Mr. Darcy and the Secret of Becoming a Gentleman (6 page)

“Sir William, it is a pleasure to see you again. I hope you and your family are well?”

Sir William was startled by Mr. Darcy's sudden and unprecedented address. After regaining his composure, he returned the inquiry. Darcy was then introduced to Sir William's son, John Lucas, who indicated that his sister, Mrs. Collins, had mentioned making his acquaintance in Kent. During the exchange, Darcy observed Sir William's other companions. They included Maria Lucas and a gentleman who was turned slightly away from him. When the man turned to make Darcy's introduction, he could now see that Elizabeth had been standing off to his side. His heart leaped in his chest as the phrase, “out of the frying pan and into the fire,” unwittingly flitted across his consciousness.

After making the new acquaintance, Darcy stiffly bowed to Elizabeth and said, “Miss Bennet, good evening.”

Curtseying, Elizabeth replied in a controlled voice, “Mr. Darcy.”

Darcy held her gaze and said, “Miss Bennet, I hope your family is well?”

“Yes, sir, they are very well, thank you,” she replied, adding, “They are all present tonight.”

Unable to think of anything else to say, Darcy replied, “That must be very pleasant for you.”

“Indeed it is, sir.”

An awkward pause ensued. To Elizabeth's surprise, it was Darcy who spoke next. “Sir William, do you get much opportunity to travel to London?” As Darcy hoped, such an inquiry led Sir William into a long dissertation on St. James' Court, the ton, its inhabitants, and the condition of the roads leading there during the various seasons. All Darcy needed to do was periodically add a comment. The respite gave Darcy an opportunity to steal a sidelong glance at Elizabeth. He could not help but notice how lovely she looked. But he could also detect how uncomfortable his presence made her. Her hands seemed unable to stay at her side, and the bright blush of her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment at having to see him again. He resolved to put her out of her misery as soon as possible. He thought of how ironic it was that, after all he hoped they would be to each other, the only pleasure he could give her now was the gift of his absence. He saw Jane across the room and contemplated asking her to dance immediately so that he could leave that much sooner, but he remembered the words he had overheard. If he singled her out for his first and only dance of the evening, people would misunderstand his intentions.

As he considered his options, Sir William asked, “Sir, how is your aunt, the Lady Catherine de Bourgh? I had the pleasure of meeting her when I brought my Maria and Miss Elizabeth to Kent earlier this spring to visit my daughter, Mrs. Collins.”

“It is very kind of you to ask. She is quite well. I have not seen her since my recent visit to Rosings, but she has written to me several times.” At the mention of Rosings, Darcy instinctively looked to Elizabeth. She caught his eye, looking grave, and then looked away.

“She must be a very loyal correspondent and a wonderful aunt.”

“Yes, she writes often.”

“I could well imagine. She has been very kind to both my daughters and was more than willing to help direct them on a variety of issues. Her vigilant counsel must be a comfort to you.”

“Indeed.”

“She seems so interested in such a wonderful variety of things.”

Unable to hide the irony in his voice, Darcy replied, “Yes, I have heard it said many times that she is excessively attentive.”

Elizabeth was unable to stifle a laugh before she put her hand in front of her mouth and looked away. Darcy was both shocked and delighted that she had laughed at his remark, however unintentional the humor. He cast a sideways glance, and when he caught her eye, he gave her a small smile, revealing his dimples, to express his contrition at having been caught making fun of his aunt. To his amazement, she returned his smile before recollecting herself and looking away. Darcy felt a flood of emotions. While she smiled at him, his heart swelled. They had shared a private moment, and in it he could believe that she might someday forgive him and allow him another chance. But when she looked away, he knew she had laughed in spite of herself and that his presence was a burden to her.

Darcy turned his attention back to Sir William, who was waxing eloquent about Lady Catherine's generous attention to the running of Mrs. Collins's household. As the music started for the next set, John Lucas interrupted his father. “Father, please excuse me, but I believe I must find my partner for the next set.”

