Chapter 3
Darcy’s stay in Hertfordshire had become almost a torture by the beginning of November, because of his strange and tormenting reaction to Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
He could easily deceive others with his brooding and distant behaviour, as well as with his long silences.
But to himself, he had to admit that he felt more attracted to her than he had been to any other woman before, despite the briefness of their acquaintance.
Why could he not free himself of her image? What was happening to him?
He dreamed of her at night, losing rest. During the day he struggled to keep his distance, while yearning to be near her.
He avoided her favourite paths, but more than once he rode around in the proximity of Longbourn, hoping for a glimpse of her and rejoicing in the small pleasure of being somewhere close to her.
He first thought that her mother’s impropriety and outrageous manners would be enough to keep him safe.
He had met Mrs Bennet and the rest of the family a couple of times, and he had even called briefly with Bingley one day.
Each time, he struggled to be polite and calm and to carry on reasonable conversations for the benefit of everyone involved.
He knew he would not stay long in the county and it was of no use to prolong a conflict with a woman so beneath his station; even more so since she was Elizabeth’s mother.
Mrs Bennet also made some apparent efforts to improve her manners and to show more decorum, but with little success. For Meryton, even for Hertfordshire, she could be considered acceptable, but he would not allow himself to be seen in her company by his family and friends.
Mrs Bennet’s faulty behaviour, together with the awareness of his duty, were strong reasons against his increasing interest in Elizabeth Bennet and they forbade him to think of her in any other way than a charming young woman that would soon be no more than a distant memory.
Any connection between them should and would be unthinkable; and that realisation protected him against his own weakness for a while.
But as the days and nights passed, he realised the danger of the Bennet family, both for himself and for Bingley.
His friend appeared more and more charmed by Miss Jane Bennet, whose perfect beauty would surely challenge the resistance of any strong man.
The rumours–as well as his own observation–indicated to Darcy that his friend was closer and closer to making a decision that might affect his life, and very likely in a painful way.
Despite her impeccable manners and serene countenance, Miss Jane Bennet did not show much affection for Bingley.
She seemed to enjoy his company, but no more than that of any other amiable gentleman with a good income.
Her mother, however, betrayed her resolution to secure a worthy husband for her daughter–and for her entire family.
If such an event eventually occurred, Bingley would be a victim, trapped in an unequal marriage, forced to spend his life loving a woman who would grant him respect and consideration at best, but no more.
Bingley’s sisters also noticed their brother’s inclination and, for the first time, Darcy found himself sharing the same opinion as the two women. That realisation disturbed him and he tried to keep his judgment rational, observing his friend closely and guarding him by any means necessary.
“It appears that the Bennets have a guest. A Mr Collins, their cousin, is visiting,” Bingley told his family at breakfast one morning.
“Well, the house must be full now,” Caroline said. “They surely do not need more visitors.”
“Very likely.”
“And who is this man?” Louisa asked.
“The relative who will inherit Longbourn at Mr Bennet’s death,” Bingley explained.
Louisa rolled her eyes. “That is precisely what the Bennets need. Together with their lack of connections, poor situation in life and presumably meagre dowries, the notion that they will be thrown out of the house in the near future must be disturbing. I imagine the parents would do anything to secure a husband for their daughters. If only they were able to find someone to fall for their charms. In such a situation, a man cannot be too careful.”
“Charles, you should be more thoughtful in your interactions with the Bennets,” Caroline declared. “We were only talking to Mr Darcy the other day about your obvious partiality to Jane Bennet. This might arouse unrealistic expectations and rumours that would only harm the Bennets.”
“I am astonished that you and Darcy talked about me and my partiality behind my back,” Bingley replied with unusual severity. “And I am amazed at how preoccupied you are by what might harm the Bennets.”
“Charles, be reasonable. We know you are very young and easily charmed. We have seen you in love so many times that we are not even surprised. But this is not London; this is a small town, with several country families to whom any special attention might be seen as a marriage proposal.”
