Two
Elizabeth placed the tray of refreshments on her father’s desk and was about to leave when their guest addressed her, increasing her amazement.
“Miss Bennet, please allow me to tell you how deeply sorry I am for my improper behaviour on the night of the assembly.”
“Oh…there is no need, sir…”
“Such ungentlemanly behaviour requires an apology. For a while, I have not been in the right disposition for entertainment, and I should not have attended at all, but Bingley insisted on being there. He also insisted I should dance, which made me withdraw even more. I am not fond of dancing even when I am in my highest spirits, let alone then.”
Elizabeth was so surprised by his words that she delayed her answer. It was a gesture of courtesy that she had not expected from such a proud man; of course, she could enquire why he had needed to call her tolerable and not handsome enough to tempt him and to state that she had been slighted by other men, instead of a simple and polite refusal to his friend. But it mattered little, coming from a man who was obviously accustomed to giving offence with little consideration for the feelings of others. He had apologised, and it was enough.
“I appreciate your explanation, Mr Darcy,” she replied. “After all, nobody can force someone to dance, even at an assembly when men are scarce,” she concluded with a meaningful smile that implied more than her words.
“You have my sympathy, Mr Darcy,” Mr Bennet said. “There are few things I loathe more than being dragged to parties and forced to dance because etiquette requires it. Of course, that happened when I was younger. Nobody has insisted on my dancing in many years, not even my wife. A benefit of getting older is that you have the liberty to attend gatherings and drink in peace.”
“I understand you perfectly well, sir,” Mr Darcy responded.
“Of course, I was never particularly handsome or wealthy, so people showed little interest in me in any case. You, sir, must carry a heavier burden,” Mr Bennet uttered in the mocking tone Elizabeth knew too well. Mr Darcy, however, frowned and nodded while gulping from his glass.
“I shall not bother you any longer,” Elizabeth said. “And I shall take the cat with me. He can be a real annoyance around strangers.”
“It is a beautiful cat,” Mr Darcy offered. He leant down to stroke him, but Mr Ash immediately ran away.
“He is, but not friendly with people he does not know. I am surprised that he even entered the library with you here, Mr Darcy.”
“And he rubbed against Mr Darcy’s ankles a few times, which I have rarely seen,” Mr Bennet added.
“He must know I am fond of animals,” Mr Darcy declared, finally smiling. “Especially cats, dogs, and horses.”
“He must do. Now please excuse me. I shall leave you two gentlemen to continue your conversation,” Elizabeth said, grabbing the cat.
She took Mr Ash to her chamber, wondering about Mr Darcy’s change of manners. Apparently, her father and her cat were the gentleman’s preferred company in Hertfordshire.
Once Mr Ash was secured in her room, Elizabeth joined her mother and sisters, who were all still engaged in conversation with Mr Bingley.
The gentlemen’s visit lasted another hour, much to Jane and Mrs Bennet’s delight, and at the end, both expressed their desire to call again in a few days, much to Elizabeth’s amazement.
“Dear Jane, I can safely declare that Mr Bingley’s admiration has lasted beyond those two sets,” Mrs Bennet said after the guests had gone.
“Mama, let us not assume more than there is,” Jane answered, blushing. “Mr Bingley is the most amiable gentleman of my acquaintance and the most pleasant companion.”
“In case anyone cares, I also enjoyed spending time with Mr Darcy,” Mr Bennet interjected. “He might not smile as much as his friend, nor does he possess the same amiable manners, but the man has a great knowledge of books. He promised to lend me two volumes published only last week. How kind is that?”
“Dear Papa, do not set your hopes too high,” Elizabeth replied. “These rich people can be rather inconstant with their favours, and he might change his mind by tomorrow.”
“I wonder when you became so proficient at judging rich people, Lizzy, since you hardly know any,” her father mocked her. “As for Mr Darcy, he seemed a gentleman whose word can be trusted. You should have more faith in one of the very few people whom your cat seems not to despise.”
“We certainly do not care much,” Mrs Bennet interjected. “I am content for you to keep him busy while Mr Bingley callson Jane. I welcome you enjoying Mr Darcy’s company so much since Mr Bingley seems to value his opinion highly. He even said he decided to rent Netherfield at Mr Darcy’s suggestion. For that, I can forgive him for calling Lizzy tolerable!”
“We should forgive Mr Darcy for that indiscretion in any case, since he apologised to me,” Elizabeth answered. “Papa was a reliable witness.”
“Did he? How kind of him! I am sure Mr Bingley demanded he apologise as you are Jane’s sister. I am sure all was done for Jane,” Mrs Bennet concluded.
“Mama, please do not say that,” Jane murmured, though her eyes shone with joy.
“Oh, hush, girl. You do not know better than your mother! He even mentioned he would host a ball at Netherfield once he is completely settled. Why would he do that, if not to dance with you again?”
“Oh, I long for another ball!” Lydia exclaimed. “Aunt Phillips said a militia regiment is expected to arrive in Meryton next week. Can you imagine a ball with all the officers?”
