“Yes, and no matter what comes of our visit, we will enjoy our time in town.”
“Indeed, we will,” Elizabeth said, supporting her sister’s positive thinking.
“I confess, I dread meeting him Tuesday at Lucas Lodge,” Jane admitted. “I am sure I shall be very awkward. It is ridiculous, is it not? It was only a few days ago that I feared Mama throwing me at him. I went from that to hoping I would be thrown together with him. Now, I want to run away from him and hide!”
Elizabeth began laughing. She laughed and laughed so much that her sides began to hurt. Jane doubled over with laughter as well. Caught off guard by the hilarity of it all, they could not cease laughing for several minutes. Elizabeth and Jane both struggled for breath and wiped tears from their eyes.
When they eventually regained control of themselves, Elizabeth said, “I just thought of something that will make it easier for you to face him.”
“Well, I am eager to hear it,” Jane said with a crooked smile.
“All you need to do is keep in mind that he knows nothing of your feelings. He might wonder what you think of him, but he does not know you felt a connection, nor does he know you were growing hopeful in regard to him!"
“You are certain I was not too obvious?” Jane asked, a worried expression on her face.
“Indeed, I am! It is not like you chased him or smothered him with your attention, nor were you constantly putting yourself in his way. You always acted with propriety. You were open and friendly, but so was I! He cannot accuse you of setting your cap at him any more than he can accuse me of doing so.”
“That is true," Jane said, pacing to the window and back. "I was simply open and friendly. When we meet in company, I just need to remember my feelings and thoughts regarding him are my own. I have done nothing to give myself away and therefore, I have no reason to feel embarrassed around him."
“You certainly do not!”
She smiled at Elizabeth. Jane then walked back to the window, looking out into the night. She took a deep, cleansing breath in and let it out slowly. Elizabeth watched her sister standing at the window. It would have been terrible if Jane had eventually fallen in love with Mr. Bingley only to learn he had no serious intentions towards her. Elizabeth was glad Jane had a clear-eyed view of the situation so she could keep her heart safe.
On Monday morning, Darcy rode out on the estate with Bingley and the steward. When they finished, Darcy told them to go on ahead without him, as he wanted to put Brutus through his paces.
After exercising Brutus for a bit and allowing the horse to cool down, he saw Brutus’s ear twitch. A moment later, Darcy heard female laughter. As he came around the bend, he saw the Bennet ladies saying goodbye to one of Netherfield’s tenant farmers as they left his home.
“Good morning, ladies,” Darcy said as he touched the brim of his hat in greeting.
“Good morning, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bennet replied.
“It is a lovely morning, is it not?” Darcy asked.
“Indeed, it is. We are taking advantage of it by visiting the tenants this morning.”
“My sister is looking forward to calling at Longbourn this afternoon.” His eyes went to Miss Elizabeth. She smiled at his words but did not meet his eyes.
“We are looking forward to it as well,” Miss Bennet said.
“I shall pass that on to her. Please, do not let me keep you. Enjoy the rest of your morning,” he said, touching the brim of his hat again.
The ladies curtsied and wished him a good morning as well.
As he watched them walk away, it occurred to Darcy that Miss Elizabeth often avoided making eye contact with him. The more he thought on it, she might have often avoided his company as well. It would not be so notable a thing if he had not already witnessed the fact that she was a friendly and engaging young woman. Miss Elizabeth displayed these facets of her personality to everyone—that is, everyone except for him. She certainly didnot interact with him in the same way she did with Bingley or even the Hadley brothers.Why is that?Darcy frowned.
A man might encourage interaction by initiating an abundance of friendly conversation. However, Darcy was always careful not to encourage any young lady because friendliness could be misconstrued as interest. Still, he had always been cordial with her. Even though she was open and welcoming with others, he realized he had not felt the same directed at him.Does she not like me? Have I offended her in some way?
Darcy became irritated with himself for even caring what this young woman thought of him. He frowned and his lips pressed together as he looked around in displeasure. Deciding to put the matter from his mind, he headed back to Netherfield.
After dismounting, Darcy walked toward the house. He had been unsuccessful in putting the matter of Elizabeth Bennet from his mind on his ride back. When he entered the house, he went directly to the study.
“Hello, Darcy,” Bingley said. “Can I pour you a drink?”
“No, no, thank you,” Darcy sat down across from Bingley. “Do you have any plans this afternoon?”
Bingley shook his head. “I do not. Do you have something in mind?”
“Georgiana is to call at Longbourn. Shall we join her?”
