Chapter 4

"S ir William is the highest-ranking person in Meryton, I hear," Mr Collins said while everyone enjoyed their breakfast. "Despite his title, he is such an amiable gentleman, so considerate to his guests and so desirous of the company of educated people."

"Sir William is a knight," Mrs Bennet answered with a trace of spite. "They have a title but not much money to support it. And his title means little compared with an earl who just visited us."

"In truth, Mrs Bennet, very few people — titled or not — can compare to Lord Matlock or anyone else in that family," Mr Collins said. "However, Sir William kindly invited me to dine at Lucas Lodge during my stay at Longbourn."

"Then you should accept, of course," Mr Bennet encouraged him.

"I shall. On any evening but today. The dinner with Lord Matlock and Mr Darcy may be counted as an extraordinary event that cannot be missed."

"I hope the dinner will not be too dull!" Lydia said.

"It might be dull for you, but you are not forced to attend," Mr Bennet replied. "Any of you girls are free to either come or stay at home."

"Oh, then can Kitty and I stay at home? And if you are all gone, can we invite Maria Lucas to come and stay overnight?"

"That sounds like a convenient arrangement," Mr Bennet said, much to the younger girls' joy.

"I would like to stay at home too, Papa. I would rather practise the pianoforte and perhaps read a little," Mary interjected.

"As you wish. Lizzy, Jane, I assume we can count on your presence."

"Of course Jane will come, Mr Bennet!" Mrs Bennet cried. "I am sure Mr Bingley invited us mostly because of her!"

"Mama, I am sure that is not true," Jane answered, blushing. "Mr Bingley invited us at Lord Matlock's request."

"Even so, you will be at Netherfield. That is all that matters, child! Now let us go and find you the prettiest dress, appropriate to this occasion."

"And I shall be in my room, resting until tonight. Mr Collins, I hope you will find a way of amusing yourself," Mr Bennet said.

"I shall go for a walk," Elizabeth said, leaving before anyone could oppose it or offer to accompany her.

There were still many things puzzling or unknown to her, so many questions she would have liked to have answers for. Her father's confession about his friendship with Lord Matlock was intriguing and barely offered any clarification. The only certainty was a powerful friendship that had lasted decades, stronger than the separation, time, and distance. Behind it, there seemed to be some mystery that her father insisted on keeping secret and buried in his memories.

There was also the net that connected her father to people outside their circle, with whom they had nothing in common. Or so it seemed. And on top of everything, there was the story involving Mr Wickham and Mr Darcy. The brief encounter had shown that the earl was well acquainted with Mr Wickham and probably not fond of him. The immediate response of both Mr Wickham and Mr Darcy to seeing each other revealed there was something significant that affected them both.

Mr Wickham, who had so quickly become everyone's favourite in Meryton, did not appear to be a favourite of Lord Matlock or his nephew. Elizabeth knew too little of all three men to take a side or form an opinion. Of one thing she was certain, though: Mr Darcy was a resentful man, whose good opinion once lost was lost forever. He had described himself in such a way one evening when she was at Netherfield. Such character traits could make him capable of cruel actions, even against his father's godson, if he believed it was justified.

From Lord Matlock's few words, Elizabeth understood Mr Wickham was not a man without fault. But in the end, who was? Miss Bingley pretended as much about Mr Darcy, but even he disagreed.

Elizabeth smiled as she recollected some of her conversations with Mr Darcy and Miss Bingley. That evening she would be in their presence again, at Netherfield but in utterly different circumstances. It would certainly be an entertaining dinner.

∞∞∞

"I am so happy to have you all in my home!" Mr Bingley said with contagious enthusiasm. "I mean, this is not really my home…"

"We are happy to be here, nevertheless, young man," Lord Matlock replied.

Mr Collins added a few words of thanks interspersed with some compliments about the house and — of course — he compared Netherfield with Rosings, mentioning the number of windows and staircases. Lord Matlock rolled his eyes at Mr Bennet, who shrugged, helpless in front of his cousin's silliness.

"Netherfield cannot compare with Rosings, I am sure," Mr Bingley admitted. "Nor with Pemberley, which Caroline and Louisa so much admire. One cannot even speak of all three estates in one sentence. However, I am quite pleased with it as my first rented property."

"You have every reason to be pleased with it, Bingley," the earl encouraged him. "Comparing it with bigger estates that have been in certain families for many generations is pointless."

"Besides, I know little about managing an estate, in any case. I am fortunate that Darcy has given me a few pieces of advice."

"I have owned Longbourn for almost twenty-five years now, and I still know little about managing it," Mr Bennet replied.

"Perhaps you should ask Darcy for some advice too," Lord Matlock suggested. "He is one of the best masters and landlords, according to his tenants. And according to his improved income."

"I am sure Mr Darcy has much better things to do than to explain things to me that I have no interest in learning."

"I am quite surprised by your lack of interest, Thomas. As far as I remember, you were rather good at the study of business too."

"Only in theory, Henry. As soon as I was in the position to apply it in practice, I realised reading offers me more satisfaction."

"We could certainly use some improvement of our income, which is so low that we always exceed it," Mrs Bennet said. "It is a pity Mr Bennet puts so little effort into it. But Mr Darcy probably has no desire to teach Mr Bennet. He takes little pleasure in talking to our family on any subject."

To that blunt statement, Mr Darcy responded with a frown, Lord Matlock's eyebrow arched in wonder, and Mr Bennet wisely sipped from his glass.

"Is that so? I am sorry to hear it. I am sure my nephew meant no offence. He is a more restrained person, especially with strangers. It is not an excuse, merely reality."

Mr Darcy looked uncomfortable and replied, "I hope I am capable of admitting my errors and apologising for them if that is the case. It was certainly not my intention to offend anyone in your family, Mrs Bennet."

