Chapter XIII

T he next days proved what Elizabeth had thought about Mr. Darcy and his interest in her. There was much to do on the estate, meaning Mr. Darcy and her father were often away, engaged in speaking with tenants, inspecting fields, or investigating information they had heard from others on the estate. The estate was taking shape, recovering from the long neglect of its previous master and the man's criminal steward.

? As the days lengthened and the Bennets' time in the neighborhood grew, they felt more comfortable in society. While parsons were akin to gentlemen themselves, there was a distinction between a parson and a man who owned his estate. A parson could not be removed, except under investigation by his bishop, but his duties in the parish did not allow for the leisure of the life of a gentleman, neither was his portion what even the most modest of the gentle class could boast.

? Thus, though the Bennets had the respect of their parishioners in Nottingham, they had mingled in gentle society, accepted yet different. The ladies had often felt the burden of this way of thinking, as they had always known that no gentleman would look at them as potential wives, for they did not possess the dowry or standing with which to tempt a landowner looking for a companion in life. Thus, they would end either unmarried and employed as a companion or governess, or if they were fortunate, married to another parson or man of lesser means. This was the primary reason, Elizabeth had always thought, that Jane remained unmarried at two and twenty, despite her beauty and angelic manners.

? While Elizabeth was yet new to the society, she learned that Charlotte's words about the local gentlemen were the absolute truth. The Bennet sisters one and all garnered some attention because of their pretty faces, but it was all superficial—the state of their dowries was unknown, and the entire neighborhood was aware of their history as daughters of a parson and thus did not think they had much in the way of personal fortunes. All this despite the ladies' status as being among the wealthiest in the neighborhood!

? "It is just as well," said Mr. Bennet one night after they had attended a function at one of the neighboring estates.

? Mary had spoken of a comment she overheard a local gentleman make about the unfortunate fact of Jane's assumed modest dowry. Though Mary did not say it outright, Elizabeth suspected the man had made some less than proper remarks, considering Mary's state of disapproval.

? "I would not lose you to such a man as Mr. Robinson. Let him look to others for his future wife, for I have no interest in having him for a son-in-law."

? "I think I speak for my sisters in saying that we have no interest in him," replied Elizabeth, to her sisters' nods of agreement.

? "It is unfortunate," said Mr. Darcy, shaking his head. "There are many who claim the title of gentleman who do not act in such a way as to be worthy of the designation."

? "Do not suppose I speak of every man in the district," said Mr. Bennet. "There are decent men among them and several with whom I have friendly relations. As a whole, however, I do not find most of them to be the most impressive lot, certainly not good enough for my precious daughters."

? "I would agree with your assessment," said Mr. Darcy. "I take care in choosing my friends as I know you do as well. Many a man professes good morals yet does not act in a way that would prove the uprightness of his character."

? All these things were evident to Elizabeth and her sisters. As the daughter of a parson, she had never expected to find a match with a man that would suit her in every particular, a meeting of minds and hearts such as would fulfill her wishes for a husband. Becoming the daughter of a gentleman and gaining a substantial dowry increased her chances, but there was no man in the neighborhood she thought of as a potential match.

? That was why Mr. Darcy's emergence as a suitor was a matter of such wonder. Most men of half his consequence and influence would turn their noses up at a country miss, especially one who was the daughter of a parson. Elizabeth was under no illusions about her dowry of seven thousand pounds, which she still viewed with some wonder, being anything other than a pittance to a man as wealthy as Mr. Darcy. Yet he looked upon her with admiration—admiration! —and paid her such exquisite attention that she thought she might faint from the pleasure.

? "Mr. Bennet," said Mr. Darcy one morning about three weeks after his arrival, "I believe I mentioned a friend of mine who is interested in leasing an estate."

? Elizabeth's father nodded. "Mr. Bingley, as I recall. You suggested he might investigate Netherfield Park as an opportunity to broaden his education."

? "And Bingley, in quite un-Bingley-like fashion I may say, took my advice and asked his man of business to look into the property." Mr. Darcy turned a grin on them all and added: "I do not suggest that my friend is indolent or heedless, but he is of a sociable disposition and delights in the season. It is difficult to turn his attention when such pleasures are at hand."

? "You speak of this Mr. Bingley in a droll fashion, sir," said Elizabeth. "I hope we are afforded an introduction to him when the opportunity presents itself."

? "That may come sooner than you might expect, Miss Elizabeth," said Mr. Darcy. Then with a wink, he added: "Then again, given the current topic of conversation, I suspect you already know that."

? Mr. Darcy turned back to Mr. Bennet. "The report Bingley received from his man impressed him, such that he wishes to come and view the place. Is your invitation to host him for a night still in force?"

? "Of course, it is, Darcy," said Bennet. "I must own that I am scarcely less eager than my daughters to make your friend's acquaintance."

