Mrs Hurst, who mostly humoured her husband, had been positively adamant that she did not wish to attend the party, and her husband demanded that she would. The two had fought constantly since Miss Bingley’s departure. Mrs Hurst wanted to be in town with her sister,but her husband would not give up her brother’s hospitality while it was offered. Eventually, Jane and the young ladies had travelled to the card party in Mr Darcy’s carriage while Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam rode their horses, and Mr and Mrs Bingley reasoned with his sister.
“Jane, dear, we feared you would never make it.” Mrs Phillips bussed Mrs Bingley’s cheek as the Netherfield party entered her drawing room.
“Not a chance, Aunt Phillips, my brother-in-law would never miss one of your card parties. You know that Mr Hurst is very fond of yours and Mrs Bennet’s engagements,” Bingley exclaimed as he assisted his wife with her pelisse.
Mrs Phillips wrinkled her nose as she regarded the Hursts and Mr Hursts' younger brother. “Yes…well…welcome, Mr and Mrs Hurst. There is a table over there for you and your brother, I am certain thatsomeonewill make you up a fourth.” She made to turn away without greeting the young parson, when he addressed her.
“You are very good to invite us, Mrs Phillips. Such a charming little gathering.” Mr Rupert Hurst bowed.
“Littlebeing the pertinent detail,” Mrs Hurst sighed as if much put upon as she swept over to the table that her hostess had indicated was theirs.
“We find such amusements keep us from becoming too proud of ourselves,” Mrs Phillips said with as much false civility as she could muster.
When the Hursts had seated themselves on the other side of the room, she said in an aside to Colonel Fitzwilliam, “That one will be obliged to sit with his family much of the night, I am sure. He should expect few other partners for cards, I hope he prefersPatience?1.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam snickered as the Hursts implored first one, then two, then three other guests to make up their fourth but were firmly rebuffed. Eventually Bingley took the place to make the fact that no one else wished to play cards with the Hursts less noticeable.
Mrs Bingley made up a table with her sister Elizabeth, Mr Darcy, and Charlotte Collins, while the other tables continued their play. Jane played with Kitty, Mary, and Miss Edwina Long, at least,until they had played several sets, then people began to rise and seek out new tables and new partners. Then she found herself playing with Mr Rupert Hurst, Mr Collins, and Lady Lucas. Mr Hurst and Mr Collins were speaking of their positions and parishes.
After five minutes of Mr Collins droning on about his patroness’s exacting standards of conduct in Kent, Mr Hurst attempted some levity. “I dare say Lady Catherine would not approve of these rural pastimes. Thankfully,mypatron quite enjoys a country card table when the company is delightful.”
“Delightful! It was not three days past when you said that you would never waste yourself on the young women of Meryton. I can only breathe a sigh of relief that it is only ourdaughterswhose company you consider merely tolerable.” Lady Lucas glared at the young man.
Jane laid down a spade, replying archly to Lady Lucas. “Is it not a relief to know that hecanlower himself after all? At least a bit?”
Lady Lucas tittered at Jane’s humour as Mr Collins chuckled. “How merrily the ladies jest! But Mr Hurst, it is no small matter to insult another clergyman’s future village. My wife expects me to challenge you to some sort of parsons’ duel to give the village satisfaction. Whatever did you mean by such a speech?”
Mr Rupert Hurst, in shock at being called to task for his rudeness–and by a person like Mr Collins no less–played his next card in silence, as a muscle twitched in his jaw.
An hour later, Jane was by the sideboard with Mrs Bennet and her sister as Colonel Fitzwilliam approached them.
“Reverend Hurst dismissed our Mary, and now evenLydiawill not give him the time of day!” Mrs Bennet giggled. “Did you see him attempt to partner Miss Goulding at the middle table? The poor girl denied herself the enjoyment of the game to avoid him, claiming a headache. It is kind of my Mary and Miss Darcy to keep her company on the settee.”
Mrs Phillips sipped her punch. “I daresay if shedidhave a headache,that he gave it to her. He will soon return to his home; there will be few new opportunitieshereto insult our girls.”
“I almost pity him,” Mrs Bennet laughed. “Almost.”
“Harden your heart, Mrs Bennet,” Colonel Fitzwilliam commanded. “As the second son of an earl, I can say with authority that nothing about shewing kindness and civility to the young ladies of Meryton should pose a hardship to any man, let alone a member of the clergy.Thatsort of cruelty has no right to a welcome amongst decent people.”
“You should be grateful your cousin was not here when you insulted me at the Meryton Assembly, I believe he would have called you out,” Elizabeth teased Darcy as they joined them.
“I would have thrashed him on the dance floor at the very least, and promptly asked for your very next set, Lizzy,” Colonel Fitzwilliam assured her affectionately. “And perhaps you would now be betrothed tome.”
Elizabeth laughed out loud and replied, “Take care! We are only just rid of Mr Crawford.”
“Those are fighting words!” Mr Bennet cried. “Are you just going to take that lying down, Darcy? You cannot allow him to steal my Lizzy; I am certain that he does not have any library at all for me to visit.”
“Perish the thought that I should ever allow my cousin to let down his guard.” Fitzwilliam bowed. “I consider it my duty to the family to keep his instincts sharp.”
“I believe I shall join your cause soon.” Elizabeth looked up at Darcy. “Now you are in trouble.”
“I find myself strangely overjoyed about it.” Darcy smiled dazzlingly at her.
“Miss Jane! Miss Jane, you simplymustjoin me for piquet!” Miss Lydia bounded up to them excitedly. “I wish to ask for your help in a matter of importance, and I need to speak with you!”
“Of course, Miss Lydia.” It was past time that Jane got to know the youngest Bennet better anyway. She was quite curious about her.
Jane followed the girl to a table, and Lydia began to shuffle and deal the cards. “How may I be of assistance to you,Miss Lydia?” Jane inquired. The younger girl reddened. “Do not worry. You have my confidence. Unless, of course, it is a matter of your safety.”
