Page 11 of Look on the Heart (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #10)
The eldest daughter is Miss Jane Bennet, who, as I mentioned, has drawn Bingley’s attention.
She is not unlike you—tall, fair, graceful—and beautiful.
Miss Bennet appears to return his admiration, and I am pleased for them both.
Should his sisters attempt interference, I shall give him my opinion.
Though she is reserved, I believe Miss Bennet holds Charles in esteem.
However, they have known one another less than a month, so perhaps I speak too hastily.
Miss Mary Bennet is the third daughter. She plays the pianoforte and prefers quiet pursuits.
I know little more. Her two younger sisters, Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia, are seventeen and fifteen.
Both are lively, though sorely lacking in propriety.
It is not my place to speak harshly, but I am compelled to mention that they seem ill-prepared for society.
I hope their behavior does not bring distress to the household.
Now, to the lady you most wish to hear of.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet is the second daughter.
She has dark, curling hair that catches the sunlight with glints of chestnut, and fine eyes—lively and intelligent, framed by long lashes—which seem to always be alight with wit and good humor.
She is, I am told, an excellent walker—and I can now attest to the truth of it, for I encountered her only this morning while riding. We spoke for a time.
Dear sister, never has a lady captivated me more.
She is a breath of fresh air, and I find I admire her deeply.
Though I do not yet feel it is time to request a formal courtship, I do intend to pursue Miss Elizabeth in earnest, and if I may be so fortunate, to one day call her my wife.
Never have I felt so unprepared, so unworthy.
How could such a beautiful, charming, and intelligent woman choose me when others—more handsome and affable—might court her instead?
Yet my impression is that she is not one to be swayed by such things.
If I am so blessed as to earn her favor, she will be Mrs. Darcy ere the Season begins.
Now, I must close. Bingley wishes to call at Longbourn this afternoon, and I am no less eager than he. When I next write, I shall tell you more of Miss Elizabeth. For now, I remain
Your affectionate brother,
F. Darcy
He sanded and sealed the letter. Darcy’s heart felt uncommonly light—more so than it had in many months.
Georgiana would recover, and so, he believed, would he.
Picking up the missive to place it on the salver, he left his room for the second time that morning.
Bingley and his sisters were likely already at table.
“Darcy!” Bingley called as he entered the breakfast room. “Have you already eaten? I would wager you were out and about before dawn. How do you do it, man? We did not return to Netherfield until quite late.”
“I suppose ’tis borne of years of habit.” Darcy joined them at the table, intending only to have a cup of tea while they dined.
“You are looking well this morning, sir.” Miss Bingley leaned over and touched his hand lightly before taking a piece of toast from the plate in front of him.
“That waistcoat is very fine.” Her gaze swept over him.
Darcy noted the brief wince she barely managed to conceal as her eyes landed on the scar and crooked line of his nose.
“Thank you, Miss Bingley,” he replied politely, his tone neutral.
He was well aware of his appearance and had no need for empty flattery.
Recalling Miss Elizabeth’s refreshing honesty that morning made him smile, and he quickly masked it behind a cup of tea, lest Miss Bingley think it meant for her.
“Will you come with me to Longbourn?” Bingley asked. “Louisa and Caroline claim they are otherwise engaged this afternoon.”
“Goodness, Charles, must you pester Mr. Darcy?” Miss Bingley scolded her brother. “I am certain he has other matters requiring his attention. Why would he wish to call at Longbourn?”
“On the contrary, Miss Bingley,” Darcy returned smoothly, “I completed my correspondence after my ride. I am quite at leisure. Mr. Bennet invited me to call, and I cannot disappoint him.”
“Capital!” Bingley cried. “Let us take the carriage, shall we? I have no desire to arrive smelling of horse.” He grinned before shoveling a forkful of eggs into his mouth.
“I shall be ready whenever you say the word,” Darcy replied. “I confess, I am eager to test my chess skills against Mr. Bennet. He claims to be a master.”
“Just like you, to go for chess rather than to see the ladies.” Bingley teased with a snort.
Miss Bingley’s reply was high-pitched and slightly frantic. “Charles, do not be absurd. You are the only one throwing yourself at a Bennet. Mr. Darcy has no interest in seeing ladies,” she said desperately. “Is that not right, sir?”
Darcy could not suppress a grin as he took another sip of tea. The poor lady was destined for disappointment, for he was as eager as her brother to see one of the ladies of Longbourn.