Chapter 1.8
He bowed politely to everyone in attendance and took his seat while asking for a glass of wine. Elizabeth turned her head to him and dared to lift her eyes to meet his.
“This is indeed a surprise, Mr Darcy.”
“Yes, it is; and a very fortunate one, I might add.”
She raised her brow at him questioningly, but he kept his usual countenance, exchanged a quick glance with Mr Bingley, smiled politely at her, and then turned his attention to his plate.
Elizabeth gradually succeeded in regaining her composure. She was acutely aware of Mr Darcy’s closeness, and initially every move he made seemed to be intentionally in her direction. She startled each time, afraid that he might touch her hand or lean closer to her.
But of course, Mr Darcy did none of those things. They were at the table under the scrutiny of many eyes, and he could not possibly do anything to precipitate gossip about them. His responsibility and sense of protection over her were as strong as his tender feelings.
If not for some light conversation and tentative smiles between them and their previous dance together, everyone at the table would have been of the opinion that Mr Darcy’s behaviour towards Elizabeth was the same as ever, if perhaps more polite.
Even Mr Bennet, monitoring them closely at the sight of their being seated together—and certain that this could not have been a coincidence—found nothing wanting in Mr Darcy’s proper behaviour.
The first course was served, and while they enjoyed the meal, a light and agreeable conversation ensued.
On the other side of Darcy was Miss Charlotte Lucas, a very pleasant companion even for Darcy; unfortunately, near her was situated Mr Collins, grateful for the good fortune of being so close to both Lady Catherine’s nephew and such a charming young lady as Miss Lucas.
Darcy was at least content that Wickham was too far away to address Elizabeth directly.
He was paying diligent attention to his plate of food while listening to Elizabeth talk with her sister and her friend.
Sir William began a detailed story of his presentation at the Court of St James’s, and Darcy was sure the display was mostly for him.
As proof of this, Sir William asked a moment later whether Darcy went often to St James’s and how he enjoyed life in town.
He also pointed out to Darcy that he also would have liked a house in town but was not sure this would be good for Lady Lucas’s health.
As much as Darcy’s mood might have changed in the last days, he was not a social person and did not want to be engaged in such a conversation with Sir.
William. In truth, he did not want to be involved in any kind of conversation except with Elizabeth and perhaps a few other people in the room.
Still, he tried to give a neutral answer, saying he did not spend much time in town.
“And when I am in town, I do not attend many social events,” he added as politely as possible.
“That is true,” agreed Bingley. “We can hardly convince him to leave his house, and if he does leave, it is only to go to the theatre or the opera.”
“We also enjoy going to the theatre when we are in town visiting our aunt and uncle,” said Jane in a low voice, trying to join Mr Bingley in the conversation. “And they always gave us so much joy by taking us to the new plays or other important events.”
“Yes,” added Elizabeth, eager to encourage a topic in which Darcy would be comfortable participating, “but unfortunately we are rarely in town and miss the many wonderful spectacles I should very much like to see.”
“Well then, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, if I should happen to be in town, I should be more than happy to escort you to the theatre or to any other event you wish to attend,” offered Bingley charmingly.
“Thank you, sir,” was Jane’s shy answer—actually more of a whisper.
“Indeed, Mr Bingley,” Mrs Bennet intervened, “we all thank you. We are more than grateful to you. Do you happen to have a box of your own?”
“No, Mrs Bennet, but Darcy has one, and I am sure he will oblige us.”
“Of course, Mrs Bennet, I should be delighted to have you as my guests when you are next in town,” offered Darcy politely, but he could not help picturing himself with the noisy Bennet family in his box.
Well, if Elizabeth and I can be in some other place, I should not mind.
“Oh, Mr Darcy, that is very gentlemanlike of you too, sir,” exclaimed Mrs Bennet enthusiastically enough to be noticed by the whole room.
The discussion continued about the subject of art with little input from Darcy—who was only too happy to be close to Elizabeth—until they both startled at the sound of Mr Wickham’s loud voice, which drew the attention of all those around him.
