Page 9 of Penned By Mr Darcy
“I believe a truly accomplished woman is a rarity, but I do not think as harshly on your sex as you do, Miss Elizabeth, to doubt their existence entirely.”
She turned to him – for she had conducted this conversation scarcely looking at him at all – but found that words escaped her.
“We must all have our own opinions,” she said finally. “I am sure you hold yours with as much conviction as I do mine.”
“Yes.”
“And will not resist much teasing on that score? ”
“Tease Mr Darcy?,” Caroline interjected at once, most earnestly. “Impossible! He does not hold well with it at all.”
“Is that true, sir? Not even in good nature?”
“Would it be in good nature, Miss Elizabeth?” he asked in a low voice, so quietly that she almost had to lean in to hear him.
She straightened, chastened at once by the change in him. She was reminded of Jane; how suddenly a misplaced barb could cause her to go in on herself. Could his facade of arrogance simply be the result of a shy and reserved nature? He held such an air of confidence and pride that her sister lacked, and she refused to believe that his sensitivity was due to any other reason than belief in his own self-importance.
She recalled her sister’s request that she keep a civil tongue. She could not bear to disappoint her sister, and so for that reason alone, she moved to make things right.
“It was not my intention to wound you,” she said softly. “I apologise for any offence.”
“Thank you.”
She frowned, watching as he reached for his glass of wine and took a deep gulp. She could not help but watch the movement of his throat as he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing and disappearing into his cravat. He moved slowly, in a manner that reminded her of something feline. Each motion was considered, and she wondered if there was anything in his life that he did not hold in his meticulous grasp.
Caroline began speaking once more, and Elizabeth made no further effort to contribute to the conversation. She finished her soup, determined to enjoy Netherfield’s excellent cook to the fullest during her stay, and listened to those around her make idle conversation. It was only as dessert, a rich looking steamed pudding that Lizzy could not immediately identify, was served that her silence was remarked upon.
“I do hope you aren’t sickening as well, Miss Eliza. You look terribly pale.”
“I am quite well, I assure you; just a little tired. I am sorry if I am poor company this evening.”
“You are fine company,” Mr Bingley interjected. “Isn’t she, Darcy?”
Mr Darcy’s head snapped towards her, and she realised he was holding his glass of wine so tightly that his knuckles were white. It was a wonder it had not smashed beneath his ferocious grip, mercifully empty though it was
“Indeed.”
He set the glass down, and Lizzy noticed that his cheeks were rather red. How much wine had he taken? Was her company, her proximity, so unbearable to him that it had pushed him to drink? She reached for her own glass and knocked the remainder of the wine back, swallowing thickly. If he thought he had the right to resort to alcohol to endure her company, then she certainly had every right to do the same!
She resumed her silence as pudding was served, though she listened as Caroline and Mrs Hurst tried desperately to engage Mr Darcy in conversation. Dessert, at least, was delicious. She waited eagerly for the rest of the party to finish so that she could make her excuses and return to Jane.
“Capital grub,” Mr Hurst said, leaning back in his chair. “You ought to take this cook back with you, you know.”
“Oh, I do not have to think about that for a good long while,” Mr Bingley smiled. “I was saying to Miss Elizabeth this afternoon that I am enjoying Hertfordshire. I would very much like to remain for the festive season. Darcy will have his own plans, I am sure, but I should like to celebrate with all of our new friends.”
“I will spend Christmas with my sister,” Mr Darcy said. “In London, or in Kent with my aunt.”
“I should so like to return to London,” Caroline sighed. “There is nothing quite so fine as London during the festive season. The decorations! The fashions! I am sure you could not imagine, Miss Elizabeth, for the country does so lack the creativity of the city.”
Elizabeth did not rise to the bait.
“I’m sure a country Christmas is just as pleasant, Caroline,” Mr Bingley said. “Shall we go for brandy, Darcy, Hurst? I am sure the ladies have much to discuss.”
The men departed, and Elizabeht rose from her seat to wordlessly follow Caroline and Mrs Hurst into the small sitting room next door, She found the segregation of men and women after dinner most tiresome; the men went off to smoke cigars and drink brandy and speak of matters of politics, while the women passed the time speaking of lace and the business of others.
“Tomorrow we shall go out for a walk, as my brother said. You need not join us, Miss Eliza, if your sister requires your attention. Indeed, we have seen a great deal of you in your short time here. Do not feel that you must leave her; that is why you are here, after all.”
“I should be pleased to join the walk if my sister’s health allows.”
