Page 49 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Charlotte’s younger sister, Maria, who was sixteen, showed more decorum and sense than any of Elizabeth’s three younger sisters. Charlotte’s father, Sir William, was an ebullient gentleman with a gregarious disposition. Fortunately, her mother, Lady Lucas, exerted a calming influence on him.
Years before, when the Prince Regent passed through the area, William Lucas welcomed the envoy and was presented with a knighthood after a speech. Elizabeth would never tell Charlotte, but she and her father believed the man could chat longer than many ladies in their shire, so congenial was he. He was also knowledgeable on a variety of subjects, so he could speak easily with anyone who crossed his path.
In contrast, Mrs. Bennet had but three favorite topics. Her conversation consisted of the dreaded entail, which would see their estate of Longbourn given into the hands of an unknown male cousin. Jane’s beauty; superior to all girls in the county. And her delight with Lydia’s liveliness, claiming it was reminiscent of herself in her youth.
Although the ladies of Longbourn could be thrown out of their home after his death, Mr. Bennet had done nothing to manage the estate or their savings so that they might afford shelter or even food.
It was also inarguable that Jane was beautiful. Tall and elegant, she had a classic figure and a heart so pure that Elizabeth was certain none other than an angel could possess such a generous spirit. Jane sought the good in all and looked for the positive even in even the worst of situations. Elizabeth had once posited to Charlotte that the other mothers in the shire would feel much relief when Jane was married. However, Janedisliked any implication that she was competing with another lady. Jane wished for everyone to find the one destined for them, so that they all know great joy in their futures.
Elizabeth knew her mother was mistaken about her youngest. Lydia flounced from one pleasure to the next, never giving thought to anything but her own happiness. A complaint from one of her sisters to correct her or deny her anything brought about nothing but more haranguing from their mother, who insisted on Lydia being given what she wanted.
Because of the entail, Mrs. Bennet had one pressing concern: to marry off five daughters. And she waxed poetic on the subject at every opportunity. Constant in her lament, she vocalized with equal certainty that all would be well once she achieved this aim.
In the last weeks, the four and twenty principal families of their society had been aflutter with the news of an eligible bachelor having leased Netherfield Park. Few mothers considered felicity in the business of matrimony, so long as they caught a husband for their own daughter.
Given the heaviness of her thoughts, Elizabeth delighted in joining her friend. Charlotte never failed to divert her.
“Are you all anticipation for the Netherfield party, Eliza?” Charlotte asked.
“It was twelve ladies and ten gentlemen at last count, I believe, or did you hear another?” Elizabeth asked, making sport of the gossipy matrons.
Chief among them, Elizabeth’s mother and her mother’s sister, Mrs. Hattie Philips. Lady Lucas was even known to discuss the more unexpected news in their society. Netherfield Park being let at last caused the greatest stir their neighborhood had witnessed in more than two years.
“In truth, it is three gentlemen and two ladies. Both are Mr. Bingley’s sisters, one of whom is married to one of the threegentlemen,” Charlotte said, tucking her arm into Elizabeth’s while they surveyed the assembly.
Their younger sisters had been practicing their steps whilst the musicians tuned their instruments when the party from Netherfield Park arrived.
Elizabeth and Charlotte noted that the girls halted mid-turn as the group entered through the doors. Elizabeth scanned the party, about to tell Charlotte her thoughts on the taller lady's orange ostrich feathers, when her gaze was arrested by the tall, dark, and handsomest man she had ever seen—perhaps the most handsome man she mighteversee.
When he caught her eye, Elizabeth worried her lower lip. She prayed that she concealed her interest as an unexpected, disconcerting, and exciting sensation swirled through her person.
Elizabeth had never experienced an instant attraction, but she was well-versed in poetry, novels, and histories to recognize what it was. Should her dearest sister and closest friend have asked, she would have told them none of the depictions had described the effect with any credibility.
“Take a breath, Eliza,” Charlotte advised.
Then Mrs. Bennet grabbed her arm, bemoaning how her father must return to her side so that they might be introduced to the new arrivals. Elizabeth, unwilling to leave Charlotte out of theamusement, clasped her hand to bring her along, too. To Mrs. Bennet’s relief, Charlotte’s father, Sir William, took great pleasure in performing the service.
“Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bingley has requested an introduction to you and your daughters,” Sir William said, then introduced the matron, Jane, Elizabeth, and Mary. His fatherly affection shone when he introduced the gentlemen to his daughter, Charlotte.
“Miss Lucas, might I solicit your hand for the next set? And Miss Bennet, might I claim the set after if you are not already engaged?” asked Mr. Bingley.
“I am not engaged, sir,” Jane said after Charlotte gave her agreement to the scheme.
“Excellent. That is excellent.”
Elizabeth saw the tall man, a Mr. Darcy, smile while observing his friend’s exuberance over making Jane’s acquaintance. Then she saw his expression turn to stone when he heard her mother’s spilling forth with how happy she was they had come to Hertfordshire, and how well Jane and Mr. Bingley would look dancing together. Jane blushed with shame. Elizabeth observed firsthand the graciousness of Mr. Bingley when he ignored it all. She looked up at the taller man again, unable to bear thinking of their mother being the impetus of this gentleman’s interceding on what very well might be Jane’s truest chance at happiness.
“She is effusive, sir, but she means no harm,” Elizabeth said, startling Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth saw Mr. Darcy give her the slightest of nods, and his grimace when her mother speculated about his and Bingley’s annual income. Elizabeth knew she must intervene. She did not see how her mortification could increase, but if she could make him smile, all might turn for the better. Her eldest sister was worth the embarrassment of trying.
Before she could make her stuttering attempt, her tongue now three sizes too big, her dearest friend intervened.
“Come, sir, I am certain this subject is nothing those in Town do not speak of,” Charlotte said to him in a way Elizabeth was certain to overhear. She was rewarded for her kindness with a thorough evaluation of her aspect.
“Miss—”
“Miss Lucas, sir.”
