Chapter 17 #2
“Mama, we should be careful when we speak of Miss Darcy as we do not know anything of her,” Jane objected.
“It was very kind of her and Mr Darcy to accept Mr Bingley’s invitation to keep him company for Christmas instead of spending time with their uncle, the earl.
They are very refined people, and Mr Bingley is very fond of them both so we should treat them with the deference they deserve. ”
“I hear Miss Darcy is highly accomplished. It seems she possesses an exceptional talent at the pianoforte,” Elizabeth added. “And from the little I heard Mr Darcy say about her, I expect her to be elegant, polite, and gentle in her manners.”
“And I would wish you to cease mentioning Mr Darcy’s unpleasant nature.
The last time he was here in this house, both Lizzy and I spent time speaking to him, and we had no such impression,” Mr Bennet said seriously.
Then, as a thought came to him, he chuckled.
“And imagine Lizzy’s misfortune, to find a man agreeable when one is determined to hate him. ”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks flush and closed her eyes wondering why her father would keep teasing her. Between her two parents, she could not decide which one was making her more uncomfortable, though in different ways.
The conversation continued in the same manner throughout dinner.
While struggling with her own nervousness, Elizabeth was amused by Mrs Gardiner’s excitement about meeting the Darcys, as she had rarely seen Mrs Gardiner impressed and anxious about people or places of consequence.
For a fleeting moment, it crossed her mind that she could have been introduced to her family and relatives as the future mistress of Pemberley and could have later welcomed her aunt at the grand house.
Such a thought embarrassed her, and she quickly banished it as she felt her cheeks burning once again, trying to pay attention to the discussions around the table.
“Mr Bingley should host another ball at Netherfield,” Mrs Bennet declared. “The previous one was ruined by the unexpected death of that officer, may he rest in peace. It was such a pity that such a lovely party was cut off so suddenly.”
“But Mama, it was not poor Wickham’s fault that he died!” Lydia replied with some pique.
“I know it was not his fault, and I pray for his soul. Indeed, poor Mr Wickham… But now, with the engagement and impending wedding of your sister, another ball would be perfectly appropriate! I shall speak to Mr Bingley tomorrow.”
“Mama, please do not perturb him with such an idea!” Jane cried. “We have many things to plan and settle and to worry about. He already wasted enough money on the licence, now is not the time for more unnecessary expenses!”
Elizabeth was as mortified as Jane, since their mother seemed unstoppable in finding new ways to brag about herself to the people of Meryton.
She decided to address her father and her aunt Gardiner for assistance to curb Mrs Bennet’s dangerous enthusiasm, although she expected little success.
As though proving her concerns, Mrs Bennet grew more and more excited during the evening, making plans based on her future son in law’s five thousand a year.
***
The next day after breakfast, the weather took a turn for the worse, as the temperature dropped and the wind intensified.
However, true to his word, Mr Bingley kept his promise and, an hour before noon, he called with Mr Darcy.
While one of the gentlemen looked perfectly comfortable, proving he was already feeling part of the family, the other one seemed uneasy, remained a few steps behind his friend, and greeted the family with a polite and formal bow and his usual reserve.
If Elizabeth expected any peculiar sign from him, none existed, except for a light nod of his head and a shadow of a smile that disappeared so fast that Elizabeth wondered whether she had imagined it.
He moved near Mr Bennet, who was performing the introductions, politely greeted her uncle and aunt in his usual reserved manner but without a sign of his former forbidding stance, and only when Mrs Gardiner delicately mentioned her connection with Pemberley did Mr Darcy become livelier.
He sat next to Mrs Gardiner, with Mr Gardiner and Mr Bennet nearby, while Elizabeth watched them from a distance.
She could not hear what they were talking about, but it was obvious that her aunt and the gentlemen were captivated by the conversation. Looking around the room, Elizabeth observed Mr Bingley sitting with Jane and Mrs Bennet in another corner, while the younger Bennet sisters sat all together.
“Mrs Bennet, I must ask you and Mr Bennet a favour. Would you allow Miss Bennet, accompanied by her sisters, to come to Netherfield so she may speak to the cook and the housekeeper directly? There are only two more days until Christmas dinner, and I fear we must hasten the preparations. It should not take long, and I shall escort them back home later, of course.”
“What a lovely idea! Of course she should go, she will be the mistress in no time! Mr Bennet, Mr Bingley has invited Jane and the rest of the girls to go to Netherfield to help prepare for the Christmas party. We have no objection, have we?”
“Indeed, we have none. But I do not think the visit will interest Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. It should suffice and will satisfy propriety if only Lizzy were to accompany Jane.”
“Yes, yes, you are right, of course. Lizzy, Jane, go and prepare yourselves,” Mrs Bennet said, winking at her husband as she completely misinterpreted his suggestion, causing the two eldest daughters further mortification.
“Speaking of parties, Mr Bingley, would you not consider hosting another ball at Netherfield?” Mrs Bennet asked as soon as her daughters had left the room.
“A ball, Mrs Bennet? Do you think it would be welcome?”
“Of course it would. Very much so, since the previous one was so abruptly interrupted! It would be a perfect occasion to celebrate your engagement too.”
“Very well, we could certainly host another ball, perhaps on the first day of the new year? I shall consult with Miss Bennet and seek her opinion on it.”
“Perfect! How wonderful that we are getting along so well, Mr Bingley. One could not hope for a better son in law, nor a more handsome or amiable one.”
“Thank you, madam,” Bingley answered, overwhelmed by so much praise and fidgeting uncomfortably.
Fortunately, Elizabeth and Jane did not tarry long, preventing any other dangerous and embarrassing requests from their mother. They were ready to leave, so Bingley and Darcy stood up, closing the visit.