“Darcy, if my sister is a bother, I shall speak to her,” Bingley murmured. “I know she expects—”
“’It is of no concern, Bingley,” Darcy assured him. “As long as you understand I will not offer for her, even if she attempts to claim compromise, then I shall continue to behave as I always have.”
“Very good. Yes, Caroline is quite fixed on being the next mistress of Pemberley. I fear she will become unbearable.” Bingley shrugged apologetically. “If you wish to hie it to London, I will not stop you.”
Darcy chuckled. “No, I prefer the country. Besides, Georgiana is enjoying her time with my aunt and uncle. I would not wish to spoil her fun.”
In truth, Georgiana had begged to go to the earl and countess. The scar on Darcy’s face was a constant reminder of her near-ruinous mistake. She could scarcely look at him without bursting into tears.
They climbed aboard the carriage. The gentlemen sat on one side, which made for a slightly cramped ride, but Darcy did not complain. Meryton was not far from Netherfield Park, and so the discomfort would be of short duration. Instead, he listened as the ladies chattered on, speaking meanly of people they had not yet met, speculating about their circumstances and supposed lack of refinement. It was a pity they were not as open to new acquaintances as their brother. By ascribing the worst to those they never met, they prevented new friendships from even beginning.
The Meryton Assembly Hall was lit outside with lanterns. There were no other carriages waiting, which told Darcy they were later than he thought. Being fashionablylate was Miss Bingley’s attempt at showing thecountry bumpkinshow refined she and her family were. Unfortunately, it also meant the dancing had already begun—and he noted the lady’s displeasure.I wonder if she thought I would ask her for the first,he mused.
“Mr. Bingley! ’Tis a pleasure to see you!” A portly gentleman with graying hair approached and bowed.
“Sir William! Good evening. May I present my guests?” Bingley quickly introduced his family and Darcy. Sir William’s gaze slid over Darcy as though he were invisible. His daughter appeared at his side, and he promptly introduced Miss Charlotte Lucas.
Darcy felt an immediate affinity with the lady. She had dark hair and dark eyes, and, like Darcy, an appearance criticized by society. In short, she was very plain. Yet, there was an air of intelligence about her as she greeted the others. Unlike her father, shesawDarcy and offered him a kind smile. She appeared to be about seven-and-twenty, and Darcy wondered how many times her heart had been broken.At least she has no blemish to mar her features.
Bingley immediately asked the lady to dance and escorted her away. The second set was forming, and Darcy turned to Mrs. Hurst.
“Would you care to dance?”
Mrs. Hurst agreed at once. Her younger sister frowned disapprovingly and folded her arms petulantly as he led the elder to the floor.
They danced in silence. Mrs. Hurst did not appear inclined to converse, and so Darcy made no effort. Instead, he looked around the room at the other attendees, wondering who they were and regretting that he had not asked Sir William for more introductions before inviting Mrs. Hurst.I shall remedy that immediately upon the conclusion of this set,he decided. Bingley would likely wish it as well, and so Darcy would accompany his friend.
Mrs. Hurst scuttled off as soon as the set concluded, heading straight for her sister. Bingley came to his side, still escorting Miss Lucas.
“My lovely companion has offered to make more introductions,” he said cheerfully. “Miss Lucas, shall we?”
Darcy trailed after them. Every few feet, they were stopped and introduced to several amiable young ladies, all of whom spoke exclusively to Bingley after casting Darcy only a fleeting glance. It was as if he were invisible.
While Bingley spoke with Miss Long, Miss Lucas turned to Darcy.
“Are you enjoying your time in Meryton, sir?” she asked.
Startled at being addressed, he floundered for a moment before answering. “I only arrived this afternoon,” he confessed. “Though I am looking forward to seeing more of the area. It has been many years since I did more than pass through Hertfordshire on my way north or south. Tell me, are there any interesting prospects nearby? Ruins, perhaps?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, there are several. Mindsen Chapel is located near Preston—it dates back to the fourteenth century. There is also St. Etheldreda’s Church near Graveley. And if you wish to venture further afield, Theobalds Palace lies in nearby Cheshunt. It was once owned by King James the First.”
“You are very well informed, Miss Lucas,” Darcy said appreciatively. “Thank you.”
“Oh! Here are the Bennets. It seems Mrs. Bennet grew tired of waiting for us to come to her.” Miss Lucas sounded amused as a matron with five ladies trailing her approached.
Darcy had never seen such beauty in one family. His mouth fell open slightly as he beheld them, and he almost missed the introductions. The matron was introduced as Mrs. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn. Her daughters were Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Miss Catherine, and Miss Lydia. Each curtsied in turn, and Darcy smiled at Bingley’s predictable reaction. The eldest daughter was a rare beauty, and his friend looked utterly entranced.
It was the second lady who drew Darcy’s eye, however. Unlike the other ladies, her gaze had not slid past him as though he were invisible. Instead, it lingered on his face, her expression interested and intrigued. Darcy felt flustered and was certain his attempted smile had looked more like a grimace. Bingley quickly asked Miss Bennet for a set and led her away. Mrs. Bennet watched, her pleasure clear before instructing her other daughters to secure a dance partner.
“I believe I shall sit out this set, Mama,” Miss Elizabeth replied. “There are so few gentlemen, you know.”
“Have it your way,” Mrs. Bennet said dismissively.
Elizabeth’s attention turned to Miss Lucas, and the two began conversing. Evidently forgotten, Darcy backed away until he could lean against the wall. From there, he truly looked at Miss Elizabeth. She was petite, a head shorter than her friend. Herdeep brown hair was fashionably styled, with curls touching her cheeks and kissing her neck. Her dark eyes sparkled with good humor, so very unlike Miss Bingley, whose eyes glistened with avarice. Miss Elizabeth’s figure was light and pleasing, hinting at an active nature. She wore a champagne-colored gown embroidered with thread that glistened in the candlelight.
Darcy’s throat felt tight. Never had a lady’s presence—or appearance—struck him with such force. Ladies had attracted him in the past, to be sure, but this…this felt very different. Almost immediately upon acknowledging his attraction, he shrank inwardly. No ladies wanted him—not for himself. Cursing silently, he leaned his head back against the wall and sighed. He ought to dance with Miss Bingley and thus fulfill his duty to Bingley. Then he could retreat to a corner and remain undisturbed.
The next set was forming, so he sought out the lady. She looked entirely too pleased and accepted immediately.’Tis only one set,he told himself.I can manage.
