Chapter 6
As Sir William turned all his attention towards the most important guests, Elizabeth saw Mr Darcy send another glare at Wickham, then move in the opposite direction from him.
To her surprise, he stopped in the proximity of her father.
She was uncertain if it was on purpose or a mere coincidence.
Her father greeted him; he appeared startled, but quickly recovered to bow to him.
They exchanged a few words, until Mr Bingley and Sir William joined them.
Elizabeth looked at Wickham and caught his eye.
His countenance had completely changed in the few minutes since Darcy had entered.
He tried to smile, but it was more of a grimace that twisted his lips.
Elizabeth watched him with increased curiosity and puzzlement.
The short meeting had surely affected both Wickham and Darcy enough to ruin their dispositions.
They were obviously well-acquainted but not cordial to each other.
What could they have in common? In what way were they connected?
She had barely met the man an hour earlier and did not dare enquire further.
He too seemed willing to approach her but hesitant to do so.
From across the room, Darcy’s gaze was burning her face with its dark intensity and she wondered if he was looking at her or at Wickham, who was standing behind her.
Even from such a distance, she could feel the discontent that distorted his usually handsome face.
Immediately she felt herself blushing. Why on earth had she called his face ‘handsome’?
Even to herself it sounded silly. Not because it was not true, but because his unpleasant manners obscured any agreeable aspect of his features.
“Lizzy, did you see?” her mother unexpectedly whispered in her ear, grasping her arm.
“What is it, Mama?” She whispered back, startled.
“Mr Bingley went straight to your father! And Mr Darcy too! Is this not a sign that he intends to propose to Jane? Perhaps he is trying to befriend Mr Bennet, to ensure his success?”
Elizabeth breathed deeply to calm herself. “Mama, I do not think that is the reason. And please let us not speculate more; it will only distress Jane.”
“I will not speculate, except to you. I do not want to trouble Jane. She must keep her serene beauty and her light expression. Men like women with a sweet disposition.”
Elizabeth did not reply, as Mr Wickham and Lieutenant Denny were only a few feet away.
“I am sure I am right, Lizzy. Why else would they go to your father?”
“Mama, I believe both Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy enjoy Papa’s company and I know the feeling is mutual. I would not be surprised if Mr Bingley mingles with other guests, but Papa and Mr Darcy will stay in the corner to speak of books. I think they rejoice in their common dislike of this party.”
“Well, I will tell your father to be prudent in what he says to Mr Darcy. That man is rather frightening at times, and we do not want to upset him, at least not until Mr Bingley proposes. Did you see how he looked at all of us the moment he entered? Mr Darcy, I mean. So much disdain! I wonder what was on his mind–he would likely make all of us disappear if he could!” Mrs Bennet continued in a low voice.
“Mama, I am sure you are mistaken. Mr Darcy had no reason to look at us with disdain. If that was the case, he would not have come tonight–just like Mr Bingley’s sisters. He might be in a poor disposition, that is all. And look–he seems engaged in a conversation with Papa.”
“Indeed. Then again, your father has a favourable opinion of him. And we must admit that Mr Bennet is a good judge of character. So perhaps Mr Darcy is not as bad as we think. Oh dear God–look! Mr Bingley is moving towards Jane. Praise the Lord! If only someone would play something so they can dance. But they are talking–how lovely! Oh, for Heaven’s sake, why is Sir William bothering them? ”
Mrs Bennet’s nervousness increased, then mixed with contentment and anticipation while she mingled with the other guests.
Things appeared to settle down: Mr Darcy remained in the corner, with Mr Bennet, while Mr Wickham retired to the opposite side of the room, talking privately with his fellow officers.
Several glares were exchanged between Mr Darcy and Mr Wickham, but nobody seemed to notice except Elizabeth. The party grew more animated, joyful voices and laughter filled the room. Whatever tension might have existed between the two young men remained unknown to the others.
Mr Bingley seemed determined to spend his time in Jane’s company, giving Mrs Bennet the greatest satisfaction.
His admiration for the beautiful Miss Bennet was openly displayed and easily read by everyone.
The evening went better than she had hoped, and Mrs Bennet could not remember when she had last been so happy.
