Page 6 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Desperate for assistance, Mrs. Bennet looked to her older three daughters, finding them either partnered or in conversation. Mrs. Bennet's panic continued to rise when noneof her friends would look at her, though more than a few were shaking their heads at the scene Lydia made.
The slight was keenly felt. Her surprise was complete when, out of all the men and women in the assembly room, only Charlotte Lucas would meet her gaze. The younger woman raised her brow, a reminder to Mrs. Bennet that it was her province to decide what should be done.
Certain it was not so bad as she imagined, Mrs. Bennet again located her youngest daughter. It was done with ease, for Lydia’s laughter carried beyond the dance floor. In contrast, the expression on the gentleman she danced with was a thundercloud. As these realizations became understandings, Mrs. Bennet's breathing became shallow and rapid. She startled when Charlotte took her arm.
“You must calm yourself, Mrs. Bennet. Do not even think about feigning another spell. It would be equal to the exhibition Lydia makes. If you do not take the trouble to check her,youshall be the material impediment to Jane’s securing a good match,” Charlotte said, walking Mrs. Bennet to an open window.
“Me?”
“I am considered on the shelf, one who has friends both my mother’s age and those younger, such as your daughters. You must have at least some understanding of why I hope the best for them,” Charlotte said once they stood before a window, their backs to the room. “My mother drove away my one suitor by behaving in an overbearing manner, telling us how we should act, how perfect a couple we were. After such a lesson, she takes great pains to ensure she does not do the same to Maria.”
“You suggest I am anobstacle? I do everything I can to help them gain husbands,” Mrs. Bennet said, her volume increasing to match her indignation.
“Jane’s suitor some five years ago? Though undesired by her, it was not Jane he ran from. She is the very ideal the vastmajority of men seek, for she is quiet and obliging.Youhave long been your daughters’ greatest disadvantage. Lydia is now your equal in this. She will soon plunge your family into ruin. No one here doubts this. Distance is better done sooner, so she cannot taint any beyond your family when it happens.”
“It cannot be true.” Mrs. Bennet dabbed at her eyes.
Having exclaimed many times how Lydia was so similar to herself when she had come out, Mrs. Bennet was all the more upset to hear this from someone who had known her the whole of her tenure as the mistress of Longbourn. The first neighbors she had served tea to, Lady Lucas and Charlotte. To hear this now from a girl she had seen mature was a most humiliating circumstance.
“When she does ruin your family’s reputation, I will take comfort in knowing I attempted to assist my dearest friends by saying what they have oft repeated to you, but from a friend rather than a daughter. I had hoped our conversation might force you to consider the ramifications of allowing Lydia to go about unchecked. My concern with respect to your other daughters is genuine, and my interference was done with the best of intentions,” Charlotte said, then walked away.
Darcy Speaks with Miss Elizabeth
“What else occupies your time when you are not reading, Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy said that when they began a second set, trivialities had already been explored.
“Walking. One can usually find me on Oakham Mount on most mornings, unless it rains. I take my exercise while the sun rises or sets to relish the magic of nature.”
“How far is Netherfield Park from your home, Miss Elizabeth? And in what direction might this magical place called Oakham Mount be found? I, too, prefer to exercise in the early morning.”
“Netherfield is three miles by field or bridle trail. And Oakham Mount is between Netherfield Park and Longbourn. The hill can be seen from the end of the drive to Netherfield.”
“And would you welcome the company of a new acquaintance, should we both find ourselves there amidst our morning excursions?”
“I would. The kind of friend who does not anticipate a proposal after a single night’s acquaintance,” Miss Elizabeth said.
“Ha, I was uncertain you understood my character. I am a great bore who is a great boar when confined, in particular if there are three days together,” Darcy quipped. His chest puffed up a little when Elizabeth laughed.
“A frustration we both know.”
“Before we separate, I would explain the truth of the betrothal I spoke of. I am not beholden to my aunt’s wishes, though she desires the match. No binding agreement was ever made. My father’s final letter assured me that our parents intend that my sister and I choose who we will marry.” They cast away from each other and then back again before Darcy continued. “I overheard you saying you and your sister wish for matches of affection. I, too, want a match of great esteem, one both fulfilling and rewarding as was their own. My younger sister charges me with finding a wife soon. You think your mother is demanding? Georgiana is twice as intimidating.”
“My mother should not be made aware of this, sir. You would find her a veritable dragon when attempting to match you with one of us without reference to your wishes.”
“I adhere to the belief that disguise of any sort is to be avoided. However, I will cede to your request, provided it does not harm the reputation of my cousin, Anne de Bourgh, in Kent or mine. I tire of hearing my aunt’s expectations every Easter when I visit Rosings Park. But I refuse to be trapped by either my aunt or Miss Bingley in a loveless marriage.”
“Miss Bingley?”
Darcy pressed his lips into a tight line.
“I believe any wife of yours will know great fortune in having the sort of husband who would come to her aid when she must deal with such a tiresome mother.” The lady colored prettily when she grasped what she said. “Oh! I mean—”
“Please. If you speak of what I said to your mother, do not distress yourself.”
“By all you have shared of her, sir, your sister is more like Jane than I thought. Uncle Gardiner is my mother’s brother. She and their sister Hattie, who is married to Mr. Philips, are as dissimilar to him as any brother and sister might be.”
“You have the right of it, if your uncle’s description of Miss Bennet is accurate. I believe both could use a bit of your courage, which he assures me always rises with every attempt to intimidate.”
“I blush at such a compliment and must remember to thank my uncle. It is my turn to ask a question. My uncle describes you as serious and reticent, yet I see none of that this evening beyond our initial introduction. You will forgive my impudence, I trust, for he speaks very highly of you and Mr. Bingley. I believe he hopes Jane and your friend suit. By his account, they are two souls equal in their goodness. And, I suppose, a beloved uncle must make at least one attempt at matchmaking for his favorite nieces.”
