Copyright 2023 Elizabeth Frerichs

Cross-posted on elizabethfrerichs dot com and wattpad

Their discussion on the various schools of Greek translation and a brief argument about the efficacy of balls in general for conducting business lasted until they were settled at one of the tables, food in hand. Darcy had steered her away from Bingley and Miss Bennet as Miss Bingley was sitting with them. She had steered them away from Mr. Collins, who was sitting with Miss Lucas, and her two youngest sisters. Both agreed they wished for this last meal together to be eaten peace and joyful communion. Unfortunately for those hopes, Mrs. Bennet plopped down on the bench not four people away from them.

Darcy nodded towards Mrs. Bennet. "How has your mother been?"

"Well enough, I suppose." Elizabeth wrinkled her nose as Lady Lucas joined Mrs. Bennet. "I apologise for my mother's behaviour."

"What behaviour?"

As Mrs. Bennet began loudly proclaiming the myriad advantages she had secured by introducing Miss Bennet to Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth waved a hand in her mother's direction. "That behaviour."

Darcy pursed his lips. "It is not as though I can complain about incivility. I myself have certainly been guilty of it more times than I would wish." A slight smile crossed his face. "I am quite interested to see what you make of Lady Catherine, provided you meet her at some later date."

"Oh? Is she as opinionated as Mr. Collins represents?"

"More so. Of course, you may never encounter her."

Elizabeth merely waited inquiringly.

"She is—" Darcy took a sip of wine, trying to wet his dry throat as he realised he had not yet explained the situation to Elizabeth. "She is determined I marry her daughter. Cousin Anne and I have already concluded we would not suit, and my Uncle Matlock supports me, but Lady Catherine refuses to hear and it is easier to ignore her hints."

"Ah, I see. Yet another mother who has claimed a handsome rich young man for herself."

"Indeed."

Elizabeth winced as her mother announced that Jane was expecting a proposal any day now. "I have never been able to understand how she and my uncle are related. My uncle in London," she added upon Darcy's confused look. "He and my aunt have such genteel manners that you would never know they are in trade."

"I suppose you had to learn your manners from somewhere."

Elizabeth hesitated. "It truly does not bother you?"

"That they are in trade?"

She nodded.

Mr. Darcy set down his fork. "No. I have learned that the measure of a person is not in their profession, but in their character. If your aunt and uncle are of good character, I am certain I will enjoy meeting them. Even if they are not, I would not change my mind, if that is what you are asking."

Elizabeth set down her own fork. "Thank you. I believe you would like them greatly. My uncle shares your passion for fishing."

"Then I shall have to speak to him about that at some point."

Just then, Lydia ran by with a sword, a young gentleman haring after her. Elizabeth lowered her face in mortification.

Mr. Darcy rose and carefully set his napkin next to his plate. "If you will excuse me for a moment, Miss Elizabeth, I will ensure she does not come to harm."

Elizabeth nodded at her boiled potatoes. How wonderful (and mortifying!) that Mr. Darcy would undertake to ensure her sister's safety, despite the fact that her parents had ignored the entire event.

Before long, Mr. Darcy returned. "She has restored the sword to Lieutenant Denny, and Colonel Forster was having words with him about the proper handling of weapons when I left."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy."

"It was no trouble."

She gave him a small smile. "I doubt that."

He returned the smile. "She is certainly a spirited young woman, is she not?"

Elizabeth laughed. "One could say that."

"I can see a bit of you in her."

She nearly blanched. "What?"

"Neither of you lacks determination, and though your senses of humour are very different, you both like to laugh."

"I shall defer to your more objective opinion," she said finally.

Mr. Darcy glanced over at Lydia. "I think she is what you might have become if you were trying to gain your mother's approval and were without beneficial influences."

Elizabeth shuddered. Thank God for her aunt and even her father! The thought of being as wild as Lydia was terrifying.

"And she is but a child still."

Elizabeth nodded. "True." Gratitude for Mr. Darcy's care filled her chest. Having her mother and Lydia display such uncouth behaviour left her stomach squirming, but Mr. Darcy was not put off by it. He did not condone the behaviour, but he was willing to look deeper, to see the causes behind it—something even she struggled to do. "Thank you, Mr. Darcy. It is enlightening to see my family through your eyes."

