was just as perfect. And I still prefer breeches Lizzy, even if you do not.'
Elizabeth smiled. 'I think they make their legs look thin, especially Mr. Darcy's.'
'Lizzy!' announced Jane, in a tone of admonishment.
'You noticed their legs too Jane. I know you did,' replied Elizabeth.
'I did!' Lydia interjected. 'But Denny's legs are better.'
'Girls, I think you should keep such opinions to yourself. This is hardly an appropriate topic for conversation. Your father would not approve,' admonished Mrs. Bennet in a momentary display of manners. She then proceeded to destroy her standing by continuing the topic. 'However, I agree with Lydia. The officers look much finer in breeches.'
'The gentlemen talk about us so why should we not talk about them?' said Kitty. 'It is only fair.'
'As long as the conversation and opinions remain in this house,' said Mr. Bennet on entering the room. 'I would really prefer to hear my daughters discussing the latest publications than gentlemen's legs. It is entirely too frivolous even for you Lydia,' he said as he looked sternly at his youngest daughter.
The girls and Mrs. Bennet all smiled, as they knew when to take Mr. Bennet's comments to heart and when he was teasing. He had lived far too long with women to be surprised at anything he heard.
'Lizzy started it!' replied Lydia.
'Enough!' said Mr. Bennet. 'The physical attributes of young men should be the farthest thing on your minds. You should be concentrating on what they have to say and not what they are wearing.'
This kind of talk was not exclusive to the ladies or indeed to the Bennet household. The gentlemen present also spent some time reviewing the evening's events. Mr. Bingley had taken on his usual post-assembly aspect. He smiled, grinned, hummed and could speak of no one but Jane, his latest eternal love. Mr. Hurst grunted a lot when asked how he found the assembly while Mr. Darcy nodded as his friend pursued his normal attitude to a beautiful face.
'Well?'
'Well, what Bingley?'
She is adorable, an absolute angel, isn't she?'
Darcy grinned. 'She is. Along with the many that already inhabit your definition of heaven no doubt.'
'Are you in love again, Bingley?' asked Mr. Hurst. 'I really think that you go overboard man.'
'You must learn to appreciate the finer things in life. There is nothing more satisfying than the smiles of a beautiful woman,' replied Mr. Bingley with a smile at Mr. Darcy.
'I agree whole-heartedly Bingley. However, I see no point in wasting time with ladies of no consequence. I admit, the room held some fine examples of English beauty but that does not mean that we, as gentlemen, should feel the need to offer them hope. We have a responsibility man.' Mr. Darcy smiled and shook his head at his friend.
'Offer them hope? Darcy, surely you are not suggesting that our mere presence offers hope. I did dance with her twice but she is a classic beauty. What man could resist!'
'Yes Bingley, we have heard your description already. However, this marriage business is serious. It is not confined to the ton. In a society such as this, marriage is an even greater study. The hopes and aspirations of the country far outweigh those of town. I suspect that we were both talked about for some time prior to our arrival and I have no doubt that our income, connections and estates, or lack thereof, were discussed in great and accurate detail.'
'I do intend to purchase one day, you know.'
'I realise that Bingley but it is time you actually made a decision. If you think the inhabitants of this quaint county are enough for you then purchase this place. Netherfield is pretty enough. Mind you the country manners will wear you down.'
'I just may take up your challenge Darcy. I just may.'
'Well it could only ensure you have less time for falling love Bingley!' teased Mr. Darcy.
'Well said, Fitzwilliam, well said,' said Mr. Hurst. 'A man has more to do than listen to such nonsense. Leave it to the ladies. They have nothing else to talk about. Mind you there were some lovely girls there. But Charles you must learn to curb your ardour, at least in the country. As Fitzwilliam said, it's a business, man. And business is no good without some monetary input. These ladies have nothing to offer gentlemen like us.'
'I am going to ignore that comment, Hurst. I intend to be happy and that is all that concerns me. Darcy, do you think the game sufficient here at Netherfield? There have been some days when it seems very light. I would not like to purchase an estate and then find myself needing to restock it. I also wanted to speak to you about the stable roof.'
Upon hearing this exchange, Miss Bingley could not help but press her own point.
'Brother dear, are you sure that you would be happy in such a confined location? I think the north is a far better choice.'
'Caroline, I will choose where I please. I love Pemberley as much as you but I do not think that Darcy would want me on his doorstep at every turn. And besides, I think the populace of Meryton and Longbourn would more than suffice. There are many advantages to living here.'
Darcy smiled to himself. Although Bingley seemed to be more than considerate of her manner, he had the knack of placing Caroline exactly where he wanted her. He handled her and she was indeed a lady who needed handling. Darcy enjoyed some repartee with Caroline but always with an eye to keeping a certain distance between them. He might have been referring to the country when he spoke of the marriage business but that did not mean he was unaware of certain hopes within this very circle. Yes Caroline was good entertainment for short periods. However, he knew one thing for sure, she was one lady whom he would never ask to dance twice in the one evening.
'Darcy, if you actually talked to some new ladies, you might find one who interests you,' continued Mr. Bingley.
'Bingley, when or if I decide to make ladies a priority of mine, I have no doubt that I will find what I am looking for. The trouble is Bingley, I am not looking,' replied Mr. Darcy.
'You do not have to look. The ladies all look at you.'
'Idle flattery will get you nowhere Bingley. I am determined to take my own course in this.'
During this intercourse Miss Bingley was inwardly sighing. It seemed no matter how determined her attempts, Mr. Darcy treated her as his friend's sister and no more. Well, as long as she was the woman most often in his company, she was sure she would win in the end. It was to her advantage that he was so bored by large groups of strangers and refused to talk amongst them.
A short while later Mr. Darcy encountered his friend alone in the library and took up the discussion of the assembly.
'Bingley, do you remember when you came across in an endeavour to coerce me to dance with Miss Elizabeth?'
'Vaguely, why?'
'I have been thinking ever since that it is possible that she overheard what we said.'
'I doubt that.'
"When I turned to look at her, she was looking at us,' said Mr. Darcy.
'I remember now. I was facing her and she showed no sign of overhearing. Anyway, you only said that nothing was going to make you dance, even a pretty face. There is hardly anything wrong with that.'
'But we did comment on her beauty.'
'True, but only to state that although she was very pretty, Jane was indeed the most beautiful. Surely Miss Elizabeth would not be offended by that even if she did hear it stated. Every person in the room would agree that Jane is the most beautiful. Darcy, why does it concern you?'
'It does not concern me as such. I was just thinking over the evening and was left wondering. She scurried over to huddle with friends after that and they all seemed to have great delight in glaring at me from that moment on.'
'Darcy, I know you are sensitive but I think you are taking this point too far. What you or either of us said was hardly worth thinking about. You are what you are and you hate dancing. Even pretty girls will not rid you of this fault,' said Mr. Bingley with a grin.
'It is not a fault, Bingley. It is just...'
'Even you cannot define why you hate it so much. You see, it is beyond folly man. If you were inept at the practice I would understand but you have a superb feel for the music and move well. I think it is a Darcy trait. You dance well and Georgiana plays well. You have it in you.'
Darcy smiled. Mr. Bingley was a loyal and honest friend, a gentleman in the true sense of the word.
'Thank you Bingley, for once again raising my spirits. I do not know what I would do without you friend.'
'Friends indeed, man. Now tell me again how beautiful did you find Miss Bennet.'
Jane would have blushed to know how many times Mr. Bingley thought of her but he may have been just as flushed if he knew that she was doing the same of him. Jane was a lady of gentle judgment and quiet manners and although she appeared outwardly calm, inside she was in raptures about Mr. Bingley. She listened with composure as he and the other gentlemen were assessed. She spoke the truth with no embellishment and when she heard word that Mr. Darcy had ignored Mrs. Long she immediately came to his defense and stated that she had definitely seen him respond.
