Page 20 of Missing

"Because he is severe and arrogant, so full of himself.

He is also a tradesman; if you marry him, you must live in the city.

You know how much you love life in the country.

Lizzy, I hope you are not so desperate to leave home that you accepted the first man who proposed.

Your mother can be troublesome, but you may ignore her as I do. "

"Father, I love William and am willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to be with him. He is serious, but he is not haughty."

"Lizzy, do not make the mistake I made. Dalton is handsome, I grant you, and he looks like a prince from a fairy tale—but that does not last, daughter…"

"Father, I love him and wish to marry him."

"I have given him my consent, and if you are so determined, then marry him. But when you regret it, remember that your father tried to dissuade you," Mr. Bennet concluded. "One more thing—say nothing to your mother until I speak with her."

"Very well, Father."

Elizabeth left the study somewhat disappointed. She did not understand why her father had spoken so vehemently against William, but he had granted his consent, and that was, for now, all that truly mattered.

◆◆◆

"I swear to you, Louisa, I cannot endure another day in this place. As soon as Charles is married, I shall return to London and forget all these vulgar people," Caroline exclaimed in exasperation.

"I understand, Caroline, but you know very well that we cannot leave Charles at the mercy of those people," Louisa replied, attempting to calm her sister.

Mr. Hurst was seated in one of the armchairs, half asleep, while he listened to the conversation between his wife and her sister.

He had not noticed when they returned and had not had time to withdraw to his chamber.

Henry Hurst was the second son of a reasonably prosperous landed gentleman.

From an early age, his parents had indulged him, unable to do the same for his elder brother, who was obliged to learn responsibility as the future heir of the estate.

Thus, Henry had always been amiable and accustomed to obtaining whatever he desired without much exertion.

He was content with his present situation; his father still allowed him a monthly sum, and Louisa's dowry, invested in funds, produced a second income.

Yet he knew, as did his wife and sister-in-law, that their style of life was costly, and that they depended upon Charles and his fortune to sustain it.

His brother-in-law was a good-natured fellow, and Henry liked him. But Charles had never learnt to do anything of consequence, and Henry hoped he would soon discover his place in life, for no fortune, however great, lasts forever.

Louisa could be agreeable and kind when not under Caroline's influence; her sister's presence was the only reason she was not entirely accepted in society.

More than she realised, Caroline was regarded as a social climber and universally disliked.

The only one who tolerated her was Mr. Darcy, and that solely from respect for the late Mr. Bingley.

"I cannot believe that Eliza Bennet will marry a tradesman. Another merchant in our new connections," Caroline said with disdain.

"Do not be so hasty, Caroline. Mr. Dalton may have come for another reason. Apparently, his mother is a family friend," Louisa added.

"I hope you are right, Louisa. I do not know why, but I do not trust that man."

"Why, Caroline? You do not even know him!"

"Because he is from Manchester, and I do not like people from that uncivilised city."

Mr. Hurst roused himself and asked, with interest, "Are you speaking of William Dalton?"

"Yes, do you know him?" Caroline and Louisa inquired together.

"Yes, he was my classmate at Oxford. A tall fellow, very serious but honourable, and an excellent scholar, though a little prudish. If he is Eliza's intended, I must say she has chosen well. He is the son of a prosperous tradesman and, I believe, his sole heir."

"I do not care whether he is rich or poor, provided they keep away from us," Caroline declared furiously. She was incensed that Elizabeth should have a wealthy and handsome husband while she remained single.

"Dalton is the sort of businessman who is proud of his trade and content with it. He does not desperately seek to force himself into higher circles," Mr. Hurst observed, silencing his sister-in-law.

Caroline ignored his remark and concluded, "We must contrive to remove Jane from all those people if we do not wish to be tainted by their influence."

Mr. Hurst excused himself and went in search of his brother-in-law to discuss more agreeable subjects, while Caroline and Louisa continued their conversation for half an hour, plotting their schemes.

◆◆◆

William returned to Longbourn as soon as he could, eager to see Elizabeth.

He longed to converse with her and remain by her side for as long as possible.

She was now officially his betrothed, and the thought filled him with such excitement that, once he had changed his clothes, he could not wait another moment to be near the woman he loved.

Elizabeth was equally delighted and dressed in one of her finest gowns to look her best for William. Her happiness was such that she paid no attention to Lydia and Kitty's quarrels, Jane's indifference, or her mother's poor nerves.

When she had arranged her hair and attire, Elizabeth went to the drawing-room to await William. Fortunately, her beloved did not keep her long. He arrived half an hour before the other guests, and as no one else was yet ready, they enjoyed several minutes alone.

As soon as Mr. Hill ushered Mr. Dalton in, Elizabeth greeted him with a smile, and they sat beside one another. William took Elizabeth's hand in his and, from time to time, kissed it affectionately.

"William, I never thought you would be so tender. At first glance, you seem cold and distant. I like that you are so attentive," Elizabeth said, blushing slightly.

"My dear, I did not know I could be so romantic either. You are the first woman I have ever loved and the one with whom I wish to share the rest of my life," William replied, his voice trembling with emotion.

They said little else, but looked at each other, caressed, exchanged smiles, and kissed each other's hands. Yet their tender moment was interrupted by Lydia and Kitty, who entered the room still quarrelling.

"That lace is mine; I bought it with the money I saved for two weeks. Give it back, Lydia!" Kitty cried in exasperation.

