“And properly served!” Mrs. Bennet cried. “Such behaviour! In my garden!”
Lydia looked aghast. “Ten lashes, Papa?”
Mr. Bennet raised a brow. “He deserves it.”
“I would have given more,” she returned.
“It is not a punishment I should recommend for anyone,” he said dryly.
“He accosted my sisters. In our own garden. To think I thought him handsome.”
Kitty shuddered; Mary looked grave; Mrs. Bennet declared it entirely just.
Throughout it all, Darcy remained somewhat apart, receiving thanks where they were offered, but not seeking them.
Elizabeth watched him. This had not been her father’s doing alone or at all.
When the first bustle subsided and Mrs. Bennet had turned her attention toward ordering a more substantial luncheon than had originally been intended, Elizabeth moved toward Darcy.
“You have been very active this morning,” she said quietly.
“I have done only what was necessary.”
“My father appears to have done a great deal.”
“He has,” Darcy replied. “He was very decided.”
Elizabeth looked at him – steadily. “And you?”
There was the slightest pause. “I accompanied him.”
It was not an answer – and yet, it was. Elizabeth’s expression softened. “I believe,” she said, “that I understand you very well.”
His gaze met hers briefly. “I should be glad of that.”
***
The meal that followed bore all the marks of Mrs. Bennet’s agitation transformed into hospitality.
There was more food than necessary, more movement than convenience required, and a general determination that nothing should appear less than perfectly managed.
Mr. Bennet bore his consequence with calm amusement. “If this is the reward of heroism,” he observed, “I may be tempted to undertake it more frequently.”
“You shall do no such thing,” his wife returned. “We cannot have villains in the garden every day.”
Bingley laughed; Lydia declared it would be vastly entertaining; Jane tried, unsuccessfully, to restore order to the conversation.
Georgiana, though quieter than before, was no longer distressed. She remained near Elizabeth, as though still deriving comfort from her presence.
Darcy watched her more than once.
After the meal, Darcy requested a few moments alone with his sister. They withdrew to a smaller room. He did not speak at once.
“I hope your visit has not been entirely spoiled by his appearance,” he said at last.
“You could not have prevented it,” Georgiana replied softly.
He was silent a moment. “I have been mistaken in him before,” he said. “I ought not to have allowed him the opportunity of being near you again.” He looked away. “I believe he came because he had learnt something about Miss Elizabeth and me. I am not certain what his purpose was today, but maybe it is better that I do not know.”
