“If you do not wish me to fight a duel, I will go to Netherfield and explain to both gentlemen that my daughters are in love with them, and that Mr. Bingley must not depart any time soon. No young lady likes to be crossed in love, and it would be heartless of Mr. Bingley to do so.”
“I wish you would not be facetious for once. It is a serious matter. You cannot make Jane’s feelings the butt of your jokes. It will break her heart if Mr. Bingley leaves.” She registered what else he had said. “And, for your information, I amnotin love with Mr. Darcy. Quite the opposite.”
“I would say good riddance to them both, except that I must indeed ride over to speak to Mr. Darcy. If they are intending to leave soon, I need to discharge my debt as quickly as possible. Honor dictates it.”
Elizabeth groaned. It was humiliating for Papa to be obliged to go, cap in hand, to reimburse Mr. Darcy Her cheeks burned at what Mr. Darcy would think, but she could not prevent Papa from going. Men were very touchy about matters of honor.
At that moment the door opened, and the rest of the walking party stepped into the house. Elizabeth listened intently, praying that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley were not planning to come in. The only one talking was Lydia, who was offering tea to Mr. Collins.
She spotted her father, gave a small squeal, and ran over to give him a quick embrace.
“Hello Papa! Back already?”
Mr. Bennet did not have a chance to answer before she turned back to focus her attention on Mr. Collins. “Do you like to hold tea parties, Mr. Collins? I love to play hostess to our neighbors. What is your favorite type of cake?”
To Elizabeth’s relief, there were no visitors. Mary was the last one in. Elizabeth bit back the impulse to ask her what had happened to Mr. Darcy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bennet was watching Lydia with astonished irony.
“So that’s the way things are, I see,” said Mr. Bennet as Lydia and Collins passed into the parlor.
“It is because of Lydia that this whole debacle happened.”
“Mrs. Bennet told me so, but I did not think Lydia capable of carrying it through. I am pleasantly surprised. Perhaps it will do Lydia some good to behave herself for once. She might even make a habit of it.”
“Not once she gets what she wishes for,” said Lizzy. “I am not even sure she can keep it up long enough to convince Mr. Collins.”
“Well, well, we shall see.”
Elizabeth heard Jane’s voice in the hallway speaking to Hill. She still had not made up her mind whether to tell Jane about Mr. Bingley’s imminent departure.
“Could you please not say anything to Jane yet about Bingley’s departure, Papa?”
“You have told the truth to Darcy, but you will not tell it to your sister? I am quite shocked. I must retreat to the library to meditate on the folly of human beings. I am finding the situation excessively diverting.”
***
IT WAS NOT UNTIL LATERin the afternoon, when Mr. Collins had retired to the library to read a book, that Elizabeth and Jane had a chance to talk.
“Where did you disappear to, Lizzy? I am very sorry I left you with Mr. Darcy. Did he say anything that offended you.”
He had said a great deal that offended her.
“I am sorry I left so suddenly,” said Elizabeth, “I hope it did not cause any awkwardness.”
“Not at all. I am ashamed to admit it, but I barely noticed.” Jane’s ears were red.
“So,” said Elizabeth, “how was your walk with Mr. Bingley? I hope nothing untoward transpired.”
The glow on Jane’s face spoke volumes.
If he was taking advantage of her poor sister, Elizabeth would find some way to pay him back. She would follow him to the end of the world and make sure he got his just deserts for doing this.
“Oh, no, nothing untoward,” said Jane. “He is a perfect gentleman.”
Not quite as perfect as you think, thought Elizabeth.
“Well? Are you going to tell me all about it?” she said.
