Chapter 3: The Meryton Assembly
They were late. Punctuality was one of the many thing Mr Darcy valued. Therefore, Miss Bingley's efforts to arrive 'fashionably late' were far from endearing her to him.
The idea of attending the local assembly where all the mothers and their single daughters was abhorring to him. And now, their late arrival would draw even more attention.
He sighed. Why on earth had he accepted to attend? Georgiana's near elopement was still weighing on his mind, making him question all of his actions as well as the actions of those around him.
Miss Bingley was a good example. Until his recent ruminations, he had considered her to be an affectionate sister, worried about her brother. He had had no problems in supporting her friendship to his own sister, as she was just as well mannered as the other ladies of his acquaintance. Now he realized her mercenary ways, her rudeness and her condescension to those less fortunate than her – which was quite hypocritical, given that her family came from trade.
What irritated him most was that, at some point over the last few months, Miss Bingley had decided that she would be the next Mistress of Pemberley. Even without his revelations about her character, he would never have considered her: he hoped for more than a dowry from his wife. Though the unspoken rules of society were that a wealthy gentleman like Mr Darcy should chose as his bride a well-dowered woman, preferably from a titled family, these were not the criterias he intended to look for in a wife.
His mother, Lady Anne Darcy, had died fifteen years ago. The years that followed proved two important things to the young Master of Pemberley. Firstly, that the estate could do perfectly well without a Mistress, as long as he employed a capable housekeeper – therefore, he did not see the point of marrying for the sake of the house, as he had often heard bandied about. Secondly, the despair of his father convinced him that, while wealth would bring him comfort, this comfort did not necessarily equal happiness.
Still, Mr Darcy would not pretend that he was looking for love in his future partner. He did not know if his own parents had loved each other when they married – he had never had the courage to ask his father – but they had been in love when she died. He had witnessed their happiness and his father's despair. The two facets of the same love.
His bride would have to be a woman he respected and admired, who could grow to love Pemberley and its tenants. A friend with whom he could exchange opinions. If love was to be a part of the match – whether it was before or after the wedding – then so be it. He would not defy the will of God. He would simply hope that the happiness would be worth the eventual despair.
Finally, Miss Bingley descended the stairs. Mr Darcy took a deep breath, threw a last longing look to the window of his bedroom and boarded the carriage after the others.
As he had predicted, the crowd stilled when they entered. No doubt that his and Bingley's worth was quickly spreading around the room. He took advantage of his height to quickly assess the people present.
It seemed most of the families were of small importance, meaning they were either from small estates or trade. He was not really surprised at this, but could not help a small feeling of disappointment. He doubted he would find a well-educated gentleman eager to discuss crops and philosophy in this neighbourhood. In fact, there even was a clear shortage of gentlemen.
As Bingley followed their host – Sir Lucas – he noticed they were heading towards the only family dressed in the last fashion with material that bespoke a generous income. Unfortunately, it seemed that no men – father or brother – had accompanied the young ladies to the assembly. Still, it seemed to be the only acquaintance worth pursuing. As his friend asked for a dance with the eldest daughter – her name was Jane, and she resembled his own sister – he turned to ask for the second eldest, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.
He noticed that, while she did not have the classical beauty of her sister, she was quite handsome and dressed with taste in a simple green gown that complimented her complexion and eyes. The simple elegance was quite refreshing after being forced to compliment the horrid shade of orange Miss Bingley had insisted on wearing tonight.
As she accepted his offer, he saw her cast a wary glance at him and Bingley, followed by a worried one at her sister. Was she worried about making new acquaintances and seeking her eldest sister's support? Yet, she had seemed quite confident during the introductions.
He did not have much time to ponder it however, as Mrs Bennet immediately started to enumerate the qualities of her 'dear girls'. Apparently, 'Dear Jane' was the local beauty, Miss Mary was an accomplished musician and the two youngest were 'most lively'. And somewhat too lively, in Darcy's opinion.
''Would you not rather like dance with my Lydia, Mr Darcy? I assure you Lizzy won't mind. Indeed, her card is almost full, while it is Lydia's first season!'' She added joyfully.
