Chapter 5

"I am still puzzled," Mrs Hurst interjected, "how it happened that you and Mr Bennet met at university, your lordship, considering the difference in your situations in life. Do these places not separate people based on some criteria? I mean, could a duke's son be in the same class as the son of a country gentleman?"

"Cambridge was and still is one of the most prestigious universities for young men. Some might have struggled to cover the costs or applied for a scholarship, others were able to cover the costs easily but were incapable of acquiring any knowledge and only attended for amusement. Money and situation in life — no matter how impressive — was no guarantee of graduation, and a bachelor's degree was difficult to obtain. Thomas Bennet was awarded one and so was I — mostly thanks to him."

"That is an exaggeration, of course. Your success was entirely of your own merit," Mr Bennet said.

"Yes, but your good influence — unlike that of others — was a significant help. However, you, Thomas Bennet, were one of the best students I met. Not to mention the youngest, the cleverest, and the most industrious."

"Again, this is an exaggeration of my merits," Mr Bennet replied. "But I was several years younger than most of my classmates — that is true."

"Do not be modest. You always studied more than we were required to, were always more interested in books than in cards or spending time with the rest of us."

"That is precisely because of our different situations in life, as mentioned by Mrs Hurst," Mr Bennet uttered. "I never had enough money to afford to lose it in card games, so I preferred to avoid the risk. And, unlike you and many others, I could not afford to not complete my education. I did not have many other choices besides a bachelor's degree."

"You are too modest, Thomas. Regardless of the money, you were an intelligent book lover who found pleasure in studying. My brother George Darcy was the same, and to some degree, so is my nephew, Darcy."

"So, Mr Darcy's father also attended Cambridge with you and Mr Bennet?" Mr Collins enquired.

"George Darcy was younger than me, but he graduated before I did. I went to Cambridge later, after a more tumultuous youth… I was the oldest in my class. But I am sure Thomas and George Darcy would have liked each other. I believe they met a couple of times, did you not?"

"Yes, briefly. You introduced me to your sisters and to Mr Darcy, but we hardly exchanged a few words," Mr Bennet explained.

The earl's countenance changed slightly for a moment. "Ah yes, I remember. As I said, I am sure you and George would have liked each other."

"You are exceedingly generous with your praise, Lord Matlock. It sounds like Mr Bennet was pure perfection," Miss Bingley said, with impertinence hidden under a pretence of politeness.

"Perfection? Not by far, I assure you, Miss Bingley," Mr Bennet answered.

"He was not perfection, but he was the perfect friend when I needed one and the perfect support when I was about to fall. I declare that, if it were not for Thomas Bennet, my life would have been less peaceful and more difficult."

"I am stunned to hear such reports about my cousin!" Mr Collins exclaimed enthusiastically. "Lady Catherine will be as surprised as I am when she hears."

"My sister has always enjoyed gossip, just like you do, Mr Collins. You two are a good match. But I must insist that you cease mentioning her name so often. It is tiresome even for me, not to mention those who do not even know her."

"Oh…" Mr Collins was silenced; he looked offended, but he likely did not dare argue with the earl.

"I must say that I am stunned about these reports too," Miss Bingley continued. "Such a close friendship between two people who seem different in every way is rarely seen and hardly understood."

The earl sipped from his glass, then answered, his own sharpness covered by a cold attempt at a smile. "How fortunate that neither you, Miss Bingley, nor Mr Collins are required to make the effort of understanding anything related to this subject."

Miss Bingley paled, and Bingley intervened joyfully, "I do understand, very well indeed. I am neither as clever nor as industrious nor as educated as Mr Bennet, nor have I ever been to Cambridge. And yet, Darcy is my friend. Our characters, natures, ages, and situations in life are utterly different. I am not even a gentleman, as Mr Bennet is, and I have certainly never helped Darcy with anything. And still, Darcy has granted me his friendship and has invited us to spend summers at Pemberley. I am not sure what I have done to deserve that, but I am grateful for it."

The speech, made with the young man's usual amiability and large smile, caused a moment of silence and impressed the audience, though for different reasons. His honesty and candour were obvious in his words and in his eyes, and he seemed puzzled by the effect of them.

"My dear Bingley, you just proved to me one more time what an excellent young man you are," Lord Matlock said, raising his glass to him. "I am sure Darcy was wise in choosing you as a friend and has no reason to repine."

"I am grateful for your friendship, Bingley," Mr Darcy responded. "I needed no further proof, as I have long known you as an excellent man with a modesty and honesty that perfectly match your honourable character and good heart."

"Such praise is more than I deserve, but I thank you both," Mr Bingley said with a hint of pride that suited him very well. He looked at Jane, who was gazing at him with admiration. Mr Bingley blushed, then his smile widened.

"So, speaking of differences in nature and character, I cannot help but notice it also applies to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth," the earl said later on.

