Mr. Darcy Came to Dinner (32 page)

Darcy realized he had said more than he intended. “I have it on the best authority that she took exception to my comportment when first I came to Hertfordshire. I saw the justice in her appraisal and labored to behave better. I . . . I thought I had improved in her eyes, but I was mistaken.”

“I do not believe it,” Mr. Bennet said in a firm voice. “Lizzy is usually a very sensible girl. I have trained her to be so. She can be quick in assessing a person, but she is just and fair. If she is mistaken, she will own it. She has before.” He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Unless . . . ”

Darcy waited, but Mr. Bennet said nothing more. The gentleman sat, seemingly lost in thought. Darcy could not know what was going through the older man’s mind, and the wait for him to continue was extremely vexing. Only Darcy’s strong will gave him the patience to wait him out.

Finally, Mr. Bennet’s attention reverted to Darcy, and there was a return of the mischievous twinkle he had noted before in Bennet’s eyes. “Well, young man, if I read this state of affairs correctly, and there is no reason to think that I have not, I should say you have little to be distressed about.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Of course, that assumes you still wish to court Lizzy. She has not put you off, has she?”

“No!” Darcy exclaimed. “That is to say, my future actions are completely up to her.
My
wishes are unchanged.”
For all the good it may do me
.

“Good for you! You will need to be firm of mind if you wish to form an attachment with Lizzy!”

Darcy shook his head. “I thank you for your counsel, but Miss Elizabeth is of a different mind!”

“Oh, I do not think so.”

Was this a joke? No, mirth did not seem to be in agreement with Mr. Bennet’s mien. “But . . . but she said — Mr. Bennet, you were not here! She thinks me the worst sort of snob.”

“Nonsense! If she did, she would simply dismiss you. She certainly would not confront you.”

“I fail to see the difference.”

Mr. Bennet sat back in the chair. “Let me tell you something about Elizabeth. I believe you have met my brother and sister in Meryton, Mr. and Mrs. Philips. Lizzy is quite close to them, even though Mrs. Philips is sillier than my wife. About ten years ago, Mr. Philips promised Jane that he and his wife would take her shopping to buy ribbons. Well, the appointed day came, but there was no sign of either one. Jane had just turned twelve and put on a brave face, but ten-year-old Lizzy knew her sister was hurt and disappointed.

“As it turned out, Mr. Philips had simply forgotten his promise. When Lizzy learned that, she became angry. She could not stand to see her sister pained, and she expected better behavior from her relations. Lizzy was hurt for her sister’s sake and wanted her uncle to know of it. When next we met, outside of church of all places, Lizzy marched up to her uncle and roundly scolded him for disappointing Jane. Needless to say, Jane got her ribbons in short order.”

“I have seen for myself how loyal Miss Elizabeth is to those she cares for,” said Darcy. “I speak of her tender care for Miss Bennet when she was ill at Netherfield. But I cannot see why I should be encouraged by this.”

“Ah, but allow me to finish. I also have a sister who married a gentleman in Surrey. We do not visit, for Mr. Darlington is a man I cannot respect. Oh, he can be charming when he believes it is in his best interest, but he is in the habit of making promises he cannot or will not keep. I own a temperament which finds diversion in the follies of my neighbors, but I am not amused by gentlemen who refuse to keep their word. His actions have caused great conflict between our houses.

“About the same time as the other incident, before the final break, the Darlingtons were visiting Longbourn and noted that Lizzy had an interest in music. Darlington bragged that he knew great music masters in Town and said if Lizzy would go to London, he would see that they gave her lessons. Well, that was all my little girl needed to hear, and she badgered my Brother Gardiner no end to allow her to visit.

“Mr. Gardiner had just married — to a girl from Derbyshire, as I recall — and they had set up house in Gracechurch Street. Still, Gardiner and his new bride generously allowed Lizzy to visit along with Jane. Every day, Lizzy would sit at the window, waiting for the music masters to call. Of course, no one ever came. Finally, after a month, the girls returned to Longbourn.

