Mr Bennet takes an interest

by sysa22

What might have happened if a year earlier Mr Bennet had become more involved with the lives of his family. Could things have worked out differently?

7. 7 - Lucas Lodge

~~~o0o~~~

Lucas Lodge

Mr Bingley arrived at Lucas Lodge at the appointed time, which was a novel experience for him, since his sister Caroline usually made him late for any function, in an attempt to make a grand entrance.

Since the lady was unaware that Darcy remained in Meryton, and Mr Bingley chose not to enlighten her that Mr Darcy would also attend the party, she had opted to stay behind. Surprisingly, Mr Hurst had insisted that he and his wife would accompany Mr Bingley, who suspected that Mr Hurst wished to escape Caroline as much as everyone else did.

Darcy, punctual as ever, had arrived only a minute before Bingley and his party and was still being greeted by their host. 'Mr Darcy, it seems you are being reunited with your friends.'

Mr Hurst laughed when he saw Darcy. 'It appears that Bingley forgot to mention that you did not return to London.'

'Oh dear. I am afraid that my memory is getting worse. It must be all the effort I am expending to read Plato's Republic.'

'I do not remember seeing that book in your library.'

'You remember correctly. I believe that Mr Bennet thought I needed to refresh my memory.

Sir William was still effusively greeting his guests, when they were distracted by another set of arrivals.

Mr Bennet and his three oldest daughters entered the house, to be greeted warmly.

As soon as they had greeted her host, Bingley was ready to escort Miss Bennet wherever she wished to go. In short order, Mr Bennet and Mary had lost the other half of their party, since Darcy too absconded with another sister.

'Miss Elizabeth, I had hoped that you were to be part of this party,' Darcy greeted the lady.

'And here I had thought that Sir William's gregarious nature was the motivation for your attendance,' Elizabeth teased Darcy, to cover the fluttering in her stomach.

'While Sir William is a most congenial gentleman, he is not pretty enough to tempt me to dance with him. I had hoped that if there was dancing tonight, you would honour me with a dance or two.'

'You wish to dance, Mr Darcy? I am all astonishment. I had thought that you abhor the activity.'

'I only dislike dancing with ladies with whom I am not well acquainted. With a charming and intelligent lady like yourself, it would be pure joy,' Darcy replied extravagantly in the same teasing tone.

'As I told you before, Mr Darcy, until you speak to a lady, you cannot become well acquainted. I distinctly remember giving you advice on the subject.'

'Indeed you did. And I believe I followed your advice to the letter. I learned that you like books and long walks.'

'But one simply cannot discuss books while dancing.'

'In that case, what other interests do you have, Miss Elizabeth? I would be happy to discuss any subject, and if I am not familiar with it, I will be pleased to listen to you explaining it.'

'But what if I should wish to discuss fashion and lace?'

'I would by no means wish to suspend any pleasure of yours,' he teased with a bland smile, although the twinkling of his eyes belied the statement.

'You are fortunate that I have little interest in that subject, although I am tempted to discern the length to which you would go.' Elizabeth gave him a brilliant smile, which made Darcy catch his breath.

'To the ends of the earth,' he murmured, giving her such an intense look that made Elizabeth go weak at the knees.

To cover her confusion, she replied, 'in that case, I can do nought but grant your request, Mr Darcy. But now I must go and greet Charlotte Lucas.'

He offered his arm. 'Might I escort you to your friend?'

Elizabeth was in two minds. Since the gentleman was making her feel exceedingly flustered, she wanted to escape, but at the same time she found it impossible to resist taking his arm. She reached out and gently took hold of the arm, and felt a shock go through her at the touch. She thought, this must be what it feels like to be struck by lightning.

'Thank you, Sir. Since you have the advantage of me in height, I would be obliged if you could find my friend.'

Darcy too was affected by her touch. How different it was when Elizabeth delicately held onto his arm, compared to the vicelike grip which Miss Bingley habitually used. It felt right having Miss Elizabeth on his arm, like she belonged there. He was pleased that he could not immediately find Miss Lucas.