The remainder of the ladies continued to trade their experiences back and forth until there was little truth left of the actual event. Instead they were left with a myriad of distorted impressions melded into a tale. The gentlemen were determined as nothing more than was seen or heard on one night. Mr. Darcy was haughty with no personality and little manners. He should have made a point of being introduced to those at the assembly and dancing with as many ladies as possible. Mr. Bingley was the epitome of husband material. He was charming, attentive and rich.
Elizabeth was somewhat caught in this as well, as her expectations for the assembly were just high enough to make the actual event a disappointment. She had hoped to dance more; she had hoped that the young men from town would be all like Mr. Bingley. And despite her liveliness and joie de vivre she was still vulnerable enough to feel extremely slighted by Mr. Darcy's comments. In fact, her vanity was so severely bruised that she had heard nothing except that she was not pretty enough in his eyes. Like any lady in that situation she failed to analyse anything past that point and the fact that he was actually finding a reason not to dance completely escaped her.
She made a great effort to appear calm and light hearted when the incident was referred to. Perhaps she had been unwise in being so forthright with his comments as it appeared that no one else had overheard them. She could have kept it all to herself which would definitely have kept her pride in check. However, it was done and she now had no choice but to grin and bear it. This also left her with the added responsibility of agreeing with every criticism put forth about Mr. Darcy. The continual derogatory comments from the young ladies compounded each other and indeed it became easier and easier for her to dislike him immensely. Such vast evidence must be without doubt!
Mr. Darcy's feelings were not considered and it was assumed that his attendance at the assembly brought with it an obligation to dance. Intellectually, Elizabeth should have known better but such clear thinking is impossible when surrounded by friends willing to sympathise. She, along with all the other ladies, also found it imprudent of him to attend such an assembly and refuse to be introduced to most of those present. After all, a man in his position could talk amongst strangers, surely.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Bennet was at the centre of these deliberations. She saw and heard only that Elizabeth was slighted by a man who should have known his obligations in attending the assembly. All her girls were beautiful or talented in her eyes and as such she expected all young men to pay due homage. As Mr. Darcy had refused to obey the rules set down in Mrs. Bennet's mind and those of her peers, he was deemed too proud to bother with. She would not have her girls crossed under any circumstances. Her maternal determination to have them well married made her proud and boastful of them all and completely oblivious to any shortcomings in them or in her way of thinking and totally devoid of any regard for the gentleman's feelings.
The fact that Mr. Darcy seemed to have singled out her second daughter for particular censure meant that he must be punished and Elizabeth was informed that she should never dance with him even if he asked. Elizabeth found herself caught in her own web. She had allowed her mother to know of Mr. Darcy's rejection and she must suffer the consequences despite the possible cost of such a rash promise. However agreeing to never dance with Mr. Darcy was hardly a problem when she considered her attitude to him and the unlikelihood of his ever asking her. He was hardly a man to change his mind.
Chapter 5
In consequence of the newcomers' arrival in the district, Elizabeth, Jane, their three younger sisters as well as their mother felt a duty to pay a visit to the ladies of Netherfield. It was fortunate that the gentlemen appeared before the ladies had left as it provided opportunity for proper introductions, which had been lacking at the assembly. Mr. Bingley introduced each of the Bennet girls to Mr. Darcy and he in turn exuded faultless manners as he bowed to each one.
He had already made preliminary assessments of them all and he envisaged that this formal meeting would merely confirm his impressions. However he instantly sensed a vast disparity in the girls. The elder two were by far the most refined and despite his unexpressed longing to find fault, he could find none. The younger three were not worthy of any thought, expressed or otherwise. Mrs. Bennet was an entity unto herself. She was the quintessential country mother. Deficient in experience, her mind centred on her daughters' marital aspirations and nothing that occurred in her life would sway her from that course.
The visit gave Jane a further chance to speak to Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth was now without doubt that Jane was indeed infatuated. She watched as Jane smiled within herself every time Mr. Bingley looked at her. Elizabeth found it endearing and sweet.
Mr. Darcy assumed his usual "assembly pose" as Elizabeth liked to think of it, silent, obtuse and very like a man who was obeying a set of his own rules of behaviour. He was polite enough on arrival but that was the extent of his vocabulary it seemed. Elizabeth was sure he seemed much happier in his farewells than in his greetings.
The Netherfield ladies returned the visit and on Mr. Bingley's insistence, they invited the two eldest Miss Bennets to dinner. When they had departed, Mrs. Bennet went into raptures about their dress and deportment and began planning what Jane should wear. As there was no one at Netherfield of interest to her regarding Elizabeth, she allowed her to do her own choosing. Of course Elizabeth was more than relieved. She was only going as a companion for Jane and it would give her a good chance to see how things with Mr. Bingley were progressing.
The carriage was greeted by Mr. Bingley who helped Jane down and then Elizabeth. The remainder of the party was assembled in the drawing room where a small glass of wine was offered to the guests while they awaited the call for dinner. Mr. Darcy greeted the ladies immediately upon their entrance.
'Good evening Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth.'
Jane replied quietly. 'Good evening Mr. Darcy, Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley.'
'Good evening Mr. Darcy, Mr. Hurst, Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley,' Elizabeth announced in a firm but uplifting tone.
The ladies in the room nodded as Mr. Bingley ushered Jane to a couch that would seat only two. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were engaged with each other in their observance of Jane, leaving Elizabeth with Mr. Darcy or Mr. Hurst. She looked first at Mr. Hurst who nodded and then popped a grape in his mouth while speaking to Mr. Darcy and completely ignoring Elizabeth.
'Darcy, may I borrow your mount tomorrow? I heard Bingley say you were on business and mine is still a little lame after yesterday.'
Mr. Darcy was well aware of Mr. Hurst's slight of Elizabeth and promptly ignored his request and turned back to her.
'Please, Miss Bennet,' said Mr. Darcy as he indicated a chair for Elizabeth.
She accepted and he immediately took a seat some way from her without any further word. Elizabeth politely watched as she sipped her wine, all the while wondering what Mr. Darcy would say if he knew that she had overheard his comment on her beauty. How that would ruin his reserve and destroy his pride!
He smiled at her and then replied to Mr. Hurst's previous request.
'I do not lend out my mount to anyone Hurst. You know how particular I am about my animals. Perhaps Bingley's second mount will be free.'
'I think all this fuss about animals is quite unnecessary. You are too fastidious Darcy. I cannot abhor fastidiousness when it comes to animals. Well except my dogs.'
Meanwhile Darcy was becoming distracted and was quietly taking in Elizabeth. He seemed to have no qualms about looking at her although he did look away if she caught his eye. She thought that he must have been doing a minute comparison of her features for posterity. This is the face of the woman not pretty enough to dance with. As soon as he caught her eye she looked away also not wishing to converse with him at all. He noticed of course and was resolved that his opinion of her conversational abilities was indeed more accurate than his friend's.
Miss Bingley, always ready to be seen and heard began with a question to Elizabeth.
'Miss Bennet, is your family all well?'
'Very much so, thank you.'
Having performed the minimum required of a hostess, Miss Bingley turned to Mr. Darcy.
'Mr. Darcy, is there to be any sport in the morning? I cannot tell you how I enjoyed the partridge you caught two days ago. It quite filled my senses with that sauce prepared from your cook's recipe. Mr. Darcy has a French chef you see, Miss Bennet and...'
'There is, although I may have business which will keep me away,' replied Mr. Darcy abruptly.
Mr. Darcy was forever uncomfortable with Miss Bingley's boasting of his estate and endeavoured to cut her off when possible. Elizabeth watched this exchange confirming her opinion of his pride and abruptness.
Not deterred in the slightest Miss Bingley continued.
'I cannot tell you Miss Bennet how delightful sport is at Pemberley. Mr. Darcy keeps a number of men solely for the purpose of ensuring adequate game. Of course I realise that your experience is limited here in the country but trust me when I say that Pemberley has the finest covies in all of England.'
