Page 92 of The Governess of My Heart
“Be quiet! What is the use of explaining the beauty of my dress to someone as plain as you? Sometimes I hate to sit next to you in the same carriage,” she cried.
Unfortunately for her, Mr. Bingley, who stood near the carriage, heard every word of her outburst.
He was shocked beyond measure to listen to Jane’s words. In the past weeks, her conversations with him were so pleasant that he could not believe she could say such a thing to Mary.
He moved away from the carriage, not wanting them to know that he had overheard them.
“Mary, let your sister get down first,” Mrs. Bennet cried.
Mr. Bennet said nothing, and since Elizabeth disappeared, he had been filled with rage and had no interest in anything.
Mr. Bingley handed Jane out of the carriage and was confused to see the same sweet countenance on her face.
He could not believe the same woman had spoken rudely to her sister only a few seconds earlier. Mary was the last to get down. She looked at Mr. Bingley and tried to smile.
He could see the sadness on her face, and it pained him to see her hurt.
“Good evening, Miss Mary. You look beautiful this evening,” he said.
Mary’s surprise was evident on her face, and Mr. Bingley saw her blush. He suddenly realized that she was beautiful. Her face, though Jane had called it plain, radiated warmth and kindness.
He locked arms with her and led the party indoors.
Mary was surprised that he was not by Jane’s side and somehow sensed something different in the way he looked at her.
Once indoors, Darcy and Miss Bingley joined them.
“Oh! Mr. Darcy, it is lovely to see you again. I am certain you are quite pleased with Hertfordshire. You have the best company and the prettiest girls to dance with,” Mrs. Bennet said.
Darcy did not reply, and when he looked at Jane, he was startled to find her batting her eyelashes at him with a sweet smile.
The men left to play billiards, and the women sat down in the drawing room. Mr. Bingley ignored the game and somehow wanted to return to Mary to see if she was well.
“Is everything all right?” Darcy asked him, sensing his unease.
“Yes, yes,” Mr. Bingley replied, trying to concentrate on the game.
Darcy thought his friend looked troubled. He did not prefer Mr. Bennet or Sir William’s company. He found the latter exasperating for the monotonous speeches he gave about every topic. Towards Mr. Bennet, he somehow felt an instant dislike. He did not know why, but his demeanor reminded him of Wickham, and he sensed something was off with the man.
Jane waited in anticipation for the men to return, and Mrs. Bennet was eager to let her daughter charm Darcy.
Mary sat in silence. When they arrived, she was unable to look at Darcy, well aware of what transpired between him and her sister.
He is in love with Lizzy and has no idea that she feels the same way. How am I to even help in this matter?
The men returned, and they all sat down for supper.
Mary sat next to Darcy, and Jane was seated opposite to them, beside Mr. Bingley.
“I hope you have settled down comfortably here, Mr. Bingley. We hope you will be happy here, and I hope Mr. Darcy likes to stay here as well,” Mrs. Bennet stated, looking at Darcy.
“Yes, madam. We have settled here quite amiably, and Mr. Hurst is also to join us soon,” Mr. Bingley replied.
“That is wonderful indeed.”
Miss Bingley frowned as she sat beside Mariah. She did not like sharing Darcy’s company with anyone else, especially with a society she held in such low standards.
“Mr. Darcy, please tell us about life in Derbyshire. I have heard much about its beauty,” Sir William asked.
