Chapter 6

"I hope Bingley did not mind that I wished to talk to you privately," Lord Matlock said. The two of them were in the library after the dinner with the Bennets, and everyone else had retired for the night.

"I am sure he did not. He looked tired in any case, but he would not have minded regardless. I believe there is something important you wish to talk about, Uncle?"

"There are a few things I would like to clarify, Darcy. First of all, what is happening with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth?"

"What do you mean?" Darcy asked, filling two drinks and handing one to the earl.

"Well, I noticed young Bingley is charmed by Jane Bennet."

"He is, but Bingley is easily charmed by a pretty young woman. I have seen him in love several times, and it passed as quickly as it came."

"If that is the case, I do not wish him to trifle with this sensible young woman. She looks enchanted with him too, and his obvious partiality might arouse expectations and hopes."

"I agree. But I am not certain Miss Bennet is equally as charmed as he is. However, expectations certainly are raised, both for Miss Bennet and Mrs Bennet. I am sure they are already considering a marriage proposal."

"I am not sure what you mean, Darcy."

"Miss Bennet…she appears serene when she is with Bingley. She is calm while he is so nervous. I believe her heart is not as easily touched as his, but a marriage to Bingley would be exceedingly advantageous for her and the entire family."

"I sense in your tone that you are not fond of Jane Bennet."

"There is no need for me to be fond of her. I only wish the best for Bingley, and I try to protect him from hasty decisions that might affect his future."

"I agree that a hasty marriage might be regrettable, especially where there is no affection and respect. But that danger exists for both Bingley and Jane Bennet. Does she not matter?"

"Of course she does, but…"

"Yes? Speak your mind. It annoys me when someone tries to conceal the truth behind pleasant words."

"The truth is Bingley is an excellent choice for Miss Bennet, from all points of view. He is kind, handsome, has a comfortable fortune, and seems to be in love with her. Besides, his amiable nature would ensure his wife had the liberty to have her way. So regardless of her own feelings, she could not find a better husband."

"Now I understand your point. And you claim that your friend — who has a comfortable fortune and a handsome face but is neither too clever nor too educated nor too hardworking — could easily find a better wife than the beautiful daughter of a gentleman, with a sweet nature and a kind heart, who seems to be in love with him?"

The earl's voice was as sharp as his grin.

"Uncle, I assume you disagree, but let us be honest. If not for Bingley, Miss Bennet would probably be courted by Mr Collins."

"Probably, but if not for Miss Bennet, Bingley might marry someone with the same qualities as Hurst and with the same affection for him as Hurst and his wife share."

The statement left Darcy momentarily disconcerted; the way his uncle had twisted his words was difficult to contradict.

"I noticed Bingley has no restraint in showing his admiration for Jane Bennet, and his sisters disapprove of it. So you said you wish the best for your friend, but you take his sisters' side against him?"

"You are twisting my words, Uncle."

"Why not, if I am clever enough to do that? When we are talking about relationships and marriages, I am sure I have more knowledge and experience than you."

"That cannot be denied."

"Good. So, based on some objective criteria, can we agree that Bingley is no better than Jane Bennet?"

"We might agree…"

"Do you have other objections besides the assumption that the lady does not return your friend's affection?"

"No…except…we both know that Mrs Bennet and the youngest daughters require significant improvement. None of them behave in a manner acceptable in society."

The earl looked at him quizzically. "Do they not? I assume you compare them with the Bingley sisters' manners and behaviour, which are impeccable? Really, Darcy?"

His uncle's mockery silenced Darcy once more.

"If we are to compare, who would you choose as your wife — Miss Bingley or Miss Bennet?"

Darcy started and looked at the earl with a frown. Unlike his uncle, he was not amused.

"What kind of question is that, Uncle?"

"A simple question. You implied that Jane Bennet's family is not good enough for Bingley's. So my question is — what sort of wife would you prefer? Caroline Bingley or Jane Bennet?"

"I shall not answer the question, but I do understand your point."

"I assumed you would. Therefore, you should admit that even your closest relatives are in need of improvement when it comes to behaviour. I shall mention your aunt, Lady Catherine, your cousins — my sons — and especially myself. And you are not always flawless either — not by far. Can you deny it?"

"I have no wish to deny it, Uncle."

"Well then, I would suggest you let Bingley mind his own business of the heart and you mind yours. Giving advice that is not required or assuming you know what is best for other people makes you resemble Catherine."

"I probably deserve that. However, anything I said or did in regard to Bingley was always for his benefit."

"I do not doubt that. Now that we have clarified Bingley's story, let us move on to the next subject of discussion. Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"Miss Elizabeth? Why is she a subject of discussion?"

"Well, I am puzzled by the way you and she behave towards each other. I have never seen you act in such a manner with another woman, nor heard another woman speak to you as she does."

Darcy tried to remember what his uncle had seen to make such an observation, and the sharp scrutiny made him uncomfortable.

"What do you mean?"

"What do I mean? She seems to tease — to scold — you most of the time, and your responses sounds like an awkward mix of disdain and admiration."

"Yes, well… as you might have guessed, my first encounter with Miss Elizabeth was at that assembly when I refused to dance with her. She has probably held me in contempt since then, and I cannot blame her."

"I heard. But how did you refuse to dance?"

