Page 38 of Companions of Their Youth
“Because they missed him?” Kitty asked.
“Because they wished for him to escort them about in society,” said Mark dryly. “That began about six months ago. His sister Mrs. Hurst married not long after the Season opened. Their father left them very comfortably off, and they have been urging him to buy an estate. But he was not quite ready.”
“So why Netherfield?” Elizabeth asked, now leaning forward.
“I saw him again in London a few months ago, before I returned home. We caught up, and I mentioned that Netherfield had stood empty for years. He had heard of it and asked my opinion. I told him it was lovely but needed life again.”
“Yourecommendedit?” Jane asked.
“He said he would consider leasing before buying, just to see how he liked country life. And it seems he took my advice.”
Mrs. Bennet let out a soft squeal and clapped her hands. “Oh, Mark, you dear, clever boy! This is wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!”
Elizabeth gave him a mock glare. “And you were going to let us all walk into the assembly unprepared?”
“Iwasgoing to surprise you all,” Mark said with a sheepish smile. “But when I saw how upset Mama was, it felt wrong to keep the truth.”
“You are forgiven,” said Mrs. Bennet magnanimously. “But only if you tell us—what is he like?”
The room fell into eager quiet.
Mark leaned back in his chair and smiled. “Charles Bingley is the kindest man I have ever known. Jovial, generous, good-humored. He is not the most studious fellow, but he is clever in his own way. He plays the violin passably and rides well. He enjoys dancing and never sneers. He is loyal to his friends and respectful to elders, though his sisters can be rather... formidable.”
“Well,” said Mrs. Bennet with satisfaction, “we shall just have to outshine them.”
“We?” Elizabeth said under her breath.
Jane caught her eye and hid a smile.
Kitty leaped to her feet, crying out that she must have new ribbons. Lydia, too, rose from her chair, though her cries were about the unfairness of not yet being out and therefore unable to meet Mr. Bingley or have the opportunity to dance with him.
Mrs. Bennet began calling for Hill to fetch her a fresh list of repairs for the drawing room. Mr. Bennet resumed reading, apparently unmoved.
Elizabeth turned to Mark and whispered, “You really ought to have waited until the assembly.”
He gave her a crooked smile. “I know. But I cannot abide making Mother cry.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Then you are too soft-hearted for this family.”
He winked. “No one is truly hard-hearted here. Not even Papa.”
Chapter 8
Darcy stood against the wall of the crowded assembly room, spine straight, arms crossed behind his back, and expression carved in stone.
The ceiling was too low. The music too loud. The dancers far too energetic for such a provincial floor.
And yet Bingley was positively glowing.
How does he manage to actuallyenjoythis sort of activity?
A private ball in London was bad enough, but a public one in a small county?
It is insupportable.
But the alternative was to remain at Netherfield with only Miss Bingley for company, as she had graciously offered to stay behind with him “so he would not feel neglected.”
He repressed a shudder and schooled his face more tightly.
