Chapter 21 Insulting #3
"It was not quite what I expected. Of course, I knew it was not a novel or something similar.
I simply expected more of a narrative, if you will.
In many ways, the book came across like the random thoughts one would put in a private journal.
The information presented was interesting but not exactly organized. "
"That was my impression as well. Do you regret the purchase?" he asked. He had to wait for a response while they tended to the steps of the dance.
As they entered another pause, she said, "I do not regret either the purchase or the time spent reading the book. As I said, it was interesting and provided a good insight into the flora, fauna and history of the author's home neighborhood."
They discussed some of the specifics of the book for a time, comparing their impressions.
Darcy was impressed by her thoughtful responses and considered it the most interesting conversation he had ever had on a dance floor.
As the second dance of the set was called, he decided to turn the topic a little, despite knowing that their conversation would be more frequently broken up by the needs of the new dance, which was livelier than the first in the set.
"If I may ask, what else did you find to read on the way?"
"One of the books I purchased was a novel.
I will admit to reading them on occasion and they are especially good for travel.
Since they rarely require deep thought, they can be easily put down during stops, or when one wishes to enjoy the scenery or conversation with others, without the experience of the story suffering much.
I also brought a book on philosophy, but it required too much attention, and I put it away for later. "
"Do you often read philosophy?" he asked in surprise.
"I have a strong interest in all branches of learning, and my father taught me a great deal. Those subjects rarely come up in ballroom conversation, however."
The subject dropped as they were separated for a time by the dance. When they came back together, he started a new subject.
"That is a very interesting pendant you are wearing. The workmanship is exquisite. I have never seen anything like it."
She smiled as she replied, "The necklace and earbobs are a treasured gift. I wear them on nearly all formal occasions. The shield reminds me of all the people who care for my well-being and wish to shield me from harm. As for the roses -well, I have a special fondness for roses."
"They suit you very well."
She dipped her head slightly in acknowledgment of the compliment even as they were separated by the movements of the dance again. He had no idea what else to say when they were next together, but this time it was Miss Elizabeth who spoke.
"I have heard Pemberley is a very lovely estate, with fine gardens and sections of old forest. Is that true?"
"I think it is the loveliest place in all Derbyshire," he replied, "and perhaps in all of England. Of course, I am biased. When I was younger, I used to spend hours walking or riding around the estate. I still would if the work of managing it did not require so much of my time."
"Yes, often we must place duty before pleasure. When you have the opportunity to enjoy the estate, what is your preference?"
He smiled, "Ah, that is when I get on my horse and take a good, long gallop.
I have trail I particularly enjoy riding along.
It takes me through the woods and around the park, along the river and by the lake.
I get a little bit of everything. Usually, though, I am confined to after-dinner walks in the formal gardens with my sister.
We amble down the paths for fifteen or twenty minutes, enjoying the evening air. "
"How old is your sister?"
"Just fourteen, although sometimes she seems younger as she is very shy. She has been at school but is not very happy there. I decided to bring her home and provide her with a governess again. I know from my own experience how difficult school can be."
They parted again. The next time they came together marked the final measures of the dance.
As they finished and prepared to move off the floor, Darcy was about to request an introduction to her party so he could invite them to come visit Pemberley, allowing her to meet his sister and enjoy the grounds.
Before he could speak, his attention was caught by the sight of Sir Barnaby and Miss Jane Bennet finishing the dance together in another set of dancers.
This must be the second time they had partnered in a dance, which meant Sir Barnaby was definitely serious about pursuing her. All his aunt's warnings about the Bennets rang through Darcy's mind. Should he say something?
His preoccupation must have shown in his expression, for Miss Elizabeth asked, "Has something disturbed you, Mr. Darcy? You have gone very silent and seem to be glaring at something across the room."
He shook his head almost imperceptibly but could not shake his unease.
"I saw something that made me wonder if I have a duty to step in or speak up.
The gentleman in the primrose waistcoat who is escorting the blonde woman in the periwinkle gown to the chairs off to the left is an acquaintance of mine.
" He gestured in the correct direction with his head and glance.
"Of what would you have to speak?" she asked. Darcy thought he might have heard a touch of sharpness in her voice, but he could not be certain.
"I believe that is the second time he has danced this evening with that particular woman, who I have learned is Miss Jane Bennet.
Her next younger sister is goddaughter to my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
My aunt has said that the Bennet sisters are fortune-hunters of the worst kind, whose brash behavior precludes any man of their neighborhood from offering for them.
She is ashamed of her own link to the family and believes the connection would bring any man's consequence down.
Of course, Sir Barnaby is his own man, and I am sure he knows what to watch out for.
However, he is also a kind gentleman who might be blinded by a pretty face.
I would hate to see him taken in by an artful schemer if a word from me could have alerted him to danger. "
Miss Elizabeth's lovely eyes had gone cold, and Darcy saw shock in her expression.
Of course, someone as well-bred as she would be upset at the thought of a good man being preyed upon.
She would never act in such a manner, he was sure.
Thinking he had her support decided him on the matter.
Oblivious to all the people moving around him, he stared at the couple by the chairs, considering how he might broach the subject with Sir Barnaby.
Resolving that the direct approach would be best, he turned back to offer his arm to Miss Elizabeth and escort her to the side. To his surprise, she was gone.
Darcy looked frantically around but saw no sign of her. Men and women of all description moved around the room, but one lovely woman was nowhere to be seen.
He had lost her again!