Page 51 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“You determined it for us, sir, when you claimed not to know how to talk to an angel, then ascribed to me the honor of being one.”
“Ha, I suppose I did at that. Is that the only reason?”
Miss Bennet did not answer, but she glanced toward Bingley dancing with Miss Lucas. She blushed when she caught him watching her. “Charlotte speaks true, sir. Our mother may exclaim over our making a match, but Lizzy and I intend to marry for love.”
“You are lovely, equal in beauty to any woman I have encountered in Town, Miss Bennet,” Darcy murmured.
“I thank you, Mr. Darcy, but one of the greater joys of life is that one might prefer red wine and another white. One lady may prefer roses, while another enjoys the wildflowers from a field. If a man prefers whiskey, why should he force himself to drink mead?”
“And an extraordinary understanding nature for one who prefers not to see darkness,” Darcy said, breaking the quiet he had created in taking too long to respond. Knowing that Miss Bennet had no expectations of him allowed him to speak freely. “Who else should I partner this evening?”
“Our sister Mary, though she is not often asked to dance. She is quiet and sometimes does not say the right thing, but I can give every assurance that she would make no presumptions of you.”
“What does she like to speak about?”
“She enjoys playing the pianoforte.”
“That is something our sisters have in common.”
“Mr. Darcy, it was good of you to ask me to dance. It will soon be my turn to sit out so other ladies may enjoy the opportunity,” Miss Bennet said when the set ended.
“It is generous of you to take turns.”
“You are in a shire full of ladies who have grown up together. We do not compete to find husbands. We leave that to our mothers. We wish our friends joy. If Charlotte or Miss King were to find their matches this very night in you and your friend, I would know happiness on their behalf and hope they might for me when it is my turn,” Miss Bennet said when he returned her to Miss Elizabeth and Bingley.
“I shall give Miss Bennet into your care, Bingley.” Darcy gave Bingley a well-meaning look and nodded when Bingley seemed surprised.
“I confess I am astounded, Darce. It is the exception for you to dance, and rarely with anyone you are not already acquainted with,” Bingley joked.
Darcy should have expected Bingley to ascertain his interest in the lady, given that Bingley was the one who sought an introduction to her. Darcy shook his head slightly, signaling that it did not reside with angelic Miss Bennet. At that, Bingley stood taller, and his grin widened as he held out his arm to Miss Bennet.
“Indeed, Bingley, but in this welcoming society, I see no harpies walking about as one finds in London.”
Darcy secured Miss Mary’s hand for a set and then led Miss Lucas to the floor. He found a pleasurable challenge in getting Miss Lucas to speak of herself. The lady was quite skilled at turning the conversation to the Miss Bennets. Darcy suspected this was a game of wits, whereby they attempted to gain knowledge neither would usually disclose, making Miss Lucas a favored dance partner.
Once the set with Miss Lucas ended, Darcy led her toward her friend, Miss Elizabeth. While the dancers left the floor and the musicians prepared to play again, he asked if he might get the ladies a lemonade.
Darcy found himself diverted. This was a service he had never thought to perform for any lady other than his aunt. It would have set the gossip tongues wagging in London.
Finally, in line with Miss Elizabeth, they had not taken five steps together when she said, “Mr. Darcy, I would apologize for the excessiveness of my two youngest sisters and my mother. She worries over our future, sir, as any mother might when an estate is entailed away. She has difficulty tempering her emotions because of it.”
They took a slow turn before they had to exchange partners. Darcy counted the steps until she was again at his side.
“You owe me no apology. Your mother only expresses hope. I, myself, have been accused of behaving poorly when in gatherings of people I do not know.”
“And you know none here beyond your party. Then I shall tell my sisters and our friends I have permitted you to hide behind our skirts. Let us see if we can make your visit in our shire pleasant enough to remember in fondness,” Miss Elizabeth said, her eyes brightened with her vivaciousness.
“Would I be asking too much of you, Miss Elizabeth, if I brought my sister to Longbourn tomorrow so you might be introduced? She is anxious to meet the ladies of this society.”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy, you both may regret the suggestion and are sure to find us a fulsome and noisy lot. But, if she is brave enough, I insist she remain from the first meal of our day until after tea. She will be laughed at and cause others to laugh in turn. We only require her to be herself.”
“I believe I could consider no better situation, and I know my sister would take great enjoyment from such a day.”
“Oh, my stars!” A voice was heard above the din. “Kitty, one of the gentlemen changed their cologne. What is that mixed with pine nut, cigar smoke?”
“Here again, I must apologize. That is my sister Lydia.”
Darcy watched one of the younger Miss Bennets waft her linen square under her nose. A horrified Miss Bingley stood near three men of Meryton society who frowned at one another in confusion.
