Page 39 of The Briar Bargain
"Oh, she is,” Jane replied. “Lizzy’s company is always sought after.”
A faint hum of amusement passed between Mr. Bingley’s sisters.
“You are a great success in Meryton, Miss Eliza,” Miss Bingley said. “But I would warn you that those in our circle do not always prize liveliness as highly as country society might.”
Mrs. Hurst leaned in slightly, as if confiding an unfortunate truth. "Perhaps that is why . . . well, a gentleman of true consequence may feelobligedto be kind, especially to those who seem in need of assistance."
Elizabeth could not be blind to the insinuation. She raised her chin slightly and uttered a sentence that would have shocked most of her friends and relations. “If you are speaking of Mr. Darcy, he is a true gentleman."
"Indeed," said Mrs. Hurst. "He is so attentive. Almostpaternalwith those younger ladies who might benefit from guidance."
"A touching image," said Elizabeth. She meant it in jest, but she did begin to see that he might make a very good sort of father one day.
“He is exactly the same with his sister,” Miss Bingley continued, as though Elizabeth had said nothing. “She was very young when her father died, and Mr. Darcy has nearly raised her himself.”
“Charles quite adores Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Hurst added. “She has become so accomplished.”
Elizabeth was thoroughly diverted. How neatly Mrs. Hurst had swept both gentlemen from consideration—Mr. Bingley destined for Miss Darcy, and Mr. Darcy decidedly not for Elizabeth. The Bingley sisters seemed unsettled by the attention Mr. Darcy had bestowed upon her. OnlyElizabeth knew that his attentions were but a ploy to keep her from departing and casting a shadow upon his friend’s reputation in the neighbourhood. Still, she was perfectly willing to allow the ladies to believe it for a few days. Indeed, she relished it.
She glanced at the doorway, hoping for the sound of footsteps or a voice from the hall. She wished to hear what Mr. Darcy would have to say. But the silence persisted.
“Is Miss Darcy out?” Jane inquired with all her usual calm. “I thought I understood from your brother that she is not.”
Elizabeth turned an innocent expression of interest back to the two scheming shrews before her.
“In a year or two,” Mrs. Hurst informed them. “Not long now.”
“Some presentations are worth waiting for,” Miss Bingley added with a smug little smile.
Another silence bloomed, polite, rigid, and uneasy.
Elizabeth let it stand.
At last, the sound of masculine voices and approaching footsteps announced the gentlemen's return. Elizabeth read the mantel clock and was surprised that they had not been separated for more than half an hour, and she was grateful the men had not tarried over their port.
The door opened. Mr. Bingley entered and immediately took the seat nearest Jane, who met him with a bright smile. Mr. Darcy followed more circumspectly, but Elizabeth noted that he positioned himself where he could easily intervene should Miss Bingley attempt another assault.
Too late,she thought. But it was not Mr. Darcy’s fault that he could not accompany the ladies after dinner. Miss Bingley was the hostess, in name, at least, and therefore the arrangements were within her purview.
Mr. Hurst brought up the rear, making directly for his favourite chair near the decanter, where he commenced the serious business of ensuring his glass was never entirely emptied.
“Young Peter is still asking after his rabbits,” Mr. Bingley said ruefully. “I have assured him that if they have decided they wish to burrow in another place that we shall find him new ones. The finest rabbits in Hertfordshire, with hutches this time!"
"How generous of you, Charles," Miss Bingley said, sounding as though she found the entire conversation tedious. "I confess I am surprised that Miss Eliza has not offered to search for the creatures herself. After all, her adventurous spirit seems particularly suited to such an endeavour."
Elizabeth wanted to sigh, but before she could, Jane had already begun to speak in her kind way.
"How thoughtful of you to suggest it, Miss Bingley. Though I believe Elizabeth has already done quite enough for the Farrow family, having saved young Peter's life at considerable risk to her own."
Elizabeth could not see Jane’s eyes from where she stood, but something in them made Miss Bingley's smile falter slightly. "Perhaps those of us who remained safely indoors might consider whatwecould contribute to the family's welfare instead?"
Jane delivering a set-down with such gentle precision was rather like watching a butterfly wield a rapier.
Mr. Bingley rushed to support her. "Miss Bennet is quite right! The families have been most grateful for the assistance they have received. Mrs. Nicholls mentioned that you have been particularly helpful with the children, Miss Bennet."
"It has been my pleasure," Jane replied warmly. "The children are delightful, and their parents have been so patient despite their difficult circumstances."
"Patient indeed," Mrs. Hurst remarked. There was an edge to her voice. "Though I suppose they cannot ever before have lived in such comfort."
