Page 31 of One Good Sonnet

“You must congratulate me, Darcy! Miss Bennet has agreed to a courtship. All that is left now is to secure Mr. Bennet’s blessing.”

“You are in luck, Mr. Bingley. Papa is in his library. I am sure Jane can show you the way.”

The happy couple left hand in hand.

“Mama will be incandescent with glee,” Elizabeth said in the silence.

Imagine how she will react when two of her daughters are engaged. Darcy felt certain he could win Elizabeth’s good opinion. He simply needed to show her who he was.

Mr. Bennet informed his wife of their daughter’s courtship when she returned to the house. Mrs. Bennet’s enthusiasm was justified, if a little over-abundant. She asked the gentlemen to remain to dine with them, and they were happy to oblige.

“Caroline will not be contented,” Bingley whispered to Darcy as the matron spoke animatedly with her daughters about preparations.

“I hope you know what you have done,” Mr. Bennet said, approaching from behind. “My wife will never allow you a moment’s peace again. She will expect an engagement before the new year.”

“I find myself perfectly content with that.” Bingley grinned. “The trade-off is well worth it.”

“That is the best way to look at life.” Mr. Bennet clapped him on the back. “I look forward to our future interview, Mr. Darcy.”

“What?” Darcy was not aware that Mr. Bennet had any notion of his regard for the man’s second daughter.

“I am not blind. Lizzy may be frustrated with you now, but it will not last. I wish you good luck.” With that, he went away again, kissed Jane’s cheek, and settled in a chair to wait for the meal.

13

A Gentleman on Probation

Darcy began pursuing Elizabeth openly from that moment on, thankful that Mr. Bennet had acknowledged his interest and approved. Miss Bingley’s antipathy was obvious, but she wisely kept her protestations to herself. Elizabeth privately thought that the lady did not wish to damage her connection to the Darcys in any manner. She likewise did not protest her brother’s courtship with Jane.

It was just a few days before Christmas. It was as though every evening was filled with some event or gathering. Elizabeth began to long for solitary evenings at home, though she did enjoy seeing Mr. Darcy.

With each passing day, Elizabeth grew more certain that Jane’s insistence that she give up her grudge was correct. Darcy was solicitous to everyone, but reserved his attention almost exclusively for Elizabeth.

Mrs. Bennet noticed and went from treating Darcy’s attention circumspectly to behaving as if an engagement was already in place. Darcy seemed to enjoy her motherly attention and even allowed Mrs. Bennet to kiss his cheek once. Mrs. Bennet’s focus had nowhere else to go now that Jane was practically engaged. It must have seemed sensible to her to ensure her second daughter’s future was secure.

Darcy did not overwhelm Elizabeth with grand gestures as she expected. She supposed he would wish to prove his worth, and he did, but not by sending flowers and giving grand speeches. He did not try to purchase her affection, but acted in a simpler manner, by making himself present. He took her on walks, sat near her when they were in company, asked about what she was reading and listened to her answers.

This is rather inconvenient. It was much easier to maintain a poor opinion of a man when one was not spending several hours each day enjoying his company.

The day before Christmas Eve, they took advantage of the sunny afternoon to walk around Longbourn. They kept close to the house, for tea was to be ordered soon.

Mr. Darcy brought up a book they had both read, one that had come up before.

“You are arguing the opposite of what you said last time we discussed this book,” Darcy accused.

Elizabeth had no apologies. “Am I?” she asked innocently.

“Yes. How is one to order their counterarguments when their opponent changes their opinions?”

“It is unfortunate for you, I suppose, but I cannot regret my methods.” They had always worked for her in the past. “And much to my regret, you have been paying enough attention to note the change in my views. Shall I be able to get anything past you?”

“Not if I can help it.”

It pleased Elizabeth that he paid attention to her words. It showed he cared about what she said and absorbed their conversation.

They returned indoors soon thereafter. Her family was gathered in the large drawing room. A merry fire crackled in the grate, and her sisters engaged in their own occupations. Kitty and Lydia were making over a bonnet. It had started as a hideous thing the latter had found in Meryton. She had promptly removed all the flowers and ribbons upon arriving home. It looked much better now.

“No, Kitty! Not like that!” Lydia’s strident tones were a loud contrast to the otherwise tranquil environs.