“Miss Bennet apparently was resting in the library. In complete darkness. We did not notice her and she did not make her presence known until it was too late. I am afraid she heard a very private conversation containing improper knowledge for young ladies.”
“Dear Lord. Nothing too bad, I hope? Do you fear her lack of secrecy?”
He hesitated briefly.
“I trust Miss Bennet’s honour and discretion. Wickham’s not so much. He is a despicable human.”
Bingley watched his friend carefully, then he glanced at Wickham, who was entertaining a large group of officers and young ladies.
“But Darcy, if he is such a vile man, shouldn’t you warn people about his true character? The universal opinion about him appears to be the opposite to your description. He might be a danger to those genuinely ignorant of his nature.”
“I intend to speak to Colonel Forster tomorrow.”
“So—will you not join us in London?”
“I will follow you on my horse, after I speak to the colonel.”
“I see...Darcy?”
“Yes?”
“My plan is to complete my business in London and return for Christmas at Netherfield. Louisa and Caroline insist I should remain in town longer and meet Georgiana. They said I have become too attached to Hertfordshire, in too short a time,and that I need some distance to clear my mind. Caroline said so.”
Darcy gazed at his friend, with a slight sense of shame. He had guessed Bingley’s interest in Miss Jane Bennet long ago but until that evening he had not realised the seriousness of his attachment. Bingley had often been in love but his present infatuation threatened to influence his entire future. He appeared so charmed, that a marriage proposal was not impossible to expect.
To Darcy, it was quite obvious that Miss Jane Bennet’s heart was not as touched as Bingley’s. She was a woman of exquisite beauty and pleasant manners, but her behaviour towards Bingley, although friendly, polite and welcoming, was no different than towards any other gentleman. Most likely, a union between her and Bingley would be a blessing for the Bennets—but Bingley deserved better than being a means to secure their future in a marriage of unequal affection.
Probably some distance from the object of his admiration was a useful solution for Bingley—to search his heart and clear his mind.
“What is your opinion?” Bingley enquired further.
“About what?”
“You know what I mean, Darcy...”
“I imagine, but perhaps this is not the proper time or place for such a conversation. Not between two dances, late in the night, during a ball. I certainly do not have a clear opinion to share with you.”
“Yes, yes...you are right, of course. We shall speak later...tomorrow...”
“A reasonable plan, Bingley,” Darcy concluded, then Bingley left him and went in search of Miss Jane Bennet.
From his spot near the wall and far enough away from the dance floor, Darcy could easily observe the entire party. His attention was drawn quite often towards Elizabeth—who danced three further sets. At times, their glances met briefly, but they did not speak to each other again.
It was not difficult for Darcy to notice Mr Collins’ attention towards Elizabeth. Even dancing together for the first set was enough indication of his intentions. Elizabeth’s irritation and annoyance regarding those attentions were also obvious. For a moment, Darcy wondered if that man Collins dared to propose marriage to Elizabeth. Some of Mrs Bennet’s statements seemed to suggest that. In such a case, did Elizabeth have the liberty of free choice? With their estate entitled to that man—as the whole of Meryton was aware—such a union would bring security to the family. Could Elizabeth refuse such an opportunity?
During the evening, Mr Collins danced with Miss Charlotte Lucas too. He was as clumsy as before, but Miss Lucas seemed to bear his lack of skills more stoically than Elizabeth had.
A little later, he appeared to invite Elizabeth again, but she declined. For a brief moment, Darcy was tempted to ask her for another set too. He would leave soon and likely never see her again. He might carry at least the memory of a second dance, hopefully, more pleasant than the first one. He avoided the temptation, though. He could not expose Elizabeth to more gossip and speculation, nor give Wickham more reasons to suspect his partiality to her.
Some time had passed before Darcy realised that he had been the subject of curiosity and interest for someone: Mr Bennet, of all people.
With their brief acquaintance and no opportunity to speak directly, the looks they cast at each other were rather challenging.
A day before, Darcy would have probably ignored Mr Bennet. However, after the incident, when he had been locked in the library with the man’s daughter, Darcy knew he owed at least some slight consideration to the gentleman.
Therefore, when Mr Bennet, from his chair, inclined his head barely perceptibly, Darcy responded in the same way. Shortly after, Mr Bennet rose from the chair and, with his glass in his hand, moved towards Darcy, who did the same.
They met in the middle, withdrawing to a corner where they could speak despite the music.
