At the second interval, therefore, Darcy employed weapons more suited to the battlefield before him.
“Do you think, Miss Bennet, that the author is right when he says, ‘All the world’s a stage?’”
Thomas nodded with satisfaction. Meaningful conversation always held great value in Elizabeth’s eyes.
“Yes, Mr Darcy. I think all of us are tempted to assume a certain role when confronted by an unpleasant or unfamiliar situation. It is often wiser than rushing into a conflict where one may be hurt.”
“So you believe in wearing a mask?” asked Miss Darcy, somewhat shocked.
“No, absolutely not. Villains wear masks by instinct. Good people must simply learn to protect themselves and avoid displaying their kind nature to every stranger.”
By then, a small circle had gathered around them. Mr Kendall remained close to Elizabeth, unwilling to surrender his place, though equally unwilling to interrupt.
“And what about ‘Whoever loved that loved not at first sight?’” asked Thomas, wishing to prolong the discussion.
“I think it is not Shakespeare’s line,” said Mary. Following the duchess’s advice, she spoke with confidence, and someone immediately confirmed her correction.
“That is quite true, Miss. Mr Marlowe wrote a poem that ends with that line, though I do not recall its title.”
“Is itHero and Leander?” asked Mary. She knew the answer perfectly well, though she still employed the little mask the duchess had encouraged her to wear. For the first time in her life, every eye turned towards her with admiration.
“Blessed is the person who knows love at first sight,” said the duchess.
Thomas stood beside her, and in that moment she felt that the world had settled into its proper place once more. Between them, there was neither pretence nor disguise.
The interval ended in Darcy’s complete victory. Elizabeth enjoyed the conversation so much that during the following act, she even turned her attention away from the stage.
“Was it love at first sight?” she murmured.
“For some of us, yes,” he replied in a playful tone. “Without any doubt.”
No one overheard them, but the previous conversation only strengthened Mr Kendall’s determination to fight on other grounds, more suited to himself.
As soon as the act concluded, another group formed around the Bennets in the lobby, attracted by the ladies’ beauty and wit. Mr Kendall placed himself beside Elizabeth and seized a pause in the conversation.
“Did you enjoy your first riding lesson, Miss Bennet?”
Darcy froze. “Riding lesson?” he repeated. His displeasure was so evident that no one could miss it.
“Jealousy,” Thomas murmured in the duchess’s ear, and she merely smiled.
“Yes, Mr Darcy,” Mr Kendall answered quickly, fearing that someone might divert the conversation before he had secured his advantage.
Darcy felt defeated. The triumph of the previous interval vanished instantly. Mr Kendall cared little that only the family understood the true significance of the exchange. It was enoughthat his rival should witness the influence he possessed with the lady they both admired. Nor was it a trivial success. No one had ever persuaded Elizabeth even to approach a horse before. Darcy remembered, with considerable bitterness, his own unsuccessful attempts to induce her merely to stroke one of her uncle’s magnificent steeds.
However, it was not the victory that Mr Kendall wished for as Elizabeth considered the situation and did not like the game.
Hurting Darcy was not what she wanted and his discomfort made her tremble too. Looking directly at him, she answered in a steady voice, “I do not consider it such a victory to lead a horse. That is all that occurred. I approached him and walked him around the ménège whilst the groom followed beside me.”
“On the contrary, it is a victory, Miss Bennet,” said Mr Kendall, attempting to recover the ground he had lost.
“No, Mr Kendall. I merely resolved to overcome my fear. It was a personal achievement. I do not consider it an interesting subject to anyone except myself, and certainly not in a theatre lobby.”
Noticing her embarrassment and displeasure, the duchess immediately turned the conversation towards another subject. Once again, Mary distinguished herself, and even Lydia contributed an observation regarding Rosalind that sent her companions into laughter. The youngest Bennet proved herself not merely witty but genuinely amusing.
Elizabeth was relieved when the conversation moved elsewhere. She had never wished to become the object of a contest between the two gentlemen. Such displays belonged nowhere, in her opinion, and least of all in a theatre lobby. The recollection of Darcy’s discomfort only increased her regret.
Darcy’s conduct had at least suited the occasion. They were at the theatre, and no one could object to a discussion of Shakespeare. The mention of her riding lesson appeared of an entirely different nature. Elizabeth could not think it proper that a matter so personal should be made the subject of public conversation.
