Page 100 of The Governess of My Heart
“Ah! It is unfortunate indeed. Maybe next time,” he said and walked away.
He knew for sure that she was lying and could not understand why.
Within a few minutes, he overheard a conversation between Mrs. Bennet and a few other women that clarified the situation.
“Oh! Mr. Darcy is so handsome and rich. I am glad he is here this evening,” Mrs. Bennet said to her friends.
“He does not seem to be happy to be here. He has hardly spoken to anyone here except Sir William.”
“Well, rich men can be shy. But I am certain he will not be with Jane.”
“Oh! Mrs. Bennet, Jane is admired by all young men for certain. Perhaps Mr. Darcy is too late; we are aware of the partiality she has for Mr. Bingley.”
“What nonsense? There is nothing of that sort. She was being courteous to Mr. Bingley, as he was new to our society. My dear Jane has such a kind heart but is not partial to anyone. As a mother, I know where her heart lies now after Mr. Darcy’s arrival,” Mrs. Bennet said confidently.
Mr. Bingley quickly moved away, and everything made sense to him.
She did not leave my side that day when she first met Darcy. She was not aware of his wealth and status then. She must have heard about it before she came to Netherfield last time.
He felt angry with himself for not seeing her character, as her beauty had blinded him.
This is what Darcy has been warning me about every time. I never took him seriously. He could not believe how easily she switched her attention from me to Darcy.
It was time for the first dance, and Mary stood nervously.
Mr. Bingley assisted her to the dance floor, but he sensed her nervousness.
“Do not worry, Miss Mary, I will not embarrass you. I am a decent dancer.”
Mary laughed.
“I do not doubt it, sir. I have seen you dance,” she said, smiling.
Mr. Bingley looked at her keenly. She was the same person he had met a month ago. He had liked her then, and he liked her now. He realized what he felt for Jane was mere attraction, the feeling he had felt towards many pretty women in town.
And he understood that he genuinely cared for Mary. That is why he felt so pained when Jane insulted her the other day.
“Is everything all right, sir?” Mary asked, looking at his worried face.
“Oh! Yes. I just noticed my friend is still standing there without dancing.”
Mary looked at Darcy and found him standing alone. She could not but stop imagining Elizabeth right next to him.
They deserve to be happy, but what can I even do?she thought with pain.
Once the dance ended, Mr. Bingley reached his friend.
“Are you still standing here alone?” Mr. Bingley asked.
“Yes, I am. I hope you enjoyed your dance.”
“I did,” Mr. Bingley replied, looking in Mary’s direction.
Jane had danced with Mr. Fenton, having no other choice. She had waited till the last moment for Darcy to ask her, and the same thing happened with Miss Bingley. She had danced with another gentleman, not wanting to sit out without a partner.
Mary was surprised by Darcy before the next set when he requested her to dance. He had not planned it thus, but he stood next to Mary and Kitty as he saw one of the gentlemen lead Kitty for the next set. Mary stood alone.
Darcy never thought he would ask anyone for a dance as he wanted to keep the memory of dancing with Elizabeth forever.
