Page 5 of To Go Against Her Heart
“I cannot express how delighted I am to see you. I trust Miss Darcy is in good health,” Mr. Bingley said.
“Yes, she fares well and sends her regards.”
“I cannot tell you how much we have missed your company, Mr. Darcy. I wish you had brought your sister along; she is such a sweet girl, and I love spending time with her,” Miss Bingley said with warmth. Darcy merely nodded, and he could quite easily understand that Miss Bingley was not willing to give upher pursuit, irrespective of his indifference. He broke his fast with them, and Mr. Bingley was eager to show him about the estate, as well as acquaint him with news of the neighborhood, especially his excitement in having met several charming ladies in recent weeks.
“I am glad I chose to spend time here, Darcy. I have been well entertained, and as I mentioned, the few times I spent in Miss Bennet’s company have strengthened my intuition. I may end up settling down here permanently.”
There he goes again, falling in love at first sight of a pretty face.
“You say Mr. Bennet has five daughters.”
“Yes, he does, and all of them are quite pretty and pleasant to converse with. You need not fret; you shall meet them soon at the Meryton assembly.”
As apprehensive as he was about socializing with a room full of strangers, he wanted to see Miss Bennet and understand whether his friend was merely infatuated or truly in love.
***
In Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet struggled to persuade Elizabeth to attend the assembly.
“Do not be ridiculous; what can you have against an evening of merriment? I do not know why I allowed you to stay with Edward. You act heartbroken just because someone was partial towards you in the past. For heaven’s sake, Elizabeth, he did not even propose; what makes you think he even cared about you? I cannot understand why you have been so forlorn these past months, and your state of despair is ruining us all. I am plagued with questions about your absence at parties. What am I to say? You are unnecessarily allowing our family to be ridiculed.”
“Mamma! My absence will bring no shame upon any of you. I have no desire to attend the assembly; I beg you, do not compel me,” Elizabeth pleaded.
“Do you care about Jane at all?”
“What sort of a question is this?”
“Just answer me, Elizabeth. Do you care about your sister’s welfare?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then you will attend the assembly. Do you want Mr. Bingley to lose interest in Jane? It is important that he perceives us as a respectable family in society, rather than one with a daughter who is the subject of widespread gossip. You will attend the assembly, but if you choose to be stubborn, then I will never forgive you if Jane is affected by it,” she said and stormed out of the room. Elizabeth felt suffocated after the conversation, and though her mother’s words were painful, her reasoning was astute.
I cannot allow my family to drown in the misery I have inflicted upon myself.
She decided to attend the evening, quite certain that it would have no consequence on her current state of mind.
***
Miss Bingley took immense care of her appearance for the evening of the assembly and was confident she would outshine any young lady in attendance.
“How do I look, Louisa?” she asked.
“Very enchanting indeed,” Mrs. Hurst replied, admiring her sister.
“I ought to gain his affection this time; I hoped it would happen last year while we were in Pemberley for Christmas. I cannot allow him to slip away again.”
“Are you certain that he is looking for a bride?”
“Of course he is, and why would he not? I am certain he wants to marry soon, and I must secure his regard.”
Mrs. Hurst hoped that her sister would not be disappointed.
As for Darcy, he looked forward to the evening,only to secure a brief escape from Miss Bingley’s company. In the week he spent in Netherfield, he grew tired of her flattery and attempts to impress him. Unfortunately, Darcy had no choice but to treat her with civility for the sake of his friendship with Mr. Bingley. By the time the party reached the assembly, the dancing had already begun, and Mr. Bingley immediately apologized to Sir William for their late arrival. As expected, all eyes were on Mr. Darcy as his friend introduced him to the acquaintances he had made.
Miss Bingley refused to leave him alone and stayed close, whispering now and then about how ill-suited the evening was for someone of his stature.Darcy found himself growing irritable in her presence, and at last Mr. Bingley introduced him to the Bennet family.
“It is delightful to have you grace this occasion, sir. I am certain you will find the evening to your liking,” Mrs. Bennet said, impressed with him.