“Mrs. Bennet was upset with Mr. Darlington, but Lizzy said nothing. When the Darlingtons visited several months later, Lizzy treated them as though nothing had happened. You see, Lizzy knew her uncle was a braggart and never let on she was disappointed by his inaction. She learned to expect that kind of behavior from him and simply ignored the gentleman in the future.”

Mr. Bennet held up a finger. “Mark the variance in her actions, Mr. Darcy. Both times a person had failed to do what they promised, but Lizzy treated them differently. She expected that her Uncle Darlington would act in a thoughtless manner, and she was right. But when her Uncle Philips, whom she holds in some esteem, failed in
his
duty, she acted differently.”

Darcy frowned. He thought the man was trying to give him hope, but he could not trust his ears. “I do not understand your meaning.”

“You are a clever man, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet chided him gently. “I am sure you see the point I make. Lizzy was upset because she thought you did not meet her expectations of you. Now, why should she be hurt if a man for whom she cared nothing acted in a proud and careless manner, hmm?”

Darcy’s heavy heart began to lighten in spite of his caution. “You are saying her anger was due to disillusionment? That she was disappointed in me because she expected better of me?”

Mr. Bennet nodded. “And I say her anger was in proportion to her disappointment, young man.”

Darcy made a sound between a cough and a chuckle. “She was
very
angry with me.”

“I know. Interesting, is it not?”

“But she was mistaken.”

“Yes. I believe she knows that now. Do you not think she is mortified?”

“I cannot say.”

“You two are more alike than you think. Would you not be mortified were you in her place?”

Darcy could not stop a small smile. “Utterly.”

“And how long would it take for you to overcome your mortification?”

Darcy lost his smile. “I must own I tend to brood. Painful recollections will intrude, which cannot — which
ought
not to be repelled when I have failed in my duty to myself, my family, my people, or my friends. I cannot be easily reconciled to myself.”

Mr. Bennet shook his head. “You must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure. Fortunately, Lizzy has learned that well. Perhaps she may teach you.”

Darcy looked at Mr. Bennet in amazement. “You will still allow a courtship — after all that has happened today?”

“Mr. Darcy, I have been trying to tell you that Lizzy’s actions have proven to me beyond a doubt that she has strong feelings for you. I have also come to the conclusion that you are the best man for
her
. I shall not sit quietly while my favorite’s happiness is at risk.” Mr. Bennet stood. “I will go to Lizzy and talk to her. All will be well; trust in this. There is no need to leave Longbourn.”

Darcy frowned, thinking furiously. He began to hope as he scarcely ever allowed himself to hope before. He saw the older gentleman walking towards the door.

“Mr. Bennet, wait! I must tell you I shall leave Longbourn no matter the result of your conversation with Elizabeth!”

Mr. Bennet turned, astonishment clearly written on his face. “What? I do not understand. Am I under a misapprehension? Do you wish to leave my daughter’s company?” In his surprise, he did not mention the familiar manner by which Darcy referred to Elizabeth.

“That is the last thing I wish to do, but I must.”

“Why, sir?”

Darcy told him.

* * *

The door to Elizabeth’s room flew open, and Lydia marched to her side, followed by Mary and Kitty. “Lizzy,” demanded the youngest of her sisters, “just what have you done?”

Elizabeth dashed tears from her eyes. “How did you get in here? I locked the door!”

The young girl held up a key. “Did you not know? All the bedrooms use the same key! I simply used the key from my room. But, enough of this — you will explain why you have quarreled with Mr. Darcy! He is the nicest man in all the world!”

Elizabeth looked grimly at her visitors. “I am surprised my mother is not with you to plead Mr. Darcy’s case.”

“For shame, Lizzy! Our mother is prostrate in her room, complaining of her nerves,” Mary claimed.