Sir William replied for everyone, “Oh, yes, John, so you must. Go, go. How I do love dancing. All young people should be so engaged.” At that, Sir William looked from Elizabeth to Darcy and smiled broadly. Elizabeth cringed as she recalled her refusal of Mr. Darcy's invitation to dance at Lucas Lodge.

Darcy also immediately remembered Sir William's failed attempts to persuade Elizabeth to dance with him. Intent on avoiding the mortification of a repeat performance, Darcy impulsively said, “Yes, you are right. I know I have said in the past that I do not often enjoy the activity, but this evening I feel quite inclined. Miss Lucas, are you otherwise engaged?”

Now it was Maria's turn to be startled. She looked around in a bewildered fashion and finally rested her eyes on Darcy as if she could not believe the question had emanated from him. “Um, no, I mean, no, sir, I am not otherwise engaged.”

Darcy extended his arm to Maria and said, “Well, then, shall we?”

As they took to the floor, Elizabeth looked on in disbelief. She was struck once again by the change in his demeanor. While he was clearly still uncomfortable, he had interacted with her neighbors with reasonable civility. If she was fair, she also had to admit that, now that she understood the reason for his return, his behavior at her house two days prior was also above reproach. She knew on some level that the improvement in his manners must be in response to her reproof. That she could effect such a change, even if it were just for show, intrigued her. If that were not enough, however, she was now shocked to learn that Mr. Darcy had a sense of humor and that he viewed his aunt in the same light as she did. Finally, she had to grant him the thoughtfulness of his last action. While in any other situation, Elizabeth might have been insulted—or at least hurt—by someone selecting Maria Lucas as a dance partner over her, she knew that Darcy had done it to spare her the embarrassment that dancing together would cause. While she did not regret her rejection of his suit, she had to admit that he had more depth than she had previously credited him with.

She was no stranger to the issue; she had spent the last two days pondering her opinion of him. Her sister's words had given her pause. She had been wrong about his intentions. He had accepted her refusal of his proposal. He had not come for her sake, but for Mr. Bingley's and for Jane's. It was clear he had taken her words to heart and regretted his behavior toward them. If she was honest, she had to concede that she had judged him more harshly than he deserved. She also had to admit that the more she learned about him, the more she felt the compliment of his previous attentions, but that hardly meant that she could forgive him or even like him. Regardless of his present good behavior, she knew he was, in essentials, a proud and disagreeable man. If she needed evidence of this, she only had to remember his insulting proposal. More importantly, even if his conceited behavior could be overlooked, they had nothing in common on which to base a friendship, let alone a marriage.

As the music died down, Elizabeth's musings were interrupted by an acquaintance who had come to collect her for a dance she had promised. As they lined up, she was shocked to see Mr. Darcy already in position opposite one of Mrs. Philips's daughters. As the evening wore on, Elizabeth sat in amazement as Mr. Darcy found a partner for several dances. He had even asked both Kitty and Mary to stand up with him. Although she suspected his invitation to Mary was extended for an ulterior motive, as it occurred directly after she had indicated a desire to play the piano. When Elizabeth asked Kitty what they had talked about during the dance, she simply shrugged her shoulders and said, “The usual things, the size of the dance, the weather, if I walk to Meryton often.” Wondering if maybe her name had come up, Elizabeth inquired if he had asked anything unusual. “Well, sort of. I thought it odd that he asked me what books I enjoy reading. I couldn't really remember, so I asked him what he liked to read, and he went on and on about some Shakespeare play. I really wasn't listening that closely.”

Elizabeth found herself unable to quell her curiosity over Mr. Darcy's behavior. She often checked on his whereabouts and his interactions. She noted that he was now standing alone on the edge of the dance floor watching the participants in a manner more reminiscent of his behavior in the fall. She laughed to herself as she realized that he looked more natural when he did that than when he was dancing with relative strangers.

