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She could not afford the luxury of returning their impudence, since they might have a closer connection with Jane in the future — if Mr Bingley would make such a decision against his sisters’ wishes. The perfidious pair were certainly capable of employing any trick to quash his admiration. And Mr Darcy, the friend Mr Bingley so much admired and trusted, did not seem encouraging of the relationship either.
It was some consolation, however, that the Bingley sisters did not seem great favourites of either Lord Dunnroy or Lady Cecilia. The latter found obvious pleasure in teasing them, and Elizabeth could not say she found it undeserved or unsatisfying.
“Miss Bennet?” She startled, spinning round to find the owner of the deep voice only inches away.
“Mr Darcy! I was just returning to the party.”
“You are expected.”
“And you? Are you retiring for the night?”
“Not at all. I just suffered a small accident and had to change my shirt.”
She was disconcerted for a moment, then her cheeks warmed. It was a detail she did not particularly wish to know.
They walked together down the staircase.
“Your sister is well, I hope?” he enquired.
“Yes, thank you. She was just a little tired. Her illness has left her weak, and she requires more rest than usual.”
“Perfectly understandable,” he agreed, while Elizabeth wondered about his friendliness. Was his concern truly genuine?
When they entered the drawing room together, all eyes turned towards them.
“Miss Bennet, do come in. Would you like to join us for cards? We are about to set out the tables,” Lady Cecilia said.
“No, thank you. But I shall take great pleasure in watching you,” Elizabeth answered.
“As I declared the other evening, Miss Eliza prefers reading to playing cards. She is a great reader and despises any sort of games,” Miss Bingley said, casting a sideways glance at her sister, who smiled into her teacup.
“As I explained the other evening,” Elizabeth responded, trying to maintain a light tone, “I do love to read, but I would not call myself a great reader. As for games, I certainly do not despise them, but I am not in the right disposition presently.”
“I am quite certain Miss Bennet clarified this subject last evening,” Mr Darcy interjected, his gaze on Miss Bingley. “But perhaps you wished her to repeat it in order that my cousins understand too.”
His statement was polite, his composure calm, but somewhere in his tone was a trace of mockery that Elizabeth did not miss. Neither did Miss Bingley, whose cheeks turned a mottled pink.
“Lord Dunnroy, I was wondering…” Mr Bingley began. “I plan to host a ball at the end of this month. If you have no other plans, I would be honoured if you could attend.”
“A ball? How lovely. But unfortunately, we do have plans. We shall only stay here for a few days, until our carriage is repaired. But once you have settled the date, let us know. We might be able to return,” the viscount answered after exchanging a glance with his wife.
“I am not sure whether a ball would be a good idea,” Miss Bingley interjected. “It was a rash promise my brother was pressed into making, and not all of us are happy with the prospect.”
Again, Elizabeth felt the offence, even though it was somehow just. Lydia had been the one to insist upon a ball, and indeed, Mr Bingley had seen little choice but to agree.
“Well, Miss Bingley,” Lady Cecilia interjected, “your brother is the master of the house, so the decision belongs to him. As long as he is happy with his own choice, he is entitled to it. This may apply to the ball or any other circumstance.”
“But surely we are entitled to advise him!” Miss Bingley insisted. “There are times when we, as his sisters, as well as Mr Darcy as his closest friend, do not agree with him!”
“You certainly may advise him. And you should,” Lady Cecilia agreed. “But he may accept or dismiss your advice as he pleases. That is the benefit of being the master, after all. Would you not agree, Darcy?”
Elizabeth, watching the exchange with amusement and interest, turned to Mr Darcy, who appeared disconcerted by the direct question.
“I do agree,” he finally answered. “However, there are times when a man, whether he is the master or not, should have the wisdom to listen to the suggestions of others, especially when he is certain those people have his best interests in mind.”
“And how can one be certain whose interests his advisers have in mind?” Lord Dunnroy enquired, filling his glass once again. “Most of the time, people who advise others have their own interests in mind, one way or another.”
“Bingley can have no reason to doubt my motives,” Mr Darcy answered firmly.
