Page 67 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Now we come to Mary and Kitty. I will speak for neither, though I do advise you not to replace Mary’s nice shoes withthe same size she wore when she was ten,” Elizabeth said with an affected sternness, relieved when all were receptive to her joshing advisement. “There, this is far more manageable. Lydia, you should first replace Kitty’s pencils. But more importantly, you must learn to manage your temper, even when your emotions are high.”
The room became silent when Mr. Bennet walked in and settled with his coffee at the foot of the table.
“It just so happens your timing is impeccable, Father, to review Lydia’s list,” Elizabeth said, placing it next to him.
After scanning the list, he said, “You are right, Lizzy. I should have made certain my daughters were spoilt in equal measures, or, at least, learnt to give and take alike.”
Jane asked in her pleasant way, “Would anyone else like their tea refreshed?”
Chapter 10
The Morning’s Happenings at Netherfield Park
Darcy went to the breakfast room in anticipation of Georgiana and the two Miss Bennets joining him once they were done with…whatever was more important than breaking their fast.
“Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley spoke carefully when she walked into the breakfast parlor.
“Miss Bingley,” Darcy said, unable to mask his surprise. “That shade of lavender quite becomes you, madam.”
“Thank you, sir. Miss Lydia was quite blunt in telling me I chose colors and styles not suited to me or a day in the country.”
Darcy well understood the wryness in her tone; this was one of the few compliments he had ever given Miss Bingley, and it was sincerely offered.
“I am surprised at Miss Lydia’s candor,” Darcy said, then braced himself. He nearly betrayed his shock when she replied with nothing but a wan smile. “I believe I owe you an apology, Miss Bingley. I have been a poor guest in my rushing off to Longbourn at every turn.”
Darcy felt nonplussed but relieved when Miss Bingley did not sit beside or across from him. Instead, she set her cup two places down on the opposite side of the table.
“Are Miss Mary and Miss Darcy joining us soon?” Miss Bingley said, turning her head from him.
“I understood it to be their intent. I do believe we are to be invaded by every Bennet in the county today, Miss Bingley. You have generously invited Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth for afternoon tea. And, it so happens I came across Miss Elizabeth and Miss Kitty on my walk this morning. Upon my return, I escorted Miss Kitty to Netherfield Park. She had a desire to visit with her sister and Georgiana before your festivities.”
“After these many years as friends, you know Charles would prefer you treat any home of his like your own.”
“You are very kind. I appreciate your generosity in allowing them to cultivate a friendship with my sister,” Darcy said, bracing himself for whatever Miss Bingley intended to say now that the pleasantries were observed.
“Sir, being in company with you these last years, I think I might claim an understanding of your character, too. You do not like disguise, and you are unappreciative of any presumptions made about you,” Miss Bingley said, lifting her chin to meet his gaze.
“True.”
“I think you too hard on yourself, take too much on your shoulders. It is a trait both helpful and harmful. I, however, have chosen to be blind to my faults, focusing more on those of others.”
“Looking at oneself is often how we see others with graciousness, if not clarity. I have seen many who were quick to judge long regret their hastiness. One example is the young debutante who brushed aside Duke Harrington as an old codger last year. It is a mistake I, too, have made in the past. It is a faultI am working to correct. I had not done the same with the duke, mind, though I understood her inclination,” Darcy said, then sipped his coffee to hide his wariness of where she intended to take this conversation.
Miss Bingley laughed, a low and lilting sound he had not often heard from her.
“The poor girl. Her family has not yet recovered from it, and may never,” Miss Bingley agreed. “Mr. Darcy—”
“Come, you have called me Darcy these same years you have known me. I can think of no cause for this to change.”
“Thank you, Darcy. Now, if you’ll allow me some latitude, I would speak. What I say will, at first, upset you. Then, I hope, will give you comfort.”
“You have my undivided attention, Miss Bingley.”
“What I have to say is overdue. Later, I intend to speak to my brother, sister, and Harold. I came to the breakfast parlor at this early hour so I might start with this apology.”
“Then may I refresh your tea?” Darcy asked.
“Your forbearance must be infinite, sir.”