Darcy forced his face to conceal the disgust he felt at such behaviour. He had foolishly hoped not to encounter matchmaking Mamas outside of London. Still, he felt that it would be stupid to offend the most important family of the neighbourhood.
''I am afraid Madam, that my honour as a gentleman prevents me from not fulfilling a promise to a lady. And as I am quite fatigued from my journey earlier today, I will not be able to enjoy any more dances than those I have already secured. I do have to dance with my host's sisters.''
He was proud of this statement. It ensured that he would not dance more than four sets – two with Bingley's sisters, one with Miss Elizabeth and one with Miss Bennet – and it would limit the expectations that could arise from him apparently singling out the young ladies.
''Surely a young man like you can handle more than a few dances after so short a journey?'' Mrs Bennet declared impatiently.
''Come on Mother, Mr Darcy is obviously tired. It is already quite kind of him to go through the trouble of an assembly on the very day he arrived in our neighbourhood.'' Miss Elizabeth intervened with a firm voice.
Before he could think of a reply, the music started again and a young man approached to claim her for this set. Their own set was scheduled two sets hence, and he used his own dance with Miss Bingley as an excuse to escape the Bennet mother.
Just before he found his place in the line of dancers, Sir Lucas approached him.
''Well, Mr Darcy, have you decided to try our local challenge?''
''I confess I do not understand your meaning, Sir.''
Usually, he would hate to be approached in such manner by so recent an acquaintance, but he was in no hurry to join Miss Bingley. And he found himself curious about this statement.
''Miss Elizabeth Bennet, of course! No man has been able to offer her a courtship since she entered society. Her sister Jane wants to marry for love and has had a couple of suitors, but Miss Elizabeth has made it no secret that she would not marry at all. With her dowry and beauty, you can easily guess that all the young men in this room have already tried to change her mind.''
''I simply intend to enjoy a couple dances with her and meet my friend's new neighbours.'' He replied, quite disturbed to hear the man speak of a gentleman's daughter with such disrespect.
However, he could not help but be surprised by Sir Lucas' revelations, and decided to watch his future dance partner. What kind of woman would wish to remain unmarried, and make this decision before even entering society? He felt he at least had the explanation of her wary glance when he and Bingley requested their dances: she was probably aware of what was said about her and tired of rejecting unwanted suitor. Most – if not all – of them being no more than fortune hunters, since she apparently had a substantial dowry.
He was therefore surprised to see her enjoy her dances and laugh with her partners and neighbours while he suffered his dances with Miss Bingley and then Mrs Hurst. He had half expected a feminine version of himself, agreeing to dances only because of her mother's expectations and taking no pleasure from them – especially if she was forced to dance with people who had attempted to court her. But her eyes were constantly bright with laughter and happiness.
Finally, the time for their set arrived. Bingley, who had been eagerly awaiting his time with the fair Miss Bennet, reached the sisters first. Because of this, Mr Darcy was able to witness the wary stare Miss Elizabeth fixed on his friend, which only stopped when her sister turned and smiled at her.
At this instant, Mr Darcy felt reassured. He had recognized the gaze for what it was: protectiveness. Apparently, Miss Elizabeth took it upon herself to look after her sister and worried that his friend might be a fortune hunter. What was most comforting in this thought was that she would not worry about this if she or her sister were fortune hunters themselves. If affection grew between his friend and the young lady, he could support Bingley without fear.
In fact, he hoped that Bingley's interest in the young lady would prove constant. Her calm demeanour would complement his excitable friend, and it would be nice to see him happily settled with a gentlewoman instead of being deceived by another fortune hunter.
He offered his hand to Miss Elizabeth and led her to the dancing area. Now that he no longer had to worry about his friend, perhaps he could indulge himself a little and try to solve the mystery that was the woman facing him. He had always enjoyed riddles and enigma games as a child.
He forced himself to start a conversation.
''I understand your father choose not to attend the assembly, Miss Elizabeth?'' he asked, hoping to learn more about her family situation. It had not escaped his notice that the relationship between herself and her mother was strained. Mrs Bennet had failed to enumerate any qualities her second eldest may have.
''Indeed, my father often prefers to remain in his library. These events bring him little pleasure and exhaust him thoroughly.'' She answered with a smile. ''Since we are on the topic of family, why don't you tell me about your own?''
