“I am counting on it,” said Louisa. “Mr. Darcy will tell her himself if she protests.”
“Aye, Darcy will not hesitate,” mused Gerald. “Then you mean to do nothing more.”
“Nothing other than try to talk some sense into my sister when the time comes,” said Louisa.
Gerald nodded and dropped the subject.
A CURIOUS THING HAPPENEDin the next few days. Though she could remember a time not long ago when she had not suspected Mr. Darcy of having any good qualities, Elizabeth had learned how wrong she was. Mr. Darcy was a reticent man, to be certain, a man who spoke little and gave every appearance of severity. What Elizabeth discovered, however, was that he was not severe—his combination of discretion and his general demeanor just made him appear that way.
“Fitzwilliam has often observed that I give the impression of inapproachability,” said Mr. Darcy once when Elizabeth made a delicate comment about his bearing.
She had phrased it in a way to avoid any appearance of disapproval or judgment. Much of their history had consisted of disagreements that, while they might not have been arguments, had been cordial on the surface but unrestrained underneath. At least from Elizabeth’s perspective—she had learned in recent days that Mr. Darcy’s opinion might be different.
“To own the truth,” continued the gentleman, “I have not attempted to correct this impression.”
“Oh?” asked Elizabeth, aware that until recent events had changed her opinion, she might have taken this admission as proof of his proud nature. “Might I assume there is a reason for that which is not apparent?”
Mr. Darcy smiled at her—Elizabeth was not unmoved by the sight. “You may. As you have discerned, I am a reticent man, though I am also a man who tries to adhere to a high standard of morality. It is unfortunate, but morality is not a trait that is in fashion in many parts of higher society.”
With a slow nod, Elizabeth considered this while she watched Georgiana assembled with her younger sisters, getting on well from what she could see. Jane was with Mr. Bingley as usual, their heads together in private conversation, while Mrs. Bennet sat like a queen on a throne, overseeing her domain with the eye of one who was most satisfied. Mrs. Hill entered with a tea service at that moment, the sweetness of the tea and newly baked cakes trailing her into the room.
“My father has often spoken of his distaste for society.”
Mr. Darcy regarded her with open curiosity. “I was not aware that your father was at all familiar with society in London.”
“He has never spoken of the particulars,” replied Elizabeth. “Yet he has mentioned it enough times that I am certain it is not bluster.”
“No, I would not have expected that of your father,” replied Mr. Darcy. The gentleman shrugged. “If I appear unapproachable, those with whom I do not wish to associate keep their distance.”
“Surely that does not keep everyone away,” observed Elizabeth.
“Perhaps it does not,” agreed Mr. Darcy. “There are always those who ignore or do not see obvious clues. But itdoeshelp.”
Mr. Darcy did not speak further, instead watching the room as was his custom. There appeared to be something occupying his mind, such that it was not long before he spoke.
“It seems my sister and yours are getting on well.”
Elizabeth’s eyes found the girls again, noting that Kitty and Lydia were giggling, while Georgiana was looking on with a grin. Given the way she had behaved when Mr. Darcy had first escorted her here, her ease with them was a matter of some interest, for her shyness had been pronounced.
“Yes, they are.” Elizabeth turned to the gentleman, allowing him to see a little complacency. “It is good for my sisters, as they have not been in company with the officers much of late. That, to me, is a rather significant benefit of your sister’s presence.”
A quizzical look preceded Mr. Darcy’s response. “Do you suppose she has been that great an influence on them?”
Though she favored him with a smile, Elizabeth continued to regard her sisters. “Can you doubt it? I am not suggesting that they are reformed, Mr. Darcy, for they remain the same silly girls they have always been. Yet I have seen an alteration in their manners.”
“They are not beyond amendment,” said Mr. Darcy.
A month ago, Elizabeth would not have thought it possible that Mr. Darcy would say any such thing about her sisters. Elizabeth pushed the thought away and essayed to respond.
“No, I have never thought they were. But I also recall Lydia’s behavior at the ball and the way they carry on with the officers. If they are not one step away from ruination, they are not much further.”
“They merely need guidance,” averred Mr. Darcy.
“Aye, that they do. It is unfortunate, but I doubt they will receive it in this house.”
Mr. Darcy shook the notion away as if uncomfortable with it. “Perhaps they will surprise you, Miss Elizabeth. Yet I cannot butagree that separation from the officers is wise. Not all the men are like Wickham, but if there is one such man, it is no stretch to suppose that there may be others.”
“It is a possibility I have considered,” confessed Elizabeth.
