“Did you have an easy journey, Mr Darcy?” asked Mrs Bennet when he sat. “It is a great distance. I wonder what might have induced you to make the trip.”
He gave Elizabeth an expressive look and a warm smile that ought to have answered the question for any sensible observer.
“It is not such a great distance, as I am sure Mr Darcy would agree,” Elizabeth said. “He would say it is an easy distance, so long as the roads are good.”
“It was little more than a few hours’ journey across fields and streams. I was encouraged to cover the distance quickly.”
“Well.” Mrs Bennet sighed. “I cannot see why you would take the trouble, but I suppose you are welcome.”
She treated him with a cold civility. Did she know about his interference with Bingley and Miss Bennet? Or was it because he had treated her family and friends as though they were beneath him? Not only did he need to court Elizabeth’s favour, but he would also have to court that of her family.
“Bingley intends to reopen Netherfield by the middle of June, Mrs Bennet. He is quite desirous of meeting you all again.”
Mrs Bennet only nodded. After a long silence, she said, “Your friend will see a great many changes in the neighbourhood when he returns. Miss Lucas is married and settled.”
“I had the pleasure of meeting with Mrs Collins often while visiting my aunt, Lady Catherine, at Easter. She appeared to be content with her situation.” He would not say he thought Mrs Collins to be happy, for who could be happy with such a man for a husband, but Darcy put forth the effort of saying something agreeable when he would have otherwise remained silent.
“Mamma, I told you that Mr Darcy often called at the parsonage. In fact, in one of ourmanyconversations, we discussed marriage and the Collinses’ happiness.” Elizabeth spoke slowly and clearly. Since Mrs Bennet dearly wanted her daughters advantageously settled, Darcy had expected she would be his greatest supporter, but she was scarcely civil to him. Mrs Bennet must not understand he was here as Elizabeth’s suitor.
“The regiment will soon leave for Brighton, Mr Darcy. I should think it will break my daughters’ hearts! It is a shame that someof those men, accustomed to the life of a gentleman, must be reduced to such poverty as to join the militia. If only they had some friends.” She sniffed, and he knew this remark was for him.
“Mr Darcy, you have ridden so far, and we would be remiss if we did not invite you to dine with us,” Elizabeth said pointedly. She then looked at Mrs Bennet, and her mother coolly invited him to stay. Darcy hoped Elizabeth was as eager to avoid discussion about Wickham or hear him praised as much as he was. As he politely accepted, Elizabeth’s two youngest sisters burst into the room. One shrieked with delight while the other followed in tears.
“I am going to Brighton! I am going to Brighton!” Miss Lydia sang rapturously.
“Mamma, it is not fair!” the other girl cried. “I have just as much right to be asked as she does!”
“Mrs Forster has asked to me to accompany her to Brighton. My dear, dear Harriet! Brighton comprises every possibility of earthly happiness, andIget to go!” Miss Lydia flew about the room in restless ecstasy, and her mother jumped from her chair to join her.
“What fun you will have, my dear. Perchance you will find a husband before you return!” The noise level increased so abruptly and dramatically that Darcy could not prevent himself from cringing. Their mother talked on about the many new gowns Lydia would need and what eligible men she may meet.
“I cannot see why Mrs Forster should not ask me as well as Lydia, for I am two years older!” Miss Catherine peevishly threw herself onto the sofa next to Darcy without bothering to acknowledge him.
“Harriet ismyparticular friend. She is nearly my age and lately married, and we shall have such parties and fun! Lizzy! Jane! You must congratulate me. I am going to Brighton!”
Miss Bennet wished her well, and Elizabeth closed her eyes as if willing the scene before her to disappear before she opened them.
Darcy was sure this invitation was the death warrant of all possibility of common sense for Miss Lydia Bennet. The improprieties of her general behaviour shocked him. His instinct told him to take his leave or, barring that, remove himself to the window. However, that would not endear him to Elizabeth, and he was determined to please her.
As he sat calculating the distance between Pemberley and Longbourn, he realised Mrs Bennet had addressed him. Not wanting to appear inattentive, he promptly agreed with whatever had been asked of him. He realised she had invited him to walk out with her daughters.
“Go, my dears, and show Mr Darcy about the different walks.”
Miss Lydia declared herself eager to call at the Lucases’ to make known her good fortune while Miss Catherine still sat next to him, weeping from vexation and envy and was not fit to be seen. Elizabeth and Miss Bennet rose to collect their bonnets and gloves when Mrs Bennet spoke again.
“Lizzy, you need not go. Lydia will call on Lucas Lodge, and Jane may accompany Mr Darcy on a walk.”
“I would rather accompany Lydia,” Miss Bennet said quickly. “Lizzy may show him the hermitage.”
Mrs Bennet replied it was unnecessary and again entreated him to walk with Jane.
“Mamma, I would happily go with Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth insisted.
“Yes, my dear, but I say you need not.” Mrs Bennet winked at Elizabeth, who looked appalled.
“Mrs Bennet, I would enjoy Miss Elizabeth’s particular company should she choose to walk out.” Darcy then rose to collect his hat and gloves from the hall. He knew his manner with Mrs Bennet had turned cold, but Elizabeth was distressed, and he would do what he needed to remove her from this situation. He would explain himself outside should she accuse him of being uncivil.
Miss Bennet passed down the hall to retrieve her parasol while Darcy waited for the ladies. The door to the parlour remained open, and he heard Elizabeth speaking to her mother in hushed tones.
