Page 14 of Attempted Compromises
Caroline tilted her head with an exaggerated sigh. “I would have said goodnight as well, but it grew so late and I didn’t want to disturb their rest.” Her tone suggested that, of course, the delay had been entirely out of her control.
Bingley coughed, which Darcy suspected covered a laugh. “Yes, Caroline,” he said with forced calm, “we’re all keenly aware of your punctuality.”
Caroline gave her brother a disdainful glance before turning back to Darcy, her expression flickering back to adoration as she awaited his response.
Darcy inclined his head, extricating his arm under the guise of adjusting his cuff. "Indeed," he agreed. "Family is of utmost importance."
“Perhaps tomorrow evening,” she persisted.
Bingley cleared his throat, stepping forward with a conciliatory smile. "Well then, shall we be off? Wouldn't want to miss the opening dance."
"Of course," Caroline replied, casting a lingering glance at Darcy before allowing her brother to lead the way.
Darcy nodded, falling a step or two behind to increase the distance between them, though she seemed determined to remain close as they made their way outside. He glanced at Bingley, who shot him a sympathetic look that was not without amusement.
As they moved toward the door, Darcy couldn't help but reflect on Caroline's sudden display of familial concern. It seemed a transparent attempt to align herself with his values—a notion that left him uneasy. Her usual demeanor lacked the genuine warmth he sought in a companion, and tonight's performance only heightened his reservations.
Stepping into the crisp evening air, he resolved to maintain his composure for the duration of the event. The carriage awaited, and as they settled inside, Caroline positioned herself beside Darcy, her voluminous gown occupying more than her fair share of space.
The journey to the assembly was filled with Caroline's chatter about the local society and her anticipation of the evening ahead. Darcy’s responses were politely sparse, his thoughts elsewhere. He gazed out the window at the passing landscape, wondering if perhaps Bingley was right—if somewhere among the attendees tonight, he might find someone who truly embodied the kindness and sincerity he desired.
But as Caroline's feathers brushed against his arm for the third time, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of skepticism. The night promised to be a test of patience, if nothing else.
Chapter 4
Elizabeth Bennet spun lightly as her dance with Mr. Lucas came to an end, laughter bubbling up as she curtsied and thanked him. The Meryton Assembly was in full swing, with lively music, familiar faces, and warm conversation filling the hall. As the final notes of the set died away, Elizabeth moved from the dance floor. Snippets of chatter floated around her, carrying the invariable rumors and gossip.
“Did you hear? The Netherfield party will be arriving shortly.”
“Yes! They say Mr. Bingley is quite young and very charming—and rich, too, if the rumors are to be believed.”
“Oh, but his friend… the gentleman who came down with him? Mr. Darcy, I think they called him? A man of wealth beyond imagining, and recently widowed, poor fellow. And he has a young son, quite ill from what I’ve heard.”
Elizabeth’s interest piqued. She had overheard talk of the Netherfield party earlier in the week, but little had been said of Mr. Darcy, aside from his wealth. She imagined he must be a reserved, solemn man, the kind who would rather avoidsociety altogether. The thought made her feel a bit sorry for him—he must be bearing a tremendous weight, and the constant attention to his status and fortune could not make it any easier.
How difficult it must be to be alone with a young child, and always under society’s scrutiny.
As she sat down, her friend Charlotte Lucas appeared by her side, nudging her playfully. “Lizzy, have you heard the latest? A new family has taken Netherfield, and they’re said to be incredibly wealthy.”
Elizabeth laughed. “You know I have, between your mother and mine.”
“He is supposed to come tonight; at least, that is what he told my father.”
“Oh, is he?” Elizabeth replied with a playful smirk. “I wonder if he’ll find our little town and its people agreeable or decide we are all frightfully provincial.”
Charlotte laughed. “Time will tell. But they’re said to be quite distinguished— look, I believe that’s them arriving now.”
Elizabeth followed Charlotte’s gaze to the entrance. The Bingley party had arrived at last, drawing all eyes as they made their way through the hall. Charles Bingley looked every bit the amiable gentleman, his expression open and friendly as he greeted everyone he met. Beside him stood his sisters: Miss Caroline Bingley, whose extravagant gown and feathered hair contrasted starkly with her brother’s easy charm, and Mrs. Hurst, who seemed indifferent to the crowd altogether. Bothwore expressions that spoke of a certain reluctance, or perhaps even disdain, for their surroundings.
And then, just behind them, came Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth was surprised. Far from the quiet, diminutive man she had pictured, Mr. Darcy was tall, with a proud, solemn expression and a dark gaze that swept across the room without lingering on any one face. His lips were set in a firm line, and there was something about him that seemed, for lack of a better word, cold.
Sir William Lucas approached the newcomers, and Elizabeth watched as Bingley engaged warmly with him, smiling and greeting the crowd. Darcy remained almost motionless, his dark gaze flicking over the assembled guests with a restrained, indifferent air. Elizabeth felt her initial sympathy waver as he barely acknowledged Sir William’s introduction, offering only a curt nod.
She tried to imagine his experience of the evening, enduring the stares and whispers that followed him—no doubt tired of rumors about his wealth and widower status. Still, his demeanor seemed less the sorrow of grief and more a proud detachment, a superiority that bordered on disdain.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Sir William approached her family with Mr. Bingley. She quickly forgot Darcy’s distant manner; Bingley’s eager, warm smile as he was introduced to Jane was unmistakable. Elizabeth watched, delighting in the immediate kindness he showed her sister, his gaze lingering on Jane with genuine admiration.
