“Is itsohorrible?” He smiled warmly at her.
“Oh, Papa, I have becomebored. That is horrible to you, since you are perfect.”
“Bored! You?”
“Every week I do the same thing, and I have only realized it now. I walk the same winding paths, then read a book — usually of a sort I have read many times before — I meet the same persons. All tiresome! I wish a change.”
“At your age! But you are so old. Most who have reachedyourage wish to live in unvaried retirement.”
Elizabeth rolled her eyes.
“London? With the happiest will in the world I will give you the money for a good visit. There is no lack of varietythere.”
“London? In this season, with the fog? No! Besides the sort of people to be met in London! In the country one is bored by the sameness of people, but in Town one is horrified by the variety. And the constant balls and routs — I have tired of balls. I could never haveimaginedas a girlthatcould occur. But other than seeing Georgiana do well, I anticipate no pleasure for myself at the ball Jane is planning.”
And dancing with Mr. Darcy, a low voice in her head sounded.
Mr. Bennet laughed. “Not evenballs!”
“Oh, be still. I am an old enough old maid to value sleep over dancing till the light brightens the horizon whilst I am in the arms of a stumbling young man.”
“Do all your young men stumble? Perhaps your problem has beenthem?”
Elizabeth laughed.
“To crave a difference after a period of some years is no strangeness.” Mr. Bennet pulled off his spectacles and paused, looking at her intently. “You could visit one of your sisters; we could travel about, you and I. Explore some place you long to visit.”
“You would do that for me?” Elizabeth smiled brightly. She added glowingly, “But I know you hate to travel, and I would not do that to you. My strange longing would not be satisfied.”
“Have you thought of marriage?”
“Marriage?”
“I shall lose you one day, Lizzy, and I shall miss you exceedingly, but I will also be very happy, and—”
“Ridiculous! You will never lose me because I am too particular and strange in my ways. I would only take a husband who has all of your goodness, and who I can confide in as I do you.”
“Pray, find a husband notexactlylike your Papa. But you must choose carefully—”
“I’ll not choose at all. No, I thank you kindly. I have never felt anything which would lead me to make such a wild choice.”
“Not even that Mr. Darcy who you send those sharp glances at every time you meet?”
“Mr. Darcy!”
Papa smiled at her expression, but he titled his head in a demand she say more.
“You mean I send sharp retorts at him.”
“With the glances.”
“He is completely wrong. Completely — I would be ridiculous if I married such a man. With his decided opinions on women, and—”
Papa smirked at her, clearly enjoying the passion she was working herself into. His expression also doubted her pretense of disinterest.
“I may like to look at him — I confess that — I may like to flirt with him, but know the difference between asmallinfatuation and love. What I feel forhimis not love.”
“One may lead to another.”