He smiled at her. "Merely returning the favour, Miss Elizabeth."

Less than a minute later, the call went out for entertainment. Before Elizabeth could even blink, Mary was out of her seat, bustling towards the pianoforte. She had tried to talk to Mary about her musical choices over the past few days, suggesting pieces that would show off her talents. Mary, however, had no interest in listening to her. Thus, the company sat and listened as Mary plodded along.

Mr. Darcy maintained an air of polite interest. Others did not.

Miss Bingley's expression openly proclaimed her disgust, and she winced repeatedly. Indeed, she was not the only one—though the neighbours were less overt about their distaste. Poor Mary. She wanted so badly to be the most accomplished young lady in the neighbourhood, but in her quest to display her accomplishments, she only made herself odious to the very people whose approval she was trying to gain. As Mary began warbling a second song, Elizabeth stared at her, trying to convey that she really ought to cease playing after this piece. Desultory applause sprinkled throughout the room when she finished.

Mr. Darcy leaned in. "I wonder if Georgiana could advise her. Your sister appears to be skilled in the technical aspects of the pianoforte. If she chose pieces within her vocal range and worked on her expressiveness while playing, she could develop into an excellent pianist."

"Perhaps you ought to ask your sister before volunteering her for such a task," Elizabeth suggested, a warmth in her chest now vying with the pit in her stomach.

Darcy nodded, his eyes still fixed on Miss Mary. It was really too bad that she had chosen such a method to gain attention. How miserable to annoy the very people you wished to please!

"That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit," Mr. Bennet called as Miss Mary lifted her hands to begin a third piece.

Darcy glared at the man as Miss Mary retired in confusion, trying to behave as though his words had not stung. At least he would soon be able to suggest a finishing school or to invite Miss Mary to stay with them part of the time. Mrs. Annesley might be willing to take on the role of guiding at least some of the Bennets—provided, of course, that Georgiana was willing. He would have to ask her.

As the request for entertainment was renewed, he glanced over at Elizabeth, one eyebrow lifted.

She shook her head subtly. "I would prefer not to draw attention to my increased skill," she murmured.

Before Darcy could reply, Mr. Collins stood and declared that had he been able to sing, he gladly would have done so, then proceeded to give a short discourse upon the duties of a rector.

Halfhearted applause pattered around the room, probably in relief that the sermon was over, and Mrs. Bennet commended Mr. Collins for having spoken so sensibly, then observed in a half-whisper to Lady Lucas, that he was a "remarkably clever, good kind of young man."

Poor Mrs. Bennet. Clearly, she had not been exposed to the finer things in life. Otherwise, she would recognise true politeness. Not that Darcy had provided an excellent example. Well, he was doing better now, and hopefully in the near future he would have the right to show her how truly polite people behaved. Perhaps his aunt . . . . He nearly shuddered imagining that meeting. It would certainly be something.

Elizabeth put her face in her hands.

Darcy nearly reached out to cover her hand before recalling they were in public and the day would not be reset. "I am here," he murmured.

"My entire family has pledged to make a spectacle of themselves today."

He chuckled. "It may feel that way, but I imagine your neighbours are inured to their behaviour, and I will not be put off. I wish your mother had been exposed to true politeness and truly good preaching earlier in her life, but that deficit may be rectified."

"I just do not know how she can remain so blind as to how socially unacceptable her behaviour is."

"Perhaps she is more aware than you realise. At least she is doing her best to ensure her daughters' futures."

Another young lady began a piece of music, and they fell silent.

Mrs. Bennet was certainly unconventional, but her single-mindedness in pursuit of her daughters' well-being was admirable. She cared deeply for them and was working to protect them in the only way she knew how.

A/N: Anybody else love the idea of Darcy chasing Lydia down to ensure she doesn't skewer someone or injure herself? :D

Thanks for sticking around! I thoroughly appreciate all your encouragement! Really, if I didn't have you guys, I'm pretty sure this story would be gathering dust, considering how RL has been this semester. Thank you for forcing me to make time for my writing and for encouraging me to keep plugging away!

Please let me know if you notice something that can be strengthened! See you guys next week!