Free Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley by Fenella J Miller Page B

pitiful.’
    ‘No, as it happens. It does not necessarily follow that the deep,
intricate character is more or less estimable than someone who is less
complicated.’
    ‘I did not know before that you are a study of character. It must be an
amusing study.’ He noticed that Darcy was taking a close interest in their
conversation. Elizabeth replied at once.
    ‘Yes, but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have that advantage.’
    Mr Darcy joined in. ‘The country does not generally supply you with many
subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very
confined and unvarying society.’
    Elizabeth was having none of this. ‘But people themselves alter so much
that there is something new to be observed in one forever.’
    Mrs Bennet felt moved to speak and Mr Bingley watched Darcy look at her
in disdain and then turn silently away.
      The lady turned to him. ‘I cannot
see that London has any great advantage over the country for my part, except
the shops and public places. The country side is still pleasanter, is it not,
Mr Bingley?’
    He nodded vigorously. ‘When I am in the country, I never wish to leave
it; in town it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages and I
can be equally happy in either.’
      Mrs Bennet scowled at his friend.
‘Aye, that is because you have the right disposition. But that gentleman
seemed to think the country was nothing at all.’
    ‘Indeed, ma’am, you are mistaken,’ Elizabeth said, blushing for her
mother. ‘You mistook Mr Darcy. He only meant that they are not such a variety
of people to be met within the country as in town, which you must acknowledge
to be true.’
    ‘Certainly, my dear, nobody said there were; as for not meeting with
many people in this neighbourhood, I think there are few neighbourhoods larger.
I know we dine with four and twenty families.’
    Charles was obliged to turn away in order to keep his countenance. His
sister Caroline was less delicate, and directed her eyes towards Mr Darcy with
a very expressive smile. Elizabeth deftly changed the subject by asking her
mother if Charlotte Lucas had been at Longbourn since her coming away.
    He glanced at the mantel clock. Surely Mrs Bennet and her daughters had
already stayed the requisite time? He was relieved that Caroline had not
offered them refreshments, then they would be here forever. Although he was
inordinately fond of Jane, Mrs Bennet was not the sort of person one usually
associated with. She had far more too much to say, and most of it was either
offensive or nonsensical.
    One of the things that was mentioned was the fact that when Jane had
been fifteen years old and staying in London there had been a young man so in
love with her he had written her poetry. Perhaps he should endeavour to compose
some verses himself in honour of her beautiful face and sweet smile. He looked
up to see Darcy smile at Elizabeth in a particular way and wondered again
about his friend’s interest. But what did she think of him? He watched her
closely but could see no signs of partiality. Rather, she seemed to like
provoking Darcy. Surely a novel experience for his friend!
    Then Mrs Bennet began repeating her thanks to him for his kindness to her
daughter.
    ‘It is my pleasure, madam. It is no more than you would do for myself or
my sister if we had been so struck down when visiting Longbourn. You must not
consider it at all.’ Charles stared pointedly at Caroline and she added her
remarks.
    ‘Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are welcome here as long as necessary,
Mrs Bennet. We are pleased to have them with us, and you may have no fears they
will not be well looked after at Netherfield.’
    As they were leaving, the youngest Bennet girl, Lydia, approached him,
she had easy manners and an air of assurance that belied her age.
    ‘Mr Bingley, do you remember that at Meryton you promised you would hold
a ball here? It would be the most shameful thing in the world if you do