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While Mr. Bingley was prodding the fire in Netherfield’s library, Mr. Darcy was thinking that he should not have danced twice with Elizabeth. That probably had drawn a great deal of attention, which was what he usually tried to avoid.

But he had scarcely known himself this evening. He had willingly placed himself into the hands of a stranger. One whose advice had been given so whimsically. He had never been so impulsive in his life.

However, she had been right. Running away was no solution. And a good thing he hadn’t done so, or else he would have missed out on the opportunity of getting to know a fascinating young lady better.

She was extraordinary. So bold and outspoken.

So amusing in her witticisms and lively in her manner.

Everything about her had struck Mr. Darcy as unusual.

But he liked her unfamiliar ways. And he liked her.

So much that the overly eager mothers and the presence of Mr. Wickham had not prevented his enjoyment of the evening.

Miss Elizabeth had bewitched him into nonchalance.

Cutting into his thoughts, Mr. Bingley asked, “What did you think of Miss Bennet?”

“A charming lady. Excellent manners, intelligent conversation, and a lovely sweetness of temperament. I can understand you liking her so well.”

“I’m glad that you approve.”

It was on the tip of Mr. Darcy’s tongue to say that it was too soon to be speaking of approval, but in his mind that sounded like disapproval. So he said, “I didn’t observe anything objectionable about her. And the family seems quite respectable.”

“They are indeed. Very respectable, and I have heard that Mr. Bennet is an excellent landlord.”

“That is a commendable quality. In my experience a good landlord is always a good man. I look forward to meeting him.” And strongly approving of him, Mr. Darcy thought. He still had a vague notion that some further advice should be offered, but nothing else came to mind.

It was Mr. Bingley who said, “You needn’t worry about me acting in haste.

Even though I am completely confident of my choice, I wasn’t thinking of proposing immediately.

I know people sometimes think me frivolous and impulsive, but I do realize that marriage is a serious business, not to be rushed into. ”

Mr. Darcy nodded in approval. “It is wise to take your time.”

“Besides, I want my sisters to first become better acquainted with the family.”

“And with your intentions?”

“I think I might save that until we have sorted out these mistaken impressions. It is a wretched beginning for them to be thinking so badly of Mrs. Bennet. The sooner this unfortunate notion of her being manipulative is corrected, the better.”

“As to that, I have to say that your description of Mrs. Bennet was not quite accurate. I don’t think her manipulative, but she is certainly not indifferent to achieving eligible matches for her daughters.”

“Was Caroline right? Did she press Miss Elizabeth upon you for that second dance?”

“No, that was entirely my choice. But Mrs. Bennet did make a half-hearted effort at getting me to notice Miss Mary, whom she introduced as her studious daughter. Speaking of which, I am wondering if someone described me as being extremely fond of my books.” Mr. Darcy looked pointedly at his friend.

“I believe I did say something along those lines. Sorry about that.”

“No harm done. I have nothing to fear from her. She was quite eager to contradict the idea of her being bookish. I found her lack of interest in me quite refreshing. Indeed, I would gladly have asked her to dance, but I thought it appropriate to return her favour of not wanting me with an equal display of disinterest. So I did no more than speaking a few words to her when we found ourselves next to each other in the last dance. I think we understand each other perfectly now, and may occasionally exchange polite courtesies without any fear. But I must confess to being curious about whether or not she really is studious.”

“She does spend a lot of time with her books, and she is devoted to her music. I think I mentioned her to you.”

“Yes, you did. And I believe you said two shy ladies, but I’m not certain whom you meant. I met quite a few ladies who didn’t say much.”

Mr. Bingley grinned. “That’s probably because a lady doesn’t have to be shy to find you terrifying. But the two of whom I was speaking are Miss Partridge and Miss Maria Lucas.”

“I can only vaguely recall them, but the eldest Miss Lucas must be Miss Bennet’s and Miss Elizabeth’s sensible friend.”

“That’s right.”

“But you only mentioned three ladies infatuated with officers. It looked more like two dozen.”

“The officers are very popular, but what I said was that three of their admirers took no notice of my existence. The others seemed open to the possibility of finding me interesting.”

“I hope they didn’t find me interesting.”

“Probably not since you practically ignored them. But you were more sociable than I had expected. Especially with Miss Elizabeth. I’m glad she wasn’t pressed upon you because I know that is what she would dislike as well.”

“Oh, she was.” Mr. Darcy smiled. “But by you, not her mother.”

“That wasn’t pressing. I just wanted you to enjoy the dancing instead of standing about glowering. But you did like her, didn’t you?”

“Yes, she was quite pleasant.” In fact, Mr. Darcy had liked her more than he had ever liked anyone upon first acquaintance, but he did not feel able to say that, not even to his closest friend.

“By the way,” he added in a casual tone, “I have arranged to walk with her tomorrow morning.”

“Tomorrow? Immediately after a dance?” Now Mr. Bingley was looking at him suspiciously.

“I wasn’t thinking of that. You know how much I like spending time outdoors, and I am keen to see the local scenery.

But I had better send a note of apology in the morning and postpone our walk for a day or two.

” In saying this Mr. Darcy felt disappointment.

That seemed like such a long time to wait for more conversation with his intriguing new friend.

But Mr. Bingley said, “You may not need to postpone. Miss Elizabeth is remarkably energetic, and as fond as you of the outdoors. It wouldn’t surprise me if she finds a walk agreeable even after an assembly.

And you needn’t bother writing a note either.

You can just ask what suits her best. I was already intending to call at Longbourn in the morning.

In fact, I have formed a habit of calling upon the Bennets often, and I hope to continue doing so as frequently as possible. ”

Mr. Darcy was delighted to hear this. He was also pleased to recall a large stack of invitations upon the mantelpiece.

Earlier he had been taken back upon discovering that they were expected to attend an astounding number of engagements in the next few weeks, but now he thought it would be a fine thing to go out every evening.

***

“I think our foolish brother has formed the notion of offering for Miss Bennet,” Miss Bingley said to her sister in the privacy of her bedchamber.

“I believe you are right,” Mrs. Hurst said. “I have never seen him so infatuated.”

“He has been completely taken in. If I had guessed that he could get so entangled in just a few days, I would have come down with him to protect our interests. It never occurred to me that he might fall for a country nobody with nothing to recommend her, especially so quickly. But we must put a stop to this at once.”

“We must indeed. But how? I fear that he is already set upon having her.”

“Only because we weren’t here to reason with him. But we shall soon convince him to change his mind.”

“I wish he would, but he does seem unusually captivated by her.”

“He will think differently after we have pointed out all Miss Bennet’s flaws.”

“I don’t think she has any. I have never met anyone as pleasant and sweet tempered as she appears to be.”

“There must be something wrong with her. The rest of the family is awful. We shall draw his attention to their faults as well.”

“Miss Elizabeth seemed ladylike.”

“I cannot agree. She is pert and excessively forward. I’m sure Mr. Darcy will not think her conversation so interesting the next time they meet.”

“He did appear to be very much taken with her.”

“He merely found her a novelty. But he will not want to have anything to do with such a dreadful family. And neither will Charles once we have set him straight. Those Bennets will be no match for our powers of persuasion.”