Chapter 2 #3
“You might laugh, but one could not dream of a better husband than Mr Darcy. He is rich, well educated and has an excellent situation in life. My father said Mr Darcy’s estate in Derbyshire is among the most beautiful in the country.
And he is very handsome, indeed one of the most handsome men I have seen.
I believe all these things somehow give him the right to be proud and aloof.
Any woman would be happy to know him better, would you not agree? ”
“Not quite,” Elizabeth laughed. “Despite his perfection in appearance, situation, education, and estate I shall gladly give up my chance to a better acquaintance. The little I know about him so far is more than enough for me. And I could readily accept his pride if he had not wounded mine.”
“I understand that you cannot forget his rudeness, but hopefully you will see more of him and he will improve his manners towards you. After all, his friend may be in the company of your family rather often.”
“True; but I trust Mr Darcy and I will find the means to avoid each other, to the advantage of both.”
∞∞∞
Contrary to Elizabeth’s hopes, Mr Darcy did not leave the county.
She met him again in Meryton, while he was with Mr Bingley and she was with her sisters.
Mr Bingley’s amiability seemed contagious, as his friend‘s manners appeared slightly softened.
Mr Darcy greeted them, his glance lingering a moment longer upon Elizabeth.
He then remained silent while his friend carried the conversation.
However, his posture and countenance were not as severe and disdainful as they had been during the assembly, and Elizabeth amused herself by wondering in silence if he ever behaved better than that.
Furthermore, they spent an evening at Lucas Lodge, at a party hosted by Sir William. It was another chance for Mr Darcy to make everyone uncomfortable, especially herself, as his stare seemed to never leave her.
While Jane was engaged in conversation with Mr Bingley, Elizabeth enjoyed the company of her good friend, Charlotte Lucas.
“I wonder what Mr Darcy means by listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster.”
“That is a question which only Mr Darcy can answer," Charlotte replied. “But I did notice he seemed to watch you with special attention.”
“I should let him know that I see what he is about before I start growing afraid of him. He has a very critical eye, and his severity gives me shivers.”
“I dare you to do that,” Charlotte jested. “How can you possibly mention such a matter to him?”
“Well, just like that,” Elizabeth said, as Mr Darcy again approached them silently.
“Mr Darcy, do you think I expressed myself well enough when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?”
Both Darcy and Charlotte were surprised by her query. The former responded lightly, “With great energy; but it is a subject which always makes a lady energetic.”
“You are severe on us. However, you must admit that some gentlemen are energetic about balls too.”
“I would readily admit it.”
“But not you, I presume.”
“No, indeed.”
“I find dancing a charming amusement for young people,” Mrs Bennet declared, as she approached with Sir William and Lady Lucas.
“I agree,” Sir William added with self-confidence. “There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished societies. Would you not agree, Mr Darcy?”
“Only partially, sir; it also has the advantage of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance.”
His words were on the edge of politeness, but his severe tone stepped over it.
Mrs Bennet narrowed her eyes in reproach.
“Well, every savage can eat too, and still we do not avoid eating for this reason. Quite the contrary. I assume you have a good chef, Mr Darcy. Am I wrong?”
Startled, Darcy could form no reply, although Mrs Bennet stared at him, demanding one.
Elizabeth felt equally embarrassed and amused, while Sir William watched with apparent panic, fearful that the gentleman might get upset.
At that very moment, Mary started to play the pianoforte and several couples–Mr Bingley and Jane amongst them–began to dance.
“Mr Bingley performs delightfully. If only all the gentlemen would follow his example,” Mrs Bennet continued reproachfully.
“Mr Darcy is adept in the art, too. I saw him dancing at the Meryton Assembly and received no inconsiderable pleasure from the sight,” Sir William declared.
“I know he danced once or twice, but it was so quick that I had no time to notice,” Mrs Bennet replied, as though Darcy were absent. Sir William turned to him, to soften the rebuke.
“I presume you dance often at St. James's, Mr Darcy?”
“Never, sir.”
“Do you not think it would be a proper compliment to the place?”
“It is a compliment which I never pay to any place if I can avoid it.”
“Well, we are relieved to know that at least it is not only our company that displeases you and you give the same treatment to every place you visit,” Mrs Bennet concluded, much to the others’ astonishment.
Elizabeth searched for a reason to take her mother away from Mr Darcy, when she was startled by the gentleman’s incredible request.
“Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of dancing with me?”
She stared at him in disbelief. “Dance with you? Here? Now? You just declared your dislike for such activities.”
He forced a smile.
“I hope this will be an experience to change my opinion.”
