Page 23 of Darcy's Guarded Heart
“Oh, surely not in this weather,” Mr Bingley replied, glancing up at the sky. Elizabeth followed his gaze. A flash of lightning appeared in the distance, and she shuddered. Indeed, when Thomas had suggested that they venture into Meryton to procure the latest volume of a novel for her father, she had been quite enthusiastic—until the rain had commenced. She would have entirely abandoned their plans had it not been for her mother’s ludicrous insistence that Jane ought to go to Netherfield on horseback. In her mother’s mind, the scheme was perfect. Jane would set out in a light drizzle and arrive in the field just before the heavy downpour, thereby being forced to stay overnight due to the dreadful weather and the lack of a carriage.
Jane was too tender-hearted a daughter to censure her mother’s scheme, but fortunately, Thomas was less intimidated. He respected Mrs Bennet, of course. He even regarded her as a mother of sorts, but like Mr Bennet, he was not likely to allow her machinations to harm her daughters.
He had insisted that he and Elizabeth would take Jane to Netherfield on their way to Meryton and collect her afterwards, thereby negating the effect of the rain. Mrs Bennet had fought the suggestion, but fortunately, Mr Bennet sided with Thomas. And thus, here they were. Elizabeth had half a mind to remain in the carriage, as she did not wish to make the situation awkward, but that seemed rather impolite.
Of course, given the weather, Mr Bingley’s invitation was more than enticing.
“We really would not wish to intrude. Mrs Bennet would be quite upset if she heard that we forced our way into your tea party,” Thomas said.
“Thomas, do not be foolish. You know how much I enjoy your company, and that of Miss Elizabeth, of course,” Mr Bingley exclaimed, stepping aside. “Come, you must all come. It will be very merry indeed. And I know Miss Darcy will be happy to see you, Miss Elizabeth. She has spoken very highly of you. And you too, Miss Bennet,” he said, flashing a smile. Jane, as was her habit, glanced down at the floor at the compliment, but Elizabeth saw the way her lips twitched in delight. Jane had always been a reserved person, but Elizabeth could see through her. She adored Mr Bingley. And truly, what was there not to admire? He was charming, wealthy, and handsome to boot.
His family, of course, was another matter. As Elizabeth considered this, she came to the conclusion that it was perhapsbest that she and Thomas joined them for tea. After all, it would be comforting for Jane to have a friend in her corner, for neither of Mr Bingley’s sisters could be counted as true allies. And Mr Darcy… Well, it would be prudent to keep an eye on him as well.
Thus, they entered Netherfield. She had been there on occasion, but the last time she had ventured to deliver something to Mr Morris, the agent, the house had been closed up. Now it was as though she were seeing it in a new light. All the white sheets had been removed, and everything was in splendid order. Chatter drifted from the drawing room, which had once been a formal space, but now revealed itself to be transformed into a comfortable parlour.
The entire party rose and cordially greeted them, though Elizabeth could detect the confusion in the eyes of Mr Bingley’s sisters and the palpable discontent emanating from Mr Darcy.
“Miss Elizabeth and Thomas will be joining us for tea, I could not in good conscience let them leave in this weather,” Mr Bingley said.
“Jolly good,” Mr Hurst replied, but Elizabeth discerned from his tone that he found little to celebrate in the situation.
“Miss Elizabeth,” Mr Darcy said as he settled into a chair.
“Mr Darcy,” she replied. Fortunately, the arrival of Miss Darcy prevented her from having to say anything further to him.
“Miss Elizabeth, what a delight to see you. And Mr Bennet,” she exclaimed.
“Please, do call me Thomas. It does become confusing to have the same name as my guardian,” he replied.
“Confusing indeed,” Mr Darcy said. “Anyone might be allowed to believe you were a legitimate heir.”
Elizabeth looked up at him and glared.
“Indeed,” Miss Darcy interjected, apparently unaware that her brother’s words were not merely simple commentary, but rather an accusation.
“It can indeed be ever so confusing. However, the name Thomas certainly invokes pleasant memories, does it not, Fitzwilliam?” she said.
Mr Darcy frowned. “I do not know of which memories you speak, sister.”
“Our Godfather, Mr Thomas Moore, of course. He is a jolly fellow indeed. He always has a smile upon his lips and a jest at the ready.” The young woman beamed as she thought of her relation and even Mr Darcy allowed himself a small smile.
“Well, I am glad that my name conjures such happy associations,” Thomas said, now seated as well.
Elizabeth raised her eyes at Mr Darcy and noted that he allowed his gaze to linger upon her, but for what reason she could not ascertain. She cocked her head slightly to the side as if to challenge him. His right eye narrowed for a moment, and then he turned to Thomas.
“Pray, Mr Bennet,” he said, insisting upon using the correct title rather than the more informal first name Thomas had offered, despite his sisters’ effusive endorsement of the man’s Christian name. “Where is your coachman? Did you drive the carriage yourself?”
“I certainly did,” Thomas replied. “There are occasions when one need not employ a coachman. It seems rather extravagant to me when I am perfectly capable of driving Miss Bennet myself on an errand of my own choosing.”
“I see. How very economical,” Mr Darcy remarked.
“Economical, indeed. It is always judicious when one knows how to manage one’s resources,” Caroline replied. The implications of their statements were clear, they regarded the Bennet family as being in reduced circumstances, compelled to tighten their finances. It was not proper to voice such sentiments, and any further comments on the matter would have bordered on impropriety, especially for those of their standing.
Thus, Elizabeth chose not to respond, despite feeling perturbed that they acted as though the Bennet family didn’t have a sixpence to rub together. They may not be as affluent as Mr Bingley or Mr Darcy, but they were by no means headed for the poorhouse. In fact, they did quite well financially, given their circumstances and within Meryton society, they were certainly well to do. She had a mind to make this clear but she did not wish to be the one to veer the conversation into utterly unacceptable territory. Mr Darcy and Miss Bingley had done more than enough of that already.
“I see it more as pragmatic than merely economical,” Thomas declared, apparently unperturbed by the insult. “I think it is simply prudent estate management to know when to use one’s resources and where to apply them.”
“You are well-versed in estate management,” Mr Bingley observed. If this enquiry had come from Mr Darcy, Elizabethwould have bristled at once, but she understood that Mr Bingley was genuinely intrigued.
