Mr. Darcy smiled, and Elizabeth thought the expression carried a measure of condescension.
“But that is not a rebuke, Miss Bennet,” he said. “It is merely the truth. I confess that I am surprised your father permits you to roam amok as you do. It displays an exertion that is unladylike and a want of refinement which I cannot overlook.”
Frustration at his rigid expectations flamed in her breast. During the weeks she had resided at Netherfield, she had often been the object of his censure and correction. It was true that he had also shown her marked attention and had treated her with a certain possessiveness that had raised her hopes, for surely a gentleman would not claim a lady so openly if he did not intend to offer for her. Yet he had not done so, and from his continued silence, she had finally understood that he would never lower himself to marry a woman like her, even if he found her pleasing.
Shame reddened her cheeks. Though she knew she would never be his choice, she had not returned to Longbourn, for she had come to love him, and knowing he would soon leave Hertfordshire and her life forever, she wished to remain near him as long as she might.
Thus, she suppressed her disappointment and chose instead to laugh and continue her teasing.
“Then, sir, I should refrain from telling you that when I am at home I run along the hills each morning at sunrise, and I am pleased to report that I find such unladylike exertion extremely beneficial to my health and spirits.”
His brows drew together, and he offered no indulgence. Her remark had provoked him; perceiving it, she gave a quick curtsy and quitted him before he could deliver further reproof. It was very evident to her that they did not suit.
That evening, the three young ladies descended the stairs together. Elizabeth and Kitty were dressed in fine white muslin gowns, designed to enhance the comeliness of their forms. Georgiana wore an ice blue silk gown and a diamond pendant, a gift from her brother.
Mr. Darcy stood at the foot of the stairs. He bowed over his sister’s hand.
“You look lovely, my dear. Remember that you will dance only with members of our party. That includes Mr. Gardiner, yet you must refuse every other gentleman, since you are not yet out. Mrs. Gardiner has agreed that you and Kitty may remain at her side.”
“Yes, Brother, I understand. Thank you for permitting me to attend.”
When Georgiana passed down the hall arm-in-arm with Kitty, Darcy turned toward Elizabeth.
“I confess, Miss Bennet, that I do not feel very charitable toward you this evening. You displayed a decided want of propriety when you walked away from me this morning.”
Elizabeth dropped a curtsy.
“Sir, I could see that you were not pleased with my company this morning, and it appears that you are no better disposed toward me this evening, so I shall excuse myself.”
“Miss Bennet, you will reserve the supper set for me.”
She did not meet his eyes. “Yes, sir.”
As she turned to walk away, he said, “Allow me to escort you in to dinner.”
He offered his arm, and she placed her hand upon it and accompanied him into the dining room.
She was angry. His disapproval had thrown cold water upon her anticipation for the ball. Mr. Bingley’s three guests from London had arrived late in the afternoon, and she would soonbe introduced to them. Jane had promised to seat her beside the gentleman whom Charles had recommended as a possible match for her.
A thrill passed through her. A gentleman had been invited with the express intention of meeting her. Jane had spoken of him last week, when they sat alone in the drawing room.
According to her, he was amiable, possessed a comfortable fortune, and was free of vice. She did not know whether he was handsome, but Elizabeth had replied, “It does not matter how he looks, Jane. He possesses many other attractions. He is an eligible gentleman who can afford to marry a woman without a dowry, and I am grateful to Charles for thinking of me.”
“Lizzy, the other two gentlemen were invited with Caroline in mind. They are said to possess stronger characters and would be more likely to keep Caroline in order. I pray that one of them will find her attractive, or else I may find myself burdened with that ill-tempered woman for the remainder of my life.”
Jane took Elizabeth’s hand in her own. “Lizzy, she has been very fractious. Caroline complained to Charles about my housekeeping and rebuked one of the servant girls without proper cause. I sought the girl out afterward and offered her an apology. I will have to assert myself before Caroline succeeds in undermining my authority in my own household.”
“You can do it, Jane. You must gather your courage and speak to her plainly. Perhaps she will take offense and return home with the Hursts. When do you expect them?”
“They plan to arrive on the afternoon of the ball. Louisa is with child and finds it easier to travel later in the day.”
“I am glad for her. Mr. Hurst needs an heir, and I expect that the matter has weighed upon her mind, for they have now been married three full years.”
The fleeting scent of Mr. Darcy’s cologne drew Elizabeth’s thoughts back to the present. They entered the dining room, and almost immediately, Charles brought a gentleman forward and offered introductions.
“Miss Bennet, allow me to present Mr. Allen.”
Elizabeth released Mr. Darcy’s arm and curtsied to the gentleman. “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