? "Mr. Bingley is an excellent man," said Georgiana. "In truth, I find him the best of his family by far."

? It might have been an innocuous comment, had Georgiana not shown them all a look so innocent as to remove any possibility of it being genuine. Elizabeth was not the only one who noticed the girl's look.

? "I sense there is a story here," said Mr. Bennet, "or possibly an irony, given your sister's mischievous obfuscations."

? "Perhaps Georgiana should learn to hold her tongue," said Darcy, though ruining his stern elder brother demeanor with a wink which set her to giggling.

? "What Georgiana alludes to is Bingley's sisters, of whom there are two."

? "Oh ho!" said Mr. Bennet, quivering with glee. "In this, I must suspect some trepidation on your part. Tell me, Darcy, have the two ladies descended to fisticuffs in their determination to claim you for themselves, or have they kept it more or less peaceful?"

? The entire company was in stitches at Mr. Bennet's jest when Georgiana exclaimed: "Miss Caroline would never descend to such behavior! Do you not know that she is the pinnacle of sophistication and manners? Why, she owns to it herself!"

? Georgiana's cry did not lessen the glee in the room—quite the contrary. Elizabeth could see that Mr. Darcy's amusement was more rueful, and his sister's comment suggested that the sisters were not a problem, so much as one of their number. Mr. Darcy confirmed this conjecture with his next words.

? "Miss Louisa Bingley is the eldest sibling, perhaps two years Bingley's elder, while Miss Caroline is the youngest, being about twenty or one and twenty. Bingley has been my friend for several years now, but his sisters I have known for only two, and I do not know them well. Miss Bingley is a quiet, unassuming woman of perhaps four or five and twenty, and while I do not know her well, I know no harm of her."

? Mr. Darcy paused, at a loss for how to continue. Certain she understood his dilemma, Elizabeth spoke to reassure him.

? "Do not be afraid to speak, Mr. Darcy. That you think little of Mr. Bingley's younger sister is obvious, but regardless of what you say of her, we will take our measure of her before we make any judgment."

? "Thank you, Miss Elizabeth," said Mr. Darcy, fixing her with a smile of gratitude. "You are correct to apprehend that I care little for Miss Caroline. Though I have always esteemed Bingley and think nothing of his descent—that of a long line of tradesmen—Miss Caroline has always striven to forget her origins. While she strives for perfect behavior, she can at times be as haughty as a duchess."

? "Then I suppose," said Mr. Bennet, enjoying Mr. Darcy's discomfort, "that she has her eye on a society match, perhaps with a particular man?"

? "I shall not say you are incorrect," said Mr. Darcy, shaking his head with annoyance. "Perhaps if I had not made Bingley's acquaintance his sister would not harbor the expectations she does. Unfortunately, my friendship with Bingley has led her to the false assumption that I would offer for her, and she has bent all her efforts to make that a reality.

? "I, of course, have no interest in her, for I have no desire for a society marriage. If Miss Bingley saw anything more than my fine estate—though she has had nothing more than accounts of it—or my position in society, I might think better of her. As it is, the only reason I think of her at all is to consider how I might avoid her."

? "That is, indeed, a difficult cross to bear," said Mr. Bennet, nothing of mirth in his tone. "It cannot be agreeable to be hunted for such things."

? "It is not," said Mr. Darcy. "She is not the worst of her ilk, but in many small ways, she is the most persistent. While she gives every arrear of proper behavior on the surface, she watches, schemes, and considers. Were I to look on a woman as she looks on me, I am afraid I would have an urgent need to repent."

? "It is worse than that," said Georgiana, her humor also having fled at the more serious nature of the discussion. "Miss Caroline will not think highly of anyone in this area, and she may espouse contempt for you in particular, given your recent elevation to the gentry. She will not be so crass as to say it, but she will not hide it either."

? "That is a singular attitude for one who cannot claim any connection to gentle circles," observed Mr. Bennet.

? "Yet I suspect my sister is correct," replied Mr. Darcy.

? "More than that," said Georgiana, no one in the room missing her significant look at Elizabeth, "that William is not only staying at Longbourn but that Mr. Bennet has three daughters, one of whom he finds agreeable, will not please her."

? "Oh, I should not worry about that," said Mr. Bennet, his grin falling on Elizabeth. "After all, Darcy's engagement to his cousin is well known. His aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, of whom I heard nothing more than rumor, would be most seriously displeased should he attempt to break that engagement."

? It was only her father's restrained laughter that prevented Elizabeth from feeling incredulous at this news. Not only had she begun to esteem Mr. Darcy, but she never would have thought a gentleman of his acumen would pay attention to a woman while engaged to another. Mr. Darcy's shaken head indicated a hint of exasperation yet again.

? "My aunt may very well cause the island to tip over in her rage should I refuse to marry my cousin. If I should choose so unsuitable a woman as Miss Caroline, I might fear for the world itself."

