Mr. Collins looked at him in confusion before frowning. “Miss Elizabeth, this behavior is not appropriate.”
Elizabeth continued to play. “I was not aware that my playing gave offense.”
Darcy glanced at her with a faint smile. “I find nothing to object to.” He turned slightly toward Mr. Collins. “There is nothing improper in Miss Elizabeth’s performance. I believe you would do better to be seated and enjoy it.”
Mr. Collins withdrew to a chair, though not without directing a look of disapproval toward Elizabeth.
Darcy spoke in a low voice. “Your patience exceeds mine.”
Elizabeth shrugged lightly. “He will be with us only a short time and then he will be gone. His intentions are plain, but until he declares himself, I must wait to answer him.”
“He seems persuaded that, as heir, he will obtain what he desires.”
“Yes, but he will discover he is mistaken.”
Darcy smiled. “I am very glad to hear it.”
Miss Bingley approached. “I should be happy to relieve you, Miss Elizabeth, if you wish a rest.”
Elizabeth inclined her head. “Thank you.” She rose and yielded her place at the pianoforte.
As Miss Bingley seated herself, Darcy stepped forward and offered his arm. Elizabeth accepted, and he led her to a seat across the room before taking one beside her.
Miss Bingley paused for a brief moment, visibly discomposed, before beginning to play.
Across the room, Elizabeth settled into her chair. For a few moments she listened with polite attention before glancing toward Mr. Darcy. He appeared wholly engaged in the music, yet when she looked his way, he met her eyes with a quiet smile.
Elizabeth turned her gaze back toward the pianoforte, though she found herself less attentive to the music than she had intended.
***
After the guests had departed, Mr. Bennet withdrew to his book-room. He had just taken up his book when Mr. Collins entered.
“I must speak with you, sir.”
Mr. Bennet lowered his book and regarded him calmly. “Must you?”
Mr. Collins inclined his head with solemn gravity. “Yes. It concerns your second daughter, Miss Elizabeth.”
“My second daughter, Elizabeth. And what concerns you?”
“My patroness, Lady Catherine”
“De Bourgh. We are all well acquainted with your patroness. You mentioned Elizabeth.”
Mr. Collins began again, with renewed earnestness. “Miss Elizabeth has shown a reluctance to attend to my direction. I also understand that she occupies herself with matters relating to the estate. A lady’s proper province is domestic management, not the concerns of land and tenants.”
Mr. Bennet leaned back in his chair. “I see. You may not be aware, having had little occasion to observe such things, but the welfare of the tenants is very properly the concern of the ladies of the house. They visit, they inquire, and they assist where needed. In this respect, Elizabeth does nothing unusual.”
“But she does not comply with my instructions.”
Mr. Bennet allowed himself a small smile. “That is true of a great many women. I recommend you grow accustomed to it.”
Mr. Collins hesitated. “Still, as the future master of Longbourn, I believe it proper that I begin to…”
Mr. Bennet raised a hand. “You need not trouble yourself with the management of Longbourn for a considerable time yet. I assure you it is very well attended.”
Chapter nine
