Chapter XI #3
It was nothing of any consequence; Mr. Darcy spoke about his sister, told her about his estate in Derbyshire, and said something of his relations, while Elizabeth responded with anecdotes about her family, her literary preferences, and a few comments about Jane and Mr. Bingley.
Though she had not intended to test him, she watched him when she spoke of them to see his reaction, but Mr. Darcy appeared complaisant about it all.
If he still objected to the match, he hid it beyond her ability to comprehend.
“I understand Hurst spent Christmas at Longbourn in your family’s company.”
“Yes, though it was a surprise to us,” agreed Elizabeth.
“I cannot suppose he wished to spend it at Netherfield alone.” Elizabeth paused, considering the gentleman, who was now seated by her father in conversation.
“I have not heard a reason for his presence at Netherfield at what should be a time for family. If it is not an impertinence, do you know why he left London?”
“Hurst has not vouchsafed his reasons to me,” replied Mr. Darcy. “All I can determine is that he did not find the company in London agreeable and absented himself. From what I understand, he did not even inform his wife of where he was bound.”
Elizabeth laughed. “That incivility is what we must attribute to Miss Bingley’s absence. I cannot suppose she would wish her brothers to be in Hertfordshire now.”
“You are not mistaken. When Bingley left, all he told them was that he was joining Hurst. Even now, his sisters know nothing of his location.”
“Do you suppose it will remain a secret?”
Mr. Darcy’s shrug spoke to his disinterest. “At some time or another, I suspect Miss Bingley will discover it. Until then, Bingley means to use the time available to the best advantage.”
Elizabeth nodded but did not reply, reflecting as she was on Mr. Darcy’s utter lack of concern about Mr. Bingley’s intentions.
Whether she had been incorrect about her conjecture, she could not say, but at present, at least, he did not oppose Mr. Bingley’s interest in Jane.
When Mr. Darcy spoke again, the subject he chose drove any thoughts of Mr. Bingley and Jane from her mind.
“I have always thought the New Year was a tedious holiday. There is nothing festive about it, unlike Christmas, and all it does is mark the passage of another year.”
“Oh? Do you appreciate the greenery of the Christmas season?”
“I do, though one particular plant has me curious this year.”
Uncertain what he was saying, Elizabeth regarded him. “What plant do you miss?”
Mr. Darcy chuckled. “I do not say that I miss it, Miss Elizabeth. It is tradition to hang a bough of mistletoe, is it not?”
Understanding the thrust of his words, Elizabeth could not help the smile of amusement that reached her lips. “That is curious, Mr. Darcy, for I did not suppose you tended to the sort of frivolity that leads to catching young maidens under the mistletoe.”
“You are correct in that I have never done it.” Mr. Darcy regarded her. “This year, I wish I was at Longbourn, for the notion of what it would be like to catch you under the bough will not leave me.”
Shocked at his audacity, Elizabeth could only gape at him. The sight of the man’s lips twitching brought her back to herself.
“That is most curious, Mr. Darcy; it was my impression that you cared little for me.”
The gentleman regarded her with apparent dispassion. “Whence you gained that notion, I cannot say. Did you not observe how often I have watched you, especially when you were staying at Netherfield?”
Some retort about the slight at the first assembly entered Elizabeth’s mind, but the likely interpretation of his scrutiny and her insistence that his looks must be calculated to find fault returned, leaving her with no ability to respond.
It was fortunate that he said nothing further, as Elizabeth would not have been certain she possessed the ability to respond.
“You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth at length when it became clear he would speak no more. “I have always made it a practice to avoid the kissing bough. As I wish to marry for love, I would prefer to reserve my first kiss for my future husband.”
“Then perhaps I yet have a chance.”
It was the first sign Elizabeth had of any interest Mr. Darcy possessed for her, and she could not help but wonder at it.
Soon after, Mr. Darcy excused himself to stand with Mr. Bennet and Mr. Hurst, and while Mr. Bennet regarded him with curiosity, Mr. Hurst appeared distinctly knowing.
For the rest of the evening, they enjoyed one another’s company, partook of an excellent dinner, and sang Auld Lang Syne when the year changed to the next.
Elizabeth watched Mr. Darcy, wondering if he would give her any clearer sign of his regard.
The gentleman remained difficult to read.
When the gentlemen left that night, Mr. Darcy bowed over her hand and said words of farewell.
Elizabeth saw the extra moment he took with her, imperceptible to anyone else.
The question then became whether she welcomed the gentleman’s interest. To Elizabeth’s surprise, she realized late that night, lying in bed, that rather than repulsing her, his interest was intriguing.