Darcy threw his gloves on the seat of the red damask chair in Bingley’s study, then poured himself a drink. His temples were throbbing with the threat of a headache as he tried to purge from his mind the shrill voice of the woman whose house they had just returned from.
“Darcy, it wasn’t entirely unpleasant,” his friend replied with a weak shrug. Running his hands through his hair, he exhaled noisily.
“Not entirely unpleasant? It was worse than unpleasant! It was excruciating!” Darcy shook his dark locks, which had been loosed from the three-mile ride back to Bingley’s estate. “I will admit, I hoped it would be pleasant company. A nice tea after a two-day journey. Meet your neighbors. The company of five alleged lovely, young women.”
“Yes,” Charles said, shaking his head. “That was a disappointment. The two who are supposed to be the loveliest were not even home. But, at least we will see them at the assembly.”
“Assembly? Bingley, I will not be attending. Georgiana is not yet out, and I do not want to leave her here alone. No, after this disastrous experience with the Bennets, I believe I will sit here and read.”
There was a knock at the door and not waiting for admittance, Caroline Bingley entered the room. The youngest of the Bingley sisters, she was the tallest of all three children which was accentuated by her propensity for the latest fashion of turbans with long plumed feathers. Her eyes looked first to her brother then settled on Mr. Darcy as if he were her favorite pastry.
“Did the Bennets impress you with their country manners, or was I correct, Mr. Darcy?” A wry smile played at her lips as she sat down on the sofa staring at his person. Her gaze had always unnerved him.
“No, you were quite right, Miss Bingley, and I think from this point on I shall accuse you of being a fortune teller.” He bowed politely and turned to the window, looking out into the haze of the early evening light.
Charles walked over to pour himself another glass. “I will agree with Darcy that I was surprised by their lack of decorum.”
“Lack of decorum?” Darcy barked, turning to face his friend. “The three daughters had no more sense than a hare, and their conversation was boorish…either sermons from Fordyce or red coats. For a man to allow his daughters to participate in such idle conversation and his wife to prattle on about the windfall of ‘handsome young men for her girls since the arrival of the militia’ was…preposterous!” He caught Miss Bingley’s vindictive eyes. “Forgive me. The middle daughter, Miss Katherine Bennet, I will grant you, attempted some sound conversation and seemed affected by her mother’s ill-manners, as did the one with glasses.”
“No, Mr. Darcy. Do not attempt to soften your opinions on my account. I observed their vulgar behavior in the village two days ago and was grateful we had not been introduced so I might ignore them entirely. I am sure I quite agree with anything you say.”
He knew that was more of compliment to him than a degradation upon herself, but he could not view it as such. He bowed and excused himself to find his sister before he went up to dress for dinner.
* * *
“And washe short and bald?” Lizzy asked her three younger sisters after she and Jane returned from Lucas Lodge.
Before Kitty could respond, Lydia interpolated, “No, Mr. Bingley was quite handsome with his blue coat and ready smile. He was charming and diverting and I think he fancied me.”
“He has five thousand a year,” said Mrs. Bennet, reclining on the couch and smiling brightly as she yawned. “How wonderful for our daughters.”
“Mama, what would make you believe that? Did he come into Hertfordshire with a mind to marry one of us?” Lizzy asked, picking up her sewing.
“Do not be silly, Lizzy! But, how could he not want one so lovely? I believe he took a fancy to Lydia because he could not stop glancing at her throughout his time here.”
“Mama, he kept looking at Lydia because her behavior was so deplorable.” The Bennet ladies turned with surprise at Kitty’s declaration. “She was naughty their entire visit. Why would Mr. Bingley, or that other fellow, prefer her over Mary or myself?”
“Other fellow?” Lizzy asked. “What other fellow?”
“Why would he not prefer me above all others when I am prettier and taller than either you or Mary!” Lydia exclaimed, ignoring Lizzy’s questions. “Kitty, you have become quite dull lately, and I for one am not interested in listening to your whining any longer.” Turning to her mother before she walked from the room, Lydia snorted. “I dare say I’ll invite her to the wedding, but she shan’t stand up as a bridesmaid.”
The family was used to this behavior from Lydia and had even come to expect it, but to have the two youngest sisters at odds was not anticipated. Mrs. Bennet rose to follow her favorite child and appease the slight she had received.
“Now, now, Kitty,” Jane cooed to her sister sitting down next to her and taking her hand between her own, “your observations do you credit. You are displaying the mind of a fine, young woman by refraining from the silly exchange Lydia was attempting to goad you into.”
“Yes, Kitty. I am very pleased with your deportment,” Lizzy said, resting a reassuring pat on her shoulder. “What has brought this turn about?”
Kitty thought for a moment and contemplated while the sound of Mary’s piano playing filled the room. “I daresay it was from Mr. Darcy.”
“Mr. who?” Jane asked surprised.
“Mr. Bingley’s friend—a tall, proud fellow who was looking on our family with disdain. While Mr. Bingley was all affability, Mr. Darcy was evidently displeased with what he saw. You know how Mama can be, and Papa was more interested in silently watching the folly, so we girls were once again left to our own devices.”
“Did he insult you?” Lizzy asked, her ire rising at the thought of the handsome man from the carriage looking down upon her family.Handsome or not, who is he to pass judgment?
“No, Lizzy, he did not,” Kitty said twirling a loose curl around her finger and contemplating her words. “But, just being in his presence…” She looked up at her sister’s startled expression. “It is not what you think. My heart was not taken by him nor could I have any feelings for him—how could I on this short acquaintance? But I evaluated our family through his perspective and realized I no longer wanted to be what he saw.
“Lydia wants a red coat—someone to flirt with. I realized that I want a man of merit, such as Mr. Darcy. Someone who will see the value of me and not as a mere object. If I have any hope of fulfilling that dream, I must alter my ways.”
