His Uncle's Favorite

by Lilian, Lory

  The viscount coughed, Lady Selina and her husband chuckled, and the colonel laughed and added, “I would like to ask the same question if I may be so bold.”

  “Uncle, we all know you well enough to appreciate your humour, but I do not believe it is fair to expose Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to such a conversation. Besides, the answer is quite simple. I had the pleasure of first meeting them during an assembly, and I am sure there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that it was not my favourite pastime. More so, if I remember correctly, Miss Elizabeth heard me declare openly to Bingley that I do not enjoy dancing.”

  Mr. Darcy’s intervention and his veiled scolding of his uncle took the others by surprise. Even Elizabeth, who bore the earl’s behaviour and questions easily, was startled by Darcy’s long speech, clearly meant to protect her sensibility. Before he ended, her attention and her eyes were fixed on his face, and she could see he was, indeed, solemn. At his last words, he turned his eyes to her, and his gaze locked on hers.

  “And to Sir William, if I remember correctly,” Elizabeth added, and to her shock, she saw him puzzle a moment before a tentative smile lit his face.

  “You do remember correctly,” he answered.

  “I thank you for clarifying my dilemma, Nephew. I am also grateful that you brought the impropriety of my question to my attention. It is providential to have such a detached mind among us, always attentive to propriety and decorum. I have often wondered whether it is not tiresome to be a man without fault.”

  The earl’s reply sounded offensive, and Miss Darcy, together with Jane, stared at him in shock. Elizabeth did not know what to expect next; she looked worriedly at her aunt, but a moment later, the earl and the colonel began to laugh loudly.

  With no little wonder, Elizabeth noticed Mr. Darcy himself shaking his head in disapproval before smiling and turning to his uncle. He laughed, too, and then replied with a small voice, his eyes turned to his uncle but his words clearly directed to her.

  “I have enough faults myself, as you well know, Uncle, and I am occasionally inattentive to propriety and decorum; Miss Elizabeth must remember that, too.”

  His voice—words with hidden meaning—and smiles she had rarely seen before all suggested to Elizabeth that there could be only one reason for Mr. Darcy’s strange behaviour: he indulged himself with one glass of brandy too many before dinner! Moreover, the earl and the colonel apparently kept him company!

  The first course was served, and that briefly put an end to their conversation.

  “So, Miss Elizabeth, you met Darcy first at an assembly. That sounds like an interesting story.”

  “Yes we did, Lady Selina, but I am sorry to disappoint you. There was nothing interesting, only a common introduction,” Elizabeth said lightly.

  She was not certain whether it was only an impression or whether Mr. Darcy suddenly had become tense next to her. Was he worried, perhaps, that she would reveal more of his behaviour during the assembly ball and expose him to additional teasing from his uncle? She smiled to herself and tried to keep her eyes on her plate.

  “Well, I hope you are fond of dancing, Miss Elizabeth…both you and Miss Bennet, I mean,” the viscount intervened once more.

  “Of that, you may have no doubt, sir,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “I am proud to tell you my nieces are both proficient dancers.”

  “Excellent,” added the colonel. “I must ask for at least one dance from each of you ladies, and I intend to secure my dances this very evening.”

  Jane gave him a disconcerted look while Elizabeth began to laugh again.

  “Colonel, may I inquire once more of what ball we are talking and who will host it?”

  “My sister, Selina. It has been a family tradition for the past five years to have a ball at her house on the first evening of the New Year.”

  “Oh, I see…” Elizabeth knew very well that neither she nor Jane had the proper gowns for such an event, and it was not possible to order new dresses in such a short time. Fond of dancing or not, they would certainly not attend the ball.

  “We thank you for your kind invitation, Lady Selina, and we happily accept it,” said Mrs. Gardiner with perfect composure, and Elizabeth’s puzzlement increased.

  Even her dear aunt seemed to behave strangely that night, and everything distressed Elizabeth’s state of mind. However, she quickly decided to put aside what she could not solve immediately and pay attention to the aspects that might have a favourable resolution that evening—like discovering more about Mr. Bingley and his plans from Mr. Darcy himself. After all, she could not ignore the opportunity of having the gentleman a few inches from her all evening.