~~~o0o~~~

Jane was ecstatic when Mr Bingley immediately sought her out. While several gentlemen had shown an interest before, none of them had been as personable as Mr Bingley. That he was handsome and moderately wealthy was a bonus.

She felt that she could easily love such an amiable man, if he was truly interested in her, but for the moment she was determined to guard her heart. After all, he might just see her as a pleasant means to spend some time, while he was in the country.

But still, her heart did beat a little faster as he approached.

'Miss Bennet, you look more lovely every time I see you,' Mr Bingley greeted her gallantly.

'It is very kind of you to say so, Mr Bingley, but I must confess that I find it disappointing when everyone I meet focuses on superficial beauty, rather than qualities which I believe are more important.'

'May I enquire as to which qualities you hold most dear?'

'Kindness and consideration. These are qualities that anyone can achieve.' She looked towards Elizabeth. 'While I appreciate my sister's lively wit, I cannot hope to match it.'

'Bingley followed her gaze. 'I do not suppose that there are many who can match Miss Elizabeth in that department… except perhaps Darcy.'

'Our father is at least her equal, but then he was the one who educated Lizzy.'

'That would explain why Darcy likes to argue with her.'

'Mr Bingley, that is called debating. Lizzy would never be so improper as to argue with a gentleman,' Jane exclaimed in mock offense.

Bingley noticed the suspicious twinkle in her eyes, and bowed. 'I shall bow to your greater expertise in such matter… but to me it still sounds like an argument.'

That last mutter elicited a peal of laughter from the lady. Bingley was delighted to have caused such a reaction in the exceedingly reserved lady.

~~~o0o~~~

Mary had joined Elizabeth and Charlotte, where they enjoyed catching up on the latest news. Since Mrs Taylor had started to teach her, and her fther paid attention to her, Mary had come out of her shell.

They were quietly discussing the latest arrivals, when Sir William presented Colonel Forster to them.

Colonel Forster bowed to the ladies. 'Please forgive me if we have interrupted your conversation. In my defence I will admit that it has been some time since I had the chance to spend an evening in the company of genteel ladies. Which is why I requested this introduction.'

'Think nothing of it, Colonel. In a small town like Meryton, we are always pleased to make new acquaintances,' Charlotte reassured him.

'Indeed, Colonel. Considering the dearth of gentlemen in this area, we welcome new additions. I hope that you and your officers are fond of dancing,' Elizabeth added with a mischievous smile.

'I cannot guarantee the abilities of myself and my officers on the dancefloor, but I can assure you of our enthusiasm, if it affords us the opportunity to spend time with such lovely ladies.'

'Surely you have opportunities to mingle with the inhabitants wherever you are stationed.' Mary suggested shyly. 'After all, you and your men are tasked to protect us.'

'Alas, many people are weary of soldiers stationed in their towns. While I will admit that not all officers are gentlemen by birth, they are no worse than other men. I am grateful to Sir William that he has welcomed us so generously.'

'If you wish to make your neighbours more favourably inclined towards you, perhaps you should consider giving a ball.'

'If you think that would help, I will certainly take your suggestion under advisement.'

They chatted pleasantly a while longer, before Charlotte pressed Elizabeth into performing on the pianoforte.

~~~o0o~~~

Since the advent of Mrs Taylor to Longbourn, even Elizabeth had been persuaded to practice more on the instrument. As a result, her technique had improved and she did not have to fudge her fingering as much, but she still played with as much feeling as before.

Darcy listened spellbound. While his sister, who practised several hours each day, might be slightly better technically at playing the instrument, he had never heard a better performance. When Elizabeth added her voice to the second song, he was completely bewitched.

When he came out of his trance at the end of the performance, Darcy noticed Sir William standing next to him smiling indulgently. 'Yes, Miss Eliza has that effect on everyone, when she graces us with a performance.'

