Page 6

Throughout dinner, Darcy made an effort to return the conversation around him, even with Lady Lucas. For some reason, she was fixated on a possible new carriage horse for the Bennet family. What he found interesting was that Miss Elizabeth did not fawn over him. Most female dinner companions he was accustomed to would try to garner his attention. She did not.

When Darcy had an opportunity from a lull in the conversations around them, he asked the question that kept coming to mind.

“What is the other flaw your mother believes you to have?” He asked quietly, almost in a whisper.

“Should it be only one more, I would be fortunate indeed,” she laughed. “There are a handful or two at least, and you don’t have to whisper as she makes them well known so all those at the table have heard them many times.”

“That is rather severe, but one or two will suffice. For now.” He also wondered why her mother would be so vocal about them.

“Are you trying to sketch my character?”

“I am trying to make small talk, as you suggested.”

“Oh yes, of course. She thinks I laugh too much which I believe we talked indirectly about it at the assembly.” He nodded. “Let’s see. I would have to say walking, next.”

“Walking? How can that be a flaw?”

“I enjoy a good long walk, and she is of the opinion that it is unbecoming to wander about the countryside enjoying nature.”

Darcy was contemplating a response when Sir William gently tapped his glass with his spoon as he stood.

“May I have your attention?” The room went quiet except for one voice. Darcy looked across the table to see Miss Lydia still in excited conversation with the next eldest sister. The father cleared his throat, and her prattling abruptly ended.

“As some of you might have heard rumors,” he said, looking at his wife, “that a regiment of militia will be billeting here for their winter encampment.”

Murmurs went around the table as just about everyone had heard. Sir William again looked at his wife, the wind having been taken out of his sails.

“I only told one person,” she muttered as she glared at Mrs Bennet.

“I can happily say, it is true. The advance party of officers shall be here within the week. The rest of the regiment will follow soon after. I understand that the higher-ranking officers will be looking for billeting in private homes.”

There was a piercing screech of excitement was quickly followed by a stern “Lydia.” The room then erupted into a cacophony of speculation on what it meant for the neighborhood. The gentleman speculated on the revenue infusion into the community. The ladies discussed the profusion of new dance partners and potential husbands.

With the separation of the sexes, the gentlemen poured whiskey, and the conversation returned to the militia regiment. Darcy was attentive to the discussion while Bingley went from glancing at his watch to looking at the door. The gentlemen then went to the more pressing matter for those with daughters.

“What say you, Mr Darcy, on the quality of the officers.”

“The officers I am personally acquainted with are in the regulars. Like them, commissions in the militia must still be purchased, so many come from families of some means, for the most part.”

Darcy thought back to some of the nights out with his cousin and his fellow officers. Not a subject to be relayed to concerned fathers.

“However, they are still men away from where they are known. I would not say lock your daughters up, but one must be vigilant. There are severe penalties for those who cross the bounds of propriety. The enlisted are another matter. They can be a rough lot.”

“But what of the particular officers?” Sir William asked.

“I could not say,” Darcy replied, perplexed by the question.

Sir William snapped his fingers. “Drat! Perhaps I forgot to mention they are the Derbyshire militia.”

“Again, I am sorry. I cannot help you there. When in Derbyshire, I am occupied with the business of my estate.”

“Ah, well. I suppose we shall get to know them when they arrive as I am sure there will be more than the usual number of dinner parties this year.”

Mr Bennet, observing Bingley looking at his watch again, pushed away from the table.

“I, for one, will take your advice and not lock up my daughters. If I did, I would never get a minute’s peace from the wailing and gnashing of teeth from so many females under one roof. If you gentlemen will finish your drinks, we shall rejoin the ladies.”

Bingley all but bolted for the door.

Upon entering the drawing room, Bingley made his way straight for Jane with a grin plastered on his face. Elizabeth was surprised that her mother did not jump for joy at the obvious favor the man had paid her. She could tell her mother was bursting with excitement as she went into a hushed but animated conversation with Lady Lucas.

Darcy went to the coffee table and stood there patiently for a few moments before quietly clearing his throat.

“I’m sorry. I was preoccupied and did not see you,” Elizabeth said. “Coffee or tea?”

“Coffee, one lump, please.”

After pouring the cup, Elizabeth picked up the tongs, rummaged around in the sugar basin, and emerged with a chunk.

“Will this one do?” She asked holing it out for his inspection.

He nodded. “It is adequate.”

Elizabeth dropped it in with a plop, added a spoon and handed it to him.

“I think you did exceedingly well at dinner with your small talk,” she admitted as he stirred the coffee. “You were most attentive.”

“I thought it best to make the attempt,” he replied, tapping the spoon lightly on the edge of the cup.

He was not about to tell her that he was trying to occupy his mind to keep the thought that haunted him at bay. They should have heard from Richard by now. His connections in Whitehall had told him that it was not unusual as the army on the peninsula was on campaign, and sometimes correspondence took time to catch up or was lost. He knew the first packet ship had made it to Spain. He had sent several more letters and knew formal orders for his return had also been sent.

His stoic exterior belied his inner turmoil.