Chapter 7 Reappearance #2
There is no wonder Darcy is attracted to her. She looks so unaffected, so natural, so genuine. She is the kind of woman I would have liked myself to become if I ever had the chance.
Regrettably, she never had the chance, and she knew that she would never have it in the future.
Tuesday, March 24, 1812
Richard
The next day, during their visit to the parsonage, Richard made a conscious effort to see how his cousin fared in front of Miss Elizabeth. And he was not impressed.
Oh dear, I know you are fighting against your attraction. I know you don’t want to raise her expectations. But dear cousin, you are allowed to talk to her. What I would give to witness you actually courting her. I'm certain it would be quite an amusing spectacle.
Richard found himself shouldering the bulk of the conversation, as his cousin remained silent throughout. But it wasn’t a burden to converse with Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Collins. Both the ladies impressed him.
Miss Bennet is truly delightful. And as for Mrs. Collins, it's truly a wonder how that fool managed to secure such a treasure. She is truly a remarkable woman.
Suddenly, Miss Bennet turned towards his cousin and inquired if he had happened to encounter her sister during his time in London.
Richard observed the surprise etched on his cousin's countenance as he stumbled over his words, offering a regretful negative response. More importantly, he distinctly detected an edge in Miss Bennet’s voice as she posed that question.
By Jove, she doesn’t like him.
Richard took care to observe Miss Bennet closely for the remainder of their time in the parlour. He noted her frequent glances towards his cousin, and those glances did not betray the affection of a lover. Instead, all he discerned in them was disdain.
Oh, Darcy, you have no idea what you are up against.
Darcy
Miss Bennet is in London? Is there a hint of accusation in her tone? Is she implying something?
Darcy was completely unaware of Miss Jane Bennet's presence in London.
Prior to his journey to Kent, he had encountered Bingley on four or five occasions at White's, the gentlemen's club they both frequented.
In fact, he had seen Bingley just the day before his departure for Kent, still mourning over Miss Bennet.
He had also briefly glimpsed Hurst once.
Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst had paid a visit to Georgiana at Darcy House two or three days before his departure.
Ever watchful to ensure that his sister did not endure the discomfort of being left alone with the Bingley sisters, whom she found discomfiting, he had joined Georgiana in receiving the guests.
While he was procuring refreshments for his sister, Miss Bingley, in her customary manner that had never endeared her to Darcy, had approached him in close proximity and, speaking in hushed tones, expressed her gratitude for his active role in orchestrating the separation between her brother and Miss Bennet.
Darcy, never seeking gratitude for doing a service to his friend, had simply replied to her that it was her brother's decision not to return to Netherfield.
What should I do with this information? Is Bingley aware of Miss Bennet's presence in London? He is still grappling with his memories of her.
As the cousins made their way back from the parsonage, no words were exchanged between them. Each lost in their own thoughts, contemplating on the conversations that had transpired with the ladies they had just bid farewell to.
Anne
“We have a problem,” Richard told her the moment they sat down.
“Oh no! Did not Miss Bennet leave an impression on you? Do you think Darcy is making a mistake?” Anne asked, concerned.
“That is not the issue, Anne. I am deeply, profoundly impressed with Miss Bennet. In fact, if it were anyone other than Darcy, I might have dared to compete for her affections,” Richard replied with passion.
Anne felt a twinge in her heart but quickly pushed it aside.
"Wow, that is unexpected. So, what is the problem then? Why don't you compete with him? I recall your childhood, you two were always competing with each other," she attempted to sound nonchalant.
"No, Anne, I could never compete with Darcy in this matter.
You need not worry. Miss Bennet is meant for him alone.
Even Darcy himself is yet unaware of this truth.
He will never love another. Darcy's love is for life.
If he and Miss Bennet do not unite, then he shall remain unmarried for the remainder of his days.
I am certain of it. And I would never wish to witness him suffer for a lifetime," Richard declared.
"You mentioned there is a problem. If you have resolved not to compete with him, then what is the problem?" she asked.
What am I missing here? Both are unattached. He loves her. Just court her and win her. Why do men make things so complicated?
