Darcy looked at him with some wonder; he had rarely seen his friend so vehement. He must have been either tormented or angry to speak so.
“Then I shall be explicit. Mrs Bennet spoke last night of your marriage to her daughter.”
Bingley was so surprised that his breath came in short gasps, and for a moment Darcy could not determine whether he was offended or pleased. Still, he resolved to use that moment to further his purpose. He felt a strong desire to protect his friend from the schemes and intrigues that seemed to flourish in the small town of Meryton.
He explained that the mother and her daughter appeared to act in concert. In the face of Bingley’s enthusiasm and evident affection, Miss Bennet’s behaviour struck him as rather coldand indifferent—“incapable of answering with the same delicate feelings,” he said, as Bingley listened in astonishment.
Nor did his objections end there. Darcy also disliked the father, who had been among the first neighbours to call upon the newcomer. Other fathers, with daughters to marry, had introduced themselves almost at the same time. It seemed nearly a competition—to lose no opportunity, and to be first in gaining the attention of the promising bachelor now settled nearby.
Darcy had nothing against marriage; but he believed it ought to be founded on genuine affection. If a woman brought no considerable fortune, she ought at least to bring to the union all the feelings proper to a wife.
“I…do not understand,” Bingley said. “Why does this trouble you so much? Is it not the same in London, or wherever marriageable young ladies assemble?”
“It is the same in essence, but I expect discretion and elegance, rather than an unscrupulous pursuit.”
“I see—and you think this family of that kind?”
“Entirely,” Darcy said, as if pronouncing a verdict.
Bingley was sad and confused, for he truly admired Miss Bennet. He admired her beauty, her gentleness, and even the reserve she maintained in the face of his attentions. To him, it had seemed evident that she shared his feelings; however shy she might be, she had not sought to encourage his acquaintance further during her stay at Netherfield.
“Charles, tell me—how many times have we had this same discussion? Your wish to become engaged after only weeks, or even days?”
Bingley stood almost with his back to his friend, watching his guests walk in the snow. Darcy was right. In the past, his advice had saved him from at least two imprudent engagements.
“You know I am right. I ask only that you return to London and allow your feelings time to settle. Consider what such a connection would entail. You would not merely marry her—all the Bennets would be settled within three miles of you. This is not for you, my friend. You may meet many agreeable and interesting ladies in London. Why choose here, surrounded by narrow interests and constant gossip?”
Bingley did not look at him. He would not have Darcy see the depth of his distress. And what if this time were different? What if Jane Bennet were to prove the greatest—and perhaps the only—love of his life?
But Darcy’s reasoning pressed upon him. He imagined her family constantly at Netherfield, imagined disagreements with his sisters. He liked Miss Elizabeth; but he could not forget the conduct of the two youngest—Kitty and Lydia—who had flirted shamelessly all evening.
“So, my friend—what have you decided?” Darcy asked.
∞∞∞
They left Netherfield a few days later without seeing the Bennet family. It was a victory for Caroline and Louisa, who were eager to have Mr Darcy on their side—and succeeded.
“I am satisfied that, for once, Mr Darcy has the same opinion,” Caroline said as she travelled to London with the Hursts. “Netherfield may be close to London, but the people here are thousands of miles away in their behaviour. And that family is the worst. Imagine—five daughters to marry! And Mrs Bennet ready to do anything to secure Charles for one of them.”
“You cannot blame her,” Louisa observed, not as dissatisfied with the local society. “Miss Bennet was different; but you are right—our brother should marry in London. And foryou, there are more chances to win Mr Darcy’s heart with those women out of sight.”
“Oh, no! What are you saying, Louisa? Mr Darcy would never be attracted to a woman like Eliza Bennet.”
Not a word had been said about the Bennet sisters other than Jane. Louisa looked closely at her sister, who blushed when she realised she had betrayed her concern. Clearly, deep down, Caroline believed that Mr Darcy’s behaviour showed a slight interest in Miss Elizabeth.
“I do not understand why you would say something like that,” Louisa said, irritated. “Mr Darcy expressed more than once that there was little beauty and no fashion in that gathering. I heard him say he felt not the smallest interest in any of the ladies present. And remember the way he spoke to Miss Elizabeth that morning after Miss Bennet fell ill. He was at once haughty, reserved, and fastidious; and his manners, though well-bred, were far from inviting.”
“Yes, you are right—but do I have to remind you that Miss Thornville triumphed over Lord Davenport?”
Louisa seemed not to understand. Being married, she paid little attention to such observations, unless they rose to general notice.
“What do you mean, dear sister?”
“I mean that Rowena Thornville played the part of a woman indifferent to marriage. She was always ready with a curt reply, and I remember more than once when she contradicted Lord Davenport. Everyone believed he disliked her—only to discover, a few months later, that they were engaged.”
“You may be right, but I doubt such a plan would succeed with Mr Darcy. He is far too intelligent. And besides, Rowena Thornville was one of the most elegant ladies in London, while Eliza appeared before us with a soiled gown, after walking alonefrom Longbourn to Netherfield. She can have no claim upon a man as distinguished as Mr Darcy.”
Chapter 2
