[ UNDERGOING EDITING 08-18-24 ]
- Ever since she could walk, Elodie Bennet had expectations set upon her, as many other women did. As the second eldest, she was meant to care for her younger sisters and fulfill her duties without complaint.
Bei...
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A BEAUTY AND A BEAST.
In an effort to dispel the lingering awkwardness, Elodie decided to engage in small talk. Surely, she thought, men of such stature could manage a pleasant conversation.
"I do hope that you are enjoying your visit to Hertfordshire and that you find it a most delightful place." Elodie began, her words spilling out in a somewhat hurried fashion, perhaps more abrupt than she intended.
Mr. Bingley, ever the picture of charm, perked up at her statement, his hands clasping together behind his back, causing the intricate blue fabric of his coat to rustle softly.
"Yes, I like it very much!" He responded with an earnestness that made Elodie's face light up in satisfaction. His enthusiasm was contagious, and she couldn't help but beam at his reply.
"The library at Netherfield...I've heard it's one of the finest in the country." Elizabeth chimed in, her eyes glimmering with interest. Elodie knew well how much her sister loved reading; in that regard, they were kindred spirits.
Books were a peaceful escape from their lively and often boisterous household, where quiet moments were a rare luxury.
"Yes, it fills me with guilt. I'm not a very good reader, you see. I prefer being out of doors." Mr. Bingley confessed with a bashful smile, almost as if he were revealing a deep flaw. Elodie found herself surprised.
A man of his wealth and standing, with access to such a grand library, admitting he wasn't a reader? It was unexpected, to say the least. But she understood the appeal of the outdoors, especially for one who enjoyed athletic pursuits.
Jane, ever gentle, let out a hesitant laugh that immediately captured Mr. Bingley's attention.
"I mean, I can read, of course." he quickly clarified, his eyes darting nervously to Jane as though desperate to redeem himself. "And I'm certainly not suggesting you can't read out of doors..."
Elodie held her hand up to her mouth to hide a snicker, Elizabeth's clamped mouth suggested she was doing the same.
As Jane and Mr. Bingley continued their conversation, Elodie's gaze drifted once more to Mr. Darcy. His blue eyes, cool and distant, scanned the room with a disinterested air, as though nothing could possibly entertain him. He appeared utterly bored.
"Do you like to dance, sir?" Elodie asked as a new tune filled the room and Jane and Mr. Bingley moved to go join the throng of dancers. Elodie might as well try to include the miserable man in something.
