Page 68 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
After pouring her tea, Miss Bingley took a long swallow. Darcy was gratified to see her calm. “I wonder if we should add whiskey?”
“Ha, perhaps,” she said with humor.
“Now I am terrified.”
“You need not be. I overheard you and your sister talking the evening before dinner.” She raised her hand when he started to apologize.
“I beg your pardon for how my unguarded words might have pained you, Miss Bingley.”
“I was determined to make you jealous and dressed to outshine all the ladies in Hertfordshire. I was…so furious when your singular compliment was that you were pleased we would be just fifteen minutes late to an assembly you had no wish toattend. I now comprehend the remark as a result of the many occasions I delayed you and Charles. It would take too much time from your day to apologize for each instance. Here now, for every time I have delayed you meeting your obligations, I again offer an apology.” Miss Bingley forced herself to meet his eyes.
“I accept both, Miss Bingley.”
“Thank you, but I am not yet finished. We had barely entered the hall, and introductions were made, when I saw you do something you had never done in a room full of people you did not know. Your smile revealed your dimples. You are devastatingly handsome when you do, sir. You should find reasons to smile more often.”
Darcy felt himself blush. “Thank you.”
“Pray, do further allow me to speak. You did not hesitate to dance in favor of standing to the side of the room. You enjoyed the evening more than any other I have ever witnessed. I could never have imagined it. Even I, one who ignored your hints of disfavoring my company, bore witness to how comfortable you were, happy even. And in a way, you have never been when around me.” Miss Bingley grimaced.
Darcy appreciated her restraint, making every effort to show less than what she felt.
“It was never my wish to be the source of your pain, Miss Bingley.”
“I am aware it was unconsciously done. In getting to know them better, I can say neither Miss Bennet nor Miss Elizabeth will marry without love and respect. This permitted you to be at ease. But Miss Lucas, I admire above all.”
Surprising him further, she took the unprecedented step to dismiss herself from his consideration. “It was in comparing our behaviors that I understood my familiarity has made you uncomfortable. I apologize.”
“Miss Bingley, I have often wondered at your calling yourself my friend. You never treated me thus. Instead, you attempted to make me believe you were suited to be the next mistress of Pemberley. Something you insinuate to other ladies, likely to dissuade them.”
Miss Bingley looked away from him as she said, “Coveting the wealth and position rather than the man. One of greater value than all of your possessions, I learnt too late. I have humiliated myself over and over again.”
Darcy held out his handkerchief but remained silent. She had embarrassed them both in her attentions toward him.
“Thank you, sir.” Miss Bingley laughed and sniffled at the same time. Darcy knew she found humor in the fact that this was the first time he had ever made such a gesture, one madebecauseshe had given him up.
“You are quite welcome, Miss Bingley.”
“I have been shown more goodwill here than I have ever experienced. Two days ago, Miss Mary gave me a new, complementary scent. Miss Lydia assisted me in choosing colors and styles better suited to my person when Louisa and I had intended to occupy her with conversation so Charles and Miss Bennet might have time to speak.”
“That was thoughtful of both of you.”
“It is not altogether altruistic. Miss Lydia was quite audacious, if insolent, when she asked if I worked at acting the…shrew. I find her quite a diverting character. She also demanded to know what pleasure I found in overdressing only to amuse others. She declared the modiste on Bond Street had lied if she said the colors and style flattered me.”
Darcy wondered if he should respond to such a candid declaration, but her admission deserved his honesty. “Then Miss Lydia has greater discernment than many ladies ofthe toncan claim. I commend you for giving one so young dueconsideration. It is apparent she is gifted with understanding, and you have benefited from her forthright opinions.”
“Though humiliated, or perhaps the word is humbled, I asked her to speak plain. I was shocked to hear such understanding of fashion spoken with sense by a girl ten years my junior. She is to assist me today at the mantua-maker's shop. Yesterday, she made liars of the modistes who claimed my gowns were perfect for me.”
Darcy said, “I find all the Miss Bennets have a unique style that flatters the individual without being in disharmony with their sisters when you see them together. If Miss Lydia is the one who has such a vision, I believe you to be in capable hands.”
“At first, I thought her an amusement, but I must agree.” Miss Bingley clasped her hands together. “Now, I may well again overstep, but, as a friend, I must discuss with you a subject of great important.”
“A phrase that makes every man’s knees start knocking.”
“I can hardly believe I am broaching the subject myself… But Miss Elizabeth. She has captured your attention like no one has in the last six years I have known you, sir. How are you to secure her if you do not show her your regard? You express your enjoyment of her company far more than is your wont. True. But she does not know you as we do. To me, your appreciation of her liveliness is evident. But a man must do more. He should show a lady more of how he feels if he hopes to secure her.”
Miss Bingley laughed when Darcy could just manage to swallow down his coffee. She stood to make a plate of eggs and ham, and then shocked him further when she placed it before him.
“A man must also be patient that a lady might come to know him,” Darcy said, again uneasy with this frank conversation.
