~O~

Lucas Lodge

The Bennets were amongst the first to arrive at Lucas Lodge. As Sir William had informed them that he had invited the officers of the militia, Bennet had thought it best not to include his youngest two amongst their party.

They were enthusiastically greeted by their host, who could not resist the obvious joke, 'Bennet, I see that tonight you are the thorn amongst four lovely roses.'

'What can I say. I am blessed to have so many lovely ladies in my family,' Bennet responded before leading those ladies away as more guests were waiting to greet Sir William.

Once they were out of earshot of Sir William, Bennet said quietly to his mother, 'I owe you a shilling. I thought he would have become bored with that tired old joke.'

Mrs Bennet chuckled. 'He is a creature of habit.'

Soon the party split into several groups as they all went to greet their various friends.

~O~

It had taken severe threats to ensure Caroline Bingley was going to join the party at Lucas Lodge and also to be ready on time, but Charles Bingley had persevered and come out victorious. While they were the last to arrive, they were only a minute late.

Once they had survived the greeting by their genial host and completed the introduction of Caroline to Sir William, who in turn introduced Colonel Forster and his senior officers, Bingley immediately sought out Miss Bennet. He was in luck as he found her chatting with Charlotte Lucas, who had made it her mission to support her friend now that he mother was no longer invited to functions.

All three thoroughly enjoyed the ensuing conversation.

~O~

Darcy also sought out familiar faces and soon found himself conversing with Bennet and Elizabeth.

'Bennet, I wanted to thank you for sending those books so promptly. They have added greatly to my enjoyment of my stay here,' Darcy opened the conversation after they exchanged greetings.

'You are quite welcome. In our family we are all well acquainted with the need for a good book, whether for pleasure or information.'

'You have a most eclectic taste when it comes to reading material,' Elizabeth commented. 'I was present when papa packed them up.'

'I selected books which would suit my mood, no matter what it is at the time,' Darcy replied with a smile. 'Since you now have some idea what I enjoy reading, what are your favourites?'

Bennet interjected, 'Before you get carried away discussing our favourite pastime, would you care for a drink? After all, talking is a thirsty business.'

Having received their request, Bennet walked off in search of refreshments. Of course, it never occurred to him that his absence would give Elizabeth and Darcy an opportunity to speak in relative privacy.

The two chatted happily, comparing their favourite books. It turned out that they had several favourites in common, although their interpretation differed in some cases. They thoroughly enjoyed their debate.

When Elizabeth mentioned reading the Iliad Darcy could not resist to comment, 'Your remark about the Iliad, reminds me of the other night. I confess that I was intrigued by the fact that you spoke Greek, but it did not sound quite like I remember from university.'

'I suppose you could blame my father for that.' When Darcy looked quizzical, Elizabeth explained. 'When he was at Oxford, one of his fellow students was interested in languages. About fifteen years ago, Mr Rivers mentioned he had become acquainted with a scholar from Trabzond in Turkey.

'Father found what he learnt quite fascinating. It appears that in their region they still speak a version of Greek which is much closer to ancient rather than modern Greek. Since papa had an interest, he sponsored him to come to England. While he was here, he took a fancy to us girls and taught us to speak his dialect, which accounts for us sounding different.'

'But you must have been mere children, young children at that. How could you possibly learn something as difficult as Greek... any version of it?'

Bennet, who had returned bearing their drinks, chuckled at the consternation expressed by Darcy. 'But that is the trick. Young children are constantly learning about the world around them. If at a young age you introduce them to new concepts, they will take to it like a duck to water. During those early years, the girls learnt not only Greek, but also French, German, Italian and Latin.'

He paused to let that information sink in. 'I must admit that for a while it was confusing to listen to them speak as they mixed several languages in one sentence.'

That comment caused Darcy to chuckle. 'It sounds like a veritable Tower of Babel.'

'It was. Fortunately, it did not take too long for them to revert to single languages. Mind you, it helped that Lizzy and Mary had an aptitude for languages, which my youngest two do not have. They have passable French and a smattering of Italian, but no more.'

