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“Really? Why is that? You mentioned you were not on friendly terms, but I have not noticed that.”
“Mr Darcy and I try to conceal our mutual dislike behind polite manners, but…” She hesitated a moment before adding, “Just so your ladyship has an accurate image of the situation, I shall mention that I first met Mr Darcy at an assembly where it was suggested he dance with me. He declined loudly, proclaiming I was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him. So you can imagine how little inclined he would be to meet me in private, even if I was the sort of woman to seek his company — which is not the case.”
Elizabeth spoke lightly, but Lady Cecilia frowned before her expression changed to one of incredulity and she laughed again.
“You should not take it personally. When I first met Darcy, my mother suggested he would be a desirable future husband, and I did not argue as I found him handsome and well educated. I spent a whole evening attempting to persuade him to ask me to dance, and I failed. Which was fortunate, as I danced two sets with Lord Dunnroy instead and married him three months later.”
“I am glad your ladyship understands my meaning,” Elizabeth said, finally breathing with relief.
“I do…and the more I consider it, the more convinced I am that Darcy would not engage in an inappropriate encounter with any woman in his friend’s library. He would do what most men do — find a discreet location, away from curious eyes, to indulge himself and avoid scandal.”
At that, the lady’s smile broadened, while Elizabeth’s cheeks flamed; talking about Mr Darcy in such a manner with a titled woman who was practically a stranger to her was almost as mortifying as being caught with him in the library. Almost, but not quite. As embarrassing as the discussion was, it led to only one conclusion: Mr Darcy could not have been a willing participant in their late-night meeting. It had merely been an unfortunate accident which should be forgotten soon.
“Good. I am glad we have cleared up this misunderstanding. My husband told me a maid was present too. I shall talk to her and insist upon her discretion.”
“I am deeply obliged to you, Lady Cecilia.”
“Do not mention it. I appreciate you indulging me with this conversation, Miss Bennet. I hope to see you again soon.”
“Thank you for taking the trouble to clarify the matter with me, your ladyship. I look forward to seeing you again.” Elizabeth curtseyed and left the room.
Five
Mrs Bennet was more delighted to see Mr Bingley at Longbourn than her own daughters. She proclaimed that Jane still looked unwell and should have stayed in bed for a few more days.
“Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth expressed their desire to return home. They would have been welcome to remain at Netherfield for as long as they wished,” Mr Bingley said.
“I know that, sir! You have always been exceedingly kind and amiable towards us, but they are both stubborn — especially Lizzy — and Jane, despite her sweet nature, tends to listen to her sister more than her mother.”
“Mama, I am very well. Even Mr Jones said as much. We could not abuse Mr Bingley’s hospitality any longer,” Jane replied.
“Your presence has been a pleasure for all of us,” Mr Bingley said. “Even Lord Dunnroy and Lady Cecilia enjoyed your company very much.”
“Lord Dunnroy and Lady Cecilia?” Mrs Bennet repeated. “Who are they?”
“Our most recent guests. They just arrived yesterday. Lord Dunnroy is the eldest son of Lord Matlock, Darcy’s uncle.”
“Oh? Mr Darcy’s uncle is a lord? And his cousin too?” Mrs Bennet enquired with increasing interest. “And they are at Netherfield and enjoyed my daughters’ company?”
“Who?” Mr Bennet asked, entering the room. “Mr Bingley, how nice to see you again. I assume you escorted Lizzy and Jane home. May I offer you a drink?”
“No, thank you, sir. I must return to Netherfield, as I am expected.”
“A Lord Dunnroy and his wife are visiting Mr Bingley, Mr Bennet,” his wife informed him. “He is Mr Darcy’s cousin!”
“How lovely,” Mr Bennet replied sternly.
Soon, Mr Bingley took his farewell, asking permission to call again soon.
“I might bring some company on my next call, if you do not mind.”
“Mind? You are always welcome, sir, either alone or with as many others as you like!” Mrs Bennet assured him. “But what about the ball? Will you have one, after all?”
“Very likely, ma’am. You will be among the first to know,” the gentleman said with a glance at Jane, then left the house.
“Oh, girls, I could not be happier!” Mrs Bennet burst out. “So these Dunnroys approved of you, Jane? How lovely it would be if we could meet them. Mr Bingley wishes to call again — I wonder whom he might bring with him? Probably his sisters. He will host a ball for you, though, Jane. There is no doubt about that!”
“Mama, you assume much more than there is,” Jane answered. “Mr Bingley might host a ball, but it will certainly not be for me! Please stop saying that. As for the Dunnroys, I was in company with them only during last evening’s dinner. Then I retired for the night. They mostly approved of Lizzy, who found them on her way to Oakham Mount and took them to Netherfield. Is that not so, Lizzy?”
