Chapter 12

"Y ou look very pretty, Lizzy," Jane said with a loving smile.

"And you, my dear, look stunning. Mr Bingley will be proud and delighted to open the ball with you."

"But you will open the ball with Mr Darcy, Lizzy."

"Yes, but it is not the same. Mr Bingley asked you because he desired it, not as an apology or as a favour to a friend or an uncle. And yet, I am exceedingly pleased, and I shall thank him. If not for his invitation, there was a chance that Mr Collins would have requested the first set. It would have certainly ruined my entire evening."

"Mr Collins could be a good dancer, Lizzy."

"Of course he could. He could also be a witty, rational man, but he has chosen not to be. Regardless, he promised to dance with each of us, so we shall be able to judge his skill for ourselves."

Elizabeth arranged a pin in her hair, then continued.

"I would have appreciated Mr Collins for his visit and his intention to reconcile with our family if not for his absurd supposed courtship. Even his ridiculous formality and excessive compliments may have been acceptable. I am sure he might be a good husband to someone if he takes the time to get to know that person and allows her time to become acquainted with him. To choose a wife in just a few days makes him a fool."

"And yet, for some he might be an excellent choice. But not for you, of course."

"Nor for you, Jane! I am scared to think that, if not for Mr Bingley, Mama might have encouraged Mr Collins to court you!"

"I am afraid to think of Mr Bingley as more than a friend, Lizzy…"

"I am sure that fear will pass soon, my dear."

They helped each other to complete their preparations, and the family travelled to Netherfield at a relatively early hour.

When they arrived, not even the musicians were there. Mrs Hurst and Miss Bingley were not downstairs yet, but the gentlemen — including Mr Hurst — greeted them.

Elizabeth noticed Mr Darcy's gaze upon her, and although he smiled, she felt a shiver and a hint of discomfort. He looked somehow more handsome than usual, and she wondered whether it was because of his attire or his smile that brightened his countenance.

"Thomas, I envy you for having six beauties around you every day," Lord Matlock said. "I have two excellent sons, but there is little beauty in our family."

"You are very kind, Lord Matlock," Mrs Bennet answered, blushing with pleasure. "I have been blessed with five lovely daughters, and my only wish is to see at least some of them happily married."

"I am sure you will have the joy of seeing all of them happily married in due time, Mrs Bennet," the earl said politely.

"Miss Anne de Bourgh is a beauty too," Mr Collins added. "It is a pity that her health has not permitted her to be introduced at court."

"My nieces are both beautiful," Lord Matlock agreed. "I am exceedingly fond of them, but unfortunately, I see Anne less often than I wish to."

Mr Collins seemed content that the earl approved of one of his statements and bowed.

"Mrs Bennet, please allow me to escort you into the ballroom. The other guests are not here yet. Can I fetch you something? A drink?"

"No, thank you," Mrs Bennet replied. "I shall find a chair in a good spot with a view of the dancers. And I shall keep one for my sister Phillips too. Mary, will you sit with us?"

"Yes, Mama. I have brought a book to read if I find it dull," Mary answered.

"My dear Miss Mary, a book at a ball?" Lord Matlock enquired in a friendly tone. "I am sure you will find other ways of entertaining yourself."

"I do not dance, and I am not fond of balls," Mary answered shyly.

"You inherited that from me," Mr Bennet said.

"Mr Bingley, can we look around?" Lydia asked. "This is so pretty! Can we stand at the window and watch the other guests arrive?"

"Of course, Miss Lydia. You may do whatever you please," Mr Bingley offered.

"And this is why girls of fifteen should not be out at parties," Mr Bennet uttered.

"Lady Catherine always says—" Mr Collins began, but the earl interrupted him.

"Let us have a drink before the bustle begins."

Mr Bennet, the earl, and Mr Hurst went to the library, followed by Mr Collins. Mr Bingley remained with the rest of the guests, while Mr Darcy appeared undecided. Elizabeth could not understand why she cared what Mr Darcy might do, but she kept glancing at him. She was surprised when he asked Mary what book she was reading; his gesture was obviously friendly, but it startled and disconcerted Mary, who mumbled something.

