Page 84 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“Please refrain from speaking as if she cannot hear you. Though I agree, Kitty, she is everything lovely,” Jane said.
“I do not recall my father saying your Mr. Bingley had any sisters so young. But if she is his sister, I suspect she is just as courteous and affable,” Charlotte said.
“He is not my Mr. Bingley, Charlotte.” Jane blushed.
“I am sure he should be. Any man so affable as Mr. Bingley showed himself to be last night would be fortunate to have so sweet a wife as you,” Elizabeth said, her cheeks burning with chagrin.
“Yet that Mr. Darcy fellow brooded the entire evening. Their being friends must be a lark.” Lydia’s laughter carried beyond their party.
“Lydia. You jump to a conclusion when we know nothing of his character beyond a few hours’ acquaintance,” Jane said, giving Elizabeth a look.
“None appreciate more than I that you see the good in everyone, dear Jane. But not even you can claim to be willing to ignore his insulting Eliza twice. Even if his income isten thousanda year.” Charlotte winked at Jane.
Though an obvious ploy to lighten her countenance, Elizabeth laughed away her vexations. She prayed none could hear the hollowness.
“It would not matter to me if he had forty thousand a year. You know I care not a whit about fortune. I am, however, convinced he is the most prideful man I have ever encountered.” Elizabeth stood tall and affected a great scowl, pretending to look down on those of her party.
“Yes, Lizzy, we all know you and Jane wish to marry for love or, at the least, great esteem. But some fortunemustbe considered. It is necessary to have a roof over your head and food on the table,” Mary said wryly.
“I know. Our mother's constant lamentations of the entail also mean we endlessly hear we must catch husbands. I implore you not to let her force you into a situation you will always regret, dear sister,” said Elizabeth.
“Some of us are not as comely as you and Jane. Mama will choose a plain man of no fortune for me to reward my plainness,” Mary said, then pursed her lips.
“You should choose a man you like, and like a great deal. Mama will not have to live with your husband every day. Have a care for your feelings, and only then consider her expectations. I would rather be a poor man’s beloved wife than know every day a rich man’s disdain,” Elizabeth said, explaining what she felt was crucial to one’s felicity.
“Happiness in marriage can be found in many ways. Some find it in their children, while others find it in the fulfillment of the duties a lady takes on due to her husband’s position or profession. Do have care. I agree with Eliza’s saying that one must be able to respect and find some good in a gentleman. But do not be quick to dismiss an eligible man, or you might find yourself like me with no prospects at all,” Charlotte said, countering Elizabeth adroitly.
“The decided lack of eligible men in Meryton is why Lizzy was sitting with me when Mr. Darcy insulted her. It is confusing to me that a man intelligent enough to avoid Mr. Bingley’s sister was derisive toward mine for sitting out the dance. In doing so, another lady had an opportunity to,” Mary said, allowing some concession. “I, for one, will keep both pieces of advice in mind should I ever meet someone whom I might suit.”
“Even with so few men in attendance, I danced every one, and you none. You dress in such drab colors and are so severe, Mary, few men see your resemblance to our mother,” Lydia said with an indifference born of a confidence instilled by their mother’s doting.
“And we lament your unkind remarks because you do not consider your words before you speak. Mary knows her Scripture, and she is excellent at caring for the needful and infirmed. You would do better to emulate her than to be so bold,” Elizabeth said.
“Do not argue, I beg of you. We rarely visit Meryton together, but today we celebrate Kitty’s birthday. I believe Mrs. Candor is soon to pull the rolls buttered and sugared out of the oven. Let us go in and order tea.” Jane ushered the party to the small confectionery.
Charlotte held Elizabeth back, her eyes sliding to the young girl who had listened to their conversation and then back to Elizabeth.
“Eliza, I know both of Mr. Darcy’s slights hurt you keenly. It is not that I suggest you are without cause or reason to be angry, but Jane, too, is correct. We know nothing of what might have causedhimto be so dour. Knowing many ladies disdainful as Miss Bingley would try even Jane’s patience.”
“It would be a trial,” Elizabeth said, if begrudgingly.
“Please do not let his insults continue to dampen your spirits. A man will one day see your wit and intelligence, work to win your good opinion, and your hand. I hope for your sake he is not so poor that being tossed out to the hedgerows becomes a concern.”
“I confess his insults did sting. His confirming Mother's assertions that I was nothing to Jane was more than I could bear with equanimity. I will concede that we know none of his particulars. To prove it, I shall hope whatever soured his mood, caused him to disparage our friends and neighborhood, is no longer of concern this morning. I would not want his contempt directed at another.”
Elizabeth and Charlotte stepped into the shop. A few moments later, Elizabeth’s reappearance startled the young lady with wheat colored hair who stood on the step before the shop entrance, as if uncertain she should enter.
“Forgive me,” the young lady gasped, her companion coming direct to her side.
“There is nothing to forgive,” Elizabeth reassured her. “Would you like to come in and enjoy my sister Kitty’s favorite treat, just fresh from the oven? We are celebrating her birthday. Do come in and have tea with us.”
Charlotte popped her head out the door. “My father, Sir William, comes now from the solicitor’s office, and he takes great pleasure in making introductions.”
“I have no objection, for that makes it quite proper,” the older woman said to encourage the young lady.
Charlotte beckoned her father over. Elizabeth gave the young woman a conspiratorial, playful look when Sir William took to the scheme with aggrandizement. It seemed that being of use to his daughter and their friends was everything he had ever hoped for.
Chapter 3
