Page 12 of One Good Sonnet

“Did you like him?” she asked.

“Once, long ago. There are no such sentiments now.” Jane grinned. “All my heart pleads for is Mr. Bingley. There is no room for a silent, taciturn gentleman.”

Elizabeth chuckled. “I found him quite friendly.”

“He barely spoke,” Jane pointed out. “Wait…have you met Mr. Darcy before today?”

It was Elizabeth’s turn to be embarrassed. “I met him several days ago, before it began to rain. He was lost, and I led him to Netherfield.”

Jane was highly amused. “Oh, what a tangled web!” she cried.

“You both were uncomfortable.” Elizabeth changed the direction of the conversation. This was not about her. This was about Jane and her reaction to the newcomer. Elizabeth had liked him immediately, but if he had hurt her dearest sister, she would not forgive him.

“That is not out of the ordinary when two people meet again after so many years apart,” Jane countered. She kept her focus on the embroidery in her lap. “Really, Elizabeth, you are seeing things there that do not exist. Mr. Darcy is from my past; that he is Mr. Bingley’s friend is indeed a great coincidence. The first, strange meeting is at an end, and we may now continue on as indifferent acquaintances.”

“You tell yourself that if it brings you comfort.” Elizabeth’s initial opinion of the gentleman was now under scrutiny.

Jane refused to give her any more information. Elizabeth could tell that yet another gentleman had broken her sister’s heart. Jane’s natural reserve had not always been so extreme. Her sister’s neglect in telling Elizabeth about this gentleman bothered her, but she could forgive Jane for wishing to keep such things to herself.

Mrs. Bennet had seemed oblivious to the tension in the room, and Elizabeth was thankful her three younger sisters had gone into Meryton to visit their Aunt Phillips. Lydia would have noted the atmosphere with little effort and proceeded to make the entire encounter far worse than it had been.

Jane may keep her secrets, resolved Elizabeth. I shall have to find out myself what happened. Only then can I determine if Mr. Darcy is friend or foe.

No more was mentioned beyond Mrs. Bennet telling the rest of the family of the call at dinner. Jane appeared unaffected, but Elizabeth did not believe she was truly so untouched. Lydia demanded a detailed description of Mr. Darcy, and Mary echoed the sentiment.

Mrs. Bennet was eager to oblige. “He is very tall, my dear, with dark curls and dark eyes. Rarely have I seen such a handsome young man.”

“Am I to be worried, wife?” Mr. Bennet’s spoon was halfway to his mouth.

“Do not be ridiculous. Our daughters asked me to describe the gentleman, and I obliged. Goodness, he would not look twice at a matron such as myself.” Mrs. Bennet’s cheeks were pink, but she smiled.

Her parents’ methods of affection were strange, but Elizabeth was used to it after almost one-and-twenty years of life. Rather than listen any longer, she finished her meal in silence, already counting the hours until she saw Mr. Darcy again, and was given another opportunity to sketch his character.

6

Seven Years Too Late

Darcy paced the hall impatiently as he waited for the Bennet carriage to arrive. Bingley and his sisters began receiving guests half an hour before, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

At long last, from his position at a window, he saw Miss Bennet step down from a carriage. He tugged on his waistcoat and made his way to the ballroom.

By some miracle, Darcy managed to find her alone just outside the parlor that had been converted to a lady’s retiring room for the night.

“Miss Bennet,” he said, bowing.

“Mr. Darcy.”

Her words were a touch cold—not a promising start.

“I had hoped to speak with you before…before the ball begins.”

She hesitated, then nodded. Darcy escorted her two doors down to a small morning room. He left the door open as they entered. A few candles lit it, but that was all.

“I wished to apologize,” he began.

“For what?” Miss Bennet replied.

“I—I disappeared without a word. It was unconscionable but unavoidable. My father, you see…I had an express the morning we were to meet. He had suffered an apoplexy and was not well. In my panic, I set off on my horse, leaving my valet to follow. I was in Derbyshire by the time I remembered my obligations.”