Page 41

It was a much larger group than originally planned which set out for an excursion to Hatfield at the beginning of the second week of November.

Mary and Kitty had both decided to join the party, which also included Mr. Charlton, Susan and Edward Partridge, and John Lucas.

The weather was excellent that morning, and Elizabeth was anticipating another splendid day.

Interesting sights, excellent company, and once again spending the majority of her time with Mr. Darcy.

But then he and Mr. Bingley turned up with an unexpected addition to their numbers—Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.

After insisting that Jane must travel with them, they closed the door against any other companion, leaving Elizabeth feeling that the day was not going to go so well after all.

After descending from the carriage at their destination, Mrs. Hurst seized Jane’s arm, insisting that they must spend the whole day enjoying the sights together. “Like sisters,” she declared, glancing at her brother who beamed happily upon the pair.

And then Miss Bingley appropriated Mr. Darcy in a similar fashion. “What a perfect place for engaging in a discussion of Elizabethan culture,” she said. “You and I, with our superior understanding, shall enjoy dissecting the principles of courtly love.”

Mr. Darcy, always so mindful of good manners, was helpless to repulse her.

Elizabeth was sorry to see her preferred companion being led away, but an agreeable chat with Mr. Bingley was ample compensation.

However, she had a notion of Mr. Darcy soon extricating himself and then they would be able to walk together as they always did.

That hope faded as more than an hour went by without her even catching any sight of him.

It was quite late by the time they met up again, and then she could see that he was not in the best of moods.

Although he made an effort to be cheerful, the joy with which the day had begun could not be recaptured.

***

After politely engaging in five minutes of discussion about courtly love, which had been very formal on his side, Mr. Darcy had tried to extricate himself. But Miss Bingley had been persistent. She needed him to explain the architecture to her.

Mr. Darcy compressed his knowledge of Elizabethan architecture into two minutes’ worth of explanation. After declaring that he knew nothing about knot gardens, and giving the opinion that it was no use discussing paintings when they hadn’t any to observe, he made to leave again.

But that was when Miss Bingley launched into another of her tirades.

“I have been wanting the opportunity for a private conversation with you. It is no use trying to tell Charles anything these days, but my effort at being friendly with Miss Bennet has revealed to me that she has no genuine interest in him. Whenever Louisa and I say anything about him, she only looks bored. One would expect that to be the subject dearest to her heart, but it isn’t. ”

“Knowing Miss Bennet, I would expect her to be extremely reticent on that subject,” Mr. Darcy replied.

“I am not at all surprised, or concerned, to hear that she does not display interest of the sort which should properly be kept to oneself. As a person who claims superior understanding, you ought to know that there is often a great difference between display and reality.”

Miss Bingley’s cheeks reddened as though she understood his implication; however, she was not deterred from continuing.

“That is exactly my point. She smiles and laughs, and pretends to enjoy his company, but it is all superficial. She never even shows even the slightest sign of having a particular regard for him. Have you not noticed that when they are together, her expressions are devoid of feeling.”

I have noticed that she has admirable composure, of which I strongly approve. A lady should not wear her heart on her sleeve.”

“But she might show little signs of affection. And if she truly loves, it should be impossible to fully hide her feelings.”

“There might be times when she cannot completely hide them from the object of her affection, particularly in a more relaxed setting. But I do not think it impossible for a cautious lady to be able to conceal her feelings from others, especially within the formality of a large company.”

“You are too willing to overlook her indifference,” Miss Bingley cried. “What happened to making observation of the family and judging them scientifically as I begged you to do?”

“I have observed enough to be convinced that Miss Bennet does indeed love your brother.”

“I remain convinced that she is only interested in his wealth and the other advantages of being his wife. She is leading him on, probably on her mother’s instructions, as you would have seen if you had thoroughly studied her behaviour for yourself.

I fear that you were not impartial. If you had been, you would have seen what we see, and lent us your assistance in protecting him from the clutches of a temptress. ”

“I must protest such a description of Miss Bennet. I cannot believe she has any vice in her.”

“Because that is what she wants you to believe. She has obviously cultivated the art of misleading gentlemen, but with Louisa and me she did not take the trouble to dissemble. I expect that she has decided to dispense with us, having seen that we are not taken in by her performance. She intends to marry him and cast us aside. You understand the importance of family, Mr. Darcy. Please help us to save ours.”

It was an impassioned plea, but Mr. Darcy was not moved by words which he knew to be false. “I think you could save it for yourself by accepting your brother’s choice.”

“This is unlike you,” she protested. “You would usually be logical, and very much aware of her family’s deficiencies.

Aside from all the deception which I have been able to see through, there is the simple fact that they are a disgrace.

You should be thinking it your duty to save your friend from Mrs. Bennet’s clutches rather than validating his foolish choices. ”

“I do not think that he has chosen unwisely. I cannot take any part in your crusade against Miss Bennet and her family, and I strongly recommend that you give it up.”

“I cannot just let her ruin my brother’s life.”

Mr. Darcy was on the verge of declaring that he knew she only cared about the ruination of her ambitions; however, he settled for a more diplomatic response.

“The choice is his. He believes that she will bring the greatest happiness into his life. And so do I. Now, if you will excuse me, I intend to return to the company of our friends.”

“And Miss Elizabeth in particular, I suppose.”

“That is very likely. You know how amusing I find her conversation.”

“I know that you are being as foolish as my brother,” she spat out. But I hope you will take care not to do anything reckless, for I am certain that you will come to regret any decision made hastily.”

“I thank you for that piece of advice, which I am sure was well meant, but I feel compelled to remind you, Miss Bingley, that my decisions are my own concern.”

Feeling no more need for diplomacy, Mr. Darcy left her abruptly, but he did not immediately go looking for Elizabeth.

This unpleasant interview had left him in an ill mood, which he did not want to inflict upon her.

So he slipped away, choosing to instead take a solitary walk and seek out the balm of nature.

Although he was eventually able to return to his friends feeling less aggravated, he was not able to enjoy Elizabeth’s company as he usually did. It would have been delightful to discuss courtly love with her, but that subject had been ruined, and the day had altogether been spoiled.

***

After hearing her sister’s account of the disagreement with Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Hurst said, “I doubt you will be able to get him to take up our cause. And perhaps you should give up your hope of marrying him.”

“I will not give him up. Especially to someone as unworthy as Miss Elizabeth.”

“If you keep hoping for him to notice you, I fear that you will be greatly disappointed.”

“She is the one who will be disappointed. And her scheming mother.”

“There is that nice Mr. Fanshawe who admires you so much.”

“His estate is nothing compared to Pemberley, and he doesn’t have any important friends or relatives worth speaking of. I want to call an earl uncle and dine with the aristocracy.”

“So did I once,” Mrs. Hurst said wistfully. “But eventually one learns to settle for less.”

“I refuse to settle. I intend to be mistress of Pemberley, and no one is going to stand in my way.”