Chapter 2 #2
The slight was keenly felt. Her surprise was complete when, out of all the men and women in the assembly room, only Charlotte Lucas would meet her gaze. The younger woman raised her brow, a reminder to Mrs. Bennet that it was her province to decide what should be done.
Certain it was not so bad as she imagined, Mrs. Bennet again located her youngest daughter.
It was done with ease, for Lydia’s laughter carried beyond the dance floor.
In contrast, the expression on the gentleman she danced with was a thundercloud.
As these realizations became understandings, Mrs. Bennet's breathing became shallow and rapid.
She startled when Charlotte took her arm.
“You must calm yourself, Mrs. Bennet. Do not even think about feigning another spell. It would be equal to the exhibition Lydia makes. If you do not take the trouble to check her, you shall be the material impediment to Jane’s securing a good match,” Charlotte said, walking Mrs. Bennet to an open window.
“Me?”
“I am considered on the shelf, one who has friends both my mother’s age and those younger, such as your daughters.
You must have at least some understanding of why I hope the best for them,” Charlotte said once they stood before a window, their backs to the room.
“My mother drove away my one suitor by behaving in an overbearing manner, telling us how we should act, how perfect a couple we were. After such a lesson, she takes great pains to ensure she does not do the same to Maria.”
“You suggest I am an obstacle? I do everything I can to help them gain husbands,” Mrs. Bennet said, her volume increasing to match her indignation.
“Jane’s suitor some five years ago? Though undesired by her, it was not Jane he ran from.
She is the very ideal the vast majority of men seek, for she is quiet and obliging.
You have long been your daughters’ greatest disadvantage.
Lydia is now your equal in this. She will soon plunge your family into ruin.
No one here doubts this. Distance is better done sooner, so she cannot taint any beyond your family when it happens. ”
“It cannot be true.” Mrs. Bennet dabbed at her eyes.
Having exclaimed many times how Lydia was so similar to herself when she had come out, Mrs. Bennet was all the more upset to hear this from someone who had known her the whole of her tenure as the mistress of Longbourn.
The first neighbors she had served tea to, Lady Lucas and Charlotte.
To hear this now from a girl she had seen mature was a most humiliating circumstance.
“When she does ruin your family’s reputation, I will take comfort in knowing I attempted to assist my dearest friends by saying what they have oft repeated to you, but from a friend rather than a daughter.
I had hoped our conversation might force you to consider the ramifications of allowing Lydia to go about unchecked.
My concern with respect to your other daughters is genuine, and my interference was done with the best of intentions,” Charlotte said, then walked away.
Darcy Speaks with Miss Elizabeth
“What else occupies your time when you are not reading, Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy said that when they began a second set, trivialities had already been explored.
“Walking. One can usually find me on Oakham Mount on most mornings, unless it rains. I take my exercise while the sun rises or sets to relish the magic of nature.”
“How far is Netherfield Park from your home, Miss Elizabeth? And in what direction might this magical place called Oakham Mount be found? I, too, prefer to exercise in the early morning.”
“Netherfield is three miles by field or bridle trail. And Oakham Mount is between Netherfield Park and Longbourn. The hill can be seen from the end of the drive to Netherfield.”
“And would you welcome the company of a new acquaintance, should we both find ourselves there amidst our morning excursions?”
“I would. The kind of friend who does not anticipate a proposal after a single night’s acquaintance,” Miss Elizabeth said.
“Ha, I was uncertain you understood my character. I am a great bore who is a great boar when confined, in particular if there are three days together,” Darcy quipped. His chest puffed up a little when Elizabeth laughed.
“A frustration we both know.”
“Before we separate, I would explain the truth of the betrothal I spoke of. I am not beholden to my aunt’s wishes, though she desires the match.
No binding agreement was ever made. My father’s final letter assured me that our parents intend that my sister and I choose who we will marry.
” They cast away from each other and then back again before Darcy continued.
“I overheard you saying you and your sister wish for matches of affection. I, too, want a match of great esteem, one both fulfilling and rewarding as was their own. My younger sister charges me with finding a wife soon. You think your mother is demanding? Georgiana is twice as intimidating.”
“My mother should not be made aware of this, sir. You would find her a veritable dragon when attempting to match you with one of us without reference to your wishes.”
“I adhere to the belief that disguise of any sort is to be avoided. However, I will cede to your request, provided it does not harm the reputation of my cousin, Anne de Bourgh, in Kent or mine. I tire of hearing my aunt’s expectations every Easter when I visit Rosings Park.