“Miss Elizabeth, as you are so fond of theatre and have missed so many plays, you should ask Mr Darcy for more details about this pastime. I have heard that he is a great expert on the subject, although I am not quite sure that you both would share the same tastes.”
Darcy nearly choked on his food. He remained stunned for a few moments, unable to decide whether he should respond or merely strangle Wickham that instant. He was inclined to do the latter, but before he could react, he heard Elizabeth answer sharply though she smiled charmingly.
“Thank you very much for your advice and concern regarding my improvement, Mr Wickham. I shall do that, and I only hope that Mr Darcy can spare the time to answer my questions.” Having said that, she turned to Darcy and waited for his answer.
“I shall be more than happy to do so, Miss Elizabeth. And, after having the pleasure of talking to you earlier, I can safely say that indeed we do share the same tastes regarding art and culture.”
Not for a second did Darcy look in Wickham’s direction, although he could feel his impertinent gaze. He swallowed more wine, trying to calm himself, and Elizabeth’s composure gave him a little comfort. She seemed quite relaxed and smiled at him. Darcy was content to see her pleased.
But Elizabeth was neither calm nor relaxed.
In fact, she was full of rage in the face of Mr Wickham’s new proof of unworthiness and ungentlemanlike behaviour towards her by his insistence upon a subject she had told him specifically she did not wish to discuss.
He was offending not only Mr Darcy—who was the primary target of his attack—but also herself by broaching such an outrageous subject, which no gentleman should discuss in front of a lady.
She was also bothered by Mr Darcy’s reaction, which only confirmed that her suspicions were correct and that perhaps some truth did exist in Mr Wickham’s story.
Nevertheless, considering the difference between what he had told her about his relationship with Mr Darcy and what was actually true, she drew the conclusion that Mr Wickham once more was trying to transform the situation into a villainous attack on Mr Darcy.
With these thoughts in mind, she managed to maintain her good spirits, deciding to enjoy the remains of the evening and the pleasant company around her.
She smiled at Mr Darcy and tried to look as serene as possible.
Mr Bennet watched the entire exchange and the reactions of the three participants.
He began to wonder what it was about, but stopped after only a few moments, conceding that he really was not interested.
What if, heaven forbid, there is another story?
! I do not want to hear another one! Two stories in one night—and a ball—are much more than I can bear!
He took a gulp of wine and began to scrutinise Mr Wickham more carefully.
Mr Bennet did not give much consideration to Mr Wickham’s behaviour towards Mr Darcy—that was Mr Darcy’s business to take care of—but that man had constantly been upsetting his Lizzy lately.
That was his problem, and Mr Bennet suddenly decided that some inquiries over the next days about Mr Wickham—in town and in the regiment—were in order.
∞∞∞
As supper progressed, Elizabeth grew more uneasy and less capable of enjoying herself; her family appeared to have made an agreement to expose themselves to ridicule as much as possible.
Lydia and Kitty were laughed and flirted shamelessly with the officers, and Mrs Bennet talked far too loudly with Mrs Long and Lady Lucas; meanwhile, Mr Bennet only smiled sarcastically at them from time to time.
If the exhibition escaped Bingley’s notice, the same could not be said for Darcy, whose gaze was drawn to them in a silent contempt that Elizabeth easily read on his face.
Even if Darcy considered Mr Bennet an educated man and agreeable company—and was grateful to him for his understanding and support—he could not agree with him about the way he was treating his family, content to laugh at his silly, youngest daughters and exuberant wife without making any attempt to correct them.
In Darcy’s opinion, it was not a marriage as it should be, and his was not proper behaviour for a father and head of the household.
A very annoying moment occurred when Bingley asked for some music and Miss Mary Bennet offered herself.
She finished the first song without any indication of freeing the place at the instrument until she was stopped by her father as she started a second selection.
Then, when Mrs Hurst began to play shortly thereafter, Mrs Bennet engaged Mrs Long in a shrill conversation about Miss Bennet and Bingley, stating overtly that an alliance between them would expose her girls to other gentlemen of fine breeding and wealth.