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M r. Bennet stared at Mr. Darcy. “Marry? Lizzy? But – I understood that the two of you did not like one another! What was it you said at the assembly? Something about her being merely tolerable? I heard the story repeated again and again.”

Mr. Darcy reddened. “That was long ago, Mr. Bennet. My opinion is now much altered.”

“But when did you see one another? Ah, yes, at Rosings.”

“Yes, and then again at Pemberley, when she came with the Gardiners.”

“And these interactions have resulted in a change of opinion, has it?”

“My opinion had changed long before we met at Rosings, Mr. Bennet.”

“You are rather behind your time in expressing your sentiments, if that is the case.”

Mr. Darcy hardly knew how to respond.

Mr. Bennet continued, “And have you reason to believe that my daughter returns your sentiments?”

“I have hopes in that regard, I must admit.”

“You have some difficulties in your path, do you not? Ah, thus your particular interest in finding Lydia. It all comes together now.”

“I hope to remedy my fault, Mr. Bennet, not just – “

“Yes, yes, to remedy your fault in not telling us of Mr. Wickham’s habits. I understand completely.”

“Will I encounter any difficulties in obtaining your consent to marry your daughter, Mr. Bennet?”

Mr. Bennet peered at Mr. Darcy over his glasses. “She is in mourning, you know.”

“I am quite aware; I believe we must wait at least six months so as not to cause talk. I hope we can wed in early February. ”

“If Lydia’s true situation is discovered before then, will this alter your plans with respect to Lizzy?”

“No, though I hope very much that your daughters’ reputations may be preserved.

Miss Bennet will be married to Mr. Bingley – at least, that is my understanding – regardless of Miss Bennet’s reputation.

I plan to marry Miss Elizabeth, despite the fact that my family will be distressed if there is any stain upon her character.

But I would not want Miss Mary’s or Miss Kitty’s chances to be ruined. ”

“Your family will disapprove, will they?”

“My aunt and uncle, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, are rather particular in matters of birth and reputation.”

“Rather high in the instep, then.”

“Well, I suppose that is one way of describing them. They are heavily involved in politics, and that makes my wife’s reputation of some importance. Moreover, I have a younger sister who has not yet made her come-out. If I have a wife of questionable reputation…” He trailed off.

Mr. Bennet nodded. “Well, then, it appears that I may count on your support with regard to Lydia.”

“You may indeed, sir, in every particular.”