A faint smile appeared at the corner of Darcy’s mouth.
“I should be sorry to attempt it, sir,” he replied.
This answer, simple as it was, seemed to gratify Mr. Collins beyond measure; while Mr. Bennet, observing the ease with which Darcy had accommodated himself to the peculiarities of the evening, began to think more favourably of him than he had previously been inclined to do.
“Have you been long absent from Pemberley, sir?” Mr. Bennet inquired after a pause.
“Several weeks,” Darcy replied. “I remained in London longer than I had intended, assisting a friend of mine, Mr. Bingley, in the search for an estate to lease. His sisters prefer a situation nearer town; but Bingley himself is strongly attached to country life, particularly where there are woods, a running stream, and tolerable fishing.”
“In that case,” Mr. Bennet said, with the appearance of speaking almost casually, “I believe I may venture a recommendation. Within a few miles of Longbourn stands Netherfield Park, a very respectable estate, sufficiently near London to satisfy those unwilling to abandon society altogether, yet surrounded by remarkably fine country. The place has remained to let for longer than it deserves.”
Mr. Collins, hearing a neighbouring estate introduced into the discussion, became immediately attentive.
“I have known both its proprietors and several of its tenants,” Mr. Bennet continued, “and I have always considered it among the most agreeable situations in the county. There is an excellent house, tolerable shooting, a good stream, and woods sufficiently extensive to flatter any gentleman’s attachment to nature.”
“And Hertfordshire society is by no means inconsiderable,” Mr. Collins added eagerly, anxious not to appear wholly excluded from the subject.
Mr. Bennet inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the addition without encouraging it further.
“What say you, Mr. Darcy? Are you at all acquainted with Hertfordshire?”
“I believe I was very young when I last saw St. Albans and the surrounding country,” Darcy answered. “I cannot claim to know the county well.”
“No gentleman truly knows a county,” Mr. Bennet replied, “until he has survived at least three family dinners, two public assemblies, and one disagreement regarding the merits of neighbouring estates.”
Even Darcy, whose gravity was seldom overcome without resistance, appeared unable entirely to withhold amusement from the observation.
“I shall endeavour to improve my knowledge by the proper methods, then.”
“I do not doubt it,” Mr. Bennet said. “You have already shown a commendable patience under trial. You are therefore better prepared for Hertfordshire than most gentlemen. Bring your friend to visit, and I shall endeavour to serve as a reliable guide to the neighbourhood.”
After a short pause, during which the servants again moved about the table, Mr. Bennet resumed in a tone of easy civility.
“May I inquire whether your friend is married, Mr. Darcy?”
“He is not, sir.”
“A circumstance,” Mr. Bennet returned gravely, “which would, I fear, render him an object of considerable curiosity in Hertfordshire after a tenancy of three months.”
Darcy’s expression suggested that he was not entirely unacquainted with the truth of this observation.
“You must forgive me for mentioning it,” Mr. Bennet continued, with the faintest appearance of amusement, “but my wife would scarcely conceive it possible that such information should reach the other matrons of the county before reaching herself.”
Even Darcy, though prepared for something of the sort, seemed unable entirely to resist smiling.
“I shall endeavour, then, to place Mr. Bingley in as little danger as possible.”
“That,” Mr. Bennet replied, raising his glass slightly, “would require considerably more influence than any gentleman is generally allowed to possess.”
Mr. Collins, uncertain whether such discourse bordered too closely upon levity, attempted a safer transition.
“There are, indeed, few counties which can unite the advantages of society, situation, and distinguished patronage so completely as Derbyshire—or Kent, I daresay,” he declared.
“Few persons,” Mr. Bennet replied, “are so fortunately placed to judge the matter as yourself, Cousin.”
Mr. Collins bowed, accepting the observation as entirely serious; while Darcy, lowering his gaze for a moment toward the table, concealed what might almost have been the beginning of a laugh.
***
