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Elizabeth laughed. “I confess I would not be tempted by a Mr Bingley. He is a good match for Jane but not for me.”
“Then a Mr Collins?” her father teased her.
“Mr Collins might be an interesting choice, but I am sure Lady Catherine would never approve of me.”
“Probably not.”
“Papa, may I ask why you are going to Netherfield tomorrow?”
“I was invited,” he said simply. “And I am curious to see the library — for more reasons than it being the site of your unfortunate meeting with Mr Darcy. I am sure I shall find some books that I might borrow from Mr Bingley.”
“I see. I am relieved you are not going there on account of me. The library is a pleasant room, though perhaps not as rich in volumes as you hope, and I have to tell you, except for Mr Darcy, nobody ever used it while I stayed there.”
“How interesting that I have something in common with Mr Darcy, even if it is only our enjoyment of reading.”
“Yes, very interesting. Perhaps you might ask his opinion on how to improve Longbourn’s income. I hear he is quite an expert in the matter. He might offer you some valuable suggestions,” Elizabeth said with a wink.
“Ha! I have no more desire to ask him such a question than he has to answer it. I would not want to give him more reasons to disapprove of our family, at least until Mr Bingley proposes to Jane. If only he would…”
Her father’s good humour brought Elizabeth some peace, and with her earlier concerns appearing now in a new light, she found the strength to dismiss them. Another good sleep would surely help her forget the entire incident. She had been so distressed about the situation that she could hardly believe it had been only two days since the Dunnroys’ arrival at Netherfield and her encounter in the library with Mr Darcy.
***
The next morning found Elizabeth rested and in a much better disposition. The conversation with her father the previous night had been truly helpful and had convinced her that most of her misery had been unfounded.
At breakfast, Mr Collins expressed his displeasure at not being invited to Netherfield by scarcely engaging in any conversation, which pleased his companions exceedingly. As soon as he finished eating, he left for Lucas Lodge, where, as he mentioned pointedly, he was certain he would be most welcome. Nobody argued; Mrs Bennet just wished him a pleasant visit.
Once the clergyman left, Mr Bennet prepared for his own visit. However, a disruption arrived in the form of an agitated Mrs Phillips.
“Sister, I came to warn you! Last night we had guests for dinner, and it seems the whole of Meryton is talking about what happened between Lizzy and Mr Darcy.”
“Oh Lord!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “Enough of this nonsense!”
“Nonsense or not, people are talking, and they are not saying good things! We all know that gentlemen of consequence often amuse themselves by seducing and trifling with girls of lower station!”
“You may assure everyone that I was neither seduced nor trifled with,” Elizabeth said sharply. “If only people would use the little wit and common sense they possess, they would realise as much.”
“Mrs Phillips, I have already discussed this matter with Sir William,” Mr Bennet interjected. “Let us not open the subject again. Perhaps I should suggest that Mr Darcy challenges everybody who gossips about him to a duel. In fact, I shall do that. I hope the good people of Meryton are prepared to fight.”
“Oh, Mr Bennet, this is no time for jokes!” Mrs Phillips replied. “I was talking to Mrs Long last night about how these rumours might ruin your family. You have five daughters and were unlikely to find good husbands for all of them before all this. With such a burden, they will all remain spinsters!”
“I do not want to be a spinster!” Lydia immediately cried; Kitty joined her, and the room was filled with their wailing.
“You should take advantage of this situation and demand Mr Darcy marry Lizzy!” Mrs Phillips suggested.
“What?” Elizabeth burst out. “Have you all lost your minds?”
“Lizzy! Mind your words, child,” Mr Bennet said gently.
“We should all mind our words!” Elizabeth replied, rage flooding her body. “Those I believed cared about me have turned a trifle into a scandal! You, Aunt, should have silenced them instead of indulging in the gossip.”
“The truth is, Sister, I do not believe it either,” Mrs Bennet said. “Let us be honest, we all love Lizzy, but we know she is not a perfect beauty, capable of charming a man who may have any woman. Not to mention she is vexatious and insolent…”
“Yes, thank you, Mama, for being reasonable,” Elizabeth replied with a wry smile.
Mrs Phillips was unconvinced. “I am not saying that Mr Darcy succeeded in seducing Lizzy — but he might have attempted to. Mr Wickham, who has known Mr Darcy since they were children, says he has always been tempted by what he cannot easily have.”
“Well, I cannot argue with that,” Mrs Bennet responded, then almost whispered to herself, “On further reflection, we should not dismiss the idea so easily.”
