Chapter 3 ~ Seized Opportunities or Walking Well

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:12-15, ESV)

11 I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. 12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. 13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. 14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. (Proverbs 4:11-14, ESV)

The next day passed much as the day before had done. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley had spent some hours of the morning with the invalid, who continued, though slowly, to mend; and in the evening Elizabeth joined their party in the drawing-room. The loo-table, however, did not appear. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley were at piquet, and Mrs. Hurst was observing their game. Mr. Darcy was writing a letter, and Miss Bingley, seated near him, was watching his progress.

When his last letter had been written though he endured frequent interruptions – for his hostess found it necessary to compliment his skill, his style, and even his patience with letters of business – he was pleased to have won the approval of Miss Elizabeth as well. Her eye had been frequently drawn in their direction and he saw that his responses amused her. Wishing to satisfy his vanity and gauge his success with his most reluctant conquest he provided an opportunity for some competition by applying to Miss Bingley and Elizabeth for the indulgence of some music. Miss Bingley moved with alacrity to the pianoforte; and, after a polite request that Elizabeth would lead the way, which the other as politely and more earnestly negatived, she seated herself. Mr. Darcy could not be otherwise than disappointed. Miss Elizabeth refused to be made jealous and would make no attempt to draw his notice.

Mrs. Hurst sang with her sister; and while they were thus employed, Elizabeth turned over some music books that lay on the instrument. Mr. Darcy's eyes were captivated by her through two or three Italian love songs and he found he must force their attention elsewhere lest he be discovered. Miss Bingley did not at first observe him for she was busy pretending to be swept away by the music. The exact angle of her head that would be most alluring and the precise amount of mournfulness she should allow on her face engrossed her thoughts. It was in the middle of her third romantic song that she chanced to look and to her dismay Darcy had missed a most pathetic pout because his eyes were engaged elsewhere. As an experienced performer, Miss Bingley knew that to really display her skill to the best advantage and hold her audience's interest she should vary the charm. The only audience that counted for her had kept his eyes on another; her strategy to draw his attention with a lively Scotch air had a much different effect than she intended. Mr. Darcy, drew near to Elizabeth, and said to her --

'Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportunity of dancing a reel?'

She smiled, but mistrusting his purpose – supposing that he wished to make Miss Bingley jealous – she made no answer. He repeated the question, with some surprise at her silence. She considered a moment and decided it was best to tell him directly that she knew what he was about. Perhaps he would choose to be a pleasant companion rather than a charming rogue.

"Oh!" said she, "I heard you before, but I could not immediately determine what to say in reply." She lowered her voice and continued, "You wanted me, I know, to say 'Yes,' that you might have the pleasure of discomfiting Miss Bingley; but I always delight in overthrowing those kind of schemes. I have, therefore, made up my mind to tell you, that I do not want to dance a reel at all and -- "

"Indeed, you give me no choice." Grasping her hands and smiling his most beguiling smile he began to dance. "No other woman has ever refused to dance with me and I cannot allow you to get away with that impertinence twice. My amour propre may never recover."

Elizabeth – having rather expected to affront him and so rid herself of his attentions – was amazed that he boldly disregarded her words; but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody, and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by her. Unwilling to make a scene Elizabeth completed the dance, she even permitted herself to enjoy it. Deciding that this man had rarely been denied anything and simply did not believe she really wished to refuse him. In truth he was not wrong for she dearly loved to dance and there was a boyish freedom in his manner that very frequently bought his pardon when he misbehaved and for all of her independence Elizabeth Bennet was by no means immune to it.

Miss Bingley saw enough to be jealous; and her renewed anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend Jane received some assistance from her desire of getting rid of Elizabeth. Taking the hint Elizabeth was grateful for the excuse to end her evening so soon after the uncomfortable and mildly intoxicating episode.

Miss Bingley often tried to provoke Darcy into disliking her guest, by talking of their supposed marriage, and planning his happiness in such an alliance. As they were walking together in the shrubbery the next day she employed that very strategy and masked her bitter words with sweet smiles.

'I hope,' said she, 'you will give your mother-in-law a few hints, when this desirable event takes place, as to the advantage of holding her tongue; and if you can compass it, do cure the younger girls of running after the officers.

"I would certainly put soldiers entirely from their minds by presenting before them all the advantages a better class of gentleman would procure."

His response did not at all please but having no other strategy in mind she persevered as she leaned heavily on his arm in affected weakness she made a direct attack on the lady.

"If I may mention so delicate a subject, it would be easier for your lady to establish herself in society if she could learn to check that little something, bordering on conceit and impertinence, which she so freely displays in the country."

"But I think her tendency to provoke is one of her most enchanting qualities. Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity?"

"Oh! yes." Said she speaking as lightly as if she did not feel at all threatened, "Do let the portraits of your uncle and aunt Philips be placed in the gallery at Pemberley. Put them next to your great-uncle the judge. They are in the same profession, you know; only in different lines. As for your Elizabeth's picture, you must not attempt to have it taken, for what painter could do justice to those beautiful eyes?"