? They all laughed at his jest, though Elizabeth was determined to secure greater intelligence of this business of his aunt, not to mention the inestimable Miss Caroline. For the moment, however, she had nothing other than a few weeks in his company and his interest guiding her and judged it prudent to wait before having such a conversation. He had not yet made any statement of intent, and it was still early for such a declaration, regardless.

? "So, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth a little later that day, "should I fear for my safety when your friend and his sisters come to Meryton?"

? "Tell me, Miss Elizabeth," rejoined Darcy, "are you a fainting flower, such that you must seek protection from a bitter and unkind woman?"

? "I should hope not," replied Elizabeth. "My sisters often comment that my courage is such that any attempt to intimidate me only provokes further obstinance."

? "Then I should think you will withstand Miss Caroline without difficulty."

? Elizabeth smiled at the gentleman. "I shall not fear her coming, even if she is as fearsome as a dragon."

? "No, the dragon is my aunt."

? The laugh escaped her lips before she could consider suppressing it, and Mr. Darcy soon joined her. "Is your aunt truly fearsome?"

? Mr. Darcy shuddered, his theatrical response worthy of the stage. "You have no idea, Miss Elizabeth. While she is naught but a woman, Aunt Catherine has no interest in discretion, holds tact as worthless, and cannot abide anyone contradicting her in even the smallest way."

? "You mentioned your aunt wishes you to marry her daughter?"

? "She claims an agreement with my mother," replied Mr. Darcy, keeping control of his annoyance.

? "That is not sound, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth. "For any agreement to be binding, your father's involvement was necessary. Might I assume there is no agreement of any kind?"

? "There is not," was the gentleman's brief reply. "My mother never spoke of the matter, and neither did my father. Lady Catherine made no mention of it to me until my father's passing five years ago."

? Elizabeth frowned at the implication. "You believe your aunt is lying?"

? Mr. Darcy shrugged helplessly. "I cannot say, if I am at all honest. It is possible my mother and aunt spoke of the matter, but as my mother made no mention of it to me nor, I assume, to my father, it may have been nothing more than idle speculation on her part. My father and my aunt did not get on well together and were rarely in each other's company. It is possible that she approached my father, and he denied her request, but if she did, he said nothing to me."

? "Then there appears to be nothing binding you to your cousin."

? The tender look with which he regarded her spoke more eloquently than any spoken language could convey. "No, Miss Elizabeth. My aunt has no notion of any interest in my cousin, nor a contract that would bind me. I am free to do as I choose.

? "If... if I might be so bold," said Mr. Darcy, hesitance in his manner, "I appreciate this matter coming to light at present."

? "Oh?" asked Elizabeth. "I was not aware it was of such importance that you would wish me or any of my family to know of it."

? "You would be correct," said Mr. Darcy, "if I did not already feel some connection between us."

? "Is it not a little early for such things?" asked Elizabeth, thrilled that Mr. Darcy was giving her this sign of his interest.

? "Yes, I dare say it would be precipitous if I were to offer a proposal at present. However, I do no such thing. Instead, I merely wish to make you aware of my interest in coming to know you better. Whether that will lead to anything of a more permanent nature I cannot say right now. I know you well enough to understand that I wish to further our acquaintance. With time, we will know if we suit and whether we wish to connect ourselves on a deeper level."

? Elizabeth gazed at this man, moved by his simple declaration. Had she thought of the subject in any detail, she might have hoped a gentleman announcing his interest would proceed forth in a manner designed to induce her to the deepest love with her proposed suitor. Yet she could not imagine a better declaration than Mr. Darcy had offered, for she sensed he was speaking from his heart with no attempt at disguise. What woman would not be moved by such honesty?

? "Then, Mr. Darcy," said she, "I believe we may move forward in whatever manner you feel comfortable. I feel no need for haste for myself, but if we are to save you from the dragons—both the greater and the lesser—perhaps we should proceed with alacrity."

? With a laugh, Mr. Darcy swept up her hand and kissed it, an action no one in her family missed. Georgiana giggled at the sight and turned to whisper to Mary, but Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy took no notice of the spectacle they were making. Her sisters would no doubt tease her for her apparent conquest, but she knew they would be gentle with her. It was still a matter of some curiosity that Mr. Darcy had not found his head turned by Jane first, but she was not about to say anything on the subject either. Better to accept the man's interest and secure him before Jane's greater beauty could turn his head!

? "I have no objection to moving more quickly," averred the gentleman.

? Elizabeth cocked her head to the side. "What of your titled relations? If your aunt will protest, your uncle may object even more stridently."

? "If you made my aunt and my uncle's acquaintance without knowing their connection," said Mr. Darcy, seeming to relax with this much settled between them, "you would not even know they were siblings, for they do not even look alike. Uncle is a noble through and through, but he is not haughty or full of his position. While I cannot say what his reaction would be should I present you as a future bride, he knows he cannot direct me."