'I always thought that Pemberley was in the country also,' retorted Elizabeth. She smiled to herself as she noticed Mr. Darcy sigh ever so slightly. She found she had an unconscious delight in seeing him squirm a little.
Mr. Darcy was not squirming as such. He did react to her retort but it was hardly in criticism. Her pertness surprised him considering her obvious previous desire to avoid conversation, at least with him.
At dinner, Jane was seated on Mr. Bingley's right with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth making up that side of the table. Miss Bingley, being Mr. Bingley's hostess, was seated at the opposite end of the table to him with Mr. and Mrs. Hurst on her right.
As Jane was more than preoccupied with Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth was left as the only visitor available for perusal. Miss Bingley began with a leading question.
'Miss Bennet, are there many assemblies in Meryton?'
Sure she knew where this was going, she replied tersely, 'About four times a year.'
'You must look forward to them Miss Bennet as the country offers very limited society.'
Elizabeth felt trapped and for a short while she was tempted to curb her usual manner of conversation. However, it was only a passing thought. Elizabeth was secure enough in her abilities to continue unabated.
Mr. Darcy persisted in only short comments usually directed at Miss Bingley. His manner was that of a combatant on alert whenever Caroline spoke. It amused Elizabeth to see him uncomfortable although she had trouble acknowledging that she cared how he felt at any time. Still, such pride needed pricking.
Mrs. Hurst was happy to allow her sister to quiz Elizabeth and nod in agreement at Caroline's comments. Mr. Hurst of course had no time for talk while food was in front of him, his compensation for marital boredom. His wife only spoke to him when her sister was not in residence.
Mr. Darcy was actually much more interested in listening to Elizabeth's comments than Miss Bingley's although he offered very little in return. Unabated, Elizabeth was more than happy to fill in the gaps in the conversation and managed to get a slight smile out of Mr. Darcy with her tale of a vagrant pig. Ever ready to play with people, she was especially satisfied with this result as the story was a complete fabrication created entirely for effect.
After the quail and before the fish, Mr. Bingley began to realise his obligations as host to more than Jane and with a smile of contentment began expounding the delights of the county. The land forms, the climate, even the variety of cows found there, were without fault. He was sure that he would buy there. Mr. Darcy suggested that Mr. Bingley think carefully before deciding and Elizabeth was sure she understood exactly what he meant. The whole idea of settling in such a place, with such ugly women, was beneath him.
Just as Mr. Darcy was storing away fond memories of Elizabeth's vocal repertoire, she was adding to her list of reasons why he held contempt for everyone outside his own private circle.
After dinner, when the gentlemen returned to the ladies, Mr. Darcy was quite animated and Elizabeth was somewhat taken aback and her resolve to find him unlikable was almost swayed. He had hardly spoken more than a few sentences at the assembly, yet here he was bantering with Mr. Bingley and having great fun with Miss Bingley. However, he added to Elizabeth's list by commenting that the livestock at Netherfield were fine but nothing compared to the north. He then compounded it all by agreeing with Miss Bingley that a trip to town was necessary to finalise a winter wardrobe. Yes Elizabeth was now convinced. He was so totally absorbed by his own worth and interests as to be ignorant of anyone or anything else.
On returning home from Netherfield, it was compulsory for Elizabeth and Jane to compare notes on the gentlemen. Mr. Bingley had the most perfect blue eyes that shone when he smiled. Not that he ever stopped smiling in Jane's company but Elizabeth was not about to bring that up. Caroline Bingley was after Mr. Darcy. Could a lady be more obvious? And, he was playing her like a well-tuned violin or so Elizabeth thought. He deliberately made statements to get her ire up and she was not quite quick enough to notice. Louisa Hurst was married to the worst kind of man. Simply revolting! Both Jane and Elizabeth had to admit that they would feel ill at the thought of being touched by Mr. Hurst. He even had wet lips! And his breath! Elizabeth had the misfortune to stand too close at one point in the evening and took great delight in feigning a swoon for Jane to show how she wanted to react when he was near her.
Mr. Darcy was just boring. He had great potential with his looks and money but unfortunately he was too interested in appearing full of ennui or at the very least absorbed in some deep business worry to be of interest. Jane's guess was that he had ladies after him all the time and he had chosen this aloof demeanour as a habit to keep them at bay. Elizabeth was convinced it was not an affectation for result but an intrinsic part of the man.
'Well he need not bother here,' said Elizabeth, 'as there are no ladies remotely interested in him.' She knew that was not entirely true as there were three ladies in Meryton who would have put up with endless boredom to be Mistress of Pemberley. He was far too handsome and rich for his own good!
Chapter 6
The Netherfield dinner was returned by Mrs. Bennet with additional guests in the form of Miss Lucas and her sister. Mrs. Bennet was always happy to invite Charlotte on occasions such as this as she was quite plain and quite past her prime compared to her own daughters who could only rise in comparison. Mariah Lucas, Charlotte's younger sister was still not out but made a good companion for Kitty and Lydia, the two youngest Miss Bennets. Mary, the middle child, suffered from that position. Neither the eldest, nor the youngest and by no means the prettiest, she attempted to be the most accomplished, a feat that was still a work in progress.
The Netherfield party was precisely on time which was noted by Mr. Bennet. He greeted them all at the door where Mr. Bingley introduced the rest of his party. As Mr. Bennet ushered them into the drawing room to meet the ladies he noticed that Mr. Darcy tended to stay behind the main party which left little opportunity for him to be spoken to directly. Such delightful opportunities were not to be missed by Mr. Bennet who then made it a point of bringing Mr. Darcy to the fore.
'Mr. Darcy, I hear that you attended our latest assembly.'
'Indeed sir.'
'And found it filled with country delights no doubt. Would you not agree that our ladies are worthy of great praise, Mr. Darcy?' baited Mr. Bennet.
'They are indeed delightful, sir.'
'So you no doubt found yourself with tired feet from so much dancing, sir?' retorted Mr. Bennet in good humour to see Mr. Darcy's squirm.
Unfortunately this mode of conversation was making Elizabeth squirm along with Mr. Darcy. She enjoyed her father's repartee when it was well intentioned or clever but this topic could only lead to embarrassment. Mr. Darcy was unsure of where this was leading. As this was his first encounter with Mr. Bennet he had yet to learn the vagaries of his humour and found this quizzing particularly awkward.
'I have always been more fond of conversation than dancing, sir.'
'Ah, so when does all this conversation take place Mr. Darcy? I was always under the impression that young men thought the single most important thing about dancing was the opportunity to talk to young ladies.'
'That is true, sir.'
'No doubt you have other means at your disposal then Mr. Darcy?'
'Means, sir?'
'Yes, means of acquainting yourself with young ladies.'
Elizabeth could stand no more. She loved her father but knew that he often used words to amuse himself at the expense of others and thus she chose this moment to vary the topic. However she could not resist continuing the wit.
'Papa, Mr. Darcy is visiting Mr. Bingley for sport and although you and I find great sport in conversation I am sure that Mr. Darcy perceives more traditional pursuits.'
Mr. Darcy smiled inside at her veiled comment. He did indeed try to think of things to say, particularly to her, but on second thought they always seem to move towards small talk which he abhorred. And the suggestion that he engage her in a topic that was above small was indeed wrought with anxiety. He was not ready to invest that much of himself with her at this juncture. The risks were too great. That he had even considered such a move frightened him more than he understood.
The problem of seating was one that Mrs. Bennet had thought over for some time. Of course Jane should be next to Mr. Bingley and he should be on her right as she was the hostess. Mr. Darcy should be on her left. Miss Bingley would be seated on Mr. Bennet's right. That left Kitty next to Miss Bingley, then Mary, Mariah and finally Lydia next to Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Hurst was on Mr. Bennet's left and next to her husband. Charlotte was next to Mr. Hurst, then Elizabeth and finally Jane and Mr. Bingley. There were far too many ladies without partners but it could not be helped. Oh why could they not have had a son, or two!