She lifted her own twinkling orbs to his face hoping to capture his gaze. He left his lids heavy on his own, smiled a wickedly careless smile and examined his immaculate nails while he answered.

"It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression, but their colour and shape, and the eye-lashes, so remarkably fine, might be copied." Having heard a noise he looked up and was very pleased to discover that they were met from another walk by Mrs. Hurst and Elizabeth.

"I did not know that you intended to walk," said Miss Bingley, in some confusion, lest they had been overheard.

"You used us abominably ill," answered Mrs. Hurst, "running away without telling us that you were coming out."

Then, moving as if to take Mr. Darcy's disengaged arm, she left Elizabeth to walk by herself. Mr. Darcy appeared to suppose that she meant only to exchange companions and joined Miss Elizabeth immediately, saying, --

"This walk is not wide enough for our party. We had better approach the avenue."

Making a pretense at following them he slowed his pace and when the broad leaf strewn walkway lay before them he led Elizabeth on a quieter path. He avoided her protests by offering an apology for his behavior the previous evening.

"Mr. Darcy let us think no more about it and join our friends."

"Miss Bennet you cannot accept my apology in one breath and treat me like a cad the next."

"I would make my apologies now if your behaviour did not merit it."

He only laughed, "You are a delight Miss Bennet. Have you ever been to London? You could have the ton at your feet, you are altogether charming."

"Do I hear Miss Bingley? If we are quick I think we might catch them up."

"Why do you dislike me so?"

"I assure you I do not dislike you. I dislike being used to make another woman envious–"

"I can assure you that is not the case. Miss Bingley knows exactly what she can expect from me and, in fact just this morning she advised me to make you an offer - -"

"Oh, but sir - -"

"What do you think? Should I? Would I be welcomed if I were to - -" Instead of finishing his sentence he lowered his head allowing only half a moment for her to withdraw and she had not yet recovered from her surprise at his nearness before he kissed her. His lips were thick and warm and tasted of coffee. She was stunned a moment then turned her head and would have run but he held her close. "Be still. I see you do not like me quite enough yet. Perhaps you will allow me to try to win your favour?"

She was frightened and ashamed and whispered "Perhaps, but now let us find Miss Bingley."

He smiled and with measured steps they entered the avenue where they soon found their companions walking back towards the house. Elizabeth immediately announced that she had walked quite far enough and turned to follow them. Darcy complied, not at all displeased with his morning. On reaching the house she returned to Jane immediately, remaining with her until they both went downstairs for the evening.

Seeing her sister well guarded from cold, Elizabeth attended her into the drawing-room, where Jane was welcomed by her two friends with many professions of pleasure; and Elizabeth had never seen them so agreeable as they were during the hour which passed before the gentlemen appeared. Their powers of conversation were considerable. They could describe an entertainment with accuracy, relate an anecdote with humour, and laugh at their acquaintance with spirit.

But when the gentlemen entered, Jane was no longer the first object; Miss Bingley's eyes were instantly turned towards Darcy, and she was at his side before he had advanced many steps. He addressed himself directly to Miss Bennet, with a warm smile and a polite congratulation; Mr. Hurst also made her a slight bow, and said he was 'very glad;' but diffuseness and warmth remained for Bingley's salutation. His cheerful attentions were addressed immediately to the fire, lest she should suffer from the change of room; and she removed from her place beside Elizabeth at his desire to the other side of the fireplace, that she might be farther from the door. He then sat down by her, and talked scarcely to anyone else. Elizabeth, concentrating most diligently on her embroidery, slyly observed them with great delight. Her comfort was dampened only by the fine translucent hairs on her neck that told her his gaze rested there. She scoffed at them and refused to confirm it so little did she trust their warning.

When tea was over, Mr. Hurst reminded his sister-in-law of the card-table -- but in vain. She had obtained private intelligence that Mr. Darcy did not wish for cards. Mr. Hurst soon found even his open petition rejected. This was an unusual circumstance and that gentleman's silence on the subject seemed to justify her. Mr. Hurst had therefore nothing to do but to stretch himself on one of the sofas and go to sleep. Darcy took up a book that he had no intention of reading; Miss Bingley did the same; and Mrs. Hurst, joined her brother's conversation with Miss Bennet her only contributions were infrequent comments and a constant tinkling of her necklace as she toyed with it.

Mr. Darcy's attention was quite as much engaged in watching Miss Elizabeth's profile as in reading his book; and Miss Bingley was perpetually attempting to draw his attention to herself. She could not draw it away, however, and at length, quite exhausted by the attempt to be amused with reading, soon afterwards got up and walked about the room. Her figure was elegant, and she walked well; but Darcy, at whom it was all aimed, was still inflexibly focused on his object. In the desperation of her feelings, she resolved on one effort more, and turning to Elizabeth, said --

'Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to follow my example, and take a turn about the room. I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude.'

