Page 11 of A Forced Marriage
The persistence of these rumours however, began to kindle a slow-burning anger within Darcy. How easily the people formed opinions, and how carelessly they spread them without concern for truth, made his blood boil. Darcy's irritation grew, particularly as he caught Elizabeth Bennet’s eyes more than once.
Her gaze, while not unkind, held a certain inscrutability that reminded him of the mystery that had first intrigued him when he saw her. Yet, he could not help but wonder why she was watching him so intently—or why she, too, made no effort to correct the falsehoods circulating about him. Did she find some amusement in his discomfort? The thoughts unsettled him, leaving him to question not just the behaviour of those around him, but also the true nature of the Elizabeth Bennet.
When there was a break for the second set, Elizabeth found herself sitting close enough to overhear a conversation between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley, who had stepped away from the dance floor for a few minutes to urge his friend to join in.
Come, Darcy," urged Bingley, "you must dance. There are plenty of pretty girls here tonight that are lovely to dance with."
"You know I do not like partaking in such amusements, Bingley," Darcy replied coolly.
"But surely, Darcy, you can make an exception tonight," Bingley insisted. "There are many lovely ladies present, including the Bennet sisters."
Darcy remained unmoved. "You forget that I have already had the misfortune of meeting the Bennet family even before you. Your charming companion is the only one of the group who is tolerable. The others are hardly worth noting."
Caroline Bingley, who had been listening with evident interest, interjected with a sly smile, "I thought, Mr. Darcy, thatyou might have taken a liking to the Bennet sisters, given that some are already saying you have eyes for Miss Elizabeth."
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" Darcy's response was measured. "I can assure you, Caroline, that aside from thanking their father, who seems to be a man of kind heart despite his incessant jest, there is nothing about the family which I find agreeable. Her sisters are silly, and her mother is overly familiar. She is surely not handsome enough to entice me."
Elizabeth felt her face flush with a mix of embarrassment and indignation. She gritted her teeth as a surge of anger coursed through her. She could hardly believe the audacity of Mr. Darcy's words and the coldness with which he dismissed her and her family.
"Come now, Darcy, surely you exaggerate," said Mr. Bingley, attempting to cool the tension. "There are many fine qualities among the Bennets."
But Darcy remained firm. "I speak only the truth, Bingley. Now, if you will excuse me, I have no desire to engage in this tiresome assembly any further."
Caroline Bingley smirked, clearly pleased with Darcy's disdainful remarks. Her sister, Louisa, smiled condescendingly at Elizabeth as she watched her face go red.
Chapter 6
Elizabeth stood abruptly, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment. She felt a tightness in her chest, her thoughts swirling with disbelief and indignation at Darcy's cruel words.How could he say such things? Even after all the kindness Papa showed him? What kind of man was he to speak so disdainfully about people he barely knew?The assembly suddenly felt uncomfortable, as tight as a noose. Elizabeth found it difficult to breathe, the need to get out of the room overwhelming her as she struggled for breath. It was as if the mere thought of being in the same room with Mr. Darcy was a death sentence.
Without a word, she moved quickly towards her father, who was standing near the entrance, engaged in conversation with Sir William Lucas.
Mr. Bennet noticed her approach and, seeing her distress, immediately asked, "What is the matter, Lizzy?"
"I need to leave, Papa. I cannot stay here any longer," she replied, her voice strained.
"Tired? Perhaps Charlotte can show you to a room where you can rest till the end of the ball," Sir William suggested.
"Thank you, but that will not be necessary, Sir William. I believe going home would be better," Elizabeth replied calmly.
Mrs. Bennet, overhearing the exchange, soon joined the bunch and interjected, "Oh dear, Lizzy! Are you feeling unwell? Is it your courses?"
"No, Mama. It is not that. I just feel tired and overwhelmed." Elizabeth shook her head, forcing a smile.
Mr. Bennet, sensing his daughter's distress beneath her words, drew her close and looked her squarely in the face. "Lizzy, are you quite sure? What has happened?"
"I am quite sure, Papa. I just need to leave," Elizabeth reassured him, determined not to burden her father with the details.
Knowing his daughter had a mind of her own and trusting her judgment, Mr. Bennet decided not to probe further. "Very well, Lizzy," he said. "I shall have someone fetch the coachman immediately."
"But we don't want to leave yet!" Lydia and Kitty, who had come to join the little gathering, exclaimed, their voices filled with dismay.
Mary, who had just joined them too, overheard and turned to Lydia and Kitty. "If there is a need to leave, then we must leave."
"Lizzy, are you all right? Shall I come with you?" Jane approached with worry etched on her face.
"No, Jane," Elizabeth replied, her voice softening. "You must stay and enjoy the evening. Mr. Bingley still looks like he may dance with you again or even talk to you afterwards. I do not want to ruin your night. And if you look behind, you’ll see him coming towards us."
Mr. Bingley, following Jane in tow, soon caught up with the party. Noticing the commotion, he approached with sympathy. "Is there anything I can do to help, Miss Bennet?"
