Chapter 1 #2
She had been having an unexpectedly enjoyable time.
She had approached this evening as a necessary, if likely burdensome, first step in ensuring her family’s acceptance here.
What these new neighbours lacked in refinement, however, they made up for in friendliness.
To be made warmly welcome in a new society was something she had not heretofore experienced, and it was surprisingly beguiling.
Furthermore, it could not be said that there was no refinement to be seen.
She had spent a set speaking with the eldest Miss Bennet and Miss Lucas, both of whom were perfectly correct in their manners and able to speak intelligently on the sorts of subjects canvassed by new acquaintances in town.
Both had some experience of the London theatre, and all three of them had heartily agreed that a performance by Kemble was a comprehensive education in the power of stagecraft.
She tentatively dared to hope that this night might be the opening act of a satisfying acquaintance on all sides.
However, she had spent too much time at gatherings in town to mistake the ripple of fresh gossip through a crowded room for anything else.
When the familiar flutter of titillated excitement began to move about the assembly hall, she was seized with the fear that she herself had misstepped—again!
—and positioned herself to overhear the tale with all speed.
That she was not mentioned was cause for less relief than it should have been.
Though it was Mr Darcy’s name on everyone’s lips, her sister and Hurst did not escape censure.
Her brother’s guest, the man upon whom Caroline had until very recently pinned all her hopes for the future, had outrageously insulted Miss Elizabeth Bennet after openly rejecting any opportunity to become acquainted with those present.
In the recounting of this, it was often noted that Mr Hurst was happier to enter into his new neighbours’ offerings of food and drink than into their conversation, and his wife had not even the excuse of keeping her mouth thoroughly occupied with refreshments to mitigate her bare civility when approached.
Caroline gathered what information she could, then deftly extricated her brother from his admirers and convinced him to take a turn about the balcony with her. The chill air was rather unpleasant without a wrap, but ensured that they were quite alone.
“Charles,” she began without delay, “I fear this evening may end with our entire party being spurned due to the behaviour of the others.”
Dear, unsuspecting creature that he was, he had no notion of what she spoke until she explained that Mr Darcy was the talk of the assembly for his poor conduct, and that Hurst’s heedless gluttony and Louisa’s air of superiority were also being canvassed by the company.
“I see,” he murmured with a troubled frown when she had finished. “I thank you for bringing it to my attention, Sister.” Head tilted, he gazed at her curiously. “Though I own I am a little surprised that you have any care for how we are received here.”
That was fair, and yet it stung. She straightened her shoulders and replied evenly, “Charles, a few weeks ago, you asked me to hear you as you explained our family’s position in society.
All I can say is that I did hear you, and I came hither with one purpose—to assist you, by any means within my power, in learning how to become the master of an estate.
Part of that, I apprehend, must be gaining and keeping the approbation of your country neighbours and learning to move comfortably in their society. ”
He beamed at her with real approval, an expression she had not often seen these last several years.
“There she is,” he said in tones of gratitude and esteem.
“There is the Caroline I knew before an obsession with the first circles turned her good sense to bald ambition. I am so very pleased you have come back to me. Now, what are we to do about this blunder of Darcy’s and the poor impression the Hursts are making? ”
She required a moment to compose herself after his heartfelt speech.
When she was capable of speaking sensibly, she replied, “As to the latter, I think there is little we may do. Hurst and Louisa are what they are, and I have nothing in mind which might cause them to behave better this evening. I am entirely shocked by Mr Darcy’s behaviour, however; unsociable he may be, but unmannerly?
I would not have expected anything of the sort.
” She shivered a little as she bent her mind to the problem.
“Have you danced with Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”
“I have not.”
“Secure a set of hers if you can. She is pretty and struck me as amiable, so I expect it shall be no sacrifice on your part,” she added with a smile.
“You and I must be at even greater pains to be agreeable. We will praise the dances, the musicians, the refreshments, and express our pleasure at being so warmly received into their company. Let us hope the rest of our party may get through the remainder of the evening without causing additional offence, and tomorrow I shall speak with Louisa and suggest that she owes it to you to court our new neighbours’ favour.
You must speak with Mr Darcy on the same subject.
If we may arrange things such that, hereafter, Mr Hurst may be seen as the worst of us, I would think we shall get on well enough. ”
“I have no quarrel with your plan,” Charles assented readily. “And you are becoming chilled. Come, let us be about it.” He offered his arm and led her inside.