Sir William watched with interest when Mary took over Elizabeth's position at the pianoforte. 'Capital. I believe we will have some dance music now.' When Mary started to play, he waved at Elizabeth to join them. 'My dear Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing? Mr Darcy, you must allow me to recommend this young lady to you as a very desirable partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure when so much beauty is before you.'

Darcy was grateful of the opportunity. 'I would be honoured if you would grant me this dance, Miss Elizabeth.'

'You are truly tempted to dance, Mr Darcy?'

'Greatly tempted indeed.' He held out his hand to her.

'How could I possibly refuse such an offer?' Elizabeth smiled impishly, although hesitating to take his proffered hand, wondering if touching him would affect her as much as it had earlier.

'Quite easily as I recall,' Darcy returned her smile in the same fashion, waiting expectantly, hoping that this time she would not refuse.

The smile swayed Elizabeth. 'In that case I shall be contrary and accept,' she said, forgetting that earlier, she had already agreed to dance with him. She took Darcy's hand, the warmth of which seemed to spread all the way through her body.

To distract herself from the sensation, she asked, 'I forgot to enquire, Mr Darcy. Since you usually avoid the activity, can you actually dance?'

'You are about to find out, Miss Elizabeth,' he replied as he led her to the floor.

Elizabeth was amazed and delighted when she discovered that Mr Darcy was a superb dancer. He moved with grace and fluidity.

'Mr Darcy, for a man who does not practice the skill, you are a most proficient dancer,' she commented at the end of the first song.

The comment caused Darcy to chuckle. 'Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. You reminded me of my Aunt Catherine, who always claims she would have been a great proficient, if she had but learnt, whichever skill is being discussed.'

'Does she have any skill at which she is proficient in actuality?'

'She is most eloquent in giving advice or making demands.' At this reminder, Darcy's mien darkened.

'Demands, Mr Darcy?' asked Elizabeth, concerned at the change in mood.

Darcy noticed the look of concern, and hastened to reassure Elizabeth. 'My aunt wishes me to marry her daughter, despite the fact that neither Anne nor I are in the least interested in such an arrangement. Her insistence would be funny, if it were not also irritating, because she refuses to listen.'

'I am afraid that we all have relations who are less than perfect, Mr Darcy. Perhaps you should adopt my philosophy. Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure.'

Darcy smiled. 'That is excellent advice, Miss Elizabeth. I shall attempt to follow it faithfully.'

Now that their pleasant mood was restored, Darcy asked Elizabeth for a second dance, to which she happily agreed. They became so absorbed in the activity and their company that they did not notice the attention directed at them.

~~~o0o~~~

Charlotte too had a dance-partner, since Colonel Forster immediately prevailed on her to grant him a dance or two.

A few songs later, Elizabeth took over playing from Mary, to give her a chance to dance as well. When Mary demurred, suggesting that no one would want to dance with her, Mr Darcy and Colonel Forster immediately disabused her of that notion.

After one dance with each of the gentlemen, Mary did not lack for partners.

~~~o0o~~~

Mr Bennet watched Elizabeth and Darcy most carefully, and concluded that a bond was forming between the couple.

He was pleased to note that Darcy seemed to make an effort to overcome the first bad impression he had made at the assembly.

While he was afraid the he might soon lose his favourite daughter, he was reassured by the letter he had received earlier in the day from his old friend.

The Duke had told him that while Darcy's manners in recent years had become atrocious, he was essentially a decent and honourable man. As long as he had someone to knock some sense into him, physically or metaphorically, there were no objections to the young man. One phrase had stood out at the end of the missive. He is even a decent chess player, although he has not yet managed to beat me.

Although Mr Bennet would never admit it, Darcy dancing with Mary, did in fact give her consequence, even though it was only by the fact that he had not danced previously, and tonight only with Elizabeth.

But despite all the improvements, Mr Bennet was determined to keep a close eye on the situation.

~~~o0o~~~

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Mr Bennet takes an interest by Sydney Salier, Copyright © 2021