Kitty now had her share of the conversation. “That is neither here nor there. Mr. Darcy told Georgiana to arrange to have her trunks packed. He wants to leave. Georgie is in her room now, crying her eyes out!”

“Mr. Darcy is to leave?” Elizabeth shook her head. “But . . . but Mr. Jones said he must remain due to his leg.”

Mary pointed outside of the room. “The servants are packing as we speak.”

Elizabeth sat up. “We must stop them!”

“Indeed,” said Lydia with some passion. “If Mr. Darcy goes away and takes Miranda, I will hate you for the rest of my life!”

“Lydia!” cried Mary. “This is not about your horse!” She turned to Elizabeth. “But my music lessons will end if Georgie and Mrs. Annesley go away.”

“And my drawing lessons,” added Kitty.

“You must apologize to Mr. Darcy right away!” Lydia commanded.

Mary and Kitty seized Elizabeth’s hands. “Come along,” said Kitty. “We have time to repair your looks before they finish packing. Hurry!”

“I will get the hair brush!” Lydia dashed to the table.

Elizabeth struggled with her sisters. “Let me go! Let me go!”

“Lizzy, you are being stubborn!” said Mary with some heat. “The Good Book says we must forgive!”

“It also says that children must obey their parents,” came a voice from the door. The four girls turned, their quarrel forgotten. “Girls, release your sister. I shall speak to Lizzy — alone.” Mr. Bennet was unusually stern.

“But, Father,” whined Lydia, “Lizzy must talk to Mr. Darcy as soon as may be, or else he will leave and take Miranda away!”

“It is Mr. Darcy I wish to discuss with Lizzy, so your mind can be at ease, child. You may all go.”

“We shall comfort Georgie,” cried Kitty as she and Mary ran down the hall to her room.

“I will be in the stables,” was Lydia’s farewell.

Mr. Bennet turned to his favorite, a gentle expression on his face. “Well, my dear, I fear a muddle has been made, and I hope to clear things up between you and your young man.” He closed the door behind him and took a chair near the bed. “Now, pray tell me what has happened.”

Elizabeth used a handkerchief. “He is not
my
young man.”

“He may disagree with you about that. About what did you quarrel?”

In a halting voice, Elizabeth told her father of her accusations against Mr. Darcy. “I said so many unjust things, and he was so angry! I am sure he wants nothing more to do with me, and I cannot blame him. My sisters tell me he plans to leave Longbourn and risk his health.”

“That is so. Mr. Darcy plans to return to London.”

“We must stop him! We have not a moment to lose!”

Mr. Bennet took her hand and patted it. “There, there, my dear. Do not distress yourself. We have some time, and Mr. Darcy will not do anything foolish.” He looked intently into Elizabeth’s eyes. “Why were you so upset over Sally?”

Elizabeth swallowed. Her feelings were in such turmoil she had no opportunity to sort them out herself. She certainly could not speak of them to anyone else, even her beloved father. “I was distressed for her family’s sake, knowing her circumstances.”

“That is commendable, but they were really not your responsibility. I think there is more to it than that.”

“Truly, that is all.”

Mr. Bennet smiled, which took the sting out of his next words. “Lizzy, do not try to deceive me. You are a poor actress. If you were only thinking of Sally, you would have come to me. But it is very telling that you did otherwise. I think this had more to do with what you thought were Mr. Darcy’s actions, not mine.”

“I . . . I saw Mrs. Adams. I acted without thinking.”

“Perhaps, but now I think you deceive yourself.”

Elizabeth tried to change the subject. “Why has Sally left your service, sir? Why is her family leaving Meryton?”

“It is not my story to tell. You must talk to others.”

“Then Mr. Darcy
was
involved! Will you tell me what he did?”

“I do not speak for Mr. Darcy.” His eyes twinkled. “You must ask him yourself.”

“I cannot! It is too mortifying!”

“Come, come. Is this my brave Lizzy? Is this the girl who would upbraid her uncle at the age of ten?”