As the company entered the dining room, Mrs. Bennet took charge and directed each person where to sit. She was not having any alterations in her master plan. She took her seat and smiled satisfactorily as everyone sank into his or her specified chair. Mrs. Bennet's table was always ponderous. She had an eye for food and it was the one area where Jane and Elizabeth were never embarrassed. It might not be from the hands of a French chef but it would be more than ample and delicately balanced.
As envisaged the food was superb, the company mottled and the conversation bizarre. Elizabeth spent most of her time talking with her father who was ever ready to pass comment. Mr. Darcy was seated opposite her although down the table but was positioned extremely well so that he had ample occasion to observe her. She noticed his glance once or twice but was sufficiently removed from him to ignore it. Charlotte was aware that every time she looked at him, he was looking at Elizabeth. And his looks did not seem intended to judge her harshly. She put it down solely to his boredom with Mrs. Bennet's continual fussing over his plate and the contents thereof. He had barely finished his last potato when she piled more on his plate. Mrs. Bennet's aim was simply to keep him eating and thus avoid her obligation to speak to him. His object was to appear to be chewing or sipping as much as possible and thus avoid having to speak to her. Despite this gastronomic game playing, he was not unaware of the varied conversations going on around the table, particularly Elizabeth's jousting with her father.
Despite her apparent dislike of Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth was mortified when she heard Lydia talk only of the officers who had just arrived in Meryton. Mariah was more than interested to hear her comments and Mr. Darcy was unfortunately next to this rambling. She had no wish for him to have tales of her family's lack of decorum. She had not consciously thought why it should worry her but it did and that was enough for the present. She would think about why later.
By now Mr. Darcy had become Elizabeth's unconscious human study. Despite a complete lack of awareness of her thoughts, she could not help but have a heightened interest in the way he behaved in different circumstances. She had decided early on that he was above his company and he was confirming her resolve at every meeting. The only attempts at social intercourse that he displayed were when he was within his own sphere without the degradation of conversing with the country folk. This apparent lack of awareness did not, however, absolve her of feeling embarrassed when her family behaved in an unruly manner.
As Mrs. Bennet ran of out food and drink with which to ply Mr. Darcy, she felt it her obligation to say something to allow Mr. Bingley ample time talking to Jane. She thus began by boasting of the delights of the neighbourhood.
'You no doubt find the society here very extensive, Mr. Darcy?'
'Indeed Madam.'
'So you have been kept busy with invitations sir?'
'Indeed Madam.'
'I do so love a good fish, don't you Mr. Darcy?'
'Indeed Madam.'
Despite her attempts to engage only Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley entered the fray, all too willing to assist his friend in what he knew was an uncomfortable situation for him.
'Darcy is a great fisherman Ma'am. His ponds are extensive.'
'Oh you have ponds at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy,' Mrs. Bennet offered in response.
'And streams Ma'am. Darcy has superb streams,' replied Mr. Bingley.
'And what good is a man without streams,' added Mr. Bennet with a quick glance at Elizabeth.
By now Jane and the rest of the table were listening. Mr. Darcy was feeling completely and utterly exposed as the major topic of conversation. He spent his whole life avoiding such occurrences if at all possible. This was not only very small talk but it was very small talk about him.
'Pemberley is a very large estate Mama. I am sure Mr. Darcy has grounds worthy of many activities,' said Jane.
'I am looking to purchasing one day and Pemberley is indeed the model by which one should define an estate. Do you prefer hills or valleys, Miss Bennet?' said Mr. Bingley, restoring the private conversation between he and Jane.
If Elizabeth had been willing she would have sworn she saw the slightest blush from Mr. Darcy when Pemberley's assets were mentioned. But she was not willing to allow any such favour to him. No, his heightened colour must have been the result of consuming so many hot dishes in a row.
She was eager however to see how he behaved when the gentlemen returned to the ladies as this seemed to be his most talkative time. However he failed to live up to his Netherfield performance and instead chose the most distant chair and assumed a look of deep thought. He barely replied to any comment from even Caroline or Mr. Bingley and seemed content to scrutinise all of those present but particularly Elizabeth. She could not help but notice his focus and assumed he was storing away her remarks for future dinner party conversation. The country does provide endless amusement no doubt.
And Elizabeth was exactly right in her summation of his thoughts. Rather than replicate his friend with endless daydreams of a pretty lady, Mr. Darcy was scrutinising Elizabeth with a view to finding fault because it had suddenly come upon him that she was exactly the type of girl who appealed to him. Rather than let this attraction ramble around the country unchecked, it was necessary to nip it in the bud by evaluating in his mind the various faults in her face, figure and intellect. Mr. Darcy was a clever man. Unfortunately that cleverness was resting during these thoughts. Never having felt such an attraction before he was yet to understand the helplessness involved and the complete lack of control a man has when he is twenty-eight, craving for female companionship and in the company of a lady who fulfills his every desire.
By now Elizabeth was totally confused by Mr. Darcy. He spoke sometimes and then the next time she saw him he was back to haughtiness. Not that his haughty look ever quite went away but some conversation did soften it somewhat.
Mr. Darcy was just as confused. He did not like this society yet he was intrigued that it could produce such a fascinating woman as Elizabeth Bennet. As hard as he tried, he could not deny that she was indeed clever and astute, features not to be ignored. But she also had a general happiness about her that was infectious. She made people smile. Most people that he had had contact with who showed her intelligence tended to reserve. She made it fun and it disconcerted him to think how often her opinions came to mind. He even found himself about to quote her one night at dinner. Fortunately he checked himself in time.
Chapter 7
Jane had now spent three evenings with Mr. Bingley as well as the occasional sighting during morning outings or visits. She was completely enraptured but reluctant to let anyone other than Elizabeth know the depth of her feelings. Jane had had other gentlemen pay her similar attention and until she had confirmation of Mr. Bingley's feelings she was reticent to allow her feelings to show.
Mr. Darcy had now also spent three evenings in Elizabeth's company, although he could hardly say the evenings were spent with her. No, they were simply in company together. When she was absent he hardly gave her a second thought or so he tried to tell himself. Rather, it was exactly every second thought that was of Elizabeth. Despite his apparent nonchalant attitude to the country and its ways, Elizabeth was a constant source of discontent in him. His moods became slightly deeper and his solitary wanderings on horseback and foot became more frequent and his friend suspected that things were somewhat amiss.
'Darcy, are you out again? I thought I would challenge you to a round of billiards,' said Mr. Bingley.
'Perhaps later, Bingley. I have a need to move.'
'Then I will join you. You spend too much time alone Darcy. I would rather walk though.'
'Then walking it shall be. Although I cannot promise stimulating conversation.'
'Darcy, you have always been the one to choose the tone of our repartee.'
'And that is why we are such friends, Bingley. You leave me to be myself, most of the time. Come, let us be off. The light is fading.'
They began to wander the back paths of Netherfield both lost in thought. One had nothing more on his mind than a beautiful face and a gentle smile and the other had nothing more on his mind other than the desire to fill his time with activity that would leave no time for contemplation of a beautiful face and a lively smile. At such times, the two men showed an intimacy unseen in public places.
'Charles, have we anything planned for tomorrow evening? I thought perhaps we would try for ducks at dusk.'
'Yes, the new regiment is stationed here. The colonel in charge, cannot recall his name at present, is having an evening.'
'Just gentlemen?' asked Mr. Darcy.
'No, the invitation was for all of us so one can expect a lot of Meryton will be there and hopefully Longbourn as well.'
'The society here is somewhat limited.'
'But ever delightful, man.'
'At times,' replied Mr. Darcy.
'You are very restless Fitzwilliam. Trouble?'
Mr. Darcy did not reply.
'Darcy, old man, did you hear me? Have you trouble? You are very distracted.'