He searched her eyes, instantly fearing that she had somehow heard of Georgiana's near ruin. He only saw genuine curiosity and berated himself for the foolish thought.
''I am afraid we will exhaust this topic quite quickly, then. I only have one sister, Georgiana. She is several years younger than me, and not yet out. Our parents are both passed away.''
''Oh. I am sorry if I made you recall bad memories.'' She looked sincerely sorry and he felt the urge to ease her mind.
''Do not distress yourself. I have had years to come to terms with their deaths, and can now remember them with more happiness than despair.''
''It must have been hard to handle so many responsibilities so young.'' She stated softly.
He was surprised. The burden of heavy responsibilities was not something young ladies understood in his experience. He knew more than one young lady had been disappointed when he did not attend the London Season his first two years as Master of Pemberley.
But then he noticed his partner's far-away look, and realized that she must be speaking from personal experience. Given her mother's behaviour, her father's unwillingness to chaperone his daughters at assemblies and the worry she manifested for her elder sister, it was not hard to conclude that she was probably bearing the burden of managing her family's behaviour at any social gathering.
She visibly pushed the thoughts out of her mind, and smiled at him.
''I believe we should try to find a lighter topic to discuss. Assemblies are supposed to be enjoyed after all.''
He nodded in approval, while desperately searching for a conversation subject. He hated small talk, and had no wish to discuss the weather for the next half-hour – especially since it had been so rainy lately. Just as she was opening her mouth, he blurted:
''What kind of books do you enjoy reading?''
She laughed softly. ''Conversation in a ballroom is not your forte, is it? I have never had a gentleman ask this question during a dance before!''
Darcy fought the blush of shame and anger he felt rising on his cheeks. He did not appreciate her drawing attention to his social awkwardness. Apparently, she still noticed it.
''I am sorry Sir, I did not mean to offend you. I have no problem discussing books in a ballroom. I was simply surprised.''
He relaxed and they started to discuss their favourite books. He was surprised to find her well-educated in philosophy and poetry, as well as crops management. When he said so, she explained that, having no son, her father had devoted much time to her, encouraging her interest in a great variety of subject.
''I must confess that I had hoped to find a gentleman educated and impassioned by all these subjects. I hope I will have the opportunity to speak with your father. His estate seems extremely well managed.''
Miss Elizabeth's smile wavered for an instant, so short that he almost thought he had imagined it.
''Well, my father is not always eager for new acquaintances. I would not want to raise your expectations for a great debate with him as soon as introductions are over.''
''You can consider me forewarned, Miss Elizabeth. I will be patient if need be.''
The dance was almost over, and he fought with himself about broaching the subject of her strange reputation.
''I… Um, I was… made aware of something you should know, if you do not already.''
She looked at him expectantly.
''It seems you are a great subject of, well, speculation for young men. I found Sir Lucas quite disrespectful of you when he informed me of it.''
Much to his surprise, she laughed.
''Do not worry yourself, Sir. I am indeed quite aware of the situation, but not in the least bothered by it – though I agree Sir Lucas could have been less blunt and more respectful.''
She paused to glance at him. ''I see that you are surprised. I admit that my position was uncomfortable at first. But once my desire to remain single was accepted, I discovered unexpected benefits. All these young men are people I have known since childhood. I am happy that I got to keep their friendship while growing into adulthood: they do not have to worry about raising expectations and I have made my own decision quite clear. There is no hard feelings, and no awkwardness like I have often witnessed between young people pressured by their parents' expectations.''
She smiled mischievously. ''And because I never gossip, these young men have appointed me as their main confident and advisor when they find a lady they wish to pursue.''
''That is quite… extraordinary.'' was Darcy's answer. Once he surmounted his shock, he added wistfully. ''I envy you.''
It was true, he realized. He had no choice but to marry and produce an heir. He could not make the same choice and be freed of the overly accomplished daughters and their matchmaking mamas. If he could, would he be as carefree and happy as she seemed?
Her smile became sad. ''Do not envy me too much, Mr Darcy. The choice was not as easy as you seem to think.''
The music ceased as she finished this sentence. She curtsied and started to walk towards her sister and Bingley. Stunned by her statement, he remained still for several moments before shaking himself.