So Netherfield is a bit of a sticking point for me, because I AM NO JANE AUSTEN. She could write meaningful dialogue that made sense and also lampooned societal failings. I'm a bit overwhelmed by it, so it took a while to get this at least close to ok. Not much action but there will be son enough. Just not quite yet. Also, there was going to be a second conversation, but I figured that I wrote that too, this chapter would never get posted. :(
Enveloped in darkness and standing utterly still so as not to be noticed, Elizabeth watched as the tall gentleman snuck into his rooms and audibly locked the door. It was as Charlotte had thought – there had been a person in the library observing them and, of course, it had been Mr. Darcy. Who besides the taciturn fellow would have found reason to ensconce themselves in the book room – and remain thus, even late into the evening? As no light had been visible, Elizabeth could only surmise that his intention had been to surreptitiously behold the meeting. But to what purpose? She could not quite comprehend his motivation in doing thus but it bore noting; Mrs. Bennet was certain to be apprised on the morrow.
Though having been assigned quarters of her own, Elizabeth passed the chief of the night in her sister's room and, in the morning, was gratified to take note of the considerable improvement in Jane's demeanor. The elder Bennet was pleased but unsurprised – she had known that the herbs would have such an effect. On receiving an inquiry very early from a housemaid, they were able to provide a happier answer to Mr. Bingley than what he had thought to learn; however, a note was dispatched to Mrs. Bennet desiring her presence at Netherfield. That worthy personage arrived shortly with her second youngest daughter and was shown promptly to the eldest Miss Bennet's room.
On ascertaining that there was no immediate danger and that Jane was, in fact, regaining her health at a rapid pace, Mrs. Bennet was satisfied. Kitty had been informed that she and Elizabeth were to await her return in the front parlor, the one in which the Netherfield company was presently ensconced. Miss Bingley politely engaged the sisters in meaningless conversation, anticipating the entrance of Mrs. Bennet directly; she was not disappointed, as presently Miss Catherine and her mother were admitted to the sitting room.
Inquired Mr. Bingley, 'I trust you have found Miss Bennet's health to be improving and her situation to be acceptable. If there is aught else that you might recommend for her comfort, it shall be done.'
As the elder woman took her seat, she was quite profuse in her gratitude for the kind gentleman's graciousness; she was equally unstinting in her compliments of the decorations and the house. It seemed that nothing was beneath her notice and no detail went unseen. Miss Bingley was rather imperious in her acceptance of the praise, receiving the words condescendingly, as if they were her due. Lydia was not present and without her encouraging influence, Kitty was too timid to speak of what was of great interest to herself – balls and whether one would be held at Netherfield.
After many enthusiastic assurances by Mr. Bingley and markedly more restrained replies by his sister, Mrs. Bennet was prepared to take her daughter and her leave. Elizabeth escorted her relations to their carriage, lingering while her mother ensured the younger girl was settled until Mrs. Bennet's attention was turned back to herself.
Having placed himself in a chair located so as to have an unimpeded view of the drive; Mr. Darcy was in the singular position to observe the abbreviated discussion that occurred between Miss Elizabeth and her mother. As both women must be full aware of their visible position, they were behaving within their publicly-known personas; Mrs. Bennet gesticulating frequently and her daughter standing, listening politely, until the elder woman abruptly turned and caught the eye of the watching gentleman, to his vast astonishment. She then climbed into the carriage and was driven off.
On returning to the parlor, Elizabeth wished she were at leisure to excuse herself but had been informed by her mother that Jane was asleep and it was her obligation to remain with the company. It was right rather than pleasant and, consequently, must be borne. Miss Bingley had been conversing in a low tone with her sister but, on Elizabeth's entrance, ceased and began to question Mr. Darcy about his younger sister. Was she to London for the winter? Had she grown much since their last acquaintance?
The gentleman from Derbyshire replied to each of the inquiries with civility, answering that her plans were not yet firm and she was now about Miss Elizabeth Bennet's height or perhaps a little taller.
Cried Miss Bingley, 'Oh, I long to see her again. Her performance on the piano-forte is exquisite and she is so extremely accomplished for one of her age.'
The lady's brother concurred with her and added, 'It is amazing to me how all young ladies have the patience to become so very accomplished.'
Miss Bingley asked him what ever could he mean by his words, whereupon he replied that he had never been introduced to a young lady without her being called very accomplished.
After listening to his friend enumerate the deeds mentioned, Mr. Darcy commented, 'Your list has too much truth to it. If all ladies were solely proficient in those qualities, I should certainly not call any of them uncommonly talented. There is far more to be considered if she is to be deserving of the title.'
Despite her desire to continue an on-looker and not to participate in their discussion, Elizabeth was moved to observe, 'You must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished woman.'
The great man bowed his head slightly and replied, 'Yes, I do. When one is afforded great opportunities, a great effort to improve oneself should follow. Having wealth and position should grant advancement of one's abilities and allow for mastery where real effort is expended. '
Miss Bingley could do naught but agree. 'It is as Mr. Darcy stated but, to be worthy of the designation, one must also have a vast many achievements to their credit, along with a certain something in their air and manner of address. She must greatly surpass that which is usually met with.' Discernable in her manner of address was a distinct insolence of expression, intended for Elizabeth – for Miss Caroline Bingley would assuredly never permit a show of disdain to be aimed at Mr. Darcy of Pemberley.
Replied Elizabeth, 'How often would you say that effort is expended to the degree that a skill is mastered and not merely learned? To become a true proficient on the piano-forte, it would require a great deal of practice and time spent solely in the company of one's instrument.. Could you assert that those believed to be accomplished are judged faithfully? There are few of whom I am aware that so excel at their craft they could be called masters; although, I must admit that my circle of acquaintance is likely modest in comparison to your own.'
Mr. Darcy responded, 'You are correct that far fewer have applied themselves to perfecting their skill than those claiming a proficiency in said competence. Despite my more extensive connections, there are but a limited number of individuals whose professed expertise I could agree to be accurately portrayed.'
His faithful friend, determined to have her say, exclaimed, 'Of a certainty Mr. Darcy speaks the truth! For those persons confined to a restricted society, they would not have encountered a sufficient quantity of local inhabitants to be capable of concluding the point accurately. Those residing in London, however, would have greater occasion to comprehend fully.'
Elizabeth answered, 'Is it not then a shame that often the genuinely talented are overlooked in favor of the mediocre? For they are frequently too busy with their own endeavors to concern themselves with society and society has no patience for personages from whom they do not see an immediate benefit.'
She was, at that moment, summoned to her sister's chamber, as Miss Bennet was awake and requesting assistance. Taking her leave, Elizabeth withdrew to find Jane, whilst not as ill as the previous day, in more discomfort than earlier. She provided what relief she could and resolved to remain within the room, maintaining a surveillance over her sister, until her presence was required for dinner. Her preference would be to refrain from attending the summons; Elizabeth felt that it was right, rather than agreeable, to take herself down to dinner.
The meal proceeded civilly, yet could not have been called pleasant by any but Mr. Bingley. That amiable fellow inquired after Miss Bennet's health in quite a distressed tone, endearing him to the lady's sister, and advised Elizabeth that the housekeeper had been instructed to respond promptly if the Bennet sisters were to in need of anything.