"My sister enjoys studying, and she is most industrious at practising the pianoforte," Elizabeth replied to put her sister at ease.

Mr Darcy smiled approvingly. "As I said on a previous occasion, I strongly believe that the improvement of one's mind by reading is a great accomplishment. I congratulate you, Miss Mary."

"Thank you, Mr Darcy," Mary whispered. Elizabeth thanked him silently with a grateful smile. That small exchange would certainly help Mary not to feel so lost.

Mr Bingley and Jane stood next to each other, but they spoke little. Elizabeth observed their nervousness, as well as their stolen glances at each other; then she noticed that Mr Darcy was also looking at them, and she wondered what he thought about the couple.

Mr Bingley's sisters finally joined them, and Mr Darcy excused himself. Greetings and compliments were exchanged between the ladies, the two sisters making an obvious effort at amiability.

Time passed, other guests appeared, and the gentlemen returned from the library. Lord Matlock was introduced to everyone he had not met yet. Colonel Forster arrived with his young wife and several officers. Mr Wickham was not among them.

"My dear Eliza, you look lovely," Charlotte Lucas said.

"Charlotte, I am happy you came! I missed you!"

"I missed you too. I hoped you would come to visit again, but I assume you have been busy with more illustrious company."

"Do not tease me, Charlotte. But if you missed me, you could have come to visit me too."

"True. I assume we both have been busy, or just too lazy."

Elizabeth laughed. "I know Mr Collins has called at Lucas Lodge often. I hope he has not been bothering you."

"No, not at all. He is a pleasant gentleman. He and Papa enjoy each other's company," Charlotte answered.

"Mr Collins has a soft spot for titled people," Elizabeth jested, but Charlotte only offered a polite smile.

"I heard you are not very fond of him, which did not surprise me. He feels more comfortable at Lucas Lodge than at Longbourn."

"Fond of him? He is our cousin, but I barely know him at all. I have had no time and no reason to be fond of him."

"I notice Mr Wickham is not here. I assume he did not want to be in the company of a certain gentleman. Or two. I understand your father has forbidden you all from seeing him."

"I am sure he had good reason to refuse the invitation, Charlotte. And Papa has not forbidden us from seeing him, he just does not agree that my young sisters should spend time alone in the presence of men who are unrelated to them — especially officers."

"My dear Eliza, we have always been honest with each other. Let that not change now. You are entitled to dislike Mr Wickham, just as the rest of us — the whole of Meryton, in fact — cannot be forced disapprove of him."

"Of course. You have a better opinion of him than I do, and I assure you I have sound reasons for my own. I have heard things that reveal Mr Wickham's true character."

"What things? Where have you heard them?"

As they spoke, Elizabeth had a sensation of unease; Charlotte demanded proof that she was not able to provide and she should not have even mentioned.

They were interrupted by Mr Collins, approaching with a large grin on his face.

"My dear cousin Elizabeth, I apologise if I am intruding. Miss Lucas, would you do me the honour of dancing the first set with me?"

Charlotte smiled. "I would be delighted, Mr Collins."

Mr Collins' smile widened, and so did Charlotte's. Elizabeth felt confused. Minutes later, the music began. Mr Bingley led Jane to the floor, Mr Collins came to claim Charlotte, and for a few moments, Elizabeth stood alone. Mr Darcy finally approached her with his hand outstretched and a light, friendly expression on his face.

"Miss Bennet."

"Mr Darcy." She placed her hand in his, and they joined the line with Mr Bingley and Jane. At the beginning of the set, both directed their attention to their steps. Elizabeth had danced many times with many men, and she had never felt any nervousness. Now she was suddenly worried about her dancing skills.

"Mr Darcy, I thank you for your friendly gesture to my sister Mary. She is unused to receiving attention, and she is rarely addressed by someone like you."

"Someone as proud and unpleasant as me?" he replied. There was a glimpse of amusement in his eyes, which increased her nervousness and caused a strange sensation in her stomach. She decided the best defence was attack.

"You surely know what I meant, Mr Darcy. I did not expect you, of all people, to seek compliments. I shall inform Mr Collins — it is his speciality," she teased him.

"I have already been granted more compliments than I desire. Besides, the power of a compliment depends on the value of the opinion of the person who makes it."

