“Perhaps Richard expressed the mess in a kindly sort of way.”
“Perhaps he did.”
Elizabeth said, “I have one more question before we go inside: how did Jane cope with my disappearance yesterday? And my father’s sudden appearance? And did your aunt and uncle say anything about her?”
Georgiana and Mr Darcy took turns assuring her of Jane’s placid acceptance of all that had occurred. Mr Darcy said that he would be shocked if his friend did not propose, soon, and Georgiana said that Aunt Ellen was so impressed with Miss Bennet, she is insisting that they all pay a visit to Longbourn tomorrow.
“Oh, dear,” Elizabeth said. “I believe I need some food to fortify me.”
The Darcys whisked her inside.
CHAPTER 23
23 November 1811
DARCY
It was decided, the next morning, that Bingley, the Darcys and their Fitzwilliam relations, and Elizabeth would make a formal call to Longbourn.
“Do you wish to go, Georgiana?” Elizabeth asked.
“I would,” she replied.
Darcy warned her that she might be overwhelmed by the volume and manners of the entire family, but she still wished to see and hear the family for herself. “I need to get used to all sorts of people, Brother,” she reasoned.
Elizabeth appeared very nervous about making a formal call on her own family. “What do you suppose my father will do, or say—in front of everyone?”
“I do not know,” Darcy replied, “But I promise to escort you away the moment you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.”
Darcy felt that he had never seen Elizabeth’s family behave so well.
The Misses Lydia and Kitty seemed very much impressed by Darcy’s introductions of the Earl and Countess of Matlock and his subsequent use of the titles Lord and Lady Matlock. The youngest Bennet sisters were quieter than usual, although still quite lively, and they smiled often but giggled not at all.
Miss Mary barely spoke, other than to Georgiana, with whom she discussed music.
Mrs Bennet was able to refrain from shrieking, never mentioned anyone’s wealth, and only once complained of her nerves. As always, she was a warm hostess who offered more quantity and quality of foods than most. That day, she had ordered quite a splendid tea, with several kinds of cakes, savoury meat pies, delicate finger sandwiches, and delicious tea as well as sherry.
Perhaps most surprising, Mr Bennet said nothing at all to Darcy or Elizabeth. He shuffled out of his bookroom when everyone first arrived, and he therefore heard the introductions. He sat with the group and enjoyed the tea, but the moment his plate was empty, Mr Bennet stood and said that he longed to get back to his bookroom to continue readingRoman History. “It was published a month ago, and I had to wait until this morning to receive my order,” he explained.
Lord Matlock shot up from his chair and asked, “You are reading Barthold Georg Niebuhr’sRömische Geschichte?”
“I am.”
“Can I—Would you mind?—”
“Would you like to see it?” Mr Bennet asked the suddenly inarticulate earl.
The two men left for the bookroom, chattering away with enthusiasm. Darcy had gathered that Elizabeth’s father had many academic interests and read a broad assortment of books; he felt very pleased at the fortuitous coincidence that her father happened to be reading about theonlyacademic interest of his uncle.
Richard was, as always, cordial and unreserved. He acquiesced to speaking of the Army to Miss Lydia, and for a while the younger Bennets and Georgiana all listened to his stories. He doubtlessly edited the truth to make the talesappropriate to young ladies. Although Richard spoke a bit too loudly at times, and laughed far too loudly most of the time, the Bennets all seemed to like him.
Lady Matlock seemed to be on high alert, and Darcy wondered if she was thinking she might have to do battle against Elizabeth’s parents. He thought that himself, but with Mr Bennet happily speaking of Ancient Rome to his uncle, and Mrs Bennet happily contemplating Jane and Bingley speaking in one corner and him and Elizabeth obviously enjoying each other within the larger group, he supposed that the issue of Mr Bennet might be solved without much acknowledgment that there ever was a problem.
Mrs Bennet attempted to prevail upon the guests to stay for dinner, and Darcy chuckled as his aunt said, “You must offer a very generous table, indeed, madam, if you could easily accommodate six extra guests!”
Mrs Bennet said, “My cook is very used to unexpected additions, and she keeps a pantry full of possibilities in case our number swells.”
Darcy said firmly, “My sister and Miss Elizabeth must still travel to the family that is hosting them, and I do not wish them to travel there in the dark. Thank you for your warm hospitality, Mrs Bennet.”