But I refuse to be trapped by either my aunt or Miss Bingley in a loveless marriage. ”
“Miss Bingley?”
Darcy pressed his lips into a tight line.
“I believe any wife of yours will know great fortune in having the sort of husband who would come to her aid when she must deal with such a tiresome mother.” The lady colored prettily when she grasped what she said. “Oh! I mean—”
“Please. If you speak of what I said to your mother, do not distress yourself.”
“By all you have shared of her, sir, your sister is more like Jane than I thought. Uncle Gardiner is my mother’s brother. She and their sister Hattie, who is married to Mr. Philips, are as dissimilar to him as any brother and sister might be.”
“You have the right of it, if your uncle’s description of Miss Bennet is accurate. I believe both could use a bit of your courage, which he assures me always rises with every attempt to intimidate.”
“I blush at such a compliment and must remember to thank my uncle. It is my turn to ask a question. My uncle describes you as serious and reticent, yet I see none of that this evening beyond our initial introduction. You will forgive my impudence, I trust, for he speaks very highly of you and Mr. Bingley. I believe he hopes Jane and your friend suit. By his account, they are two souls equal in their goodness. And, I suppose, a beloved uncle must make at least one attempt at matchmaking for his favorite nieces.”
“True, for what other purpose might uncles exist? I suspect you are correct. Gardiner suggested Bingley lease Netherfield through his brother-in-law Mr. Philips.”
The dance separated them for a short time, then Miss Elizabeth was at his side again.
“And how is it you are caught in the scheme? Is not London flooded by those returning from the country? I should think you have more invitations than you have evenings.”
Darcy did not agree and was agitated that anyone might know of his business dealings.
“I think you terrorized Maria with that glower, sir.” She glanced at her young friend.
“Be not alarmed, sir, none but I know you are in business with them, and my uncle told me quite by accident. Your secret is safe, and I admire your understanding that trade is a necessity of any economy. One day, I hope to purchase one of those beautiful treasure boxes from Bingley Woodworks.”
“I thank you for your discretion. Yes, I do know your uncle quite well, Miss Elizabeth. I find the Gardiners to be amongst the best of company in Town.”
“We are very fond of them,” Miss Elizabeth said, before the girl Miss Elizabeth had called Maria stood next to him.
The shy girl would not look at him, making Darcy all the more relieved when Miss Elizabeth returned to converse.
“The only company I prefer above theirs is that of my cousin Richard, a colonel in the regiment. I hope he will soon be on home shores. And Bingley. Your aunt spent much of her youth in Lambton. My estate, Pemberley, is but five miles from Lambton in Derbyshire.”
“She has the fondest memories of Lambton. I admit that when I was told of a Mr. Darcy who allowed them to stay at Pemberley when they were unable to travel so far as the Lakes, I pictured you much older,” Miss Elizabeth said playfully.
“You pictured me a miser?”
“Given your accomplishments and being so welcoming of those in trade, unlike many of the higher circles, you cannot blame me. My aunt has often spoken of how dearly she loves the grounds surrounding Pemberley. Yes, I presumed with such an enlightened view, you must be quite far along in your dotage.”
“In that light, you made very reasonable presumptions and suppositions. Their visit brought me great pleasure. My sister and I often find our home filled with a silence many only know in their waning years. But the manor is vast, so there is some excuse with but the two of us. Your sister Mary knows of my acquaintance with your aunt and uncle?”
“She is aware you and Mr. Bingley are acquainted with them.”
“And she enjoys playing the pianoforte? My sister is like-minded.”
When the dance ended, he bowed and she curtseyed, one to the other.
“Music is the best place to start. When she knows you, she will employ her dry wit,” Elizabeth said while he guided her toward her sisters.
“And Miss Lucas? What are her interests?”
“You will not need to make much of an effort. Charlotte will have her questions prepared and begin an inquisition of you, Mr. Darcy.”
Her words were so unexpected that he found himself laughing when they joined Miss Bennet, Miss Mary, and Miss Lucas. Miss Mary’s amusement transformed her features, sharing a look with Miss Elizabeth while resting her hand on his offered arm.
“Lead the way, Prince Charming, for surely you are he. Did you tire of Sleeping Beauty already? It has been but a mere century, sir,” Mary said archly.
The laughter shared amongst their grouping drew the attention of all throughout the hall.
“I learnt too late she was rather a snore, Miss Mary. I am pleased to have found myself in a shire full of damsels who are, at least, awake,” Darcy said, gladdened by the gaining of her laugh in turn while they joined those already in line.