Page 35 of An Accidental Meeting
"I believe a husband and wife ought to make one another the of themselves,” Elizabeth replied thoughtfully. "But often, they bring out one another's worst qualities."
Her gaze at last travelled to the doorway. Mr. Darcy’s expression was penitent, and that was not what Elizabeth had intended.
“It cannot be a simple thing to find such a man," she said airily. “Therefore, I shall end an old maid and teach my sister’s ten children to play their instruments very ill.”
Miss Darcy giggled. “Well said, Miss Bennet.” She glanced behind her when Mr. Darcy stepped into the room. “Brother!” she cried. “I thought you were fishing!”
“We were,” he said, stepping into the room tentatively. “But Bingley fell into the stream and has gone up to change.”
Aunt Gardiner stiffened.
“Oh, Charles,” Mrs. Hurst said with a sigh.
“Mr. Bingley is not a clumsy man,” Elizabeth said tentatively.
“Ah, he is not. I am afraid it was Uncle Hugh’s fault,” Mr. Darcy said. “He enjoys fishing but does not often find one on the end of his line. Bingley was simply standing in the wrong place when he did.” His stoic expression remained intact, but she fancied she could see a spark of laughter in his eyes.
Elizabeth felt her aunt’s tension dissipate. For a moment, she had also been worried that Uncle Gardiner, for all his restraint, might have been carried away, for who could not wish to protect Jane? She had seen enough of the world to know that her elder sister was a rare treasure, and not only because of her appearance. Jane was one of the few truly good people in the world. She was not foolish, for her mind was improved and her character decided. Yet she held herself to a higher standard than others, and tried, whenever possible, to suspend judgement. Was that purity of spirit not worth protecting?
And was Mr. Bingley strong enough for the job?
Jane would change when she wed, that was inevitable. And Elizabeth believed that her sister would wed, even if it was not to Mr. Bingley, for no woman was as well suited to marriage and motherhood as Jane. But if her essential spirit was to be protected, she would need a man who was protective.
Elizabeth smiled to herself. She would require a man of strength too, but also one who possessed a great deal of patience.
“Did you manage to catch any fish, Mr. Darcy?” Aunt Gardiner inquired.
“Only one before the mishap. Your husband, however, has already caught enough to feed us all for dinner,” Mr. Darcy said admiringly. “He is a fine angler.”
“And so rarely has the opportunity to engage in the pursuit,” Elizabeth’s aunt said. “I must thank you again for this opportunity, Mr. Darcy.”
“Think nothing of it, madam. He mentioned that he is a chess player as well, and I am promised a match during your stay.”
“Oh dear. I fear you must prepare yourself,” Aunt Gardiner said with a small smile. “He is rather competitive.”
Mr. Darcy chuckled. “I imagine that is one reason he is so successful in his business.”
“Indeed it is, sir.”
“He and my father play game after game when the Gardiners come for Christmas,” Elizabeth added. “My father is also an excellent player.”
“Have you not beaten him more than once?” Aunt Gardiner teased.
“Do you mean the time I was six and threw the board over when I saw that he would put my king in checkmate?” Elizabeth asked pertly.
Mrs. Hurst huffed and Miss Bingley turned up her nose, but Aunt Gardiner spoke before they could. “Your father was proud of you for seeing that he would. Was he not three moves out?”
Her cheeks warmed. “He wins as many games as I do.”
“Perhaps you might play a game with Fitzwilliam, Miss Bennet?” Miss Darcy asked. “For he will need the practise if he is to win against your uncle.”
Elizabeth stifled a laugh at the amused affront on Mr. Darcy’s countenance.
“Is it not too early for such pursuits?” Miss Bingley asked.
“One game, then,” Mr. Darcy said. “Just until Bingley makes his way down.”
Elizabeth stood from the table. “Very well.”
