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His serious statement caused Lady Matlock to frown, but Lord Matlock replied, “I fully agree with Darcy. We should leave them be to do as they please.”

“Mrs. Gardiner is such a pleasant lady,” Georgiana interjected, changing the subject. “I enjoyed talking to her exceedingly.”

“So did I,” Lady Matlock agreed. “She is surprisingly well educated, very fashionable, and speaks easily about various subjects, from the theatre and the opera to politics. And her nieces are pleasant girls too. I have to say, even though the eldest Miss Bennet is one of the most beautiful young women I have met, I quite favour Miss Elizabeth. She is clever, witty, spirited, and not afraid to express her opinion on any matter.”

“So do I,” Darcy replied absently, then his heart stopped at the stupidity of his own words. He quickly added, “I spent a few days at Netherfield in Miss Elizabeth’s company, and I agree with my aunt’s description of her.”

“Miss Elizabeth sounds like just my kind of lady!” Colonel Fitzwilliam said. “I prefer spirited young women. I must find a way to meet her.”

“Very few ladies are not your kind of lady, Geoffrey.” Lady Matlock rolled her eyes. “You should decide on one and finally marry, as you are not so young any longer. Your father already had two children at your age. But Miss Elizabeth lacks something that is very important for you — money.”

“How unfortunate,” the colonel replied. Both he and Lady Matlock spoke in jest, which irritated Darcy.

“Darcy, there is something that intrigued me,” Lady Matlock continued. “I received the impression that Miss Elizabeth is not very fond of you. At some point, she mentioned that you were more enemies than friends and that you are her severest critic.”

“Yes, well…as you said, Miss Elizabeth has a tendency to tease and sometimes say things she does not truly believe.”

“So you are calling her a liar?”

“Not at all. Only a tease. You should not take her words in earnest.”

“I am not sure about that. She seemed very serious. She also mentioned your dislike of dancing, which is not a surprise to anyone in London and apparently in Derbyshire either.”

“Just to prove you wrong, I shall mention that I did dance with Miss Elizabeth at a ball Bingley hosted.”

“Did you? How lovely. I might have been wrong, then. However, even when she said it was unlikely that you would call on the Gardiners, there was a trace of irony in her voice. I only tell you all this because I was intrigued and amused. This is the first time I have seen a young woman who is not struggling to gain your attention and to flatter you.”

“Dear aunt, we both know that statement is an exaggeration,” Darcy replied, and the Matlocks laughed again.

“So, will you go with Bingley tomorrow?” the colonel asked. “If you do, I should like to go too. For no other reason than mere curiosity.”

“I probably will. Bingley needs some support,” Darcy replied. His answer surprised even himself; it was as if his mind had made a decision against his will. “However, please do not take offence, Cousin, but I believe it would be better if we are not too many at this particular call. I noticed Miss Bennet was quite distressed when she saw Bingley. Perhaps we should allow her a little time to compose herself. And you may call with Bingley the next time.”

“That is a sensible suggestion that I utterly support,” Lady Matlock agreed.

Once he returned home, Darcy had another agitated evening. The certainty that he would see Elizabeth again the next day was disquieting. Lady Matlock’s claims about Elizabeth not liking him, even though he had dismissed them at first, troubled him. Not for a moment had he imagined Elizabeth’s opinion of him could be anything other than good. What could have prompted her to say they were enemies?

It was amusing how Elizabeth had made a favourable impression on Lady Matlock too. Her character, her wit, and her mind were worthy of admiration by anyone honest enough to recognise worthiness. Of course his aunt liked Elizabeth, but she would surely disapprove if she knew of Darcy’s admiration for her. And she would surely oppose a possible connection with Elizabeth and her family. It was a matter that Darcy had reflected upon countless times. Elizabeth herself was everything he had ever wanted in a woman. She would certainly suit him as his wife. But her situation in life was an obstacle against her becoming Mrs. Darcy. It was a position that required more than his admiration and affection; he had to consider his duty and his family’s expectations. The lady he did marry, eventually, would certainly not bring him the joy that he felt at the thought of seeing Elizabeth again the next morning.

***

“Darcy, I am grateful to you for coming with me,” Bingley said in the carriage. “I am nervous, and I know I shall behave like a fool. I cannot believe I shall see Miss Bennet again.”

I cannot either, Darcy thought to himself. “Bingley, may I ask — did you tell your sisters about Miss Bennet?”

“I did not. Caroline really brings me to the edge of my patience whenever she hears about the Bennets. But what I find even stranger is that she disapproves of my affection for Miss Bennet but seems to dislike Miss Elizabeth even more, and I do not know why!”

I do, Darcy thought, recollecting the evening when he had told Miss Bingley about Miss Elizabeth’s fine eyes. That had been another careless imprudence, just as it had been to tell the colonel about Bingley and Miss Bennet.

“There is something you should know, and I believe it is better you find out now, as I expect it will be mentioned during your visit and might anger you.”

“What is it?”

“Well…I have reason to believe that Miss Bennet and her aunt also visited your sisters yesterday, not just Lady Matlock.”

Bingley stared at him in disbelief, then frowned, blinking repeatedly.

“What do you mean? She was in my house? When?”