  ***

  As the second course was served, Elizabeth turned to her companion, keeping her voice as low as possible in order not to draw the attention of the others.

  “Mr. Darcy, I hope Mr. Bingley is well.”

  He hesitated a moment. “Yes, he was, the last time I saw him. Unfortunately, I have not met with him as much as I would wish to since we returned to London.”

  “I am surprised to hear that; Miss Bingley told my sister and my aunt that Mr. Bingley was very busy and closely engaged with you and Miss Darcy.”

  She did not dare meet his eyes as she spoke, but she could feel his gaze on her face. I should not have said that!

  “Miss Bingley’s estimations about certain things are not always…accurate.”

  She lifted her eyes to meet his. “That must be true as I am sure you know her very well. She declared she has been an intimate friend of your family for many years.”

  “As I said, Miss Bingley is not always accurate in her estimation of people…or situations.”

  She thought she could detect a smile and a trace of sarcasm in his voice, and she was amused, but only for a moment.

  “Miss Bingley said that Mr. Bingley does not plan on returning to Netherfield. Is this accurate, do you think?”

  “Well, I am not certain. It is very likely he will spend little time there in the future.”

  “I see…so in this, at least, Miss Bingley’s estimation seems to be accurate. Then perhaps it would be better for the neighbours that he left Netherfield.”

  “Yes, that could be one of his plans. I would not be surprised if he were to do that.”

  Elizabeth suddenly abandoned the subject and asked Lady Selina something about the theatre. The next moment, both the viscount and the colonel joined them, and the conversation became animated. She could feel Darcy’s stare and could not say whether her cheeks turned red because of him or because of the anger caused by this new revelation. So it was true that Mr. Bingley did not plan a return to Netherfield! She wondered whether Lady Selina knew the Bingleys well enough to invite them to a private ball.

  Until the end of the dinner, she did not speak directly to Mr. Darcy again. She thought of nothing but the arrogance in his voice when he informed her that Bingley had left Netherfield forever. He must rejoice in his success!

  She was angry with him and furious with herself as she was aware that she actually enjoyed speaking to him. What a mistake! Yes, he was fond of and careful with his sister. Yes, she admitted he was a clever man, well read, and well educated. Yes, he could be pleasant when he wished to be. Yes, he had been polite, even friendly, with all of them—no doubt, because the earl demanded it. But his pride and disdain for those beneath him, his selfishness in imposing his will regardless of the way his actions might affect others—these never would change!

  ***

  After dinner, the gentlemen did not retire as expected. Instead, they enjoyed their drinks in the pleasant company of the ladies.

  Elizabeth took a cup of tea and retired to a corner, trying to maintain a pleasing countenance. With no little surprise, she noticed the approach of Mr. Darcy; he asked permission to speak to her. She hesitated and looked around but could find no reason to refuse him.

  “Miss Elizabeth, may I ask whether I offended you in any way? Forgive my boldness, but I cannot ignore that I had
the pleasure of a conversation with you, and then suddenly you seemed to avoid my presence. Please allow me to apologise if—”

  “You have not offended me, sir. I thank you for your concern, but it is unnecessary.”

  “Then…are you unwell?”

  “I am very well, thank you. I just do not feel inclined to speak.”

  “I understand that but—”

  “If you will excuse me, sir, I would like a few words with my sister. Again, thank you for your concern.” She left before he could reply. She felt his gaze on her and was content. Surely, his pride could not bear the notion that she would amuse him no longer with trivial conversation about nonsense. It was such a pity that Miss Bingley was not there to mend his pen and comfort his wounded ego.

  “So, Miss Elizabeth, I hope you will not refuse to play for us! We are all eager to hear you,” said the viscount. The others pleaded with her, but she was still angry and tired. She could not play and sing for Mr. Darcy!

