The Eldest | F. Darcy

Chapter 3: New Light

Adele was the only member of the household who did not look forward to the dinner. Mrs. Bennet and Jane eagerly anticipated Mr. Bingley's arrival. Mary was keen to showcase her newest musical piece. Elizabeth relished the opportunity to tease Mr. Darcy. Lydia and Kitty were delighted at the prospect of entertaining Colonel Forster, while Mr. Bennet was most amused by the idea of meeting the man who had so openly slighted the most beautiful lady in Hertfordshire.

"At least Mr. Bingley can lift your spirits with his good nature," Jane said cheerfully.

"That friend of his, Mr. Darcy, is enough to cast a shadow over all his liveliness," Elizabeth added mischievously.

"I think Ady thinks about Mr. Pompous and Proper more than his own lover ever will," Lydia quipped, causing Kitty to giggle.

"Oh hush, Lydia!" Mrs. Bennet scolded. "I do not believe your sister would ever entertain the thought of a man like him. She has far better—and richer—admirers."

"Whom she has already turned down in the past," Elizabeth smirked.

"Yet she still receives flowers and letters, does she not?"

"Yes," Adele interjected dryly, "and one of those letters was from a man old enough to be my father!"

The family erupted into laughter before dispersing to prepare for the evening.

Their guests arrived and were soon seated in the evening room before dinner. Mr. Darcy stood near the fireplace, surveying the space when his gaze landed upon a neat bundle of letters and an arrangement of flowers placed on a side table.

His curiosity piqued, he turned to Jane, who was speaking with Bingley.

"Forgive me, Miss Bennet," he said, his tone measured with cold civility. "May I inquire about the purpose of those letters and flowers? I hope I am not trespassing upon politeness—I was merely curious."

That very morning, Adele had received another bundle of letters from her admirers, along with an assortment of thornless roses and yellow chrysanthemums. Jane, accustomed to such deliveries, explained their presence to him.

Bingley, well-versed in the language of flowers—having grown up with five sisters—chuckled knowingly, while Darcy looked at him in mild confusion.

Seeing his friend's perplexity, Bingley explained, "Thornless roses signify love at first sight, while yellow chrysanthemums represent slighted love."

"I had not realized Miss Bennet had so many admirers," Bingley commented playfully, while Darcy stood in stunned silence.

"Oh! She has none," Jane said with a small smile. "She runs from the very idea of matrimony. Most of these letters are anonymous."

"Are they from men nearby?"

"No, most are from London's elite," Lydia interjected before Jane could stop her. "I remember her mentioning that a certain Earl of Aidenberg—who is old enough to be her father—had taken a particular liking to her."

"Earl of Aidenberg!" Mr. Hurst exclaimed. "That old man who is constantly surrounded by the most beautiful and eligible maidens of the country? Your sister must be quite something."

"Oh, she certainly is," Mrs. Bennet declared proudly. "Why, Sir William himself remarked the other day that Adele is the finest jewel in the county—if not the most precious."

Darcy was forced into contemplation. He had dismissed Adele so readily that evening at the assembly, yet here she stood, admired by many—men of wealth and standing among them. His eyes trailed to her as she finally entered the room.