Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “You believe Mr. Darcy’s opinions are so easily altered?”
“I believe,” Mrs. Bennet replied with conviction, “that he has discovered what everyone else already knew – that you are a very handsome girl.”
“I was not aware that such a discovery required so much dancing to confirm it.”
“A mother notices such things.”
Elizabeth laughed. “And all at once, I am handsome?”
“Well, as I have said. You are not as handsome as Jane, but then nobody is. But you have a very pretty face, and when you smile, your eyes shine. I can see a man notice that.”
Mr. Bennet, who had listened to the discussion with quiet amusement, now spoke for the first time.
“I rather suspect that Mr. Darcy never meant his remark at Meryton half so seriously as it has since been repeated.”
Lydia turned toward him at once. “Not mean it? But, Papa, he said she wastolerable! Nothing could be plainer.”
Mr. Bennet smiled slightly. “A gentleman who says a young lady is tolerable may, upon further acquaintance, find her considerably more than that.”
Elizabeth regarded her father with curiosity. “And you suppose Mr. Darcy has already arrived at such a conclusion?”
Mr. Bennet took a sip of his wine before replying. “My dear Lizzy, I merely observe that a gentleman who dances with the same lady first at a ball seldom does so without some reason.”
Mrs. Bennet nodded eagerly. “There! You hear your father. If only he could fall in love with her.”
Elizabeth only smiled and returned her attention to her plate, though she could not help reflecting that Mr. Darcy’s reasons were perhaps not quite so easily guessed.
Across the table, Mr. Collins cleared his throat with solemn deliberation.
“I must warn you, Cousin,” he began, “that the attentions of a gentleman of Mr. Darcy’s consequence cannot be taken in any other way than condescension. He was, I am sure, merely polite, even if it is flattering…”
Elizabeth felt the sting of his unwanted comment, more than she expected. “Mr. Collins,” Elizabeth said with composure. However, there was a firmness in her voice that could not be mistaken, “I do not require your advice on the interpretation of a gentleman’s civility.”
Mr. Collins blinked, visibly surprised that his well-meant guidance should be received in such a manner.
“I merely intended, cousin,” he replied with grave politeness, “to prevent any misunderstanding. A gentleman of Mr. Darcy’s distinguished rank cannot always be supposed to act from motives easily understood by those not accustomed to such society.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth as though to answer, but Mr. Bennet intervened.
“My dear Mr. Collins,” said he lazily, “I believe Lizzy has survived the dangers of dancing with a gentleman of fortune once already. I see no immediate reason to fear for her safety.”
Mr. Collins was about to reply but thought better of it as he glanced at Miss Mary. He was reassured of his earlier decision. Miss Mary suited him better, even if she was not as handsome as her elder sisters. She was safe from some gentlemen’s notice.
“It is always my duty,” he yet continued with solemn earnestness, “to guard against impropriety wherever it might arise.”
Mary, who had been listening with great seriousness, nodded slightly as though this principle deserved general approval.
Mr. Bennet, observing their expressions, leaned back in his chair with quiet satisfaction. The subject of the Netherfield ball, he suspected, would provide entertainment for several days yet.
Elizabeth, seeing that further argument would only encourage him, returned her attention to her plate.
Mrs. Bennet, meanwhile, had no patience for any topic that diminished her present satisfaction. “Well, whatever Mr. Darcy’s motives may be,” she declared briskly, “he behaved vastly better than he did at Meryton, and that is all I care about. I am convinced he has altered his opinion entirely. It may be that our dinner invitation did the trick as he saw our family in such a spectacle.” She nodded as if to convince herself of her own opinion.
Mr. Bennet raised his brows. “Then the neighbourhood may rest easy. Mr. Darcy’s opinions appear to be of considerable importance.”
“They are when they concern my daughters,” Mrs. Bennet said.
Mr. Bennet regarded Elizabeth with a look of quiet amusement. “My dear Lizzy, it seems you have quite improved your consequence in the county.”