"Well…I was distressed and tired, and there was a large and noisy crowd, and I noticed they were talking about me. Bingley kept insisting I should dance, and since he was dancing with Miss Jane Bennet, he pointed out her sister — Miss Elizabeth. I…I said she was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me…and I might have said something else that I do not remember."

The earl stared at him, his mouth wide open.

"You did not! And she heard you?"

"Very likely. I was not certain until tonight, but apparently both she and her mother — and probably the whole of Meryton — are aware of my offence."

"So you loudly offended a gentleman's daughter and criticised Mrs Bennet's manners? Really, Darcy?"

"I am not proud of myself, Uncle. I hope Miss Elizabeth will forgive me after we dance at the ball."

The earl began to laugh. "You believe an offended young woman will forgive and forget an insult so easily? This is entertaining! I wonder whether you have any experience with women at all!"

"You may laugh, but since that first encounter, Miss Elizabeth and I have had many opportunities to talk, and I have found her company most enjoyable. She is worthy of admiration — for her sharp mind as well as for her strong character."

"I absolutely agree with that. And I find her prettier than her sister, who is a flawless beauty but not so lively."

"I absolutely agree," Darcy said, repeating his uncle's answer. "Miss Elizabeth's eyes are uncommonly pretty precisely because they show liveliness and intelligence."

"So you do not despise her — she only despises you?"

"Do you believe she despises me?" Darcy enquired. He felt disquieted by that statement, and the many drinks they had consumed did not allow him to make a clear judgment.

"It seems so, except that she is also amiable with you at times. I wonder whether it is out of regard for me."

"I feel too tired to discuss such a matter, Uncle. Is there anything else that cannot wait till tomorrow morning?"

"Probably not. I wish to be sure that Thomas Bennet's daughters are treated with regard and consideration. I wish to be sure nobody is trifling with them!"

"I trust you have no reason to assume I would do such a thing, Uncle. I admit I admire Miss Elizabeth, which I have no reason to deny, but I shall never say a word or make a gesture beyond a distant and polite friendship."

"You know, I believe Richard would like Elizabeth Bennet very much, and she would probably like him too. They might be a good match! I know she has little dowry, but I would be more than happy to encourage such a connection. My son married to Thomas's daughter would make both of us exceedingly happy."

Darcy felt a sudden grip in his chest and a knot in his stomach.

"Surely you cannot be serious, Uncle!" he said, hardly realising he had said it out loud.

"Why not? I have never been more serious! Do you consider her unsuitable for Richard, just as you considered her sister unsuitable for Bingley?"

"I do not think Miss Elizabeth would appreciate you making marital plans for her," Darcy said, incapable of finding a better answer.

"From what I observed, the poor girl is exasperated by that fool Collins. That ridiculous man is so silly that he might offer for her."

"Possibly. But I hope neither Miss Elizabeth nor Mr Bennet would consider such an alliance."

"If they do, Richard would surely be a better choice. She has no dowry at all, but I can find a comfortable situation for Richard. I have a house that belonged to your late aunt and the estate in Oxfordshire that I could give him."

"Uncle, we should continue this conversation tomorrow. Perhaps you should wait a little longer before you write the settlement for this marriage," he said sarcastically. His effort at a jest was unsuccessful; he felt deeply distressed by the discussion.

He had fought his attraction — his passion — for Elizabeth for weeks without allowing himself to really fall in love with her or consider her as his potential partner in life, as a possible Mrs Darcy. He assumed that her situation, her lack of connections, and all the objections against her mother and younger sisters were obstacles impossible to overcome on the path towards such a happy ending.

And a mere discussion with his uncle, although both were intoxicated and tired, was enough to understand how ridiculous and ungrounded his reasoning had been. He needed time to reflect on the entire situation with a clear mind and to thoroughly and carefully decide what to do.

Would his uncle support his desire to pursue Elizabeth? Was he really determined to attempt a connection between Richard and Elizabeth, or was he just joking?

"I am afraid that Richard and Miss Elizabeth might like each other, but he would not wish to marry her," the earl continued. "He might even fall in love with her, but he will probably marry someone with money and connections who is less clever and less confident. He might prefer a Jane Bennet type of woman to an Elizabeth Bennet."

"You are probably correct," Darcy answered. "Let us go to our rooms now."

"You know, Darcy, I just realised that I have never before heard you praise a woman, nor say a word about a woman's pretty eyes. Since you admire Elizabeth Bennet, I wonder whether she is suited to you. Would you have the strength to marry a woman who is clever, confident, determined, and probably obstinate? Or is she too far below you for you to even consider her?"

"Dear uncle, I insist that this is neither the time nor the place to discuss such important subjects. Let us sleep and talk more tomorrow."

"You are right. But it is all so amusing! The more I think of it, the more entertained I am! Or do you intend to marry Anne, as Catherine insists?"

"I have long declared that, as much as I care for Anne and shall take care of her, I have no intention of marrying her. Let us not open this subject again."

"I am glad to hear that. I have only one concern now. I must find out whether Miss Elizabeth despises you or not!"

They were already near their chambers, and Darcy escorted the earl to his room.

"And Darcy, one more thing. If Wickham still hides from you tomorrow, I shall talk to Colonel Forster directly. In fact, I shall accompany you to visit the regiment."

"Very well, Uncle. Good night," Darcy said, though he expected his night would be agitated and he would find little rest.