“No,” he said quietly. “I did not.”
They walked a few steps in silence.
“You must not imagine that I gave my consent lightly,” he continued. “But a man of his character, his fortune, and – if I judge him rightly – his determination… such a man does not ask merely out of passing curiosity.”
Elizabeth felt her heart beat a little faster.
Mr. Bennet’s voice softened. “I know, Lizzy, that I have not always been the most attentive father. Your portion is small, and I have done little to improve it.”
“Papa…”
“No,” he said gently. “Allow me the reflection.” For a moment, he looked ahead rather than at her. “He does not seem to care about such matters. And if he is sincere… he may offer you a life very different from this one.”
Elizabeth said nothing.
“You deserve that,” he added quietly.
By the time they entered the parlour again, the house had resumed its usual animation.
Mrs. Bennet was already giving directions to Hill about luncheon, Lydia and Kitty were disputing whether the weather would spoil their walk to Meryton, and Jane was attempting – with her usual gentle patience – to restore order to both conversation and tea.
Elizabeth took her seat among them, but she heard very little of what was said.
The room seemed unusually lively that morning. Voices rose and fell around her, chairs moved, cups were set down with smalldecisive sounds, and yet she felt oddly separate from it all, as though she were observing the scene from a distance.
Mr. Darcy.
The thought returned again and again, each time bringing with it the same quiet flutter of astonishment.
He had asked her father’s permission.
Her.
Lydia was laughing loudly at something Kitty had said.
Mrs. Bennet declared that the weather was most unreasonable for the middle of the season.
Jane asked Elizabeth a question which she answered without quite knowing what she had said.
Then, almost unconsciously, Elizabeth glanced down at herself.
Her dress was the same simple morning gown she wore within the house. The ribbon at her waist had loosened slightly, and a stray curl had escaped from her hair.
She became suddenly aware of it all.If he comes today…Elizabeth rose quietly. “I shall be back in a moment,” she said.
No one paid her much attention. Lydia was already speaking again, and Mrs. Bennet was explaining to Hill why the good china must certainly be brought out when Mr. Bingley returns.
Elizabeth slipped from the room and went upstairs. In the privacy of her chamber, she paused for a moment, as though surprised by her own actions.
Then she moved quickly.
The gown was changed for one a little neater, a little more becoming. She adjusted the ribbon with more care, and beforethe mirror she gathered her hair again, smoothing the loose curls with fingers that were not quite steady.
Elizabeth Bennet had never thought herself a vain woman. Yet when she finished and looked once more at her reflection, she could not deny that she hoped to look well.
For a moment, she stood quite still. Then she laughed softly at herself.
***