'Sorry Charles, I was distracted. My mind is going in a thousand directions at once. I don't have trouble as such. Just thinking.'
Mr. Bingley smiled. 'Fitzwilliam you are always thinking. Some new project, no doubt.'
'Sorry?'
'Keep thinking. I will not worry you anymore.'
They wandered on, both lost again in thoughts, one continuing his reverie and the other returning to that place that he wished to avoid. Mr. Bingley could not wait for another evening spent with Jane. Mr. Darcy could not wait for another evening where he might hopefully get the opportunity to further evaluate the inadequacies of Elizabeth. There had to be some. He was resolute that it was only a matter of time before he had settled on them and then he felt sure that his mind would be free to pursue other occupations. Perhaps she would not be at this officers' evening.
After dinner, Mr. Darcy tried cards until his friends complained that he was discarding the wrong suit. He then tried billiards but playing alone did nothing to alter his mood. He then chose privacy in his rooms as he attempted a new book on history, which despite its apparent dry topic did manage to occupy his thinking for an hour or so. He then retired for the night hoping that his walk had tired him enough to allow uninterrupted sleep. He was not often a deep sleeper. People of his cleverness seldom are. It is the curse of intellect to be seldom allowed the sleep of the innocent.
The next day he spent catching up on estate business while Elizabeth spent the morning in Meryton buying new ribbon for her hair. Although she did not follow her younger sisters' attitude to officers, the entrance of any new society must warrant attention. And as the country often showed a paucity of gentlemen, the influx of so many at one time necessarily invites special effort.
All the single ladies invited to attend the regimental evening took some care in their dress. Even Miss Bingley could enjoy the company of a commissioned senior officer or two and as she was assured that she was the most prominent lady invited, she would have the opportunity to shine in Mr. Darcy's eyes as he seemed to be more and more immune to her charms while at Netherfield. The previous evening he had been positively distracted.
The evening did indeed supply an abundance of officers and a smattering of high rank, however there were still too many Bennet girls in Miss Bingley's eyes. Once again, they dominated the room. Mr. Bingley managed an almost direct path to Jane despite being waylaid by a lieutenant who was sure he went to school with him. Mr. Darcy managed to avoid any contact, other than introductory handshakes, by skirting the walls of the room in search of a perfect viewing platform from which to observe Elizabeth. Not that he consciously thought of that. It just always seemed to happen! She, meanwhile, was busy with admirers and had not given Mr. Darcy a second thought. Although she seemed aware of him in person, his absence was enough to rid her mind of him most of the time.
One of the officer's wives was playing and was quite proficient and the liveliness of her choices was enough to begin a short period of dancing. However the evening was not intended for such activities as its purpose was to introduce the regiment to Meryton and its surrounds. The senior officers mingled among their guests including those who preferred to skirt the perimeter of the room. In that endeavour, Mr. Bennet, approached Mr. Darcy with a Colonel MacKellar in tow.
'Mr. Darcy, sir, may I introduce you to Colonel MacKellar? His regiment is stationed in the next county but he is here on a visit,' stated Mr. Bennet.
'Sir,' replied Mr. Darcy with a slight bow.
'Mr. Darcy, this is Colonel MacKellar. Colonel MacKellar, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. He is visiting our shire with his friend Mr. Bingley.'
The gentlemen acknowledged each other before the Colonel queried Mr. Darcy on his family.
'Sir, Mr. Bennet said you are from Derbyshire. Are you the relation of Colonel Fitzwilliam by any chance?'
'I am indeed sir. He is my cousin. His father was my mother's brother,' replied Mr. Darcy.
'I am delighted to meet you sir. The Colonel often speaks of you.'
With that, Mr. Bennet took his leave. There was little fun to be had listening to two gentlemen discuss their families.
'You know Fitzwilliam sir?' asked Mr. Darcy.
'Yes, we are often posted together. Great shot. I always envy his aim. We have many contests.'
Mr. Darcy smiled. His cousin Richard was indeed a man who enjoyed sport and competition. In fact, he also enjoyed the company of ladies and often compared it to sport. The colonel and Mr. Darcy talked for a few minutes more before the colonel moved off to meet other guests. Mr. Darcy watched as he approached Elizabeth who was in a group of officers' wives. As she was introduced he saw that increasingly familiar shine in her eyes as her mind darted around the words she heard. He could not help a slight grin of pleasure just watching her. In the next instant she glanced toward the part of the room he was in and he stilled his face from any sign of enjoyment. To be caught in such a state was unacceptable.
Elizabeth did not actually look at Mr. Darcy, however. She was instead noticing Jane as Mr. Bingley leaned towards her. Their relationship seemed to get better and better each time they were in company and Elizabeth's hopes for her sister gained strength every day.
A short time later, Mr. Bingley took Jane over to Mr. Darcy and the three of them discussed the possibility of another dinner at Netherfield. Actually Mr. Bingley and Jane discussed it while Mr. Darcy listened. The rounds of engagements including Elizabeth were far too frequent for his peace of mind. As they were so occupied, Elizabeth herself approached the trio hoping to extricate her sister to meet a young man who used to reside in Meryton and whom they knew from childhood. Mr. Darcy, of course, was instantly aware of her approach and, as she moved towards him, his breathing became shallow and he found it took some effort to appear calm.
'Good evening Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Jane,' said Elizabeth. 'Excuse me Jane, but would you be so kind as to come and meet Mr. Johnson who used to be our friend some years back? He is just as he ever was.'
Jane bowed to the gentlemen, and Elizabeth, with a smile to Mr. Bingley, promised to return Jane as soon as possible. The ladies moved away, leaving both gentlemen with intriguing but silent thoughts about who this young man was.
Mr. Darcy watched as Elizabeth walked quickly across to a dark-haired young man in his mid-twenties who had the rank of lieutenant. After introductions, he could see her smile and the faint sound of her laugh echoed across the room. To others it was simply a sound. To Mr. Darcy, it was a torment and he felt the slight twist of his stomach as she leaned a little closer to the gentleman to hear his obviously fascinating conversation. Mr. Bingley was watching as well but with a heart much more aware of its feelings. He was beginning to give up any pretense of mere admiration for Jane and was accepting that deeper emotion of ardency.
As the conversation continued, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley exchanged glances and shrugs. He seemed nothing but the ladies definitely found him something. They were both gratified when they saw him take leave and move to another group as the ladies returned.
'As you see Mr. Bingley, I return my sister unharmed and in excellent spirits.'
'Then perhaps you can work on Mr. Darcy and raise his spirits to excellence as well, Miss Elizabeth?'
Elizabeth smiled. 'I am sure that Mr. Darcy is content with his own spirits, Mr. Bingley. He hardly needs my help to improve his mood.' She glanced up at Mr. Darcy and in that instant she saw his mouth open slightly and his lips move as if he was about to reply. She waited but he said nothing.
'You see Mr. Bingley, not even a roomful of people can raise Mr. Darcy's spirits. They are all alone in their reverie. Perhaps though Mr. Darcy you might like to tell us about the décor of the room perhaps, or the tapestries. You seem to take a great interest in wall finishes Mr. Darcy, and fireplaces.'
He looked down into her eyes and saw the glint of humour. Whether it was intended at him or with him he had yet to determine.
'I take particular interest in many things Miss Bennet. Some of those interests include an attention to the interior of a home as well as an intense interest in the exterior.'
'Ponds and streams in particular - oh and the contents thereof,' she replied.
'Indeed Madam. My ponds are a constant delight. As for the contents, well I do enjoy a good fish. In particular I always get a good result from superior bait. I think you would be somewhat of an expert in fishing yourself, Miss Bennet.'
'I am sure if I put my mind to it I could devise an excellent bait sir,' she responded. 'I will leave you to your wall finishes Mr. Darcy. Jane, Mr. Bingley, please excuse me.'
