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Chapter 2
Darcy, who suffered a lack of sleep for the careful review of his overhearings at Lucas Lodge, was determined to call at Longbourne the following day. Upon consideration of Elizabeth Bennet's commentary, he had realized, that he indeed, had not acted as a gentleman ought at the Assembly. Had said words been applied to any other, he likely would have concurred with her arguments, but they had been, in fact, ill applied to himself.
The fault surely lay with her understanding. Little though he cared for her good opinion, it felt incumbent upon him to preserve his family's good name. Whatever fault he found with her manner (or logic for that matter), he would, in his own mind, act the gentleman.
Mrs. Bennett, who was thankfully absent from Longbourn, was calling on Lady Lucas, where she could take no notice of his call, and then, through mean understanding, determine that he meant to marry Jane. Alas, all were spared, as she remained unaware of Mr. Darcy's call, and was unable to inform the neighborhood of what she surely would have interpreted as a fierce competition between two suitors. This matron's imagination was very rapid indeed; often jumping from an interaction of no consequence to admiration, and then from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in but a moment. At the very least, our dear couple was spared her interpretation of the events to follow, which surely would have borne no resemblance to accuracy or correctness, and would have caused quite an embarrassment for all involved.
Mr. Bennett, who was studiously seeing to the business of ignoring his responsibilities, found himself interrupted by Mr. Darcy's call. Having no idea who the man was, he granted Hill permission to show him in, with the hope that the said caller would absent himself shortly.
Mr. Darcy promptly introduced himself, with the same haughty countenance that he often presented in public, thus sparking recognition in Mr. Bennet, as to who the said gentleman was. He had been overset with gossip of the man who thought himself above company in local society. Mrs. Bennet, his own five daughters, and a bevy of neighbors had all enjoyed themselves at this man's expense, all insisting they knew him to be the proudest, most disagreeable man, whom they had ever made the acquaintance of, all supporting their arguments with what they insisted they had witnessed themselves. Though Mr. Bennet was ill inclined to put much stock in the inanities that were common of gossip, he thought it unlikely the man had so swiftly earned such a reputation, if there were not some veracity to the tellings, though it was likely rather exaggerated, with each neighbor trying to outdo the other, in claiming just cause to dislike the man.
"I believe sir, you are the friend of Mr. Bingley's who insulted my poor Lizzy. I now recall your name. I should have been inclined to find you most agreeable, as I would have had to hear nothing of your dance partners, had you not made the error of declaring your disinclination for such amusements, in such a way, that instigated five times the talk that any set of dances would have. Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?, " declared Mr. Bennett who was most anxious to be rid of him, and have his library to himself.
"Sir, it's for those very words which I have come to offer my apologies," replied Darcy, not know what to make of the man's speech, as he certainly did not like to countenance being the subject of local gossip.
"Fear not Mr. Darcy, next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed in love a little now and then. It is something to think of, and gives her a sort of distinction among her companions."
Darcy, unfamiliar with his dry wit and having not the pleasure of understanding him, was determined to steer the conversation back to his original intent, hoping this man didn't seriously consider him a suitor. He proceeded to outline both his insult and Miss Elizabeth's interpretation of events.
"Mr. Darcy, do I have the pleasure of understanding you correctly? You insulted my Lizzy. My Lizzy then rejected you as a dance partner, preferring even to sit out, which then followed that you found yourself insulted by her interpretation of your slights, though they were not meant for your ears?"
Ignoring the implication of eavesdropping, Darcy replied, "Sir, I wish to apologize to your daughter and disabuse her of any notions she may have acquired through lack of understanding." He was confident that he was well prepared to defend his character, and change her opinion of him, though still owning the contradiction of feeling himself fully in the right, while still acknowledging his behavior was unseemly.
If it would not have prevented further amusement, the elder gentleman would have been unable to control his mirth. Knowing full well that his Lizzy would provide a great deal of diversion, he merely said, "Very well, Mr. Darcy, for what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors and laugh at them in our turn? I shall call for Elizabeth."
For Mr. Bennet's part, he was quite convinced he had not a book in his library with the potential to be half as entertaining as this morning's diversions promised to be, and found himself quite happy to settle in for the show. His Elizabeth, he knew, was far too clever to disappoint him, however much she may wish it. Her sense of rightness and fairness would not allow this man to leave feeling himself the victor.