“From a very young age, it was clear to me that Lizzy had a love of reading and a voracious appetite for learning. So, I fed it. I taught her Italian and Latin. She also managed to learn a little bit of Greek on her own. She was allowed full access to all of my books—well, with a few exceptions, of course. I would give her reading assignments and quiz her, debate her. I even taught her estate management. Lizzy can run Longbourn on her own easily,” Mr. Bennet said proudly.
“That is most impressive!” Bingley said.
“It is indeed,” Darcy agreed.
“I taught her to play chess as well,” Mr. Bennet said, smiling.
“Truly?” Darcy asked. He could not help grinning at this news.
“Truly. She is a formidable opponent.”
Still grinning, Darcy shook his head. “I do not doubt it.”
They spoke on various other topics until time for dinner.
“Gentlemen, let us go take our seats at the table. There is no need to stand on ceremony here,” Mr. Bennet said.
Ten minutes later, they were discussing crop rotation when the ladies entered. The gentlemen stood, and the ladies found their seats. Darcy looked at his sister, and she beamed at him. He gave her a smile in return.
When Mrs. Bennet took her place at the table, she turned to Bingley. "I hope you are enjoying Netherfield Park. It is such a pretty property!"
"Indeed, it is! It has quite surpassed my expectations!" Bingley said cheerfully.
"How wonderful!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. "I think you shall never wish to leave now that you are settled here! And such a comfortable distance from Longbourn. I would so love to have my Jane settled close by!"
Miss Bennet looked mortified at her mother's words, and Darcy could see that Bingley was having trouble figuring out where to put his eyes. Understandably, he could not look at Miss Bennet nor Mr. Bennet at present. Darcy knew Bingley did not want to give her mother the impression he was confirming her presumptuous words, so he certainly would not look at her. Fortunately, Miss Elizabeth rescued the awkward moment.
"Mr. Bingley, do you expect your sisters to come stay with you?" she asked.
Bingley looked at her gratefully. "I do not expect them anytime soon, but I doubt they will stay away for very long. My brother-in-law is fond of sport."
"Jane would be delighted to introduce your sisters to the ladies of the neighborhood! Is that not so, Jane?" Mrs. Bennet said. "She will make an excellent mistress one day! Why, I just said to Mrs. Long yesterday that—"
"Thank you, my dear," Mr. Bennet said, interrupting her. "I believe we all gather the point."
Mrs. Bennet looked disappointed to not be allowed further recitation of her eldest daughter's talents, but she did desist. Dinner went well, and thankfully, there were no more insinuations or inappropriate assumptions made for the rest of the evening.
Mr. Bennet chose not to separate from the ladies. This was just as well, since Bingley and Darcy had a private word earlier and agreed they would not stay long after dinner. So, after a cup of tea and a bit more conversation, Bingley announced that he and his guests would take their leave. Everyone stood and saidtheir goodbyes. Soon, they were on their way back to Netherfield Park.
Darcy watched as Bingley stared at a fixed point on the desk.
“Darcy, I want your opinion on something,” he said, still concentrating on the desk.
“Of course.” Darcy looked at Bingley, waiting for him to elaborate.
“I noticed a difference in Miss Bennet today.”
“A difference?” Darcy asked.
Bingley nodded. “She seemed different in the way she interacted with me. She was friendly as usual, but it was as if she were holding a part of herself back. I have not felt this from her before. Do you think I have offended her?”
Darcy considered the question for a moment. “No, Bingley, I do not think you have offended her. If I were to guess, I would say she has recognized you have pulled back in your attentions towards her, and so she has done the same, which is the dignified thing to do. It would also explain how things played out in the garden today.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, think about it. We were alone with the ladies in the perfect setting to pair off, but they did not even attempt it. Not when we were walking nor when Miss Bennet invited us all to sit and talk.”
“You are right. They did not attempt it. I confess, I was planning an attempt to pair off, but there was no opportunity. They never left each other’s side the entire time.”
