Darcy smiled gently, knowing thathewould not be marrying the daughter of a country squire who had close ties to trade. He went on: “Naturally, I also assume that, being a member of theton, my wife will have had excellent training in how to run a household and knowledge of the modern languages, singing and playing an instrument, and dancing. She should be accomplished but also modest about her accomplishments.”
Bingley said, “This list of required accomplishments does not well describe Miss Bennet, butIdo not needmywife to know multiple languages, nor to sing and play. I am quite surprised that you feel such accomplishments to be necessary, Darcy.”
“I am merely listing traits that would ensure that I have chosen a woman worthy of becoming mistress of my estates.”
“Well, I believe that the only thing such a giant list of necessary characteristics will ensure is that you will die, decades from now, still single.”
Darcy chuckled and said, “I have not even gotten to the most difficult parts of the list, yet. Almost everything I have so far mentioned is something a lady can achieve through clevernessand hard work. But I am positive that, when I am comparing ladies as possible partners, I will also compare their dowries, inheritances, titles, and connexions. My mother was a wonderful example of all of these traits and accomplishments,andshe had wealth and connexion to nobility; therefore, I will be choosing a lady who can be described thusly to continue my family’s legacy.
Bingley jumped up in agitation once again. “You sound like the worst kind of snob, Darcy.”
“If I were a snob,” Darcy pointed out, “I would not be friends withyou, and we would not be having this conversation. One of my cousins is so upset at what he calls my poor choice of friends, he complains of you every time I see him.”
Bingley collapsed back into his chair and rubbed his face. He said, “My apologies, Darcy. You are correct, and I could never truly accuse you of being snobbish. Your friendship means a good deal to me, and I am aware of the gulf between your circumstances and my own.”
Darcy gently pointed out, “As I select my own wife, I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors, just as you stand on the shoulders of your own. We were born with different foundations, and that means that we have differences in our needs and also in our reach. But those differences are a matter of luck; I am no more worthy a man than you.”
Bingley thought some more, and then he grinned. “I am happy to have had this discussion. It does clarify things for me. I will not allow my grasping sisters to talk me out of my feelings, but I will consider your wise words as I continue to better know Miss Bennet.”
“Good man,” Darcy said. “I believe I will take a rest before dressing for dinner.”
“Thank you, friend. I will see you soon.”
CHAPTER 4
12 November 1811
ELIZABETH
The letter that Jane had received from Miss Caroline Bingley the afternoon before had sounded very friendly—thus Elizabeth was on high alert. The woman had been quite unpleasant in every interaction—if one counted incessant bragging about one’s friends unpleasant, and Elizabeth definitely did. What could Miss Bingley mean to accomplish by seeking Jane’s company?
Well, Mr Bingley’s sisters will have Jane alone—no Mr Bingley, no other Bennet sisters to protect her. Miss Bingley can question her ruthlessly, find out all the faults and foibles of the Bennets, and Jane will not only answer truthfully, without even the tiniest instinct of self-preservation, but she will not even tattle to anyone that she was put through an inquisition.
Elizabeth wished she could think of an excuse Jane could use to say a polite “no thank you.” But she had not come up with something before Jane eagerly penned a “yes, please” response, and now, almost four and twenty hours later, she still had no idea how to protect her family.
She listened with horror as her mother plotted to make the whole thing worse. “Jane, you shall ride Nellie to this dinner at Netherfield Park.”
Elizabeth and Jane both gasped. Despite the dismay in her gasp, Jane still addressed her mother mildly. “I do not think that is wise. The clouds look quite threatening.”
“Well, your father needs the horses on the farm,” their mother said, “and so Nellie will do for you.”
Jane acquiesced, of course, but Elizabeth said, “Mama, do not do this. Jane needs the carriage, and you must insist that she have the horses.”
“No, no, it will be well. You must trust me, girls.”
“Well, if she cannot have the carriage, she must stay home.” Elizabeth was determined to have her way, because she was convinced that her mother wished for Jane to be stranded at Netherfield overnight because of the predicted rainstorm. She hated the idea of anyone manipulating a situation for the reason of “catching” a husband. And if she could impute her own mother’s mercenary motivation for sending Jane on horseback, it was certain that Miss Bingley would, as well.
It would cast a poor light on the entire family.
But somehow her mother managed to arrange things just as she wished, and Jane rode off on Nellie, dressed well, with her warmest pelisse and hooded cloak. Elizabeth felt quite angry, as she stood outside in the rather frigid, sunless afternoon, watching Jane ride away.
When she could no longer see Jane, she went inside.
Her bitterness knew no bounds when the rain started earlier and heavier than expected.
CHAPTER 5
12 November 1811
