“He addressed Miss Darcy and me in a manner which cannot be overlooked. I must request that you will make it known – properly known – that he is not to be received in this house, nor in any society which values its respectability.”
Mrs. Bennet stared.
Elizabeth continued, more steadily, “You are well acquainted with the neighbourhood, Mama. I believe your opinion carries weight in such matters.”
There was a pause. Then Mrs. Bennet drew herself up. “Indeed, it does. And I shall take care that it is properly understood. Such behaviour! In my garden! To Miss Darcy! And my daughter! I shall not be silent, I assure you.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “I knew you would not.”
She did not remain to hear more but went at once in search of Georgiana.
She found her in the smaller sitting room, where she had withdrawn, pale and silent.
“Miss Darcy, Georgiana,” Elizabeth said more softly.
Georgiana looked up, her composure barely held. “I am very sorry. I did not expect…”
“You have nothing to regret,” Elizabeth said at once, going to her. “He had no right to speak; no right even to be there.”
Georgiana’s voice trembled slightly. “I thought… I feared…”
“You are safe,” Elizabeth said, with quiet firmness. “He will not approach you again.”
There was something in her tone which Georgiana believed at once.
“I am very much obliged to you,” she said.
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “You need not be obliged to me. We are not strangers now.”
Meanwhile, Darcy had requested the favour of a few moments’ private conversation with Mr. Bennet.
The request, though unusual, was not refused. They withdrew together.
When they returned, there was nothing in Mr. Darcy’s manner to betray what had passed, though his composure was of a graver cast than before.
“We must beg to take our leave,” he said, addressing the room with proper civility. “There is a matter which requires immediate attention.”
Mr. Bingley, who stood beside him, looked less composed, though no less determined.
“We are to wait upon the colonel of the militia,” he added.
Mr. Bennet inclined his head. “A very proper call, I should think.”
Mrs. Bennet, though curious, was too much occupied with her own indignation to press for particulars.
Elizabeth met Darcy’s eye only briefly – but it was enough.
The men, including Mr. Bennet, left.
“Lydia, you wanted to spend more time with Miss Darcy; now you have it. Why do you not show her your hat designs?” Elizabeth suggested.
***
Mrs. Bennet went to the kitchen to give her instructions for luncheon and dinner. She fully expected the gentlemen to remain.
Elizabeth smiled and turned to return to her room.
The house, though still animated below, seemed quieter above, and she withdrew to her room under the pretence of a composure she no longer felt the need to maintain. She closed the door softly behind her. She felt no inclination for company – not even that of Jane, whose gentle presence was at all times her greatest comfort.