'I wish I had been taught at that early age. It would have saved me many headaches when I was at school,' Darcy commented ruefully. '

That comment caused his audience to chuckle before it led to a discussion of Darcy's favourite subjects at Cambridge. As literature ranked high on the list, Elizabeth and Darcy cheerfully debated the merits of various books. Bennet was happy to listen for a while before he sought other company and let them enjoy their conversation.

~O~

Since Darcy was speaking to Bennet and Elizabeth, Louisa Hurst decided to do the man a good turn and led Caroline to Mary Bennet.

'Miss Mary, it is good to see you again. Would you allow me to present my sister to your acquaintance?'

'Mrs Hurst, I am delighted to see you too and I would be pleased to make your sister's acquaintance.'

'Miss Mary, this is my younger sister Miss Caroline Bingley.' Louisa turned to Caroline. 'Sister, as you expressed a desire to meet the Bennet family about whom you have heard so much, it is my honour to present to you Miss Mary Bennet of Longbourn.'

The ladies exchanged the customary courtesies and Mary asked, 'How do you enjoy living in the country?'

Caroline graced Mary with her haughtiest look as she replied, 'I suppose that living in the country must be an acquired taste. I have not been here long enough to acquire it, Miss Maggie.'

'I am certain that by this time next year you will not want to leave the area, Miss Biggy,' Mary replied with a guileless expression, which was belied by the amusement sparkling in her eyes, causing Louisa to suppress a laugh.

Caroline sniffed. 'I am afraid that you are confused. My name is Miss Bingley, not Miss Biggy.'

'I beg your pardon. I thought that you were indulging in the latest parlour game fashionable in London which involves substituting someone's name. As you called me Miss Maggie instead of Miss Mary, I thought to go along with your game. But as it is obvious that I am unfamiliar with the rules of this new game, perhaps you would be so kind as to explain.'

Colour rose in Caroline's cheeks as her rudeness had been turned back on her. 'I am afraid it would take too long to explain the rules as you are unused to refined society.'

'I suppose it is just as well as I dislike the games played in society. I prefer the simplicity of country society,' Mary replied with perfect aplomb. Unwilling to continue this game of sniping with Caroline, Mary engaged Louisa Hurst in conversation.

Standing on the fringes of the group, Caroline took the opportunity to examine every detail about this country Miss. She was shocked to realise that Miss Mary exuded a relaxed confidence. Caroline was also puzzled by the dress Mary wore. Even though the style was too simple by far, Caroline had to admit that the colour and style suited Mary perfectly and the quality was superb.

Not wanting to give too much credit to this nobody, Caroline concluded that the girl must be wearing her best dress.

~O~

Sir William was escorting Colonel Forster around the room, introducing the officer to those of his guests who had arrived before him.

Forster was delighted when he met Bennet, Elizabeth and Darcy, and they fell into an easy conversation. When Forster mentioned the difficulty which the militia faced when moving to a new location, Elizabeth suggested impishly, 'If you wish to be accepted into this community, you should give us a ball. All the ladies would be grateful to have enough dance partners for a change and would laud you to their fathers, brothers, husbands and sons.'

Forster laughed at her teasing suggestion. 'I shall certainly consider your counsel.'

After a few more general comments, Forster turned to Darcy. 'I believe we have an acquaintance in common. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.'

Darcy smiled broadly. 'Indeed, Colonel Fitzwilliam is my cousin. He is currently stationed at headquarters in London.'

While the Colonel told Darcy how he and Colonel Fitzwilliam had met, Bennet and Elizabeth exchanged glances. While this evening was not suitable to for such a discussion, Bennet looked forward to exploring this connection when they had some privacy.

~O~

As often happened at parties at Lucas Lodge, Sir William requested Elizabeth to entertain his guests with a performance on the pianoforte.

'Sir William, if my vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable; but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers,' Elizabeth tried to escape his appeal, but their host prevailed and she took her position at the instrument.

Darcy listened to Elizabeth's performance with pleasure. Having heard his sister play, he could tell that Elizabeth was not as technically proficient, but she was able to imbue the music with such feeling that her technical flaws became irrelevant.

