“We shall see,” said Darcy, not wanting to speak on the subject any longer.
It was fortunate for his peace of mind that Georgiana did not press the matter. Soon thereafter they sighted Longbourn through the trees.
THE ACQUAINTANCE OFtwenty years had taught Elizabeth that her mother could embarrass her in any setting, even the banality of a morning visit. The problem was twofold—the assembly was scheduled for the following evening, and Mrs. Bennet had noticed that Mr. Darcy spoke to Elizabeth more than anyone else in the family.
At first, the visit was not unusual. Mr. Bingley situated himself next to Jane the moment he entered the room and refused to move from her side, Georgiana went to Elizabeth’s youngest sisters and spoke in low tones punctuated by frequent giggling, Mr. Hurst sat in a chair as if bored, and Mrs. Hurst sat close to Mrs. Bennet and Mary, though Elizabeth knew she preferred little conversation with the former and had little in common with the latter. The trouble began when Mr. Bingley made his intentions known to Jane.
“Of course, I shall be pleased to dance the first with you, Mr. Bingley,” said Jane, her serenity hiding her excitement. Then in a most daring manner for her reticent sister, Jane added: “I will note that it is unusual for a man to request a woman’s sets before the day of an assembly.” Then Jane winked at Elizabeth. “Though I seem to recall Lizzy getting just such a solicitation the last time.”
Elizabeth glared at her sister, promising retribution, but Jane’s placid smile did not alter, though Elizabeth could see her sister’s eyes twinkling in merriment. She had no opportunity to consider it, however, for Mrs. Bennet’s voice rose in praise and overwrought gratitude, and Mr. Darcy spoke, distracting Elizabeth.
“Given what I recall of the last dance,” said the gentleman, “I cannot supposethatsolicitation was at all agreeable.”
Elizabeth offered him a wry grin. “As my partner moved wrong and collided with another dancer within the first ten steps, I cannot say you are incorrect.”
“Yes, I remember something of that,” said Mr. Darcy.
Before the conversation could continue, Mrs. Bennet’s voice interrupted them, and her comment did not please her second daughter.
“What of you, Mr. Darcy? Shall you also dance the first? I am assured you would please us all, for I have observed that you are an excellent dancer.”
“He ought to be,” said Georgiana, her eyes dancing with mischief. “I remember his dance lessons when I was but a girl.”
“And I have had many years to practice since then,” said Mr. Darcy, nodding agreeably to his sister.
“Your practice has not been so abundant as it might have been,” said a laughing Mr. Bingley.
“I shall not endure this teasing from you, Bingley,” said Mr. Darcy, not appearing displeased at all with his friend.
“Oh, aye,” said Mr. Bennet, “for not everyone is a popinjay intent on amazing the entire room with his stamina.” Mr. Bennet winked. “Darcy here is a man after my own sensibilities.”
“Did you just insinuate that I am a popinjay, Mr. Bennet?” demanded Mr. Bingley, his affront feigned or Elizabeth was no judge of the man at all.
“I only speak as I find, Bingley.”
The general laughter of them all did not offend Mr. Bingley—the man himself laughed as hard as anyone else.
“Though I shall dispute the word applied to myself,” said Mr. Bingley, “I shall not deny that I am eager to dance when the opportunity presents itself. When confronted by the inducement before me, I shall not hesitate a moment.”
“That much is evident, Bingley.”
“Well,” said Mrs. Bennet, not to be deterred, “if you wish to dance the first, I am certain my Lizzy would oblige you, Mr. Darcy.”
Though Elizabeth was mortified, Mr. Darcy did not appear bothered. The way he regarded Mrs. Bennet bespoke gravity, though Elizabeth could not be at all certain of his thoughts.
“Please be assured, Mrs. Bennet, that I shall do my duty.”
It wasnotthe promise of dancing the first with her, but it seemed to satisfy Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet looked on, speculation alive in his gaze, but everyone else returned to their conversations. Mr. Hurst, Elizabeth noted, was watching them, though his expression was unreadable. Why he would concern himself with Mr. Darcy’s doings she could not say, but she thought she detected a hint of concern in his manner.
“I apologize for my mother,” said Elizabeth, pushing any concern of Mr. Hurst from her mind.
“Not at all, Miss Elizabeth.”
Mr. Darcy considered what he might say for several moments. “As Bingley observed on the way from Netherfield this morning, I have made it a practice to avoid dancing the first sets with any young woman.”
“Might I assume there is a reason for that reticence?” asked Elizabeth.
“There is,” agreed Mr. Darcy. “It is to avoid giving any young lady the impression of favor.”
