“You had two suitors, and now you have lost both of them. One of them was scared away by your wild cat and the other by your wild temper! Well, missy, you will see when you are old and end up homeless. Then you may spend the rest of your life with just cats!”
There was no use in convincing Mrs Bennet to see reason, so Elizabeth did not even attempt it. Jane masterfully drew her mother’s attention to other, more pleasant, events, reminding her that Mr Bingley would officially announce the engagement at the ball. Furthermore, the gentleman had asked Mrs Bennet tocome to Netherfield and supervise the preparations, a prospect that flattered and delighted her beyond anything else.
Two days prior to the ball, Mr Darcy returned unexpectedly; he appeared at Longbourn when the family and Mr Bingley were dining together.
Mr Bingley and Mr Bennet immediately invited him to join them, and he sat to Mr Bennet’s right. From there, he threw repeated glances at Elizabeth, who could not remember when she had ever felt so cold and so hot at the same time.
Mr Bingley lost not a moment in informing him about the engagement, and congratulations ran freely during the evening. Mr Darcy suggested that Mr Bingley procure a common licence, and the thought that her daughter might marry before Charlotte Lucas was like sweet palliation to Mrs Bennet’s distress at not having longer to make the arrangements.
Elizabeth had no time to speak to Mr Darcy privately, but he stole a moment near the end of the evening and asked, “Miss Elizabeth, do you think this cold weather will still deem it appropriate to take a morning ride?”
She felt her fingers and lips trembling as she replied, “Very much so. I still enjoy a morning walk to my favourite piece of woodland whenever I have the opportunity.”
With that, he returned to Mr Bennet and Mr Bingley, while Elizabeth began to count the hours till morning.
