He surprised a slight laugh out of Elizabeth. “That is fortunate, as my eyes are dark.”
“Indeed it is,” Mr Darcy agreed. He thought for a moment. “I suppose I always imagined marrying a woman who was a profound reader, and being able to discuss things that truly mattered in the world.”
Elizabeth smiled at this. Though she would not lay claim to being a profound reader, she did enjoy reading. “Well, it is fortunate for you I am fond of literature. Sadly, I fall short in the profundity of the books I enjoy, but perhaps you might guide my taste and recommend the works you consider most worthy. At least, I shall endeavour to read more.”
“And I shall endeavour to be more open,” Mr Darcy replied.
Elizabeth looked at him in surprise. She had not intended to propose a kind of quid pro quo, nor indeed to express a criticism. But he had listened to her, truly listened to her, and perceived where he fell short of her ideal. It spoke well of him that he would so readily acknowledge the deficit and try to correct it.
Mr Darcy gave a self-deprecating laugh. He looked embarrassed. With a little thrill, Elizabeth realised he had never shown his feelings so openly before in all the time of their acquaintance. “Miss Elizabeth, I wonder if I might broach something with you that has long been on my mind?” he asked.
Elizabeth shifted, turning slightly toward him to show he had her full attention. “But of course, Mr Darcy. What is it?”
“Well, I am curious to know what you think of Miss Bennet’s feelings toward Mr Bingley. I confess, I have watched them closely since coming to Meryton, and I am convinced that my friend admires her very much. However, I am unsure if her affection is equal to his.”
Elizabeth was only too glad to express an opinion on the matter. Mr Darcy’s openness deserved a return, and if he intended to bring her opinion back to his friend, Jane could only benefit. “It is only natural that you would doubt Jane’s affection for him. Reserve, coupled to a general good cheer, is the very essence of her character. I know that my sister may seem indifferent. But I assure you that is not the case. She is only shy, and rightly cautious in expressing the depth of her feelings. Society is not kind to a woman who says too much of what she feels. In confidence between us, I will go so far as to express my belief that she is well on her way to falling in love with him.”
“You are sure?” Mr Darcy asked. “I am glad I asked, Miss Elizabeth. Doubtless it will not come as a surprise to you that Miss Bingley has voiced concerns of the same nature as I have just done. However, I know that not everyone can be expected to be a fool in love. I admire your sister for showing such fortitude and grace whenever we have been in company.”
“I suppose we are all fools in love, in one way or another,” Elizabeth replied. It was no surprise that Miss Bingley had voiced concerns over the match. However, she suspected it was not for the reason Mr Darcy had indicated. She was sure that the family would want the only son and heir of the Bingley fortune to marry well above his current station. But what was status when one was in love?
“Yes, I suppose. Well, I shall ask Bingley to invite your whole family up to Netherfield. It is time we all got to know each other better, I think.”
His offer surprised Elizabeth. “It is good of you to do. It will give a chance for Jane to enjoy the pleasure of Mr Bingley’s company. She will be very well pleased,” Elizabeth smiled.
“If Miss Bennet is pleased by the invitation, I am glad of it,” Mr Darcy said, “but I must confess this was far from my intention. Rather, I shall suggest the meeting so that I might enjoy the pleasure of your company.”
Elizabeth instantly felt the heat rush into her cheeks. She had never thought of Mr Darcy as a flirtatious man. But his steady gaze and wicked smile made her wonder if he was trying his hand at it. She was struck by how handsome he truly was.
In a sense, perhaps, it was a shame. Mr Darcy had everything — an attractive person, great superiority of mind, wealth, connections. She felt for him. It would be unfortunate if they were forced to marry, for society at large would surely see it as a pity that he had wasted himself on a simple country gentlewoman with nothing more than a tolerably pretty face and a little wit to recommend her.
Chapter 18
The invitation was duly sent and quickly accepted, though to several of those concerned, time passed rather slowly until the day the meeting was to take place. On that evening, Bingley could be found pacing in front of the hearth in the parlour. “They are late,” he said in dismay. “I do hope the rain will not have made the lane impassable.”
Darcy chuckled under his breath. “I daresay there is nothing that could not be overcome with such a short distance for the Bennet family to travel. Indeed, you could send the footmen out to construct a bridge if it were necessary.”
“Could I? I suppose I could!” Bingley’s face brightened.
“Though I do not imagine it will be required,” Darcy added.
“Charles, do calm yourself,” Miss Bingley said, rolling her eyes.
The only dampener on the evening would be Miss Bingley’s presence. She had returned from London with the Hursts the day prior, only to find that the whole house was in the throes of preparations. Miss Bingley had not been pleased to learn of the dinner to be given for the Bennets. By that time, however, the invitation had been sent and accepted long since, so there was little she could do but complain.
Darcy had been looking forward to the party since he last saw Elizabeth. Yet anticipation was not unmixed with trepidation. He could not help but wonder what sort of impropriety the younger Bennet sisters, and even Elizabeth’s parents, might subject them to that evening.
Darcy concealed a sigh behind his hand, not wishing the others to comment on it. Whatever would be, would be. He was determined to overlook anything short of real misconduct if it meant he could be near Elizabeth.
Their host was much more sanguine. Indeed, he seemed not to have the slightest of apprehensions. Of course, Bingley had barely noticed anything that had been amiss at the Netherfield Ball, besides the incident that had brought Darcy and Elizabeth together.
“I do not understand why you have to hold a party on the second night I am home. It was a very strenuous journey, and I could do with some rest,” Miss Bingley whined.
“By all means, sister, if you are tired, you need not stay. Go to bed and rest, and you will be better in the morning for it.” Bingley pinned his sister with a fierce stare. “I will convey your apologies to the Bennets and I am sure they will understand your absence.”
Miss Bingley’s mouth thinned into a knife-sharp line. “I did not say I was too tired to attend.”
“Delightful! Then I am sure you will be your usual charming self for our guests this evening, and assist me to make them welcome, as a hostess should,” Mr Bingley said.
