Page 66 of May I Have the Pleasure
The first gentleman was again in company with the young lady for some weeks but in a different setting, so naturally, she resumed her sniping, but with a bit of a softer tone.
CATHERINE
Why the softer tone? Was she not aware of his interference in her sister’saffairs?
ELIZABETH
Not at first. She did not learn about that until much later, when informed by the third gentleman. She frankly just found the first gentleman confusing and thought it easiest to mostly ignore him.
CATHERINE
Sensible enough. What happened next?
ELIZABETH
Well, the gentleman spent several days, apparently ambushing the young lady on her morning walks. He confused her greatly, as he appeared mysteriously every day for a week. He never said much, which to her thinking was an improvement over his speaking, so neither did she.
(Catherine looks uncomfortable)
CATHERINE
So, they just walked? Were these clandestine rendezvous?
ELIZABETH
I think not. Perhaps it was deliberate on the gentleman’s part, but for the lady it was just confusing. She even made it a point to indicate it was a favoured walk so he might avoid it.
CATHERINE
This seems to be pushing the boundaries of propriety, but I imagine it could barely slide into the proper category by a cat’s whisker.
ELIZABETH
Aha! You are not averse to the occasional analogy yourself.
CATHERINE (with a smile)
I was not born this old. Pray continue.
DARCY
Miss Bennet, do you impute any ill motives to the gentleman with these—perhaps more than accidental yet less than clandestine—meetings?
ELIZABETH
I think not. I am at least not willing to attach any fault. The young lady could have avoided him by choosing another path, or she could have clearly stated her desire for solitude without being rude.
FITZWILLIAM
I would not read too much into it. Why I met you quite by chance in the park only yesterday, and there was nothing untoward there. These things happen. Sometimes, it is as simple as two people with similar habits who prefer the same path.
ELIZABETH
Of course, colonel. It was, I imagine, confusing for the lady as her firmest belief was that she shared a mutual dislike with the gentleman in question. It was annoying but not alarming.
(Catherine looks more and more interested)
CATHERINE