"I cannot argue with that."

"To answer your thanks, Miss Bennet, there is no need for it. In truth, your sister Miss Mary reminds me of myself when I was a child. I always preferred to study in solitude than bear large gatherings. As I grew up and took on the responsibilities of a master, I had to adapt to the requirements. But my personal choice would be to sit near Miss Mary."

"Then I appreciate even more the effort of dancing with me," she teased him further.

"This dance was my personal choice, Miss Bennet. I hope you remember that. And I am enjoying it exceedingly so far."

The conversation was light and teasing, but she still felt disquieted, for no apparent reason.

"I just hope that my poor dancing skills are not ruining your enjoyment, Miss Bennet."

"Your dancing skills are excellent, Mr Darcy, as I am sure you know. I am quite certain now that you are fishing for compliments. That might be one of your faults, although Miss Bingley claimed you have none."

She smiled; so did he, and as he pressed his lips together, dimples appeared in his cheeks. Her knees felt weaker.

"Miss Bingley gives me more credit than I deserve. But your good opinion is rarely expressed and therefore is more valuable."

"That is a lovely compliment for me, Mr Darcy."

"It was well intended."

There was silence for a few minutes, and then she said, "Apparently, a certain person does have a modicum of decency that kept him away from the ball."

"It was either decency or fear that he might be exposed. Regardless, the outcome is good. His presence would have been an embarrassment."

"My friend Charlotte still has the highest opinion of him. And so do many other people in Meryton. Fortunately, most of them are not rich enough to be his target. But he is apparently courting Miss Mary King — the young woman there — who has just inherited a small fortune."

"I know. Your father told me your concern, and I find it justified. Before we leave for London, I shall have a conversation with Colonel Forster."

"Thank you. Do you… Will you return to Netherfield?"

"I hope so. Bingley's plans are undecided yet, and so are my uncle's and mine."

"Of course."

"My uncle is determined to maintain a close relationship with your family. Mr Bennet seems to want the same thing."

"So do we. We have become very fond of Lord Matlock. His friendly manners make him part of the family."

Darcy looked tempted to reply, but he did not. The dance continued and so did their conversation. Once it was over, still holding hands, Mr Darcy escorted her to her mother and sisters, bowed, then stepped aside.

Elizabeth realised how much she enjoyed dancing with Mr Darcy only when it was over and he had departed, and she found herself wondering whether he might ask her again. She quickly dismissed that thought, instead listening to her mother, who was talking animatedly.

"Jane looked beautiful standing with Mr Bingley! He gazed at her so adoringly that I trust we shall hear the best of news soon."

"Mama, please! Do not even say that. Someone might hear you!" Jane whispered, glancing around with panic in her eyes.

"Do not worry. I shall keep my voice down. But you, Lizzy, I hope you are happy now! Mr Collins danced the first set with Charlotte Lucas, and she smiled and gave him wistful looks all the time! She is certainly determined to have him! I shall die if I see Charlotte Lucas mistress of Longbourn."

"Mama, please keep your voice down," Elizabeth begged.

"Well, even if I am heard, it does not matter! You are stubborn and obstinate."

"But, my dear sister, I cannot understand why you are displeased," Mrs Phillips interjected. "Lizzy danced the first set with Mr Darcy, and it is a great honour that he singled her out! You should be happy! Mr Collins is nothing compared to Mr Darcy."

"I know that too well, Sister," Mrs Bennet replied irritably. "I would be proud that Mr Darcy danced with one of my girls, but I know too well that it means nothing. Mr Darcy was only being kind to Lizzy to please his uncle. He has no partiality for her and would never propose marriage to her. What use do I have for Mr Darcy's greatness? I wish instead that Lizzy had shown a little bit of judgment and encouraged Mr Collins to propose to her."

"It is ridiculous having this conversation about Mr Collins again even though I clearly stated it would never happen," Elizabeth replied through her teeth, praying nobody had heard. "I am going out to breathe some fresh air!"

She turned to leave, but stopped, stunned, trembling with repressed anger, her knees weak. Only steps behind them were her father, Lord Matlock, and Mr Darcy — and they had certainly heard their disturbing quarrel.