Jane and Mr. Bingley had heard only snippets of the conversation as their minds found it necessary to catch up on all the time lost when Jane was with Elizabeth. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley bowed as Elizabeth skipped lightly across the room to her friend Charlotte. Mr. Bingley and Jane moved off and Mr. Darcy stood alone once more, caught in a web of words designed to entrap even the cleverest of minds. He mulled over her words, her looks, her smiles and her movements trying to determine what it was that captured his attention.
The evening was a short one and supper was served early. As Elizabeth had been late in returning from her walk that afternoon she had missed part of the light dinner served before leaving and was a little hungry. She approached the supper table at the first call and found herself moving along the dishes beside Mr. Darcy who seemed just as hungry.
'May I hold your plate for you Miss Bennet?'
'Thank you sir but I can manage,' she replied.
At that moment she dropped her napkin. Elizabeth was somewhat embarrassed as such womanly games were not her desire.
'Oh excuse me Mr. Darcy, that was an accident. Please do not think I play games with gentlemen.'
At that point Mr. Darcy had not seen the napkin and looked at her inquisitively, thinking she was apologising for her previous remarks on his wall preferences.
'Miss Bennet, please do not think I took your words as criticism. Whether or not they were an accident though remains to be seen.'
'I am sorry Mr. Darcy. I fail to comprehend your words. I was talking about my napkin.' She looked down at it on the floor. 'There is no need to be gallant Mr. Darcy. I will simply get the servant to fetch another.'
He frowned as he looked at the napkin, annoyed that the servant had not already dealt with it. Elizabeth saw his stern look and supposed it was his annoyance at her carelessness.
'There is always need for a gentleman to be gallant Miss Bennet. Please allow me to instruct the servant.' He turned to the manservant nearby. 'Fetch Miss Bennet a clean napkin and remove this one from the floor before the lady trips. There is no excuse for this. I will inform your master!'
He turned back to her.
'He should not have to be told. He should have noticed that you had dropped your napkin. Unforgivable! I must inform the Colonel of his incompetence.'
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in surprise at his severe judgment of the servant. The servant then moved to order as Elizabeth watched Mr. Darcy take control of a situation. There was no hesitancy in ordering servants about. In fact he seemed more at ease in this function than any she had previously seen him in. If he was this much in charge over a napkin, his tenants must be in fear of him when they are in error.
'It seems we are often at cross-purposes Miss Bennet. At least in words,' continued Mr. Darcy.
'Cross purposes, sir? I really doubt that. I think we both know exactly what we each mean when we mean it. Excuse me.'
She moved away with barely any food on her plate. She would not have her evening spoiled by listening to Mr. Darcy's attempts at conversation when he was obviously far happier sulking alone and thinking up ways to exert his authority and pride by expecting too much of his servants and no doubt his tenants as well and abusing them if they failed. Not that Elizabeth was prone to exaggeration or any leap to conclusions.
Elizabeth joined Charlotte and three other gentlemen and spent the rest of the evening with very little further thought of Mr. Darcy. He did cross her mind once or twice but every moment caused her disquiet and a touch of anger.
Mr. Darcy spent the remainder of his evening trying in vain to reason with his mind in the hope that his senses would dissolve into serenity once more. Every encounter with Elizabeth caused him to behave in a manner that was edging on lack of control. She disconcerted him at every turn. She made him say and do things he would have never said or done in her absence. She heightened his reaction to everything around him, resulting in him almost creating a scene over a neglected napkin.
He came to the country for a rest and some sport, as an escape from the daily grind of responsibility. Yet he was suffering from disturbed sleep, scanty appetite and an inability to concentrate. If he were less clever he would blame the weather. However that was impossible. The weather had shown no extremes. No, it was not the weather or the sport or the resident company. Perhaps he was coming down with something. He had been out late one evening without his coat. You see the mind of man slipping gently into love is quite unable to discern its destination or the course already undertaken.
Chapter 8
Sir William Lucas was always ready to impress whoever was available to impress and thus he decided a party was in order as they had the fortune to have the addition of officers in the district. As well, such superior guests from town would no doubt be craving the society of a knight and his residence. The Netherfield group would surely be in awe of his home, Lucas Lodge, as well as his many connections at St. James'. For Lady Lucas it was a chance to show the town folk how much bigger her home was than Mrs. Bennet's and how much more refined her daughters were than the Miss Bennets whom she thought spent far too much time in front of their mirrors.
Naturally a discussion of this party ensued at Netherfield with the ladies paying particular attention to what everyone should wear. The gentlemen completely ignored the discussion going on around them including the hints that the men should wear breeches at any evening event. Mr. Darcy was as fastidious about his dress as any other aspect of his life and quite in touch with what was appropriate. He avoided any sign of fuss or frills despite the predilection for such in English society. He quickly got bored listening to Miss Bingley fish for compliments on her sublime style when he actually thought she and her sister bordered on excess.
'Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, please excuse me. I have business to deal with. I will talk to you later Charles,' he stated on his way out of the room.
Mr. Bingley ran after him. 'Darcy? May I have a word?'
'Certainly, in the library?' replied Mr. Darcy.
'Yes. Give me a few minutes.'
Mr. Bingley disappeared and Mr. Darcy proceeded to the library where he seated himself at the large walnut desk. He leaned back in deep thought as he ran his finger over the dark ebony inlay on the drawer front. It must have taken hours to hand cut that in. He began to look carefully at the tiny cuts in the veneer, admiring the skill of the cabinetmaker who could produce such exquisite work. His eye for detail was evident in every aspect of his life and he was the first to admire it in others. His mind began to wander to the topic uppermost in his mind, Elizabeth, and he realised that the trail of veneer was exactly the same as the ribbon in the back of her hair at the officer's evening. He shook his head in the hope that it was cleared of such thoughts. He really was thinking like a man of ten years his junior.
Mr. Bingley entered a short time later and asked his friend if he thought it was too late in the year for a picnic or at least an outdoor meal. He had loved the experience while in Italy and hoped to replicate it at Netherfield.
'I do think you have left your run too late, Bingley. There are so few hours left in the day when it would be suitable to eat outside. The days are too crisp. Did you have a particular celebration in mind? Is it some special occasion?'
'No, I was just fishing for ideas really. I'm not such a walker as you and the outdoors holds little possibility of society if one doesn't walk.'
'Bingley, ever the social being!'
'Darcy, ever the recluse!'
'That is harsh, Charles. I have attended to almost every invitation since my arrival. I thought you would be praising me.'
'And indeed I should, now that you mention it. You have been quite ready to go out in society since your arrival. Perhaps you are finding some particular aspect of the society very much to your liking.'
'And perhaps not! I am your guest, Bingley, and I will behave as you wish me to.'
'Have you ever found a lady who arouses a second glance, man?'
'Many, Charles. It is the third glance that a man must be wary of. A lady never misses that third one.'
Mr. Bingley began to laugh and strolled off assuring Mr. Darcy he would begin counting glances from now on.
At Longbourn, the discussion of the upcoming evening was similarly in depth, as the ladies chose their frocks and the accessories to suit. The younger girls had already started arguing over hair pins, the two eldest were discussing which slippers to wear and as their feet were of similar size Jane was considering wearing Elizabeth's pale blue ones. Mrs. Bennet had found some feathers at the milliner's in Meryton and was beginning to preen her hairpiece while Mary was downstairs with her father in the sitting room, discussing with him the choice of sheet music to take.
At Lucas Lodge, Charlotte and her mother were busy with the kitchen hands preparing dishes to astound their guests from town. Lady Lucas was anxious that the food look lavish and that meant careful planning as she did not have the culinary flair of Mrs. Bennet. She did however have the better rooms and no one would notice any deficiency in food if the rooms were excellent. By eight o'clock, every candle was lit, the servants had their dressing down and the first carriage was pulling up. Within half an hour the guests were all present.
