Page 24 of One Good Sonnet

“I am well. It does not bother me.”

Elizabeth did not believe her. “Mama’s remarks discomposed you. I am sorry your private affairs were aired in such a manner.”

“Think nothing of it. You came to my defense quickly, and all is well.”

They parted ways, and Elizabeth drifted off to sleep reliving the events of the night. Something bothered her, and she could not name what it was. Determined to put it from her mind, she rolled over and pressed her eyes shut. She stayed that way until sleep claimed her.

10

The Man She Might Love

Mr. and Mrs. Long of Haye Park traditionally held a celebration just before Christmas. All of the four-and-twenty families were invited. This year, that included those at Netherfield Park.

Jane and Elizabeth prepared for the evening with great enthusiasm. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley had called many times since they dined at Longbourn. With each call, Jane fell further in love, and Elizabeth grew easier in Mr. Darcy’s company.

Two days prior, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had arrived with their children. They had not yet met Jane’s suitor. The name Darcy, however, had sparked some interest in Mrs. Gardiner. Elizabeth thought it was because she had grown up in Lambton, not five miles from his estate.

The Gardiners would accompany the Bennet family to Haye Park. Their children had been put to bed for the night, thus allowing their parents to escape for an evening of frivolity.

The family took two carriages. The younger Bennets went with their parents while Jane and Elizabeth went with their aunt and uncle.

“You must tell me everything about Mr. Bingley that you have not mentioned in your letters,” Mrs. Gardiner asked. “He sounds marvelous.”

“He is everything a gentleman ought to be.” Jane sighed. “I am myself with him. There is no need to hide my feelings. I cannot tell you how I know, but he will not betray my trust.”

“And what of your Mr. Darcy, Lizzy?” Mr. Gardiner asked. “It is a great honor to have such a man pay you court.”

“I cannot remark on his sentiments, sir. Perhaps he merely finds my conversation tolerable. I can well imagine it—he sees Miss Bingley every day.”

“Your judgment is harsh, Lizzy. Surely, he has given you some idea of his feelings.” Mrs. Gardiner’s expression was shrewd and knowing.

“Elizabeth is being modest. Mr. Darcy enjoys her company above all others. He is friendly to everyone, but he is attentive to Lizzy.”

“Such men do not marry penniless country girls,” Elizabeth muttered.

“And you would know,” her uncle observed. “I can scarcely wait to meet him.” There was humor in his tone, and Elizabeth wondered what Mr. Gardiner meant by it.

They went separate ways when they entered Haye Park. Darcy found Elizabeth within minutes. He bowed in greeting.

“Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to see you.”

“We saw each other two days ago, Mr. Darcy,” she reminded him.

“And the hours since we saw each other have been empty.” He took her hand and caressed it.

“You flatter me,” she murmured. Could he mean it? Or was he dallying with her, as Miss Bingley implied? The other woman was bitter and jealous, and likely did not speak the truth about Mr. Darcy.

“It is not empty, I assure you.” He drew her to a quiet corner of the room. “Miss Elizabeth, from our first meeting you have entranced me. You are lovely, but it is more than mere physical beauty. Your wit, vivaciousness, and kindness draw me in. Never have I been more enamored of a woman.”

She knew not what to say. Elizabeth had known for some time that she was in great danger of loving him.

“I am…Mr. Darcy, are you in earnest?”

He opened his mouth to reply, and Bingley came to his side.

“Darcy, I am sorry to steal you away, but I need your help. Louisa is not well.”

Darcy frowned. “Very good. Miss Elizabeth, if you will excuse me.”