The man’s sardonic grin widened even more. ‘In case you are wondering, the Lizzy to whom she referred is the lady whom you found only tolerable. This tolerable lady is also my favourite daughter.’
Mr Bennet paused before delivering a final comment. ‘You should also know since you seem to be too dense to have noticed that Lizzy was not being slighted. She refused several offers to dance to give other ladies a chance since due to the war there is a dearth of dance partners for them in this area.’
Bennet gave a satisfied chuckle as he turned his back on Darcy without taking his leave. The shocked expression had been a joy to behold. He wondered how the rest of his campaign was progressing.
~T~
Instead of attempting to shop anywhere else, Darcy returned to Netherfield in a daze. How could these country bumpkins cut a man of his consequence?
Admittedly, his manners had been not quite up to the standard which he employed in town, but people should not have listened in on his private conversation with Bingley.
When Darcy arrived back at Netherfield, he encountered an equally as puzzled Bingley.
‘I do not understand it. I visited six families today and none of them were at home.’
Darcy had a suspicion about the reason, but only suggested, ‘You have not been here long enough to know the habits of your neighbours. They might have had some event planned of which you are unaware.’
Bingley brightened. ‘You are probably correct. I expect I will find out about it tomorrow when I call on Miss Bennet again.’
~T~
After dinner, Darcy and Bingley adjourned to the library for a private conversation.
Bingley poured some brandy for them both before sitting by the open window where a light breeze played with the curtains.
Darcy took a fortifying sip while he gathered his thoughts. ‘Bingley, I am concerned about your infatuation with Miss Bennet,’ he said with a disturbed look at his friend.
‘Pray tell, what is there to concern you about the lady. She is an angel and the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld. I know that Caroline does not approve of her, because she does not have a title and the family is not wealthy, but as the daughter of a gentleman I think she is eminently suitable for me.’
‘Are you quite certain?’ Darcy asked, testing the waters. He still remembered the look of relief during the assembly and wanted to make certain his friend would not get hurt. ‘I am not convinced that she has feelings for you.’
‘Darcy, I know that you are wrong. Just because the lady is modest and all that is proper does not mean that she does not have feelings for me. Indeed, you should be pleased that for once a lady is showing the proper reserve and not throwing herself at me.’
‘Perhaps her behaviour is not due to reserve...’
‘Now I know that you are wrong. How could she not reciprocate my feelings. I am everything that ladies hope for in a husband. You just wait and see. You will see the joy in her demeanour once I declare myself.’
Darcy shook his head but replied, ‘I suppose you know her better than I do.’
~T~
The residents at Netherfield had barely finished their breakfast when an unexpected visitor arrived.
‘Mr Phillips, it is good to see you. Are you here to see if we have settled in?’ Bingley asked amiably after they had exchanged greetings.
‘’I am sorry, Mr Bingley but I have not. I am here at the request of Netherfield Park’s owner, to recommend that you cancel the lease,’ the solicitor said and pursed his lips as if to ensure that he would not utter his personal opinion.
‘Cancel the lease?’ exclaimed Bingley. ‘We only just arrived. Why would I want to leave?’
‘Your landlord thought that you would prefer the company in town.’
‘I can assure you that I have found the company here exceedingly pleasant. I met the most wonderful people at the assembly the other night.’
Phillips shook his head and sighed. ‘Mr Bingley, while you might have found the company pleasant, the rest of your party made it abundantly clear that they disapproved of your neighbours.’
‘Surely not,’ Bingley exclaimed as he looked around the room, only to see the disdainful expression on his sisters’ countenance and embarrassment on Darcy’s face, which reminded him of the tolerable comment his friend had uttered. While he might not be the most astute man, Bingley made the connection and asked, ‘Was that why no one was home yesterday when I called on my neighbours?’
‘Yes, Mr Bingley. Your neighbours were busy petitioning your landlord to evict the unmannered Cits,’ Phillips explained with a pointed look at Darcy.