  “Oh, I could not… I am in no disposition to… I am sure we would all be much happier to hear Miss Darcy play. I have heard so many wonderful things about her talent that I could not possibly miss the opportunity to hear her. I am certainly not as accomplished as she is, and I would not want to ruin your evening with my performance.”

  While speaking, she took a seat near Miss Darcy and sketched a smile to her, but the girl had turned pale and was struggling to speak. As occurred earlier, the effect of her words upon Miss Darcy took Elizabeth by surprise, and she did not know what to do. She saw Miss Darcy searching the room for her brother, and once their eyes met, Mr. Darcy moved towards them.

  The earl took his niece by her shoulder. “My dearest Georgiana, nobody will force you to play, but I would be delighted to hear you. We are all family and friends here, after all, so you have nothing to fear. Unless you do not want to play for your old uncle…”

  He was coercing her with his warm words. Elizabeth could easily see that and was about to intervene, ashamed that her attempt to avoid a tiresome request had put the girl in an unpleasant situation. But her brother was there in a moment, assisting his sister as she expected.

  “I would love to hear you play if you wish to, my dear,” Darcy said gently. “And I would also love to listen to Miss Elizabeth play if she cares to indulge us.”

  His tone of his voice was different, and if a few moments earlier Elizabeth would have refused him without hesitation, she now remained silent, staring at him.

  She finally averted her eyes and looked at Miss Darcy. Their eyes met, and almost the same moment, they smiled at each other.

  “Miss Darcy, it seems useless to try to change their minds. I would suggest finding a way to sing and play together, perhaps holding hands tightly for courage.” Elizabeth laughed.

  Miss Darcy turned her wide eyes to Elizabeth and then to her brother and suddenly replied, “It might be a good idea to sing together, Miss Elizabeth; however, holding hands would make our playing at the pianoforte a bit more difficult.”

  The others stared at her in disbelief at such a playful answer, and both burst out laughing. The earl kissed her hair and then politely kissed Elizabeth’s hand.

  The colonel offered each of them an arm and took them to the pianoforte, but he soon returned to the settee as his help turning pages was not needed.

  From the corner to which he retreated after speaking with his sister, Mr. Darcy followed their performance. From time to time, Elizabeth could feel his eyes on them, and she acknowledged again his care and protection of Miss Darcy.

  They played and sang together twice, and then each of them performed one song while the other turned the pages. More than half an hour later, with many thanks from their companions, they returned to the others. Darcy remained in the corner.

  With a glass of brandy in his hand, the earl approached and took a seat near his nephew.

  “Are you enjoying the evening so far, Nephew? I certainly hope so, and I hope you have some useful observations to share with me regarding the small assignment I gave you.”

  Darcy gulped some brandy then cast a glance at the animated group.

  “I would not have suspected you to trap me this way, Uncle. I have been completely honest with you, and you hold my honesty against me and force me into this awkward situation—”

  “Of what situation are you speaking, Nephew?”

  “Come, sir, let us play games no longer. It was not fair to throw me into an unexpected meeting with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth without warning, nor was it fair for them. I feared Miss Bennet would faint when she saw us. She surely deserved no such treatment.”

  “Again, of what treatment are you speaking? Are you suddenly preoccupied with Miss Bennet’s feelings? You thought little of them a month ago.”

  “That statement is unfair, Uncle—”

  “Is it? Come, Darcy, you know I value you as much as I care for you; however, you were in error in this case. Admit it! Have you seen Miss Bennet tonight? Does she not seem like a lady who suffers from love?”

  “I was not in error. I see Miss Bennet is more shy than usual, but I also notice she is as polite and friendly as usual. Besides, all the other difficulties remain; you do not know Mrs. Bennet and her younger daughter, and—”

  “I do not know Mrs. Bennet, but I do know your Aunt Catherine and Bingley’s sister; I am also aware of my own improper behaviour at times! So spare me your understanding of other people’s manners. As long as you have nothing against the lady’s character and Bingley is not displeased with her lack of dowry, this conversation is ridiculous.”

