Chapter 2
Ha! a bark of laughter from Mr Bennet had all eyes on him ''Matlock has finally made his move'' All the girls smiled at him his love of chess was well known. ''Would that be the Earl of Matlock'' Darcy enquired. ''Yes, do you know him'' Mr Bennet dropped the letter to the side of his plate and started to help himself to some ham and eggs. ''Yes, he is my uncle'' Mr Bennet looked up with a forkful of eggs ''I was at Cambridge with him, both of us on the chess teams but we haven't seen each other in years, but we correspond our chess games'' Darcy looked at the man again ''You must be that damned Bennet'' he smiled and another crack of laughter left Mr Bennet ''He has referred to me as such a few times. Do you play?'' Darcy swallowed his mouthful of food and wiped his mouth with the napkin ''I do, and regularly play my uncle and cousins''
Hill entered the room baring toast and rolls, setting these on the table she also went to the sideboard and removed several pots of jam and the butter. Darcy had a sweet tooth so was keen to top his meal off with a treat. He gazed at the women and suddenly felt the eyes of their father upon him. He turned and smiled ''they are quite lovely'' Mr Bennet nodded ''they are my jewels''. Darcy nodded in understanding.
Lydia watching the exchange asked Mr Darcy if he would be attending the assembly to be held that evening. Darcy wiped his mouth on his napkin ''If my host has agreed then as a good guest it will be my pleasure to attend'' Lydia beamed at him ''my sister Kitty and I are not yet out and Mary doesn't care for dancing but Jane and Lizzy will be attending with our aunt Phillips'' Darcy nodded ''It is my hope that you both will accept a set with me, my hostess is known for her preferred late arrival so I will wait until this evening and I hope you both will have a free set'' Both Jane and Lizzie smiled and said they would see him then.
Both ladies started stacking the crockery Darcy finished the last of his coffee setting his cup down he rose and thanked everyone for the charming breakfast. To Mr Bennet he turned '' Sir I look forward to some excellent chess, my host will be wondering where I am but I will return soon'' Mr Bennet smiled at the thought of a new victim, he gathered up his mail and walking stick. Immediately Lizzie was at his side and helped to steady him as he rose a wince of pain crossed his features Mr Bennet leaned against the table as a slight wave of giddiness took hold he recovered quickly smiling down at his daughter and taking her shoulder they moved in unison in the direction of his study. In passing Darcy had a glimpse of a large desk and shelves of books he wished he could see some of the titles and smiled to himself this was a family worth knowing. Shrugging into his coat and picking up his hat and gloves he thanked his host again for the breakfast and made his way out to his horse. Miss Elizabeth joined him with a smile she wished him a pleasant day and she looked forward to seeing him that evening. With a wave and a smile in return he set off. His thoughts on his Cousin. ''Well Richard it looks like I am going to win that bet. His smile lit the whole of his face, then the face of Miss Elizabeth and he smiled even broader. Yes it was going to be very interesting.