Page 2 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
As they traveled to Netherfield, Georgiana confided that Miss Bingley’s numerous calls on her seemed only an effort to gain Darcy’s notice. Knowing Miss Bingley had feigned interest in his sister these last four years, he found it difficult to hide his dislike of her.
Having learned of her, at times, weekly visits, Darcy had since discerned that the only subjects on which he had willingly participated with Miss Bingley were those concerning his sister. He winced when recalling having asked Miss Bingley’s opinion on his sister’s studies. In many ways, he was just as angry with himself. He knew not why he had asked the woman such a question when he did not consider her opinions to be either informed or insightful.
“I insist. Do pay attention to those of Mr. Bingley’s neighbors you meet and learn which families have daughters of my age.” Georgiana looked at him sweetly whilst sentencing him to spend the evening with a woman he could only just manage to tolerate with equanimity before. Now he thought it might well be beyond him.
“I am glad to know you will join me, Darce. You will not regret meeting those of Hertfordshire. Those whom I have been introduced thus far have been generous, excellent sorts,” Bingley said, making his way to the study.
In following his sister to their rooms, Darcy was satisfied by how neatly his doing so dislodged Miss Bingley from his side. Though he would never claim pleasure in spending an evening with those he did not know, he was pleased to see Bingley taking his place in the society of Meryton.
Later, at dinner, conversation became so tedious that Darcy could only look forward to their departure. His jaw clenched each time Miss Bingley claimed familiarity with him. The meal grew more awkward when he began answering the lady with single-word responses. Still, he refused to be pressed into speaking of that which the woman was ignorant or agree to her disagreeable remarks about the area.
“Caroline, enough,” Mrs. Hurst whispered to her sister. She attempted to intervene to spare her youngest sibling some dignity when Darcy’s lack of inclination to converse with her, no matter the subject introduced, became impossible to mistake.
With dinner over, Darcy hoped to avoid Miss Bingley’s next attempt at engaging him. To spare the woman’s relations further embarrassment on her behalf, Darcy excused himself to escort Georgiana to her room.
Having no expectation of the assembly in Meryton being a pleasant experience, Darcy still appreciated that they would attend. Anything was more preferable than spending an evening confined in a drawing room with Miss Bingley. Being drawn and quartered was amongst those preferences.
While his valet tied his cravat, Darcy considered how best to convey to Miss Bingley his disinclination for her constant flattery. The answer presented itself in the bevy of insults she had directed at those in Hertfordshire throughout the afternoon. With little contemplation, he became certain that dancing with some local lady would demonstrate how little he regarded Miss Bingley’s…opinions.
Any young lady from the area would do, but one with a sister of Georgiana’s age would be ideal.Then I can prove I mean to encourage Ana in her efforts to form a friendship. Yes, tonight I shall dance with a lady who is highly regarded by society here. And tomorrow, I will introduce her to my sister.
That it was also a convenient way to stave off Miss Bingley’s company, Darcy could only favor the plan. It was his practice to avoid dancing so as not to give rise to expectations. But surely, no young lady here would think so much of themselves as to believe they could gain his particular notice.Of course, when I leave the area, I need never see these people again.
Darcy’s Senses are Assaulted
Darcy fled from the brash and obnoxious Mrs. Bennet. The matron had made a grand spectacle of putting forward her eldest when he and Bingley were introduced to her flock of daughters. Darcy soon learned the motivation for Bingley’s seeking an introduction to the family: for he had found yet another “angel,” or so Bingley had declared Miss Bennet to be. Darcy gave Bingley credit; the man had espied the only beauty in the room.
Knowing Miss Bingley, if he had chosen Miss Bennet to partner, the woman would have mistaken the younger and more alluring lady as competition. Perhaps, even redoubled her efforts to hold his attention on her.
Should I give up my plan? Miss Bingley is more likely to ignore me if I favor a less beautiful woman. And a wit might provide some diversion this hellish evening. It would take very little to eclipse that of Miss Bingley. Cutting down others is how she displays hers, which takes no true wit at all, Darcy pondered.
I need not seek the next mistress of Pemberley here. I only promised Georgiana I would make every effort to ascertain who might make her a friend, Darcy reminded himself. The thought eliminated all pressure beyond the intentto observe those who might become acquaintances of his sister. And it was true that this evening was little different than others filled with daughters on the marriage mart and mothers hoping to marry them off.
Searching the room for a suitable dance partner from a shadowed alcove, Darcy cursed to himself when Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst neared. He suppressed a gagging sensation brought on by Miss Bingley’s cloying petunia scent. He had not found a way to escape before the two began to speak.
“I think that went rather well. Do you not agree, Louisa?” Miss Bingley said, holding her fan in a way that concealed her moving lips.
A glance about told Darcy none in the room were watching the pair with any interest. That interested him, for he had thought they would want to gaze upon two women so fashionably attired. Or, at least, two ladies expected to have gowns made in the latest styles of London.
“That will only be true if Mr. Darcy dances with none but you,” Mrs. Hurst said, also speaking behind her fan.
Ah, the lack of interest must be the perception of her claims on me,Darcy surmised.That will change once I request a set from one of the local ladies.
“My Mr. Darcy despises when his wealth is discussed. These country simpletons now speak of little else. Of course, he will dance with me and no other. How can you question my success, Sister?”
My Mr. Darcy?The very thought revolted him.
“Has he asked you to dance this evening?” Mrs. Hurst asked wearily.
“Touché. I simply informed the noisiest person in the room of his wealth. There is always a Mrs. Bennet who acts with such self-importance and will speak of such things at every opportunity. Mark my words, that woman’s exclamations shalldrive him to my side and show these unpolished rustics thatIam the only one here worthy of him.”
Bingley stepped beside him, but, before he spoke, Darcy gestured for silence. Having been friends and business partners for years, Bingley understood the meaning.
“I am aware of this and the many other stratagems you use to bring him near when we are attending the same functions. I wonder how this strategy has worked for you in the past? How many times has he petitioned you for a set? Given the variance between the number of events and the number of times he has asked you to stand up with him, you may need to change your efforts to secure his attention.”
“In this, we agree. I intend to act soon. A notification of our engagement will follow in the papers. We will then have these weeks to plan our wedding. I am certain he will wish me by his side when he informs Lord and Lady Matlock of our engagement. I will invite you to tea at Darcy House once we return from our wedding trip.” Then the women tittered.
Does she think she can orchestrate my life the same way she does with her brother? Never.Darcy’s shoulders stiffened with resolve.
