Chapter 5 #2
“There was some discussion among the family and some words slipped by Bingley aroused the others’ curiosity.
They found out that you had locked yourself in the library.
Bingley did not mention specifically that I was involved too, but he mentioned by mistake that Stevens was with him when he found you…
and several other small things that might lead to more speculation.
I do not expect that Miss Bingley would spread such gossip but if a servant hears such discussions… ”
He frowned again and Elizabeth immediately understood his meaning.
He was rightfully distressed by the idea that he could be trapped into a marriage with her.
That was obvious. He had done everything he could to keep the situation private, but unfortunately, he seemed to have failed.
Who could blame him for his present concern?
Surely that was the reason behind his willingness to call on them and to talk to her.
Her heart became heavier, and she breathed deeply, trying to calm herself; she was suddenly freezing, while a sense of emptiness burdened her and ruined her disposition.
“I am very sorry to hear that, sir. Very sorry indeed. But I trust that Miss Bingley has every reason to keep such a secret. We both know that she has great hopes for a future alliance between your families and would never allow your name to be sullied.”
“Yes, I am counting on that. But Caroline Bingley is rarely wise and cautious with her words. And Hurst is very much the same. None of them can be trusted,” he uttered with restrained anger.
Elizabeth struggled to remain composed and carry on a light conversation on such a disturbing subject.
“Mr. Darcy, as I already said, I trust things will stop here rather than getting worse. But I do understand your concern and I apologise again for the mistake that put us both in such unpleasant circumstances.”
“You have no reason to apologise, I assure you. You did nothing wrong and you cannot be responsible for others’ actions. Bingley is the best of men, but, since he is not accustomed to deceit or lying, he is ill-qualified to keep a secret,” Darcy smiled.
“That is very much to his credit and speaks highly of his character,” Elizabeth said.
“Indeed; that is why I cannot be upset with him. But the danger remains, therefore I must…”
“Yes? What do you mean, sir?” Elizabeth stopped and looked at him, waiting for the worrisome explanation. Her distress increased while his countenance became more severe.
“Even though I hope that my concern will prove to be baseless, I believe it is my duty to speak to your father.”
Elizabeth’s knees weakened and she stared at him in disbelief, her eyes and mouth wide open.
“Talk to my father? About what? Surely you cannot consider suggesting a forced union!”
The astonishment turned her words into an outcry. She was not certain if she dreaded such a prospect, as the surprise was too strong to allow for other considerations. She saw his look of puzzlement, as if he did not expect her reaction.
Darcy easily concluded that she was appalled and fearful and he thought he knew why. He felt rejected without even proposing anything at all; the notion was upsetting and disappointing.
He gathered himself to reply.
“Not at all–do not fear, Miss Bennet. We should not consider such an undesirable outcome for as long as it can be avoided. I know how much you despise the mere idea and I agree that such a resolution would be against any sense and sensibility. I trust we will soon be able to forget the matter and to jest about it. But for the time being, my duty and my honour demand I speak to your father and explain to him what happened. As the head of the family, he must be warned about anything that might harm his family’s name and reputation.
If my worry is unjustified, even better.
But if some rumours reach him, he must be ready to deal with them. ”
Elizabeth’s bewilderment was as deep as her embarrassment.
How ridiculous she was! She had made a fool of herself, presuming he intended to propose marriage.
What a ludicrous notion and how laughable it had been!
How could she even imagine that might occur?
Her torment was now complete and she delayed her reply until she had regained some tranquility.
“Mr. Darcy, you are considerate and I am grateful for your care. But, as I said, I feel it is not needed. In a week, Miss Bingley and everyone else will completely forget about it,” she said.
“So, will you not do me the favour of allowing me to speak to Mr. Bennet?” He looked grave and determined and seemed to have made his decision, yet he was kind enough to ask her permission. She was doubtful about how best to proceed but she found no reason to refuse his request.
“I am afraid my father will mostly make sport of your worries. He is the most wonderful man, but such concerns matter little to him. He knows he has no reason to worry about me… Therefore…Perhaps we can find a middle ground? Would you agree that I speak to him first? I will relate to him the library incident and afterwards, you may talk to him if you still wish to do so.”
It was Darcy’s turn to be startled by the suggestion; he hesitated briefly, looked at her again and eventually said, “Very well, Miss Bennet. We will do as you prefer. Please talk to Mr. Bennet, later today if possible, and next time we meet he can address me on the matter if he wishes to.”
She nodded, then called to Jane and all together they turned towards the house. It was cold and the walk had lasted long enough.
∞∞∞
Mr. Bennet arrived home while the gentlemen and ladies were enjoying refreshments after their stroll.
He was pleased to see the two guests–having male company was a welcome change and Mr. Bingley had become one of the few men he truly appreciated.
Mr. Darcy remained very much an enigma, therefore even more diverting a prospect.
The short walk had made Jane more voluble and Elizabeth more silent than usual. Mrs. Bennet behaved very much like her usual self, forcing a dinner invitation for the next day, which was readily accepted.
While Mrs. Bennet’s attention was turned entirely on Mr. Bingley, Darcy’s thoughts were all on Elizabeth.
That made him even more restrained and silent than before and convinced Elizabeth that he was not enjoying the visit.
And the continuous state of distress and the chills she felt every time he looked at her strengthened Elizabeth’s conviction that she was not enjoying the visit any more than he was.
The news that the gentlemen had agreed to come to dinner the next day aroused her interest more than she expected; however, she immediately assumed that Mr. Darcy had accepted the invitation unwillingly.
She decided to talk to her father before then, so she could put Darcy at ease and assure him he was in no danger of being trapped into a marriage with someone whose family he disapproved of.
The gentlemen followed Mr. Bennet into the library and remained there for a whole hour.
Mrs. Bennet herself was surprised–and beyond herself with joy, since such a long visit could mean nothing less than special attention granted to the Bennets on Jane’s behalf.
Not even the eldest Miss Bennet, modest and unassuming, could deny such obviousness.