“Miss Bennet does not like him. No, it is not even that. I think she hates him. I can see your astonishment, but it is the truth. If Darcy were to propose to her now, she might reject his suit,” Richard answered her, his words carrying a weight of uncertainty.
Dear God, is that true?
"What is her objection to him? What has he done to earn her displeasure?" she asked.
“I cannot say for certain, but I have a notion. You know Darcy is ill at ease with strangers and habitually dons a mask of aloofness in company. It is his defence mechanism to ward off opportunistic young ladies and their ambitious mothers. I believe he employed that very mask during his time in Hertfordshire, and Miss Bennet never had the opportunity to glimpse the real man underneath. That is the only explanation I can offer at present.”
It is understandable. Darcy is such a good man. But he is a man of depth, his true essence hidden beneath layers of complexity.
“So, what is your plan now? Surely, you cannot simply stay away from this? It would be a disaster if Miss Bennet were to reject his proposal,” She did not try to hide the concern in her voice.
“It is fortunate that Darcy is currently grappling with his attraction. That grants me some time. I must acquaint myself better with Miss Bennet and help her understand my cousin better,” Richard replied.
Anne had full faith in Richard in matters such as this. I wish you all the success with your endeavours, Richard. You are a good man.
Sunday, March 29, 1812
Elizabeth
Colonel Fitzwilliam made a favourable impression upon Elizabeth.
He bore no resemblance to his cousin, Mr. Darcy.
While Mr. Darcy displayed haughtiness, pride, aloofness, and reticence, Colonel Fitzwilliam was charming, pleasant, and well-mannered.
He possessed a keen sense of humour and could engage in a lively debate.
How is it that Mr. Darcy has friends like Mr. Bingley and the Colonel? Their personalities and demeanors appear to be worlds apart.
It was the second dinner the Hunsford party had at Rosings since Elizabeth’s arrival in Kent.
The first one was before the arrival of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
The introduction of Colonel Fitzwilliam to the party has single handedly improved the enjoyment factor as far as Elizabeth was concerned.
Of course, Lady Catherine did not want to take a back seat when an interesting conversation was going on.
“What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What is it you are talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear what it is,” she called out.
Lady Catherine
Lady Catherine De Bourgh would never confess to anyone her fondness for the impertinent Miss Elizabeth. But that was the truth.
She is different. She is not the simpering type, which itself is a relief.
For a young lady, there is an unyielding strength in her convictions.
And she is brave enough to express her opinions as well.
I like her. Too bad she did not have much to offer in terms of dowry or connections. She would have been ideal for Richard.
She threw a swift, furtive glance at her daughter, who sat beside her companion, her face turned down. Her eyes then shifted to Darcy, who remained fixated on the lively gathering encompassing Miss Bennet, Mrs. Collins, and Richard. Their animated discussion seemed to captivate him completely.
Something about Darcy's demeanour struck her as peculiar. Was there a hint of admiration in his gaze whenever it fell upon Miss Bennet?
That won’t do. No, that certainly won’t do. Darcy belongs to Anne. I must prevent this from progressing any further.
Her initial inclination was to summon Darcy and request that he take a seat near Anne.
However, she swiftly reconsidered. It is Darcy.
He is not of an impetuous nature. Even if he did entertain an attraction toward Miss Bennet, which itself is a big if, he would never act upon it.
He is perpetually mindful of his responsibilities to his family.
I should not vex Darcy excessively. I cannot have him departing after a mere fortnight, as he customarily does each year. The longer he remains here, the more advantageous it is for Anne.
She also had no desire for someone else to seize all the attention in her parlour. Thus, she promptly called out.
Anne
Though Anne sat silent, she was mentally urging Darcy to join the group consisting of Miss Bennet.
What on earth are you hoping to achieve by staring at her? Go and talk to her, you fool.
She was surprised when her mother called out to ask what they were discussing. When Richard replied that they were discussing music, she had to suppress a laugh that threatened to escape.
Oh, Richard. You discussing music with ladies? I would wager you were more likely to spin one of your fanciful wartime tales.