Page 31 of New World Tea Company
“If the other persons have read the books, Miss Elizabeth.”
The young woman sighed and agreed, “You have uncovered the greatest difficulty in my life, Mr Darcy. My father is a greatreader, but he will spend only so many minutes in the day discussing the meanings in Shakespeare’s Othello or Hamlet.”
Darcy smiled and replied, “Perhaps your father can take you to Oxford or Cambridge someday. The school would allow you to listen to the professors and dons discuss literature, history, science, and mathematics.”
“Truly, would they allow me to listen?” she asked. “What if I wanted to share my opinions?”
The man blinked and replied, “Some would listen and debate with you while others would decry the opinion of any woman as ill-formed for lack of education.”
Frowning for once, the young woman pointed out, “But ladies are not provided the same education as gentlemen because they will not allow us that opportunity.”
Rather than discuss that fact of life, Darcy asked, “Is there not anyone else in your life with the desire to read?”
“My sister Mary is a great reader but favours religious tracts, and we can only speak on Fordyce’s Sermons so many times,” Elizabeth confessed.
“Those writings are meant to guide young girls to womanhood.”
“Have you read them, Mr Darcy?”
“Only in passing,” he admitted. “My sister must read them at some point in the future.”
Looking him in the eye, Elizabeth asked, “And will your sister speak truthfully to you, or will she tell you what she thinks you want to hear?”
They paused for a moment while Fitzwilliam Darcy considered the question carefully. Before they could continue their discussion, Charlotte Lucas arrived with Mr Collins and insisted that Elizabeth perform on the instrument in the cornerto entertain the party. Mr Darcy did not acknowledge Mr Collins and stepped away from the couple. Once Elizabeth began to play, Charlotte turned to Mr Collins and asked, “Now, what was it you were saying about the gardens around your parsonage, sir?”
~~~
After her turn on the instrument, Elizabeth moved to stand along the wall and watch her youngest sisters dance with officers while the other persons exchanged remarks. She saw Mr Darcy frown while he watched Bingley and Jane join the dancers, and she saw Mr Wickham approach Mr Collins to talk.
When the evening ended, the Bennet family climbed into the crowded carriage and suffered the entire journey to Longbourn listening to Mr Collins speak on the many pleasant persons he had met at Lucas Lodge. The clergyman’s rambling remembrance of the evening’s conversations prevented anyone else from speaking. Elizabeth did not pay attention to her cousin’s speech until his subject turned to the pleasant Miss Charlotte Lucas. Lydia and Kitty were asleep by that time, and Mrs Bennet would have spoken but for the look on her husband’s face. Jane and Mary exchanged glances but also remained silent.
~~~
Chapter 12.Charlotte’s Engagement
In the dining room at Netherfield the morning following supper at Lucas Lodge, Charles was surprised when Caroline entered and demanded, “Charles, you must discharge the servants this morning!”
Choosing to ignore his sister’s demand, Charles said, “Good morning, Caroline.”
“Several people inquired after your health last evening,” Louisa said. “They hoped you felt better today.”
“Charles, the servants defied me last evening and refused to follow my orders! You must discharge them! Immediately!”
Setting his cup back into the saucer, the young gentleman rose from his chair and moved to stand beside his sister just inside the door. Then, he asked, “What occurred?”
“I was distressed after you deserted me here at Netherfield,” she replied immediately.
Charles refused to comment on her statement, so Caroline continued, “The footman would not order out the other carriage, and even Mrs Hobbes refused to order the coach brought around for me.”
Leading his sister to the sideboard where the breakfast foods were arranged, Bingley explained, “Caroline, you refer to Darcy’s horses and carriage. His driver does not follow my orders.”
“But I needed transport to the…the family where the supper was held. Mr Darcy…you needed me there.” Now she demanded, “Brother, dismiss the servants and take me back to London! Today!”
Charles stared at his sister for a long moment before he replied, “I refuse to give way to your tempers from this moment. Yester afternoon, you agreed to be dressed at six. You were notdressed and refused to follow my directions. That is why you were left behind.”
“Charles, we do not have to arrive at the moment specified in the invitation.”
“Perhaps not, but it is considered rude when our late arrival inconveniences everyone. And you cannot make use of Mr Darcy’s property,” Charles said. “The servants were correct to refuse your orders.”