"I am sorry, Kitty, but I found it on my bedroom floor, so I thought you would not use it. Besides, it looks far better on me than on you," Lydia retorted.

"That is not true; you are a thief!" Kitty exclaimed, almost in tears.

"You envy me because all the officers are in love with me. They all say I am the prettiest and the most agreeable of all my sisters," Lydia mocked.

Elizabeth and William rose when the girls entered. Elizabeth could not help but feel embarrassed by Lydia's bold remarks and intervened.

"Kitty, Lydia, pray, behave. Do you not see that we have a visitor?"

Kitty blushed and fell silent, but Lydia, with affected civility, approached William. "I am sorry, sir; we did not see you," she said in a mocking tone, clearly showing she cared little for his opinion.

Elizabeth thought she would die of mortification at her sister's behaviour.

"Lydia, this is Mr. William Dalton, aunt Gardiner's nephew.

Mr. Dalton, these are my younger sisters, Kitty and Lydia.

" Elizabeth hoped William would remember all she had told him in her letter, so he would be prepared for her family.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dalton. Do you not think this lace looks very pretty on my dress?" Lydia asked, glancing at Kitty.

William's expression did not change, and he answered politely but curtly, "I cannot say, Miss Lydia; I know very little of fashion."

Kitty greeted William, but Lydia, offended by his indifference, withdrew abruptly, and Kitty followed to continue their dispute.

Fortunately, the Gardiners soon arrived, congratulating the couple on their engagement, and they conversed pleasantly for a time.

Yet the calm was short-lived, for Mr. Bingley and his family soon entered, immediately drawing all attention.

Jane hastened to the drawing-room to greet them, but she did nothing to restrain her future sisters-in-law's inappropriate comments.

Mr. Hurst greeted William, who recognised him as a distant acquaintance from Oxford, and they spoke briefly of their time there.

In spite of herself, Caroline could not take her eyes off William.

There was something irresistible in his appearance, a refined air combined with his composure and self-assurance.

Soon after, Mr. and Mrs. Philips, Mrs. Bennet, Kitty, and Lydia joined the company, and the room descended into chaos.

Mary, wishing to contribute, sat at the piano and began to sing. Unfortunately, her performance was poor; she struck false notes repeatedly and sang out of tune. The Bingley sisters did not conceal their distaste and even laughed openly at the absurdity of the spectacle.

At last, Mr. Bennet entered the drawing-room and interrupted Mary rather rudely, provoking fresh laughter from Caroline and Louisa. William was both surprised and displeased, yet he restrained himself, unwilling to heighten Elizabeth's mortification.

When the Lucases arrived, Mrs. Bennet ushered all the guests to the dining table, eager to display that although Charlotte would be mistress of Longbourn, her daughter Jane would become the wife of a wealthy gentleman and mistress of a far greater estate.

But Mr. Bennet had reserved a particular surprise. He chose that very moment to announce Elizabeth's engagement, partly to amuse himself with his wife's inevitable outburst. Raising his glass, he called for silence.

"Dear family and friends, before we begin our meal, I wish to propose a toast to my daughter Jane and her future husband, and to wish them every happiness."

"I am sure they will be most happy; my dear Mr. Bingley is such a fine gentleman, and my daughter so very beautiful. They make the loveliest couple—"

"Mrs. Bennet, pray do not interrupt; I have not finished," Mr. Bennet said with some annoyance.

"I also wish to announce Lizzy's betrothal to Mr. Dalton, and to toast their future happiness," Mr. Bennet added, winking at Elizabeth.

"WHAT?" cried Mrs. Bennet. "Hill, bring me my salts—Hill! Another daughter betrothed… Lizzy, you rebellious girl, why did you not tell me anything?"

"Mother, I wished to tell you tomorrow, because—" Elizabeth tried to calm her, but her mother was too overcome.

"Two married daughters! My dear Mr. Dalton, thank you for accepting Lizzy.

I promise she shall behave well and make you a good wife.

Lizzy, promise me you shall not contradict Mr. Dalton as you do me.

" Mrs. Bennet spoke so rapidly and incessantly that it was impossible to follow her thoughts or feelings.

The company offered their congratulations to Elizabeth and William amidst Mrs. Bennet's exclamations, entirely forgetting that the dinner had been arranged in Jane and Charles's honour. Caroline, seated beside Jane, perceived her sister-in-law's disquiet and seized the opportunity to sow discord.

"I am sorry, Jane. I never imagined Eliza could be so inconsiderate as to ask your father to announce her engagement at a dinner given in your honour. Undoubtedly, she wished for all the attention."

Jane said nothing, but her wounded heart told her that her beloved sister had changed for the worse.

William, meanwhile, was furious with Mr. Bennet for making such an announcement without consulting them. They had intended to declare it privately the next day. What enraged him most, however, was Mr. Bennet's triumphant air as he laughed at his wife's agitation.

When at last the excitement subsided, dinner was served. William observed that Elizabeth scarcely touched her food, though it was delicious. She was overwhelmed with shame at her family's conduct.

"My dear," William whispered, "you must try the meat; it is excellent."

"I am not hungry, thank you," Elizabeth replied softly.

"Elizabeth, never doubt how much I love you," William said, smiling as he caressed her hand beneath the table. "Taste the meat, my love, and let nothing trouble you."

"Thank you, William," Elizabeth whispered, comforted.

While this tender exchange passed between them, Jane looked at Elizabeth with anger, and Caroline regarded William with curious eyes.