“Caroline, I have only met Miss Bennet six times so far and I intend to continue to do so. I enjoy her company and I find her the most beautiful woman I have ever met, with a sweet disposition and a generous character. Any man would be fortunate to gain her affection.”
“Come now, Charles. How can you presume her generosity? You barely know her. She is serene indeed and smiles too much, as even Mr Darcy said. But she does that with everyone while you behave in a special way in her company. Everybody can see that. People might imagine more than exists.”
“What more do you mean, Caroline? Does it not occur to you that I might show exactly what I want to? Do not take me for a fool, or an ignorant child, because I am not as wise or as clever as Darcy. Who, by the way, was rejected by Miss Elizabeth Bennet when he invited her to dance at Lucas Lodge. If the Bennet ladies were so desperate to find a husband, she would never consider refusing any request from Darcy. Is this not true?”
Bingley’s anger increased with every word and his rebuke towards his companion continued. The mention of Elizabeth’s refusal startled Darcy and shocked Bingley’s sisters. Caroline stared at Darcy in disbelief and answered disdainfully.
“Well, even the Bennet women would understand that there is not the slightest chance of Mr Darcy being interested in any of them. I cannot imagine what ridiculous reason Eliza Bennet had to refuse Mr Darcy, just as I cannot comprehend why he would ever ask her to dance with him, even more so at such an insupportable gathering.”
Darcy listened in silence, musing to himself upon the subject, when he noticed four pairs of eyes watching him. The feeling of being scolded displeased him and sharpened his reply.
“If you are waiting for an explanation regarding my invitation to Miss Bennet, I have none other than the usual admiration that induces any man to ask a lady to dance. The reason for her refusal remains a mystery to me too, but I cannot see why anyone would have any interest in such an insignificant matter.”
His words were light, but the tone was severe, attempting to end the conversation. However, Miss Bingley insisted.
“Well, this is the first time I have heard you speaking of admiration in anything related to the Bennets. A few days ago you were as decidedly against Miss Bennet’s beauty as you were against her mother’s wit. You surely remember.”
“I do remember, Miss Bingley. But sometimes, people change their opinions once they know more on a certain subject.”
“Apparently you are right; this is absolutely astonishing to me,” Miss Bingley said contemptuously.
Darcy ceased any further discussion, disconcerted that he had allowed himself to be pulled into the debate. Caroline Bingley’s manner and her embarrassing attempt to gain his attention were difficult to bear on a regular basis; but when discussing Elizabeth Bennet, it was even worse.
He suddenly realised that, as much as he considered that Bingley needed his protection against an unreasonable inclination, he was in much more danger.
If Bingley had met Miss Jane Bennet six times so far, he certainly had met Elizabeth more, and that might arouse some rumours and false expectations in many, including Caroline Bingley.
Perhaps even Elizabeth–which would be a painful situation.
Or her mother–and that would be much worse.
“Very well, Charles, for your sake we will try to find out more about Jane Bennet. After all, she is a sweet girl and could be a pleasant friend. We will ask her to tea tomorrow. You will be out meeting the officers anyway, and that will give us the opportunity to see her in more private circumstances,” Louisa offered.
“True. That will give us enough proof of her true character,” Caroline added. “I shall write to her immediately.”
“How lovely of you. You may invite her but keep in mind that I will judge the matter by myself. I believe it is time for me to behave as a man of three and twenty should.”
Bingley retired from the table soon enough, obviously upset and preoccupied.
Darcy had seen Bingley in love many times, but never so angry and impolite to his sisters.
Of Jane Bennet’s indifference towards Bingley, his opinion remained strong.
But any insistence on the matter might push Bingley even closer to her, if only to contradict his family and friend.
He followed Bingley and caught him in the main hall.
“Do you need company?”
Bingley glared at him. “I am going for a ride. You may join me if you wish.”
“Only if you are desirous of my presence.”
Bingley shuddered.
“As you like. I used to like talking to you, but I would rather you not treat me as a silly young boy. Especially in matters where you do not seem to excel. I have never seen you in love, nor have I noticed any inclination towards a young lady, although many of them appear to be partial to you. Perhaps you are not such a good judge of people’s feelings. ”