As he listened, part of his mind was busy with other, albeit related, matters.

This was only the second time he had met Elizabeth, but there was something captivating about her. Apart from her obvious beauty, he thoroughly enjoyed her conversation. For the first time that he could remember, a lady treated him as a person. She did not fawn or simper. She had opinions and was quite prepared to defend them against all comers but at the same time was not unreasonable and she was prepared to listen to counterarguments.

She did not flirt… at least not deliberately. Yet her teasing manner drew him like a moth to the flame and he wanted to get to know her better. While it was much too early to think too far into the future, Darcy decided that there was no harm in keeping an open mind.

He briefly considered that the Bennets were not of the first circles, but they were gentry of long-standing and what he had seen of their house reassured him that they were not interested in him for his fortune. Of course, the fact that Bennet was a bibliophile, whose manners as well as those of his daughters were exquisite, was a great advantage.

The only member of their family who had given him any concern at all was Mrs Bennet, who was conspicuous by her absence.

Darcy was so engrossed in his thoughts that he was jerked back to the present by the unwelcome approach of Miss Bingley, who clutched at his arm and simpered, 'I can just imagine your thoughts, Mr Darcy. How insupportable it is to be forced to endure such a paltry performance.'

Caroline Bingley was disappointed when Darcy gave her a sardonic look as he said, 'You are quite incorrect, Miss Bingley. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The thing which I find insupportable is the audacity some women have to clutch at a man's arm without invitation.'

Although he said no more, Darcy held her gaze until she blushed and jerked away her hand as if it was burned. Pressing her lips into a thin line, Caroline whirled around and stalked away from him.

~O~

When Elizabeth finished her performance, Mary took over on the pianoforte and acceded to the request of some of the younger people to play music for dancing.

As soon as dancing was mentioned, Darcy approached Elizabeth with a smile. 'Since I missed out on the opportunity to dance with you at the assembly, would you honour me with a dance tonight, Miss Elizabeth?'

The expression in Darcy's eyes as he made his request nearly caused Elizabeth to stutter. Fighting for composure, she smiled pleasantly as she accepted.

When the dancing started, Elizabeth tried to distract herself from the effect Mr Darcy's smile and his touch on her hand had on her with conversation. As she happened to glance across the room where she saw Bingley, she asked, 'You appear to be excellent friends with Mr Bingley. Have you known each other long?'

Grateful for a chance to discuss a neutral topic, Darcy explained, 'I met Bingley at Cambridge when I was in my last year, and he was just starting his first. We were introduced by a mutual friend and hit it off.'

'Yet I had the impression that he looks to you for guidance.'

'I will confess that until recently, he has been easily led. And even though there is only two years between us, he has seen me as an older brother.'

'Not only older but wiser, I am sure,' Elizabeth teased.

'Perhaps not wiser, but more experienced in some areas which are new to him, such as estate management. Since my father's death five years ago I have been responsible for the management of Pemberley.'

Hearing the wistful note when Darcy mentioned Pemberley, Elizabeth suggested, 'Tell me about your home. It sounds as if you love it very much.'

Darcy was only too happy to comply.

~O~

The Bennets had a wonderful time at Lucas Lodge, nd so did most of the residents of Netherfield.

The only exception was Caroline Bingley. She had watched Darcy in animated conversation with several people, but Mr Bennet and Miss Eliza in particular.

In the course of the evening, Caroline had been introduced to all the Bennets and for the life of her she could not understand what her brother saw in the insipid Jane Bennet. It was even more unfathomable what her Mr Darcy could see in Eliza.

Like her sister Mary, Miss Eliza had no sense of fashion, and her skin was unfashionably tanned. Yet she moved and carried herself with a conceited kind of independence which was completely at odds with her country upbringing.

Yet whenever Mr Darcy spoke to the chit, he was animated and he even smiled. This situation was intolerable. Caroline felt that she needed to find even more evidence as to the unsuitability of the family.

~O~

~O~

A Most Attentive Father (working title) by Sydney Salier, Copyright © 2024