“Then you must determine what weight you give to your own judgement.”
Caroline stepped forward. “Mr. Darcy, you cannot mean…”
He did not look at her.
“If you admire Miss Bennet,” he said to Bingley, “and believe her deserving of your regard, there can be nothing improper in showing it.”
“And if I am mistaken?” Bingley asked.
“Then you will have been mistaken on your own judgement.”
Caroline’s composure faltered. “This is extremely imprudent. You cannot listen to him. He is lost. He is partial to Miss Eliza, and he is determined to throw himself away.”
Bingley leant forward. “You what? Is this true, Darcy?”
Darcy shook his head as he looked at Caroline. “Yes.” He paused. “I am courting Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Bingley stared. “You are?”
Darcy met his look calmly. “I am.”
“How did this happen? I remember you saying she was not handsome enough for you to dance with her.”
“Circumstances,” Darcy replied, “are sometimes better understood upon closer acquaintance.”
“Charles,” she said quickly, recovering, “you see now how matters stand. We must leave. Nothing good can come from remaining here.”
Bingley frowned. “Caroline, can you hear yourself? Netherfield has every advantage I can desire. It is well situated, the land is good, the neighbourhood is agreeable…”
“You forget Miss Bennet.”
“I do not.”
Her tone sharpened. “She has turned your head. You are not yourself.”
“I believe,” he said more firmly, “that I am entirely myself.”
Darcy added, with quiet steadiness, “The advantages of the place are undeniable. It requires only a man willing to value them.”
Caroline gave a short, restless movement. “And Miss Bennet? What is she to be valued for?”
Darcy answered, without hesitation, “She is a gentleman’s daughter. She possesses a temper which would recommend herin any society. And she is…” He paused very slightly.“Worthy of being valued.”
“And if Darcy is successful, he would marry Darcy’s wife’s sister. I say that sounds like a good connection.” Hurst said as he walked into the room.
“Mr. Hurst!” the sisters exclaimed.
“I never thought you would find a lady to your taste,” he continued, settling himself.
“Darcy courting… I am still amazed.” Bingley said. “Mind you, you never found any of the ladies in town to show an interest in.”
“Yes, yes, we are all in wonder. This is about you, Charles. What is to become of us if you persist in such a scheme? You will make yourself – and all connected with you – a subject of ridicule.”
Bingley looked at Caroline steadily.
“I think,” he said, “that I shall take my chance.”
Caroline rose. “I wish you joy of your discernment, Charles. It is a pity it could not be exercised in a more suitable direction.”
