Page 89 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Elizabeth knew Jane drew her away from their mother to ensure no further cross words betwixt them.
“I wanted to call with my brother after telling him how much I enjoyed meeting all of you,” Miss Darcy said.
“La! You can have any of my sisters you wish. Take them with you, I beg of you,” Elizabeth said, pleased to see Miss Darcy’s cheer.
“And if I instead choose you to take me?” The ringing of Miss Darcy’s laugh filled the room.
“I am certain your brother would scowl at your choice.” Elizabeth glanced at Mr. Darcy, knowing she challenged him.
“Please do be seated,” Mrs. Bennet said.
Elizabeth flinched. All of Mrs. Bennet’s daughters were well aware of her calm, or rather, perceived solemnity. A word, a gesture could set their mother calling for her salts, desperate for attention.
“Thank you, madam.” Darcy bowed to her, grunting low in his throat when his sister nudged him. “I want to apologize for my boorish behavior at the assembly. I have no excuse and wish to convey my regrets. My unfortunate remarks that your daughter Miss Elizabeth overheard were unpardonable.”
Elizabeth, unwilling to let him see how hurt she had been, turned away so that she might master her emotions.
“Think nothing of it, Mr. Darcy. You had seen Jane. Elizabeth is nothing compared to her,” Mrs. Bennet said, giving, what was for her, a magnanimous gesture of forgiveness.
Jane and Miss Darcy both gasped. Miss Darcy’s eyes filled with tears. Jane, too, had tears in her eyes. Mr. Darcy’s thunderous expression and Mr. Bingley’s displeasure caused Mrs. Bennet to twist her handkerchief in her lap in her confusion.
“I thank you for reminding me again, Mother,” Elizabeth said to break the silence.
Ignoring her mother’s glare, Elizabeth pulled the linen from her pocket. She walked to Miss Darcy, giving her own square to the younger lady so she could dry her tears.
“Please,” Mr. Darcy murmured, handing Elizabeth his.
“I beg you, do not cry, Miss Darcy. No true harm was caused,” Elizabeth said to reassure the girl. “Mr. Darcy, I regret you felt forced to apologize. As you are now aware, your remark echoes my mother’s sentiments. Think no more of it. But if you yet require my forgiveness, know it is granted.”
“I appreciate your generosity, Miss Elizabeth. Still, I find myself in disagreement with you and your mother. My words were spoken in haste, and I regret, very much regret, the lost opportunity to partner you in a set.”
Elizabeth felt herself softening toward him when she saw the appreciation in Mr. Darcy’s expression and his efforts in helping his sister overcome the shock of Mrs. Bennet’s speech.
“Thank you. Any of us would find it agreeable to become better acquainted with those of your party, sir,” Elizabeth said, acknowledging his effort to smooth things over.
“I see we have visitors,” said Mr. Bennet, standing under the lintel.
Elizabeth hastened to perform the service, not trusting how her youngest sisters or mother might speak of the gentleman. “Father, may I introduce Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy. You are already acquainted with Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, this is my father, Thomas Bennet.”
“Mr. Darcy, the very rich man who twice slighted my Lizzy last night? That same man who looked down on our neighbors and friends is in your drawing room, Mrs. Bennet? Quite the coup for you, my dear,” Mr. Bennet joked.
Elizabeth stared at her father in horror, having never known such humiliation at his hand before. She could see his confusion when Miss Darcy stood to depart.
“Perhaps another time for tea, Mrs. Bennet,” Mr. Bingley said. He held out an arm to Miss Darcy and escorted her from the house.
“Indeed. Quite the coup. Good day,” Mr. Darcy said, bowing before he, too, left the room.
“Well, that was a bit dramatic, was it not, Lizzy?” Mr. Bennet chuckled when the front door shut.
“If, by dramatic, you are describing the humiliation our parents visited on their daughters today, you would be correct.”
“A perfect example of why to curb your tongue, Lydia. How an uncouth display drives people away, suitors and new acquaintances alike. Iwill notcome down for dinner,” Jane said, then quit the room.
“Do not speak to your mother in such a manner,” Mr. Bennet said, stepping out into the corridor. “Return to this room and apologize, Jane.”
“I but followyourexample, Father. But then, I was not speaking to you or Mother. I spoke to my youngest sister, who lacks grace and manners. You insult all our family to our neighbors with great frequency, so I am confused by the admonishment,” Jane said in so pleasant a manner, Mr. Bennet laughed.
Jane was shaking, so upset was she. Her tone may have been sweet, but she had not spoken in jest. As comprehension dawned, their father’s expression shifted to one of surprise, then anger. When he tried to find the words to admonish her, none came. As a result, he stood mute when she walked away.