She laughed. “I doubt that very much. I am afraid it would only worsen your discontent and I would rather not take the risk. But I thank you for the invitation, sir.”
“Come, Miss Bennet,” Sir William interjected. “You excel so much in the dance that it is cruel to deny me the happiness of seeing you; and though Mr Darcy dislikes the amusement in general, he is ready to oblige us for one half-hour.”
“Mr Darcy is all politeness,” said Elizabeth, smiling. “And yet, I have to persist in my refusal. Please excuse me, I am going to find Charlotte.”
Elizabeth looked at Mr Darcy archly, then turned away.
Mrs Bennet shuddered. “I told you she would never dance with you, did I not? On the other hand, with such an attitude, she will not get married anytime soon. I must speak to her,” she declared, leaving abruptly.
Darcy and Sir William looked at each other, both wondering what had just happened. Sir William found a new subject of conversation about houses in town, but Darcy’s interest had long abandoned him, following Elizabeth across the room.
The second Miss Bennet was certainly the most intriguing woman he had ever met and he regretted that she refused to dance with him. But her resistance did not offend him; he thought of her with increasing curiosity while considering when he might be able to see her again.
∞∞∞
On two other mornings, Elizabeth was stunned to encounter Mr Darcy in more private circumstances, on the road towards Oakham Mount.
This puzzled her exceedingly. Since from the very first time she had mentioned to him that it was her favourite path and that she used to walk there quite often, she imagined he would avoid that place diligently.
Little did she know that avoiding her was the last thing Darcy intended. His interest in her increased with each new meeting, while he discovered more to be admired in her and became slowly enchanted by her uncommonly pleasing figure and the beautiful expression of her dark eyes.
Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge she was more charming than any other woman he had met.
And, in spite of his assertion that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness.
He began to wish to know more of her, so he searched for any opportunity to be in her company, to speak to her, or to listen to her conversing with others.
Elizabeth was perfectly unaware of all this. To her, he was only the man who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with and made himself agreeable nowhere. Especially on solitary encounters, when he was disturbing her peaceful walks.
“Mr Darcy, how are you finding our county? You seem partial to riding these grounds, but you should not neglect other areas. There are many beauties to be discovered,” she told him at their third chance meeting.
“I am sure there are, and I am determined not to neglect them. But for now I am rather enchanted by the view from this hill,” he answered, and as proper as his words were, his voice stirred Elizabeth.
She felt silly for her reaction and was torn between leaving and continuing the unpleasant conversation.
“I noticed a small cottage in the wood, by the pond,” Darcy said. “It looks old and in a rather poor condition. Does anyone live there?”
“Oh, the Talbot cottage. My grandfather’s cousin used to stay there for several months every year from spring to winter. He was very fond of nature and solitude,” Elizabeth explained.
“I see. I imagine it is empty now.”
Elizabeth could not understand his interest in prolonging a discussion which could give no pleasure to either of them.
“Yes. We use it rarely when my cousins and my uncle wish to go fishing.”
“I see,” he repeated. “I imagine there are not many fish in the bog,” he attempted to joke and she was surprised.
“No, not many. But the company and pleasant time with family is more important.”
“I cannot argue with that. Thank you for the kind explanation. It is lovely to have someone willing to share the little secrets of a new area.”
She felt disconcerted by his friendly voice again.
“I am glad to be of use. Mr Bingley does not join you on your morning rides?”
“Bingley is not as fond of waking early as I am. What about your sisters? Do you always walk so far from the house alone?”
“Not always, but quite often.”
“It might be dangerous for a young lady to venture such a significant distance by herself,” he said in earnest.
She laughed. “You are very considerate, sir, but there is no reason for such concern. I know these grounds as well as my own room; I am perfectly safe, especially with the regiment that resides in Meryton.”
“You are a brave lady,” he smiled. “I am sure you do not need the militia to protect you.”
She startled at such a joke, and especially at his playful tone. A shiver troubled her while she stared at the dimples brought to his cheeks by his twisted smile. His amiability was so unusual that she became slightly uneasy in his presence.
“Indeed I do not. However, it is almost breakfast time, I must return home.”
“May I accompany you back to Longbourn?” he asked, and she was surprised again.
“That would be unwise, sir. If someone sees us wandering alone through the woods, this might be considered a highly improper and compromising situation. We might be forced to marry to stop the gossip and I am certain neither of us wants that. Have a lovely day, Mr Darcy.”
She turned and almost ran without looking back. If she had, she would have seen Darcy watching her for a long while. She reached the Longbourn gate while he was still meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.