But then tragedy struck: less than half an hour after his arrival, Mr Darcy had a private conversation with Mr Bingley, then he excused himself to Sir William and Lady Lucas, and left.
On his way out, he sent a dark look towards Elizabeth, who caught it briefly.
His glance stirred her nervousness and chills ran along her skin.
She sensed that he wished to tell her something, but no words had been exchanged and she knew him too little to read his silence.
Mr Bingley remained only long enough to take his farewell; minutes later, he followed his friend, leaving the other guests completely puzzled and the Bennet ladies deeply disappointed.
Immediately, rumours and speculation filled the room.
What could have possibly induced the two gentlemen to leave so abruptly?
Mr Bingley’s sisters did not attend. Was it something related to them?
But the decision came from Mr Darcy–that was beyond a doubt.
Had he received some unexpected news? Very unlikely, since no stranger and no letter had arrived.
Being a small party among old acquaintances, the astonishment was openly expressed, and questions without answers shared.
In the middle of the din, Mrs Bennet played an important role.
Along with Mrs Phillips and Lady Lucas, she debated all the possible scenarios.
She was relieved that both her companions agreed with her regarding Mr Bingley’s admiration for Jane. Anything else was bearable.
Jane looked as demure as usual, but the slight shadow in her eyes did not go unnoticed by those who knew her well.
She sat with Elizabeth against the wall, with a cup of tea.
The looks filled with questions, doubts, speculation and even pity were annoying.
Elizabeth would have gladly returned home, taking Jane with her, as the party was ruined for them anyway.
Lydia and Kitty, however, were in excellent spirits.
They spoke and laughed loudly with other girls as well as some officers.
Mr Wickham was also one of those whose spirits rose immediately after the two gentlemen’s departure.
Elizabeth watched him attentively. The previous tension had all vanished from his expression and his large smile and conversational skills quickly charmed his audience again.
Now, she had no doubt that something of great importance had occurred between their new charming acquaintance–the town’s new favourite–and Mr Darcy.
Something so grave that it did not allow Mr Darcy to even be in the same room as Mr Wickham, but did not permit him to make a direct confrontation either.
He chose to leave; was this proof of faulty behaviour, of an unreasonable disdain, or of some painful recollections?
“Lizzy, I cannot imagine what might have happened,” Jane whispered.
“Mr Bingley showed no intention of leaving so soon, but I believe he did not want to abandon his friend. Mr Darcy must have had a real problem…I hope he is not ill…Mr Bingley’s gesture of returning home with him was very generous. Would you not agree?”
“I do agree, Jane.”
“People are asking me why Mr Bingley left but I truly have no answer or explanation.”
“How could you know that? This is ridiculous! The gentlemen left the party. Is it a tragedy? Should we cry in despair? Should we mourn over their absence?”
“No…but I can understand that our neighbours are curious…”
“I am curious too, Jane. But it is of little consequence. No matter the reason for their decision, the gentlemen are allowed to do as they please.”
“Indeed. But if they came and then left, it must be something that occurred here, at the party. If Mr Darcy were opposed to this evening, he would not have come at all.”
“True. Dearest, it is difficult to make sense of all this. But whatever Mr Darcy’s reason might have been, I am sure it is in no way related to you,” Elizabeth tried to calm her sister.
“Indeed it is not, I can assure you of that,” Wickham unexpectedly interjected, startling both sisters. Jane paled, then her cheeks coloured with embarrassment while Elizabeth tossed him an enquiring look.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, I beg your pardon. I am terribly sorry that I unwittingly heard some of your conversation. But I am happy to be able to put you at ease. I am the reason why Darcy left so unexpectedly. He cannot stand to be in the same room as me.” Wickham’s tone was kind, even caring and Jane blushed even more at his obvious attempt to dissipate her so intimate fears.
Wickham’s interference and his sudden confession disturbed both sisters.
Jane was distressed and slightly ashamed while Elizabeth felt suddenly irritated.
How much of their conversation had Wickham heard and why was he standing so close to them?
Even if he had overheard them by mistake, a gentleman should have departed immediately without acknowledging his error and furthermore should never interrupt such a private conversation.
However, Elizabeth’s curiosity was stronger than her annoyance.