Page 16 of The Wager
“What are we discussing?” Jane asked, having no idea the quagmire she had wandered into.
“Husbandry,” Bennet said, without further clarification.
“I am surprised. You and Lizzy usually prefer to speak of books and have long conversations over philosophical nonsense.”
“Philosophy is never nonsense,” Bennet declared and leaned toward Mr. Darcy. “Do you see the parallel in our society to Plato’s vision of a republic where the masses were divided into gold, silver, and bronze spheres?”
Soon their conversation swirled around Plato, Sophocles, and other learned scholars until Bingley returned with Miss Hamilton’s plate of treats.
“Awordofcaution,my friend.”
Thomas Bennet, preparing to follow his wife and daughters back into the assembly room, halted when his closest friend stepped in his way. The twinkle in Sir Williams’ eyes and his ready smile was not in evidence. A rare event with this genial man.
“What is it, Lucas?”
“Lord Matlock’s heir, Viscount Ashton, arrived during the supper set. He recognized your daughter as Lady Elizabeth.” At Bennet’s slight intake of breath, Sir William continued. “I thought you should know.”
“Did anyone else hear your conversation?”
“Not that I am aware.” Sir William’s expression turned pensive. “Other than his originalfauxpas, he was more interested in how many sets his cousin Darcy had danced. He was most insistent on knowing.”
“Now you know why I abhor Town. I think the bad air destroys whatever good sense they own and makes them a bit crazy.” Bennet chuckled, then sobered. “Thank you, Lucas. I know you have my step-children’s best interests at heart.”
DarcyescortedMrs.Hurstto the top of the line and nearly stopped mid-step. Before him stood Viscount Ashton and across from him was Jane Hamilton. As they waited for the music to start, Darcy dared to speak in low undertones.
“What are you doing here?”
“I am ensuring you abide by the rules of the wager.”
“When did you arrive?”
“In time to see you dancing the supper set with Lady Elizabeth. Nicely done, old man. Finally, an eligible young woman instead of a married one.”
“She has asked we refer to her as Miss Elizabeth. For reasons of which I am not aware, she and her sister,” – Darcy gave a subtle nod in the direction of Jane – “do not use their titles here. Please be careful and respect their wishes.”
“I have already learned that. Sir William was confused when I recognized Lady You Know Who.” Ash lifted his hand to stave off any comment. “I pretended I thought she was someone I knew from Town. I am sure he put no weight on my words.”
“Until we know the reason for their subterfuge, let us pray he made no note of it.”
The dance concluded and while Ashton escorted Jane to her mother’s side, Darcy escorted Mrs. Hurst back to her husband. He turned to search the room, inherently looking for Elizabeth when Miss Bingley latched onto his arm like an unwanted leech.
“When will this interminable evening end?” she groused and tightened her grip. “The insipidity of conversation and the noise from a group of men the villagers dare call musicians are enough to drive one to Bedlam in a fast carriage.”
“Miss Bingley,” Darcy said as he pried her fingers loose from his arm. “The residents of this small town do not deserve to be insulted in such a grievous manner.”
“Oh, please!” she scoffed. “There are only one or two gentlemen here – and I use that term lightly – along with a puffed-up fool who was knighted and thinks he is the unheralded ruler of this backwater fiefdom.”
“Your brother and by extension, you and your sister, are now one of the principal families in Meryton, along with the Lucas and Bennet families. You are expected to lead by example in polite courtesy toward others.”
“Speaking of ‘principal’ families, I learned a very interesting piece of news this evening,” Miss Bingley said, her tone one of pure derision. “The angel my brother salivates over is nothing more than the offspring of a deceased rector. Can you imagine the Bennet family trying to pass off Miss Jane Hamilton and her pitiful sister, Miss Eliza as respectable daughters of a gentleman? We must ensure Charles does not lose his head over someone so far beneath us in wealth and status.”
“You should learn to curb your tongue, Miss Bingley.” Darcy took a determined step away from her, putting more space between them. “You never know who you might insult with your unkind words.”
He should know. His words had bit him hard in the derriere, ironically about the same lady.
“There is no one in this wilderness to impress, Mr. Darcy. We do not need to exhaust our resources trying to make friends. I am certain Charles will give up the lease before the month is complete. There is nothing to do here. We have no mutual friends, no common interests… in short, these people offer us nothing to entice us into a further acquaintance.”
“And you came to this conclusion without spending one night in your new home?”
