A Tale of Two Courtships by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland [Rowland, Jann]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2018-06-21T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter XI

When one encounters a wild animal, it is prudent to watch it carefully. But when one has cornered a wild beast, the vigilance must be doubly increased, for it then becomes unpredictable and more dangerous. Though he knew it was not polite to think of his host’s sister as a caged animal, Darcy could not help but feel that way about her.

For a time after she learned of his betrothal, Darcy had instructed his valet, Snell, to be on his guard for any plotting in which the woman might engage. He wondered if she meant to attempt a compromise, for he would not put anything past her. But a few days passed where nothing happened, and rather than attempt to flatter and ingratiate herself as she had done in the past, she remained largely aloof, watching and doing nothing. It was readily apparent that she had nothing but contempt for the Bennets, as was amply shown any time they were in company. But even so, her behavior, while not friendly, was at least acceptable.

It was the comportment of the Bennets which surprised Darcy. Elizabeth, he knew, was aware of her character and treated her accordingly. But Miss Mary watched the woman with barely concealed disgust, Miss Bennet was friendly but more reserved than even she was normally, and Mrs. Bennet, the most surprising of all, seemed to have little patience for Miss Bingley. This was odd, as he had heard the woman speak of Miss Bingley in glowing terms at least once, making it clear that she thought of Miss Bingley as a fine woman, indeed.

“My mother’s eyes may have been opened,” said Elizabeth when Darcy made this observance to her.

“Oh?” asked Darcy.

“Yes. You see, my mother does not take kindly to ladies of Miss Bingley’s background considering themselves better than her daughters. We, after all, are daughters of a gentleman, though my father is naught but a country squire.”

“I cannot but agree with her,” said Darcy, considering the matter. “I am surprised, however, that your mother has interpreted Miss Bingley’s behavior. She does not strike me as a woman who is adept at divining the intentions of others.”

“No,” replied Elizabeth, her eyes dancing in amusement. “But she was assisted to this conclusion. And before you ask, I was not the one who forced it.”

Darcy thought for a moment. Surely Miss Bennet, as self-effacing a creature as ever existed, would not have done so, and Mr. Bennet seemed more amused than anything. Miss Mary, therefore, was the likely candidate, though he might have thought she would simply preach at Miss Bingley.

“I see you have come to the right conclusion, William,” said Elizabeth, drawing Darcy’s eyes back to her. “But do not fear we will attempt to censure Miss Bingley. We Bennets understand her and will take care in our dealings with her, but we have no desire to embarrass Mr. Bingley.”

“My dearest Elizabeth,” replied Darcy, “I would not have expected it of you. I do, however, expect it of her.

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