As Darcy stood there, John Lucas approached him. Elizabeth was curious to see Darcy's reaction to his overture. She had known John Lucas her whole life. He was the Lucases' eldest son, slightly older than Elizabeth, and very friendly. Unlike his father, John Lucas had a quick wit and an engaging manner that made his outgoing nature a pleasure to encounter. She wondered if Darcy would find his forward behavior presumptuous. Unfortunately her position on the dance floor made it impossible for her to overhear their conversation.

Nodding his acknowledgment to Darcy, John Lucas stated, “I see, sir, we have the same thing in mind.”

Darcy gave John Lucas a quizzical look. He had been engaged in the guilty pleasure of watching Elizabeth dance. He knew it was foolish of him. But he could not deny himself the indulgence since this would probably be the last time he ever saw her. Afraid that his intentions were obvious, he replied dryly, “I am not sure I understand you, Mr. Lucas.”

“Well, there are very few reasons for a man to stand in this particular location. It does afford a good view of the dance floor, and if you are particularly interested in dance steps, it might prove advantageous. But I have seen you dance, and you do not appear in need of lessons. This spot also offers another advantage. Once the set ends, all of the dancers will have to pass us by. I am here for the strategic location and assumed that you were as well.”

Unsure what to make of the man and his observation, Darcy cautiously smiled and asked, “And why would you make that assumption?”

“Well, if I tell you, I am sure you will think ill of me as it will require me to share something personal,” Lucas said, adding with a irreverent smile, “and we both know such behavior is frowned upon.”

Despite the man's presumptuous nature, Darcy could not help but be intrigued. It was the first unguarded comment he had heard all night. Darcy's suspicious side warned him of further interaction, but there was something about the man's good humor that reminded him of Bingley. The issue was decided when Darcy noticed that Elizabeth was watching them. Whatever the danger, he refused to abruptly walk off and give her the satisfaction of once again proving her reproof true. Instead, he inquired, “Then why would you dare tempt it?”

“For two reasons. First, I find these social occasions difficult, and discourse with you seems more likely to be entertaining than standing alone—although, if you prefer solitude, I would be more than happy to give you a wider berth.”

“No, sir, I welcome your company. I know very few people here.”

“Yes, but many people know you. As an unknown quantity, you generate great interest. I could not garner the same level of attention without doing something provocative. Be that as it may, I will take your acquiescence as leave to continue. My second reason contains the personal disclosure I mentioned. Despite my position as the eldest son, I think I am more suited for the military. I have a natural tendency to see all human interaction in tactical terms. I cannot help but view a dance such as this as a military campaign, with its various participants alternately in the offensive or defensive posture.”

Darcy studied the man. His intelligence was obvious, but his demeanor a bit improper. He was tempted to retreat from the intercourse, but had to laugh to himself at his unconscious use of a military term. He recalled his earlier thoughts about his failed attempts at making friends and decided to continue. “Despite my better judgment, I find myself inclined to ask how you interpret my movements and why it is that you think I have taken this position.”

“Well met. I applaud your daring. I hope I do not disappoint. That said, I believe that you have been in a defensive position throughout the night. You have kept to the same area and appear to have selected each one of your dance partners according to their proximity to your territory, regardless of the more obvious considerations. I mean no offense; I often use the same maneuver. It allows one to get through the evening without risking much.”

At this, Darcy refused to commit and simply stated, “Indeed.”

“What intrigues me is your offensive movement to this unguarded position. Clearly, something has drawn you out. You must be seeking something or someone already on the dance floor.” Seeing Darcy color and the set of his jaw tighten, it was John Lucas's turn to retreat. “Please, do not worry. I have only said as much because that is why I am here as well.” Looking significantly from Darcy to where Jane was dancing, he added, “I am no threat. While she is very beautiful, my tastes run elsewhere.”

Darcy was in a quandary. He was relieved that his real purpose was not revealed, but upset that he may have unwittingly added fuel to any gossip about himself and Miss Bennet. If he denied that Miss Bennet was the reason for his coming over, it might open up speculation as to what it was that he had been doing. John Lucas seemed too clever to let the matter drop so easily. Hoping to avoid any further comment on the subject, Darcy turned the tables and asked, “And where do your tastes run?”