The Gentleman & The Rake

A Man of Few Words: Chapter 2

A Bennet Sister Turns Down Darcy, and Darcy Doesn't Mind 

 After the assembly ball, Charles insisted that he, his sisters, and Darcy attend dinner parties around Meryton. So long as Charles could promise the possibility of card games, Mr. Hurst tagged along; otherwise, he stayed at Netherfield. Darcy wished he could also stay behind, but Charles would be hurt, not to mention that Mr. Hurst was hardly a model of proper behavior. 

The Bennet family attended most of the gatherings. Charles tended to gravitate to the side of the oldest daughter--Darcy remembered her vaguely from the assembly ball--where he talked enough for both of them. 

The next oldest daughter was Elizabeth Bennet. On more than one occasion, Darcy observed that she had autumn-colored eyes. She was a trifle short, her smile a trifle crooked, and she was far from elegant. She wasn't shrill, though, and was easy to listen to. She had a whimsical way of delivering little quips, then waiting with contained amusement for others' reactions. Darcy began to place himself near her at events. He listened to her sing. She wasn't as polished or as adept as his sister Georgiana, but the songs were well-rendered. 

All in all, Elizabeth Bennet was a pleasing and intelligent young woman. 

 * * *

Sir William Lucas--the owner of Lucas Lodge, a moderately well-managed property--held a party. Charles insisted they all go. Darcy objected less than usual. Miss Elizabeth was sure to be present, and Darcy could watch her talk with others. 

Alas, the event deteriorated into a dance. Why in the world did people prefer to hop around rather than converse on interesting subjects? Darcy sighed and looked for Mr. Long, hoping they could continue their conversation about tax law from the last social ordeal. 

Instead, he found himself next to the prattling Sir William. Sir William prattled about everything: weather, ladies' dresses, the state of English roads. At the moment, he was prattling about dancing: 

"There is nothing like dancing. I consider it one of the first refinements of polished society." 

"Every savage can dance," Darcy pointed out, despite the futility; Sir Williams's prattling never detoured into more substantive exchanges. 

In fact, "You danced at the assembly ball, didn't you?" Sir Williams chattered. "I remember seeing you there--you are quite adept, sir. Have you danced at St. James? Because you do have a residence in London, don't you? I prefer living in the country myself." 

Darcy sighed inaudibly; if he refused to respond, maybe Sir William would go away. 

The questions and random remarks finally ceased. Darcy began to move off when he realized Sir William was presenting Miss Elizabeth Bennet to him as a potential dance partner. It was an unanticipated opportunity to converse with her one-on-one, and Darcy extended his hand. 

Miss Elizabeth blushed and shook her head in refusal. Correctly, Darcy allowed: this wasn't an appropriate venue for a dance. Still, he bowed and repeated Sir William's proposal. She was after all, preferable--much preferable--to another five minutes inquisition about where and when Darcy liked to dance. 

She raised her brows, and her eyes-dark brown with flecks of gold--met Darcy's momentarily. She was, he was disconcerted to see, more amused than flustered: by Sir William, he guessed. Amusement was probably a better tactic with someone like Sir William than monosyllabic responses.

I should smile back. 

But Miss Elizabeth had already moved away. Darcy gazed after her, marking the straight line of her back and her vibrant dark curls. She turned to pass a remark to Miss Lucas, and he noted the liveliness of her countenance when Miss Lucas made her laugh. 

A pleasant-looking young lady is always a positive addition to a party. One doesn't have to be a besotted follower to appreciate a pair of fine eyes. 

Miss Bingley glided towards him. She was talking in her rapid, caustic way. Darcy caught the last sentence: "What would I give to hear your strictures on them!" 

On Miss Lucas and Miss Elizabeth, Darcy assumed. He had no strictures. He said so, adding his thoughts about fine eyes—not Miss Elizabeth’s necessarily. Fine eyes were pleasant, no matter the owner.

But of course, Miss Bingley misunderstood:

“What praise! When will you two announce your engagement?”

Typical female reaction. Miss Bingley pounced on erroneous conclusions even more than Charles, but her lack of perception was not Darcy's problem. He shrugged and occupied himself with watching Miss Elizabeth until the evening ended. He noted her easy, pleasant manners; her ability to discuss a range of topics; her tendency to sit back and observe people closely, though never rudely. 

It was a good thing he wasn't the type of man to form instant attachments.