Elizabeth was surprised, but agreed to it immediately. Miss Bingley succeeded no less in the real purpose of her civility: Mr. Darcy looked at her. He was as much awake to the novelty of attention in that quarter as Elizabeth herself could be, and unconsciously closed his book. Seeing that he had abandoned his pretence, Miss Bingley directly invited him to join them, but he declined it.

"I can imagine but two motives for your choosing to walk up and down the room together, with either of which motives my joining you would interfere."

"What can you mean? I am dying to know what could be your meaning -- Miss Eliza can you at all understand him?"

"Not at all," was the answer she shared aloud, but really wishing to avoid his notice she added in a low voice; "depend upon it, he means to be severe on us, and our surest way of disappointing him will be to ask nothing about it."

Miss Bingley, however, was incapable of disappointing Mr. Darcy in anything. Having only that morning discovered that he liked impertinence she harassed him with what she believed resembled the coquettish insistence of a Madame DuBerry. Her steady stream of commands provided no pause long enough to allow an opportunity to be answered.

"Mr. Darcy I cannot remain in ignorance, I must know what you have imagined could motivate us! I demand that you enlighten us. Pray do not keep us in ignorance! Explain, sir, if you please, these mysterious reasons you have, by some strange power, divined."

"I have not the smallest objection to explaining them," said he, as soon as she drew a breath. "You either choose this method of passing the evening because you are in each other's confidence, and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage in walking; -- if the first, I should be completely in your way, and if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit idly by."

"Oh! for shame, Mr. Darcy!" cried Miss Bingley. "I never heard anything so abominable. How shall we punish him for such a speech?"

"Nothing so easy, if you have but the inclination," said Elizabeth. Her courage rising she would openly confront her captivating tormentor with his duplicity, "We can all plague and punish one another. Tease him -- laugh at him. Intimate as you are, you must know how it is to be done."

Very pleased with her companion she answered with sighing admiration. "But upon my honour I do not. I do assure you that my intimacy has not yet taught me that. Tease charm and eloquence! No, no -- I feel he may out match us there. And as to laughter, we will not expose ourselves, if you please, by attempting it."

"Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at!" cried Elizabeth. "That is an uncommon advantage, and uncommon I hope it will continue, for it would be a great loss to me to have many such acquaintance – I love to laugh."

"Miss Bingley," said he, "has given me credit for more than can be. Even the best of men may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object in life is a joke."

"There certainly are such people, but I hope I am not one of them. I hope I never ridicule what is wise or good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. But these, I suppose, are precisely what the best of men are without."

"I am too flawed to qualify as the best of men but I do try to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a man to ridicule. I am many things Miss Elizabeth but I am not ridiculous."

He held her eyes as he said this and robbed her of breath for a moment but she recollected herself and would tell him that she was not to be treated lightly. "Such as vanity or dare I suggest trifling speech."

"I confess to some vanity indeed but to accuse my speech of being insignificant I must protest." Slowly his mocking smile turned serious and meeting her challenge he stated baldly, "My words are always significant."

Her heart stuttering a moment Miss Elizabeth had no response. His answer must mean that his offer that morning was sincere. Well it was not exactly an offer but a suggestion of one and accompanied by a liberty which could only mean he intended to make her one very soon.

"Your examination of Mr. Darcy is over, I presume," said Miss Bingley; "and pray what is the result?"

"Mr. Darcy has proved too strong an opponent for my feeble skill and I leave his punishment to you." After saying this she turned to rejoin her sister.

"Miss Elizabeth you disclaim punishment and then abandon me? Your retribution is complete."

Although she had turned on hearing her name she was too confused to know how to reply. Miss Bingley did not allow his words to linger unanswered and tittered as she responded,

"Mr. Darcy you are too cruel. You must remember that Eliza Bennet is not in your usual set and is unfamiliar with your ways you must not allow yourself to discompose her so."

The gentleman responded with only the pretense of a whisper "Oh! but she blushes so prettily when I do that I cannot help myself."

Miss Bingley pretended to laugh at this but Jane, aware of her sister's suffering said immediately, "I am so very grateful for the many kind attentions I have received since I fell ill that I regret requesting one more. May we have the use of your carriage to take us home in the morning? I fear ours will not be available tomorrow and I should like to be home before breakfast if you will be so kind. I long for my mother's comforts. - -Not that yours have been insufficient - - I am sure - - you must understand - -"

The request made so boldly faltered at the end but Mr. Bingley well understood her reasons and did not press her. Darcy's speech was often bordering on the improper.

"Yes, of course you shall have it. Will nine o'clock be early enough?"

"It will be perfect. We thank you and will bid you all goodnight and goodbye." And so the Bennet sisters made good their escape from the drawing room early in the evening and from Netherfield altogether early the next morning.