  “You would not be happy were your sons to marry someone so far beneath them, despite all your jokes and insinuations.”

  “Perhaps not; but then again, Bingley is not the son of an earl. Let us be honest; if we are to speak of family situations, Miss Bennet is the daughter of a gentleman while Bingley’s fortune is from trade. She is superior to him, is she not?”

  “If you put it that way—”

  “I do put it that way! And even more, I would not disapprove of my sons marrying either of the Miss Bennets if they developed an attachment. They could surely do worse than Jane and Elizabeth Bennet.”

  “Surely, you are joking,” Darcy interrupted him abruptly.

  “Surely, I am being serious, unless you have some strong arguments against the idea. From what I have seen, you have quite a history with Miss Elizabeth. What on earth did you do to that girl that she dislikes you so intensely?”

  “Excuse me?” Darcy asked so loudly that the others turned to them. “What do you mean she dislikes me intensely? From where did that idea spring?”

  “Where? For heaven’s sake, Nephew, are you blind? First you insist Jane Bennet has no feelings for Bingley when anyone can see she still suffers for him, and now you misread Miss Elizabeth’s feelings for you that are equally strong but of a completely different kind.”

  “You think Miss Elizabeth dislikes me? I have always believed we were on friendly terms. We always had lively conversations and—”

  The earl rolled his eyes and patted his shoulder, laughing.

  “Darcy, may I inquire as to how many women you have known—really known—before now? Damn, you seem oblivious about whether a woman likes or dislikes anything. I hope you are not equally oblivious to other things a woman might like or dislike!”

  Darcy choked and spilled wine on his coat then started to cough.

  ***

  Darcy’s face was still red from coughing, and he desperately tried not to draw the attention of the group. His uncle’s words whirled in his head, but he could not accept that the earl was correct with regard to either lady.

  Yes, Miss Bennet seemed out of spirits, but on the other hand, he had never seen her especially lively, even when Bingley was present. A simple indisposition of the lady did not prove he was in error.

  Memories of his conversation with Elizabeth during dinner flooded back to him. Moment by moment, word by word, he managed to reco
llect the precise instant Elizabeth’s demeanour changed and she seemed disinclined to speak to him again. It occurred when he informed her that Bingley had no intention of returning to Netherfield.

  He sat alone, the glass of brandy in his hand, staring at Elizabeth as she talked and laughed with the colonel, Selina, and his own sister. He looked at Georgiana, in a joyful mood after she played with Elizabeth, and then he looked at Miss Bennet, who smiled politely, although her eyes betrayed a distracted lack of interest in the conversation.

  He had been honest in his beliefs when he decided that Miss Bennet did not share Bingley’s feelings; he could not have been so partial and unfair in his judgment! Or could he? No, that was not the proper question. Was it his right or his duty as a friend to judge Bingley’s feelings for a young lady or that lady’s feelings for him? That was the question he must answer.

  And the earl said he would be pleased for his sons to marry either lady. Was he serious? Surely, that would never happen. But what if it did?

  What of Elizabeth’s feelings towards him? He had been certain that she had an inclination towards him. He had even been careful not to encourage this tendency as he could not possibly consider binding himself to her.

  And now the earl declared that she deeply disliked him and suggested he would agree for his son to court her. That could not be! Robert, as a second son, could not afford to marry a woman with no dowry; besides, Elizabeth could not possibly form a positive opinion of the colonel in so short a time! Or could she? After all, she apparently liked Wickham from their first acquaintance. Why could she not like Robert, who was an honourable gentleman with a happy demeanour and the son of an earl?

  ***

  Elizabeth continued to talk to the colonel, but from time to time, her eyes returned to Mr. Darcy. He remained in the corner, and she began to feel uncomfortable whenever she felt his stare. What was he thinking? And why did he keep looking at her in such a way? Something obviously upset him, and she did not much care what it was except that his behaviour made her uneasy.

  She went to pour herself another cup of tea, and she noticed the earl close to her. They smiled at one another, and he thanked her once again for her lovely performance.