Into Hertfordshire by Stanley Michael Hurd

Author:Stanley Michael Hurd [Hurd, Stanley Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-11-04T07:00:00+00:00

After folding and sealing his letter, he sent his gaze around the room: Elizabeth had returned to her needlework; Hurst and Bingley were back at their game; Mrs. Hurst was alternately peering over her husband’s shoulder and turning her jewellery about to observe the sparkle; and Miss Bingley sat looking blankly about her, obviously in want of occupation. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was a study in poise, grace, and feminine perfection where she sat bowed over her work. Again he was struck by the comparison of the two ladies; the one with all the advantages and none of the substance, the other with all the resources of heart and mind, but denied the fullest expansion of them by the condition of her family.

He became aware that his eyes had rested overlong on Elizabeth, and hastily looked away. His glance lit on the pianoforte, which brought to him the happy thought of asking her to play. In that way he would be satisfying himself on two counts: he would have the pleasure of her performance, and he could indulge himself in the observation of her without fear of offending. Of course, to single her out in this request would slight the other ladies, so instead he spoke generally to the room, “Might we indulge in some music? Bingley, Hurst, you would not mind?”

The gentlemen waved him on, but Miss Bingley had got in ahead of him. She, having by that time already got to the pianoforte and opened it, hesitated just long enough to ask Elizabeth to precede her, before seating herself with the air of one who means to play forever. Miss Bennet murmured a polite negative, even though it was already apparent that her hostess had no thought of relinquishing her position at the instrument. Mrs. Hurst stepped over to join her sister, as the two ladies were fond of singing together, and they began a duet. Elizabeth returned to her work, but would look up now and again to observe the performance.

This arrangement was not to Darcy’s liking. Miss Bingley was often looking his way to see how he was enjoying her recital, and it would be immediately obvious to her if he were to give his attention to Elizabeth. He therefore rose and stepped over to the fireplace, from which vantage point he could better observe Elizabeth, and at the same time stand slightly behind Miss Bingley. Elizabeth, however, chose that moment to put aside her work and wander over to the pianoforte to look through some of the music laying on it. Darcy was satisfied: he could now indulge in a modest observation of Elizabeth while seeming to attend the entertainment.

He held his post with perfect contentment through several selections, until Elizabeth, having perused the music books available, stepped to the end of the instrument and looked about the room. Her eyes caught his, and he was moved to take a step he had never before in his life undertaken: to ask a woman to dance because he wished to be near her.

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