"Well, sir, we were a little bit offended at the assembly, especially since you refused to dance with Lizzy. But all this is forgotten now since you are such a good friend of Mr Bingley's and the nephew of Mr Bennet's best friend!"

Mrs Bennet's statement was conciliatory, but Mr Darcy looked more uncomfortable. He glanced at Elizabeth, who attempted a smile. Her mother should not have mentioned that subject; it was impolite, and it might ruin everyone's dispositions for the dinner party.

The dinner was meant to offer Mr Bennet and Lord Matlock more time to share memories and Mr Bingley and Jane the chance to spend time together. Scolding Mr Darcy for something that occurred a month ago — or for any other of his actions — was pointless and would defeat the object of their reunion.

"There are many gentlemen," Elizabeth interjected, "who are not fond of dancing. My father is certainly one of them! Therefore, I understand Mr Darcy's refusal, and I have long forgotten it. After all, nobody can be forced to dance with someone they dislike."

"I certainly have not the talent which some people possess," said Mr Darcy, "of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I am ill-qualified to recommend myself to strangers, and balls are my least favourite way of spending time."

"I know very well what you mean, Mr Darcy," Mr Bennet said.

"However," Mr Darcy continued in a serious tone, "I assure you, Miss Elizabeth, that my refusal did not mean I disliked you. It was just my poor disposition. I would have refused to dance with anyone."

"There, Miss Elizabeth." The earl laughed. "My nephew would have refused to dance with anyone — you are not so special for him to have a peculiar dislike of you."

Elizabeth let out a peal of laughter, Mr Bennet smiled, the Bingley sisters, as well as Mr Collins, looked appalled at the mocking of Mr Darcy. The gentleman himself showed a disconcerted countenance and replied, "That is not what I meant. In fact, I think Miss Elizabeth is rather special, and I would be honoured to dance with her when the next opportunity arises."

"Mr Darcy, it was all a joke. There is no need for you to trouble yourself and dance in compensation. Let us change the subject."

"Very well, Miss Elizabeth. However, I shall request a set at the forthcoming ball, so I am counting on your kindness to choose whichever one you prefer."

He seemed serious, and Elizabeth stared at him for a moment, while the others also looked at them. Did he really intend to dance with her to compensate for his impoliteness?

"Very well, sir," she said, smiling and trying to sound light. "I have no set engaged yet, so you may choose any of them."

"In fact, dear cousin Elizabeth—" Mr Collins began, but Lord Matlock interrupted him abruptly.

"Go on, Darcy, choose a set and be done with it. I am already hungry."

Mr Darcy seemed to hesitate for another moment, gazing at Elizabeth. He seemed still exceedingly serious, while she tried to take the conversation in jest.

"Then…would the first set be acceptable to you, Miss Elizabeth?"

The meaning of opening the ball together was too important to be overlooked, and again, Elizabeth needed a moment of reflection, wondering what was in his mind. She noticed Mr Collins trying to intervene again and feared he would insist on the first set too, so she replied, "The first set would be perfect, Mr Darcy."

"Good," Mr Bingley said. "Since we are on the subject, I shall take this opportunity to request Miss Bennet's hand for the first set too."

He seemed emotional, and Jane blushed, then lowered her eyes with demureness.

"I would like that very much, Mr Bingley."

"Shall we eat now?" Miss Bingley asked sharply, resentment apparent in her tone. "Dinner must be ready and waiting for us. I must say I have never heard of invitations to dance issued five days before the ball takes place."

They moved into the dining room, Bingley walking with Jane while his sisters cast disapproving glares at him.

The first course was served, offering Mr Collins more reasons for praise.

"Mr Bingley, the food is delightful. I expected it to be, as I know your cook to be as good as ours," Mrs Bennet offered.

"I am most content to have hired Mrs Green. Her fare is very tasty," Mr Bingley said.

"I insist on returning the invitation one of these days. You and Lord Matlock must dine at Longbourn! Your sisters too, of course, and Mr Darcy, if he wishes to."

Her mother's rude invitation embarrassed Elizabeth, but this time, Mr Darcy appeared to disregard it. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, though, exchanged displeased glances.

"I second the praise for your cook, Bingley. And we shall dine at Longbourn whenever you invite us, Mrs Bennet," the earl responded joyfully.

"You should not encourage Mrs Bennet with such a promise, or else she might invite you every day," Mr Bennet interjected.

"Mr Bennet, you always like to tease me, but you will not ruin my disposition."

"I hope not, Mrs Bennet, since I only wished to convey that you are an excellent and most welcoming host."

"Mrs Bennet," Lord Matlock responded, "I shall gladly accept as many invitations as you offer. As for Thomas, even from a young age, he had this tendency to make sport of everyone."

"Oh, it is an annoying habit," Mrs Bennet agreed. "And Lizzy inherited it from him. Fortunately, she is the only one of all my five daughters to have done so."

"I believe Miss Elizabeth also inherited her passion for books from Mr Bennet," Mr Darcy interjected.

"I am proud to say she did," Mr Bennet answered.

"We know Miss Eliza is a great reader and a great walker," Miss Bingley said with a trace of sarcasm that was easy to notice.

"Well, I am always vexed when she walks out alone," Mrs Bennet said, "but this time, I cannot scold her. It was a blessing that she happened upon Lord Matlock. If she had not gone out, Lord Matlock might not have met Mr Bennet again!"

"That is not quite true," Lord Matlock answered with a friendly expression. "While I am glad that I met Miss Elizabeth, it was my intention to make enquiries as to the whereabouts of my old friend. I have thought about him often over the years, and I would have found him eventually."

The conversation was interrupted by a servant announcing that dinner would be served soon. However, they were so engaged in the conversation that they did not move.