Chapter 1.2 #5
“But my dear—what do you think of Lady Cassandra?” asked Mrs Gardiner; and for the rest of the evening, she was the main subject of conversation between her uncle and aunt. It was also a major interest for Elizabeth, but she preferred to analyze it in the seclusion of her bedchamber.
Alone, Elizabeth spent the next hours listening to the sounds of a warm summer night through her open window. Her thoughts were divided between the day that had just passed and the one that was about to start.
It was almost dawn when Elizabeth finally fell asleep. Countless recollections of the evening were still spinning in her head. Meanwhile, the icy hole in the pit of her stomach grew deeper; its coldness had her shivering.
Before sleep finally took her, Elizabeth became certain of two things: first, she liked Lady Cassandra very much, and second, the lady was a perfect match for Mr Darcy.
∞∞∞
“Darcy, I have to say that Miss Bennet was not exactly what I expected,” said Lady Cassandra as soon as their carriage began to move.
“Oh, I think Miss Bennet looked lovely tonight.” Miss Darcy avidly entered into the conversation. “I truly like her.”
Darcy chose to remain silent for the moment, only staring inquiringly at Lady Cassandra who was sitting opposite.
“I do not disagree, my dear Georgie. In fact, I found her quite beautiful, though perhaps not a classic beauty. I noticed something very open and natural in her appearance that I truly liked. Even the first time I noticed her in the hall before knowing she was your Miss Bennet” —she nodded toward Darcy—“I was quite impressed by the lively expression in her eyes. And yes, you were right in that respect—beautiful eyes, I will grant her that.”
“Cassandra, Miss Bennet is not our or anybody’s property, so please refrain from speaking in jest about her. And secondly, I am only curious…if you so approve of her, why did you say she was not what you expected?”
“Oh, come now, Darcy. You are so sensitive! I meant no offense. As for what I did not like…well…I barely saw anything of the wit and cleverness of which you spoke so highly. I can hardly believe she was the one expressing such decided opinions in front of Lady Catherine. I would rather believe she needed protection, or your frightening aunt would have devoured her completely!”
“Cassandra!” Darcy’s tone expressed the deepest disapproval, while Georgiana laughed openly. “Could you humour me just once by speaking without offending anybody?”
“I shall try—but only to humour you, especially when the subject is Lady Catherine. Now, to resume: Miss Bennet’s behaviour was everything proper, but in truth, I barely heard her speak at all.
She seemed a little more animated only when she talked to Georgiana and the colonel.
And I have to say, Georgie, that both you and your cousin seem quite taken with her. ”
“I confess I do like Miss Bennet very much, Cassandra. And I am sorry you did not completely approve of her.”
“Oh, but I do, dearest, believe me, and I am certain that my opinion of her will improve upon closer acquaintance. It is just that— She paused and stared intensely at Darcy, holding his gaze. “I never would have guessed that she was the lady you told me about, Darcy—that is all.”
He sustained her stare a bit longer. “Miss Bennet always got along quite well with my cousin’s easy manner from the first moment they met, but that is hardly surprising. David excels at everything I lack to be at ease in pleasant company. As for Georgiana…”
He stretched to catch his sister’s gloved hand gently.
“My dear, I have to say I am quite pleased to see how friendly you have become in such a short time with both Mrs Gardiner and Miss Bennet. As for your comment”—he turned to Cassandra— “I have to admit that you are right. Miss Bennet’s manners were more restrained than usual, and considering that she seemed comfortable with Georgiana and the colonel and even with you, I have to draw the conclusion that it was my presence that made her uneasy.
It seems I have a habit of making people around me uncomfortable. ”
“Oh, that is not true, Brother.” Miss Darcy seemed appalled that he would say such a thing about himself. “I saw nothing strange in Miss Bennet’s behaviour toward you. She seemed to enjoy your company as much as did Mr and Mrs Gardiner.”
“I truly enjoyed the Gardiners’ company,” admitted Lady Cassandra.
However, Mr Darcy seemed to lose interest in any subject and preferred to admire the view through the carriage window until the they reached Lady Cassandra’s house. Only then, did he move to help her exit the carriage and then accompany her to the front door.
They made their goodbyes, and as he hurried to return to the carriage where his sister was waiting, Lady Cassandra’s voice delayed him and made him return.
“Darcy…about Miss Bennet’s being uncomfortable in your company—
“Yes?”
“You might be right about her reasons, but then again—you might be completely wrong once more.”
Before he had time to comprehend her words, she smiled mischievously and entered the house, leaving him to stare at the closed door.