Chapter 7
Totteridge Village
"Well Darcy, we must be going. We really should reach London by dusk" Bingley said after a glance at his watch.
After settling the cost of the meal with the inn, Darcy arranged for Elizabeth's things to be added to his coach. Which was strange, he thought, as his primary motive for leaving Hertfordshire was just about to step foot inside his carriage.
Louisa and Hurst made their way to the Bingley carriage, and Charles escorted Caroline inside before abruptly shutting the door and heading for the Darcy set of wheels with such efficiency that his sister could make a sound. "Miss Bennet", Darcy spoke as he took her hand to help her into the carriage. His fingers felt numb; he rubbed his thumb against the fingers that had just graced her hand.
Not a minute later, Bingley came bounding into the carriage. "That was fast" Darcy remarked slyly. "Speed is the best source of silence" Bingley responded with a sheepish grin.
"How did you leave your family, Miss Elizabeth? I trust they are all in good health?"
"Of course Mr. Bingley. Your ball was the talk of breakfast this morning. I myself have never seen my sisters, Jane in particular, so satisfied after an evening out."
A look Elizabeth could not quite place crossed Bingley's features-one mixed of torment, fear, hope and agony. Darcy seemed agitated.
"Well I am glad the evening brought such enjoyment. I quite enjoyed the event myself!" Bingley stated after snapping back into his usual amiable self.
"Indeed" Darcy muttered under his breath
"Last night after I danced the Wakefield Hunt with Miss Bennet, your mother mentioned that it was thought that your sister was to be made an offer of marriage from a man from London a number of years ago. Did that ever come to fruition?" Bingley asked with equal parts anticipation and dread in his countenance
"Ah, Mr. Smith! That was some time ago. Well..."
There was a long uncomfortable silence as Elizabeth gathered her thoughts.
"You see, Mr. Bingley, to be perfectly blunt with you, neither I nor my sister will marry for any less than equal affection in marriage. Let us just say that my sister spared him the unfortunate occurrence of unequal affection in a union. "
Bingley allowed the breath he had been holding to escape "I see. That is very wise of her"
"I would not call it wise, but necessary Mr. Bingley. There is nothing worse than an unequal marriage where affection is concerned"
Further silence ensued. Darcy could not help but admit that she was right, Bingley was fighting his resolve in regards to Jane's lack of affection.
"How long do you plan to stay in London Miss Elizabeth?"
"However long it may be, it will not as long as I wish!" Elizabeth laughed "I do love my time with my aunt and uncle, I might be able to convince my father to spare me for a month or two."
"Well, you must come to the theater with us some time" Bingley was trying to contrive some method of keeping in contact, who knows how long his family would tie him to London. "I will escort you myself. What are your favorites?"
"I am a great lover of Shakespeare, I must confess."
"As am I" Elizabeth was startled from the deep voice that belonged to Darcy, he had previously remained silent while staring at the passing countryside. "Do you care for Hamlet?"
"Why yes, that is a favorite. A Man for All Seasons is also a great work."
"Perhaps you should take Georgiana with us, Darcy. She dearly loves the theater! And Miss Elizabeth could keep her out of Caroline's clutches for the evening."
"Yes, perhaps we should. As long as you promise not to compliment her on her "extensive accomplishments" every moment, I am sure you shall have a fast friend in her Miss Elizabeth" Darcy recited with a twinkle of mirth in his eyes
"I would be honored to meet Miss Darcy. Is she out in society?"
"She is just sixteen, and I am afraid I am terribly selfish and cannot bear to see her out for another year or two. She is quite shy, and as I suffer from a bout of the same troubles myself I am of little help."
Mr. Darcy shy? Elizabeth's eyes widened with recognition. Is that why he was always so silent?
Longbourn
"Mary and Mr. Collins have been gone for such a time. Surely he must have proposed by now!"
"Mama one does not always propose when taking a walk with an acquaintance, even on long walks!" cried Jane.
"Yes, well if he knows what is good for him he will ask her soon. It will not due to have him lurking about my home in this manner trespassing on our hospitality without even paying one of my girls the compliment of a marriage proposal."
Kitty rolled her eyes in irritation. "Oh here they come!" she exclaimed from the window.
Jane joined Kitty to sight the couple in question "I have never seen Mary look so well. Having a suitor suits her"
"Well of course it does Jane! It would suit all of you perfectly well!" her mother screeched.
