Page 52 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Gentlemen, whichever of you it is, please apply to Mary. I am certain there is a scent more suited to you.”
“Do allow me to apologize for my sister's lack of tact. One of our neighbors is masking it well yet cannot but know humiliation.”
“I again must deny your intentions. I am grateful to Miss Lydia.” Darcy leaned so his mouth was close to Miss Elizabeth’s ear. “It is Miss Bingley she takes exception to. The lady has ignored numerous hints that it does not suit. It is a man’s cologne she wears.”
“Oh, how embarrassing for her.” Miss Elizabeth’s laughter filled the space between them. Darcy executed a swift turn to elicit another laugh while leading her through the figures.
“Tomorrow, our house will be quite dull. In two days, your sister would also be acquainted with the two ladies from Lucas Lodge, our dear Charlotte and her younger sister, Maria. The first Saturday of the month, we sew for the poor box as an excuse to gossip about this evening’son dits.”
“I can think of little she would enjoy more. Both the company and the act of generosity.”
“Miss Darcy shall be treated as though she already is a friend, the same as we have done with you. I did say I expect her at Longbourn to join my family as we break our morning fast, did I not?”
“I have never been more envious of my sister than I will be whilst she is in your company. Well, excepting when she first readthe Iliad. Although some books gain power with a second or third reading, I found the first so engrossing that I missed dinner on two consecutive nights. My father threatened to declare me too sick to go out riding until I showed him the volume in my hand.”
“My sisters and I are in full agreement, and it is a favored tale in our home. If you sew, Mr. Darcy, you are welcome to join us. If not, I shall walk to Netherfield. Between the hours of nine and ten? It is near the same distance as my daily walk around the property. On the side closest to the Netherfield, there is a particular rock. From the top of it, one can pretend to rule the world.”
“And, come the morning two days hence, I shall have my carriage ready to deliver you both to Longbourn.”
“If the weather continues as we have enjoyed this week, it shall be perfect for the men in your party to enjoy your gentlemanly pursuits.”
“Do you often walk out alone?”
“I do, sir. It is how I escape a house full of five other women. I have a very great secret to share with you. It is sometimes too noisy to countenance.”
“I shall have to take you at your word. I will have my coach ready by ten, Miss Elizabeth.”
“The servers are placed on the sideboard at ten. Half past nine will haveusdear friends home in time to enjoy it with my family.”
“I apologize for misspeaking—half nine. I confess to hoping you might walk with her amongst the shops of Meryton or exchange visits at the proper hours. I will advise her of this plan tomorrow. I can say, you spending a full day with her is far more than I could have dared ask or she might have conceived.”
“You and Mr. Bingley should come to tea in the afternoon. I warn you, even after spending more than six hours with us, she may not be ready to leave Jane. Few ever are. I am perfectly serious in suggesting she might wish to stay through dinner.”
“I thank you, Miss Elizabeth. You have made me a very happy older brother by including my beloved sister in your plans.”
Darcy bowed to her when their set ended, then led her to Miss Lucas. It was convenient, more likely by design, that she stood with Miss Mary, his next partner.
Miss Bingley Takes Exception
On the other side of the hall, Miss Bingley fumed. When the shrieking hoyden had announced her expensive French perfume smelled like men’s cologne mixed with cigar smoke, she had stepped back into a corner.
She had no choice but to watch Darcy do the unthinkable: enjoy himself. The ladies of Meryton had made him laugh, andhehad made them laugh in turn. It was in every way too much. Miss Bingley required a new plan, given her lack of opportunity to inspire jealousy in him that night. She decided on the best way she might remind him that none of these upstarts were worth half her consequence. It was obvious to her only now that it could only be done when she was alone with him again at Netherfield.
Chapter 4
Closing the Night at Netherfield Park
“I cannot tell you when I last had so enjoyable an evening. What think you, Darcy?” Bingley said by way of opening conversation when he, Bingley, and Miss Bingley settled in the drawing room for a drink. The Hursts had chosen to retire upon their return to Netherfield.
“Charles, please stop. Mr. Darcy does not need a recitation. He was there,” Miss Bingley snapped.
“I quite agree with you, Bingley,” said Darcy. “I am glad to know you enjoyed the evening, for we ourselves had little time to speak. Tell me, how did you find the lovely Miss Bennet?”
Darcy knew he was being rude and would ask his mother’s forgiveness in his prayers. But he also knew his mother would turn in her grave should Miss Bingley ever become the next mistress of Pemberley. And he hoped Bingley might ignore his sister’s chastisement and seek a future without reference to someone who cared so little about his felicity.
“She is a veritable angel.”
“Indeed, she is.”
