Page 15 of One Good Sonnet

Elizabeth successfully kept her prying questions to herself. She did not wish for Mr. Darcy to betray Jane’s trust. Since neither of them were willing to explain the nature of their acquaintance, she was at a loss. She would maintain her reservations and instead come to know Mr. Bingley’s friend.

Their dance had been engaging, and she was pleased they would be able to dine together as well. Mr. Darcy was intelligent and kind. His reserve from the day before had vanished.

Lydia and Kitty were loud and uncouth during the meal, and Elizabeth noted Mr. Darcy watching them.

“You must forgive their high spirits,” she said, aware of how defensive she sounded. “They are full young to be out, but we were all out at fifteen, despite some of us being more ready than others.”

“They are lively. I was considering how such friends might benefit my sister. Georgiana is retiring, and of late, she had been ill. Her spirits are somewhat depressed from her long convalescence.”

He was not judging them? Elizabeth was shocked. Just then, Mrs. Bennet’s pronouncements of a soon-to-be engagement rose over the din. Elizabeth could see Miss Bingley’s pinched expression. That did not bode well.

“My friend has made no secret of his intentions,” Darcy remarked.

“Mama ought not to speak so,” Elizabeth whispered, ashamed. “He has not even asked for a courtship.”

“What, then, has he been doing these last weeks?” Darcy’s lips curled into a smile, further emphasizing how handsome he was.

“He is being neighborly?” It came out as a question. “Jane does not like to presume. Until a man has declared himself, he can abandon a lady at a moment’s notice.”

Darcy’s guilty look did not escape Elizabeth. So, he is one of those who abandoned Jane. But which one? Is he one she has mentioned or one she has kept secret?

“I do not doubt Bingley’s resolve,” Darcy replied. “His sisters might protest the match, but he is his own man. Should he ask my opinion, I shall give it freely.”

Mr. Darcy was very open for a man who had met her only a short time ago. “And what is your opinion?” she asked daringly. If he was to forego propriety and speak freely, she would as well.

“Miss Bennet is clearly enamored of my friend. Bingley has fallen in and out of love many times, but never have I seen him so…This is no infatuation. This is love.”

“Then you do not think he could do better?” Mr. Darcy’s position in society was so far above the Bennets, it seemed impossible to Elizabeth that he could approve of Jane for his friend.

“What does that mean? Better by whose standards?” Mr. Darcy’s question challenged her. “Depending on who is speaking, anyone might ‘do better’ for themselves.”

“I suppose as long as they are both happy, then no one can protest,” she managed.

Dinner proceeded at a comfortable pace, but Elizabeth hardly noticed the time passing. Mr. Darcy continued to exchange witty banter with her, and she asked him every question she could come up with as each course was served. At long last, Miss Bingley rose, signaling that it was time for the ladies to leave the gentlemen to their port.

Nothing of note happened while the ladies were alone in the large drawing room across the hall from the dining room. At length, the ladies were asked to exhibit. Elizabeth noted with some relief that Mary had elected not to play the piece she had been practicing, but settled on a lively tune she knew well. Her performance was excellent, and the applause it elicited was warm and genuine.

“Your sister is a wonderful pianist.” Mr. Darcy’s warm breath caressed her ear, and she suppressed a shiver.

“Mary considers herself the most dutiful sister. She attends to her studies better than any of us, but lacks the direction needed to truly understand what she reads. I fear it has resulted in some pretentious behavior. My father has lately taken an interest in her, however. It started when she begged to stay behind from the last assembly.”

“Perhaps I ought to befriend her, then.”

She turned and gave him a quizzical look.

“If Miss Mary dislikes dancing, perhaps we have more in common.” He could not truly wish to court Mary, Elizabeth reasoned. Still, she struggled to suppress the jealousy rising within her.

Mischief prevailed. “I can introduce you to her, if you wish. Perhaps you can sit out a set with her and engage my sister in conversation.”

Mr. Darcy was not prepared for Elizabeth’s parry; that much was apparent as he floundered for words.

“As much as I am certain your sister is an admirable young woman, I doubt she would find pleasure in my company for an entire set.”

“If you have some knowledge of philosophy and sermons, you will have much to talk of.” Elizabeth brushed her hand down the smooth silk of her skirt.

“Sermons?”

“Yes. Fordyce has recently come to her attention. Are you familiar with him?”