Charlotte was doing her best to be polite to the ladies of Netherfield who had managed to find another couple of new frocks to wear. Unfortunately they always chose almost the same colour combinations and they would have been mortified to realise that most of those present thought they were wearing the same ones as they had worn to the assembly. Certainly Mrs. Bennet did and made sure that Mrs. Philips was informed of it. Elizabeth had worn her second best frock, a light muslin with a silk edged petticoat, in two shades of taupe. Her hair was partially piled on her head but she had one long tubular curl that she persisted in leaving to bounce, much to Mr. Darcy's annoyance. It definitely interfered with his resolve.
He had arrived with Mr. Bingley and had been soon after dropped by Mr. Bingley in favour of Jane. Mr. Bingley's sisters were employed in their usual pursuit of the first half hour of any party, a critique of the frocks, hair and slippers. Had these people never been to town! And the furnishings were entirely too rural! Mr. Hurst was nowhere to be seen. Actually he had found the library thanks to a resourceful Mr. Phillips who knew exactly where Sir William's brandy supply was kept. They had struck up quite a friendship at the Meryton Assembly and were now off to do business regarding the hunting assets of a deceased client of Mr. Phillips. Mr. Hurst was interested in procuring the excellent shooting apparatus of the said gentleman at the best price possible.
Mr. Darcy was thus alone. All his friends had deserted him so he was once again drawn to the mantle with its adequate shelf for leaning and its fire for scrutiny if it was deemed necessary for him to turn his back to the room. Being the centrepiece, the fireplace gave him a wide-ranging view of proceedings including a perfect aspect of Elizabeth. As he rested his elbow and turned to her part of the room, he caught a reflection of himself in a mirror and knew that he could not stand there. She had caught him once already and as he was not capable of dealing with a second round of her wit on his wall preferences, he moved a little away but still close enough to avoid any large groups of guests. He actually found a large wall sconce that required his attention.
Elizabeth was standing in a small group and, as she held court, his mind drifted and he found himself in somewhat of a spell as he watched her. She was surrounded by officers who always buzzed around the Bennet girls like flies. She smiled, she chattered, she glowed! And alone he stood with the tiniest thought deep down in his subconscious that he would give anything to be one of those officers.
Charlotte came over with her father to speak to Mr. Darcy and he was polite and even charming albeit a little short on comment. In short, he simply agreed with anything they said. He was definitely a listener. Sir William soon moved away to supervise the goings on while Charlotte chose this time to talk to her friend. She informed Elizabeth that she and everyone else had noticed the particular attention Mr. Bingley was showing to Jane. Elizabeth agreed and said that Jane was excessively happy and somewhat hopeful. Charlotte was surprised, as it appeared to her that Jane was being polite to Mr. Bingley but hardly preferential in her attention. Elizabeth instantly disagreed and informed Charlotte that four evenings together before tonight was ample time for Mr. Bingley to understand Jane's feelings. The ensuing discussion bordered on argument as Charlotte was quite ready to identify problems in the way Jane was behaving if she intended to capture Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth thought Charlotte's choice of words was somewhat presumptuous and went on to point out Jane's normal behaviour patterns.
Charlotte however was not to be dissuaded. At twenty-seven, she had missed too many chances herself and was somewhat of an expert in her eyes on how to make a successful marriage merger or at least how not to. Elizabeth could not help but laugh at Charlotte's comments and suggestions. Like one other in the room, her mind was crammed with expectation, which is such an enjoyable state that it can blind the view of actuality.
Mr. Darcy had of course noticed the heightened discussion between Elizabeth and her friend and it struck him how very beautiful she was when in disagreement. He could only surmise how that beauty might be enhanced by accord as he had rarely seen her that way at least when he was present.
Thus even without being consciously aware that it was happening, Mr. Darcy had given up finding ways to dislike Elizabeth. His intellect had at last kicked in and informed him that he had no choice in the matter. She was delightful, pretty, infectious even. He had no desire other than her presence. He had spent so much time over the last weeks attempting to firm up any negatives in his opinion of her that this awareness of heart or consciousness left him unsure what to do next. He just knew that it had happened and the time for self-judgment was not yet at hand. His whole being was craving to be in her midst.
As a result, he moved across the room to an area within hearing of her conversation with Colonel Forster, the officer in charge of the visiting regiment. He heard the end of their exchange as Elizabeth suggested the Colonel give a ball. A ball! There was only one thing that raised a ball above an assembly, at least in Mr. Darcy's eyes, and that was its formality. At least it was possible to invite whomever one wished to a ball. However a ball given by a regimental officer was beyond thinking.
As they moved away, Mr. Darcy moved closer to Elizabeth and Charlotte with the intention of breaking into their conversation at some point. He had no idea what he would say and the thought of beginning some new topic was beyond him. However he had to hear her voice and feel her presence up close. There was just no choice in the matter. So he stood and listened and naturally Elizabeth, with her heightened, but never admitted, interest in him, noticed immediately. She had to reproach him. There was just no choice in the matter. And so she asked him directly if he admired her speech with the Colonel.
Now most men caught in such a position would be flustered. However, Mr. Darcy had become somewhat of an expert at hiding such failures and was prompt in informing her that she was indeed succinct but countered that compliment with a proviso that a ball was a topic well known to ladies. This raised Elizabeth's hackles and she immediately took to teasing him, a field in which she was an expert. What man can resist teasing from a woman he admires? Certainly not Mr. Darcy whose chest swelled with the attention she was paying to him. You see even though his intellect had kicked in, his ego had not kicked out and thus while she tried to make fun of him and his hauteur, he only heard innuendo and flattery.
Charlotte, meanwhile, feeling the mood very well and feeling completely left out, decided to end it all by pressing Elizabeth to play. This surprised Mr. Darcy as he had supposed that only the middle daughter played. To have Elizabeth asked to perform at such a gathering must mean that her skills were outstanding. Mr. Darcy was now feeling more and more ensnared, as there was nothing he admired more in a woman's repertoire than a good command of music.
Elizabeth, naturally flattered but somewhat blind to Charlotte's reasons for asking her in the middle of a conversation with Mr. Darcy, even though she had no desire for it to continue, agreed and left Mr. Darcy with a witticism that seemed to him almost a surety that she would return to their exchange after her performance.
She took to the pianoforte and as she seated herself, he could not help but notice the fluidity of her form and the general health that she exuded. These, added to his already saturated admiration, were indeed worthy of note. And then she played and she sang, not with regulation or conceit but with a flair that could only delight the room. She was completely devoid of affectation and pretense and was filled with the sheer enjoyment of the melody. And so she filled him. He listened with such fervour and such attention that the notes overflowed his heart and mind with the essence of Elizabeth.
As his soul filled with her notes, his mind began the folly of internal dialogue, thinking carefully of what to say to her when she returned. His mind flitted through various topics but always returned to her performance and his appreciation of such. However he could not quite formulate the words a man in his position should use to compliment a lady's playing. He must not say too much but he must not seem unaffected. The self-regulation under which he behaved demanded a perfection of words that he could not articulate. He rarely found himself in such a position simply because he avoided open comment at all costs and although he hoped this proposed dialogue would take place in relative privacy, he was not sure that it would and he could be subjected to public scrutiny, something which he abhorred. It was not that he loathed it as much as he found it impossible to feign interest in people or things beyond his sphere. His very nature of withdrawal and introversion was never permitted as a child and his upbringing and education had been carefully planned and guided in the vain attempt to rid him of it. The result was the mask of regulation and reserve. His life had been filled with the necessities of class education and he had grown up without a moment to spare for the vagaries of strangers and their interests. It was simply beyond him at twenty-eight to change this now intrinsic part of his being. He only hoped her playing continued for some time to enable him to get each phrase right. As his being was in such conflict, his face revealed a stern and intense expression not unlike displeasure. Indeed it could be said by an interested observer that he seemed above his company.