? "Then I must only impress those of society who will look down on me for my common origins."

? "I believe the cart is now firmly before the horse, Miss Elizabeth," said Mr. Darcy with a chuckle. "At this time, I shall only say that I do not doubt your ability to handle anything the ton can throw at you."

? Elizabeth nodded. "Shall we change the subject?"

? "What think you of books?" said Mr. Darcy at once.

? A laugh burst from Elizabeth's breast, one carefree and happy. "I believe you already know something of my predilection for books, Mr. Darcy, including something of my preferences."

? "Perhaps I do," replied the gentleman. "There is always something new to learn, for I do not think we have spoken of even a fraction of the works we both read."

? "No, I do not suppose we have. I would like to propose an alternative activity instead. Do you play chess?"

? Mr. Darcy looked at her with surprise. "Are you suggesting that you do?"

? "I suggest nothing, Mr. Darcy. While I would not say that I am my father's equal, I am not a novice, either."

? "Then I challenge you to a game, Miss Elizabeth," said Darcy. Then he leaned in closer and said: "I love a good game. When my friend Bingley comes, you shall see a contradiction, for while Bingley is an excellent player, he often becomes distracted. I would dearly like to see his reaction to your challenging him to a game and even more if you should defeat him."

? "I shall oblige you and do it directly when he comes," quipped Elizabeth.

? "Please do," said Mr. Darcy. "Now, shall we borrow your father's chessboard?"

On the one hand, it pleased Bennet to see how well his guest was getting on with his middle daughter. On the other, however, he could not help but feel a concern on her behalf. Darcy was a prominent man—despite his assurances, Elizabeth's path in society would not be as smooth as Darcy intimated. Darcy was a good man and would support Elizabeth should he offer for her, but how would they fare if his family did not accept her?

? Being a good parent encompassed many things. It was necessary for a father to train his children, to teach them good and moral habits, to instruct them in what learning he could; Bennet had always striven to give his girls the best education. As a parson, he had never had sufficient funds that would allow him to hire a tutor for them, which had necessitated he do what he could to educate them himself. In the end, he felt he had done well, for they were all learned and comported themselves as the best of their station.

? What he could not do as a father was attempt to impose upon them and direct their lives when they were adults themselves. It was the burden of any man with daughters to raise them in a creditable manner, knowing they would eventually leave him, forge lives for themselves, hopefully with good men who would cherish them all the days of their lives. A time would come when he would be the second most important man in the lives of all three of his daughters. Bennet had always known and accepted this facet of the human condition, teaching them what to value so they could find men who would cherish them and treat them as the precious treasures they were.

? Allowing them to live their lives, however, did not mean he could not advise when he felt it warranted. In this situation with Elizabeth and Darcy, he did not feel he was stepping on any toes by learning from Elizabeth the situation between them and offering guidance. Darcy would, no doubt, inform Elizabeth of the drawbacks to his attention to her, and Elizabeth already knew something of the aunt who would make the most trouble. Yet Bennet wished for the ease that would come from understanding his precious daughter knew what she was about.

? "You appear to have impressed Darcy," said Bennet when the opportunity arose later that evening. Darcy had returned to his room, allowing a moment between father and daughter, while Jane and Mary were engaged with Georgiana at the pianoforte.

? "It appears I have," said Elizabeth.

? Bennet regarded her with affection. "I presume you know something of Darcy's situation and the potential reaction of his family?"

? "If you speak of the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh," said Elizabeth, using that archness that was so essential a part of her character, "Mr. Darcy has informed me of the situation.

? "Very well," said Bennet with a nod. "You are more than capable of making your own choices, Elizabeth, so I will not attempt to direct you. The threat of Lady Catherine's displeasure is real, however, so I would advise you to take care. Darcy is a good man, one I would welcome as a son with no reservations. All I ask is that you take care to know your heart before you move forward."

? "Thank you, Papa," replied Elizabeth, placing her hand on his arm. "It is still early, but I shall endeavor to put your good advice into practice."

? "Excellent," said Bennet.

? A moment later, Darcy entered the room with a book in his hand, again taking his seat next to Elizabeth. It was a volume Bennet had read himself, allowing them all to participate in the conversation. Not long after his return, Darcy turned to Bennet and offered him a slight nod while Elizabeth was expounding upon her opinion of the work, and Bennet returned it in the same manner. It appeared the message was given and accepted, and Bennet put any concern for the situation out of his mind. It was his firm opinion that there was no man better than Darcy, and no one better to whom he could entrust Elizabeth's happiness. While he knew it was early, he suspected that their future union was only a matter of time. Darcy was not the sort of man to show interest in any woman unless he wished to take their relationship to its logical conclusion.