"They are as different as they can be," Mr Bennet admitted.

"Oh yes," Mrs Bennet interjected. "My dear Jane is admired for her beauty and manners everywhere she goes. All my daughters are pretty, but Jane has no match, either among her sisters or friends, or any other young women we know."

"Mama, please!" Jane whispered, blushing.

"Come now, my dear, your delicacy is admirable, but you must admit the truth."

"I am different from Lizzy," Jane continued, "because she is cleverer, braver, stronger, more daring, and better at all we do."

"Now that is an exaggeration, as Papa said earlier!" Elizabeth laughed. "I believe it would be fair to agree with what Lord Matlock said: we are different. Besides her beauty, Jane also possesses a gentle, kind, generous heart, which always induces her to see the best in everyone."

"And you, Miss Elizabeth?" the earl challenged her.

"I am sometimes prejudiced, sometimes too hasty in judging people, and sometimes I wilfully misunderstand them. At least that is what Mr Darcy claimed."

Mr Darcy seemed surprised by the mention, but he replied, "You also, at times, have the tendency to take statements out of context."

"Perhaps." Elizabeth laughed. "I should avoid talking to you too often, Mr Darcy, as you are my severest critic, and I am sure you will soon find more faults. And rightfully so, as my manners and my character deserve a little censure."

"You must not worry in that regard, Miss Elizabeth. Each of us has enough faults, but I dare say no one admitted to the privilege of knowing you can think anything wanting."

His statement took Elizabeth by surprise, even more so as there was no sign of a smile on his face. What could he possibly intend by complimenting her? Pleasing his uncle?

"Thank you, sir," she replied, puzzled. "Mr Bingley, I believe you must have put some special spices in the food because we are all exceedingly generous with our praise tonight."

"I shall ask Mrs Green for the receipt, so I can multiply it when needed," Mr Bingley said, and there were a few peals of laughter. His sisters remained stern; nothing amused them, and nothing pleased them.

"Mr Hurst, are you always so silent?" the earl addressed the gentleman who showed little interest in anything except his food and drink.

"No…yes…I have nothing particular to say," Mr Hurst said in short.

"Well, it is better for a man to speak less than too much when he has nothing special to add to the conversation," the earl agreed.

Mr Collins seemed tempted to reply, but he did not.

The conversation continued on various subjects, and the Bingley sisters barely participated at all. Lord Matlock spoke more than Mr Bennet, Mr Bingley more than Mr Darcy, and Mr Collins almost as much as Mrs Bennet. Jane listened, smiled, and nodded from time to time.

Elizabeth mostly employed the rest of the evening observing the party. Her interest lay particularly with Mr Darcy, who had behaved in a different manner from before, puzzling her.

Since she had known him, she had assumed he opposed the relationship between Mr Bingley and Jane and that he generally disapproved of her entire family, particularly her.

Lord Matlock's arrival had caused an obvious change in Mr Darcy's manners, and he had behaved amiably to them over the last three days. But there was something more, including his shocking invitation to dance the first set, then the compliment to her — and other small things completely opposed to what Mr Darcy had shown to them before.

"Thomas, there is something I must tell you, and I almost forgot. I was in Meryton yesterday, and I saw your daughters talking to a man, seemingly an officer. His name is George Wickham."

Elizabeth was startled at such an abrupt approach to a subject she was curious about.

"Oh yes, Mr Wickham! Lydia and Kitty told me about him," Mrs Bennet exclaimed. "Do you happen to know him? The girls said he is very handsome, and amiable, and everybody in Meryton already likes him! Sir William invited him to Lucas Lodge, I believe."

"I do know him, very well. And Darcy even better. Unfortunately, everybody likes Wickham when they first meet him. Especially young girls. I am not sure how he enrolled in the regiment. Darcy tried to talk to him today, but he could not be found. Until we discover his intentions, Wickham should not be allowed near your house and especially not near your younger daughters."

The statement — blunt, harsh, completely improper at a dinner with ladies — caused another moment of awkward silence. Mr Darcy looked uncomfortable; the rest of the party was bewildered. Mr Bennet shrugged and sipped from his drink.

"Are you sure, sir? Lady Lucas and my sister Phillips spoke so highly of him!"

"Mrs Bennet, I assume Henry has sound reasons for such advice, so we shall follow it. I wonder what qualities this Mr Wickham possesses that he succeeded in charming even Sir William, Lady Lucas, and Mrs Phillips in such a short time."

And Charlotte , Elizabeth added to herself.

"We may discuss the matter in more detail tomorrow. It requires privacy and time," Lord Matlock said, puzzling Elizabeth even more. She looked at Mr Darcy; his eyes locked with hers briefly, then he poured himself another drink.

The party continued until close to midnight, and the conversation resumed, but Mr Wickham was not mentioned again that evening.