As he began to realise the effect she was having on him and his need to keep himself in check, the mood was destroyed by her replacement. Mary took over and the room returned to its original demeanor and Mr. Darcy was immediately reminded of the coarseness of country living. This was compounded when the younger Bennet girls along with a selection of Sir William's offspring joined various junior officers in dancing to airs from the regions of Ireland and Scotland.
Mr. Darcy stood watching; his sour mood not only affected by the dancing but also by the fact that Elizabeth had finished playing and not returned to continue their conversation. Instead she had sped across the room to her friend. He was thus sulking when Sir William made his second approach for the evening with a comment on the joys of dancing such airs. Mr. Darcy was in no mood but made an adequate response by pointing out that such performances were not exclusive to England or civilised cultures. As Mr. Darcy surmised, such a response was beyond the intellect of Sir William to reply to. Sir William immediately changed the subject to Mr. Bingley who was joining the foray. His complimentary comparison of Mr. Bingley's dancing and Mr. Darcy's went unheeded as Mr. Darcy made it clear that dancing was not his preferred method of entertainment. He was then about to extricate himself from such small talk and make his excuses, when Elizabeth chose to walk right by them on her way to speak to her second youngest sister, Kitty.
She approached Mr. Darcy from behind and as her presence filled the tangent of his vision, his breathing paused for a fraction of a second as the air she disturbed moved around him. She had returned.
Sir William had seen her approach and during this momentary pause, and despite Mr. Darcy's seeming dislike of dancing, he jumped at this chance to get his honoured guest on his own dance floor by grasping Elizabeth's hand thus prohibiting her progress. He then offered her hand to Mr. Darcy in an attempt to get them both dancing in his home. Mr. Darcy baulked almost as much as Elizabeth. She had not returned. She had been simply passing by and was now as incarcerated as he by the boorish Sir William. He felt her awkwardness even more than his own. He, at least, could have excused himself and walked away but as a lady she was forced to endure whatever Sir William proffered.
Mr. Darcy. was not ready for such an encounter and she was certainly never about to dance with him. She spoke first with a clear and concise statement that she had no intention of dancing and would hope that they understood that. He was once again lost. She had such courage, such fortitude. She had actually made her point clear even before any offer from him.
However scattered his thoughts, Mr. Darcy managed to form the words required of a gentleman under such circumstances and asked her for the next set. Seeing only his hesitation after Sir William's blatant attempt at coercion, she stated with a smile that Mr. Darcy was indeed always polite but that was not enough to coerce her. Despite the unfamiliar rejection of his offer, his admiration of her took a leap into heights previously unexplored. She had stood her ground even under severe pressure and embarrassment. And she had done it with such strength of purpose.
Sir William persisted but to no avail. She was determined to recompense Mr. Darcy in any way possible for his censure at the assembly and this was a more than satisfying method in her eyes. Mr. Darcy, himself, recalled his words at that moment as well, and felt with some disquiet that perhaps she had overheard him and this was his punishment. Unfortunately she smiled as she refused him and a man in his state would be forever blinded by a smile.
She moved away as did Sir William and Mr. Darcy was left with the warm glow of having spoken with her. His feelings were just beginning an intensity that he had never experienced before and he found that being within the sound of her voice, or even more within reach of her hand, could render him incapable of sense for some seconds. And in these seconds he allowed himself the sheer bliss of bewitchment.
It was while Mr. Darcy was still in such a state that Miss Bingley chose to approach him with her précis of his thoughts on the evening. She had seen his apparent kidnapping by Sir William and the degradation of being offered the hand of a lady not of his own choosing in the hope of his joining in an occupation that could only be considered bucolic. The dancing was vulgar, the company was coarse and he could obviously not wait to depart!
As his pleasurable musings were for a time interrupted, he punished her in no small way by allowing her to know exactly what he was thinking and of whom he was thinking it. He had nothing of criticism to offer and was totally captivated by Elizabeth's eyes.
As his comment on Elizabeth cut through her, Miss Bingley leapt to absurd conclusions regarding their future together. He would marry Elizabeth and be forever burdened with a family without tact, discretion, education, income or connections.
As had become his habit of late, he immediately brushed her preposterous notions aside as he did the woman herself. He was becoming increasingly bored with Caroline's persistent snideness and ridicule. The contrast between Elizabeth and Caroline was becoming so great that a chasm now existed and he was not willing to cross back.
Meanwhile, his comment on Elizabeth's eyes left Miss Bingley incredulous. She had never had such an encounter with Mr. Darcy and she had certainly never had such competition. Thus while Miss Bingley was left with not very pleasant thoughts of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy was left in an enchantment of longing for her.
Miss Bingley did not bother with any further discourse with Mr. Darcy for the rest of the evening. She was at least astute enough to spend time working on her next sortie. He, on the other hand, had a desire to speak to Elizabeth that was bordering on desperation. As she had declared no desire for dancing, he at least knew that he was safe from observing her on the floor with another man. Of course, the fact that he had even considered such a thought quite disconcerted him for some time.
He saw her at the opposite end of the room quite near his friend and Miss Bennet. If he had been just a little less involved in his feelings for Elizabeth, he might have noticed the intensity of connection that his friend was presenting. But Elizabeth so distracted him that any such thoughts were impossible. His despair for her absence led him to her end of the room where he stood near his friend but within earshot of Elizabeth. If he could not actually speak to her, he could at least hear her. She seemed to be very much caught up in the topic being discussed but on a whisper from Charlotte she turned in Mr. Darcy's direction. They caught each other's eye and she looked down for a few seconds and then seemed to gather her thoughts enough to approach him.
'As you see Mr. Darcy, we might reside in the country but we do have manners enough to realise when a gentleman has no choice but to offer to dance. Never let it be said that I forced you into anything you quite clearly abhor, sir.
Mr. Darcy managed a nervous twitch before replying. 'Miss Bennet, I was not forced, I assure you. I would have been very happy to dance with you.'
'Oh come now, Mr. Darcy. You and I both know that you find the occupation distasteful. You have stated so on more than one occasion.'
'Perhaps it was not the dancing I was referring to but the company, Miss Bennet.'
'No doubt, Mr. Darcy. No doubt! And tell me, what company would change your opinion, sir? Derbyshire, perhaps? No it could never be Derbyshire as that is definitely for fishing. No doubt it is only when in town where the company must quite suit your dancing sensibilities. It must be wonderful to have such choice Mr. Darcy. Hertfordshire for sport, Derbyshire for fishing and town for dancing. What a life you lead, Mr. Darcy.'
'You are hard on me, Miss Bennet. My life does not fit into such neat bandboxes. Like yourself I occupy myself in many areas. I also dance in many areas.'
'But who with Mr. Darcy? That is the point. I am sure that if the present company was up to your expectations you would be as light footed as Mr. Bingley.'
Mr. Darcy was quite at a loss how to reply. To disagree left him open to censure. To agree was to show his dislike of the present company and herself. Yet he had after all singled her out by offering to dance. In this place, in this crowded place, filled with virtual strangers, he could not allow any favour of his or preference for Elizabeth to show. He stood frowning as he contemplated his reply. Elizabeth saw his disdain for her and the room and sighed.
'Excuse me, Mr. Darcy. It seems that the present company leaves you dumbfounded. I will not bother you again.'
She moved away quickly leaving him more alone than he had ever cared to be. In fact, being alone was never something that had previously concerned him at all. He was a man happy in his own company, desiring little of outsiders or family for long periods. Yet her absence brought a sudden awareness of the sheer contentment of being with another human being. He knew that he could have talked with her for hours, endlessly even, something he had found previously tiresome, even with his sister. He stood and continued his frown. Things were not going as expected. He had no desire for attraction to Elizabeth but it had happened without his having anything to do with it. And now he had no idea how to proceed. He had the delirious thought of flirting but he had to put that aside quickly. He was lost in a world he had never experienced before and he knew no way out that seemed sensible.