It was at this point that Lord and Lady Morton were obliged to intervene, for the squabble had become the chief entertainment of all their guests. Mrs. Ellison scolded Mr. Willoughby for humiliating her ward, and declared that she was taking Miss Grey home at once. Mrs. Hatchard heartily apologized to the Mortons, and then approached Mrs. Jennings. “I believe you must be the Bennets’ indulgent sponsor? I am Evelyn Hatchard; I should like to know you better, madam.”
Mrs. Hatchard adeptly maneuvered Mrs. Jennings away from the fracas, and Jane let out a sigh of relief. But Lady Allen had begun a fresh wave of lectures for her nephew, and she had a few choice words for Elizabeth, as well.
Mr. Darcy had observed this scene in silent, seething indignation while offering Jane support until she could stand properly on her own, but now he swept in and came to Elizabeth’s defense.
“Lady Allen, I believe my mother spoke of an acquaintance with you – Lady Anne Darcy of Pemberley. ButI had thought you to be a reasonable and generous sort of woman, who would not continue making a spectacle at a festive celebration, even after our hosts have asked you to desist. The young ladies you are accosting are particular friends of my sister, and as they have no male guardian present, I must consider them as under my protection.”
He stepped forward, towering over the hunched old woman, who had the temerity to glare back at him. “I have every right to address my nephew as I see fit, and if he wishes to remain my heir, he will hear me!”
“But you do not have the right to ruin a good party,” Elizabeth said with a defiant smile.
“Insolent girl! And you would make love to the cousinandthe sister of such a person, John? Hear me now, you will do as you are told, for you know what is at stake.”
Mr. Willoughby again let his gaze linger on Jane before tearing it away as if it physically pained him. His countenance hardened as he joined Mr. Darcy in staring down Lady Allen. “Madam, at present, I care a hundred times more for explaining myself to Miss Bennet than for retaining your good opinion.”
“You do not know what you are saying, John!”
“I am entirely sensible of it; I have thought as much for many months now. I will not be bullied any longer.” Mr. Willoughby turned back to Jane and extended his hand to her. “Please, Miss Bennet. Dance with me, and allow me to explain – although I still do not understand….”
As Lady Allen finally retreated, Colonel Brandon joined them, looking ready to murder Mr. Willoughby, and Elizabeth glanced between the two men with bloodthirsty glee. Mr. Darcy offered her his arm. “Miss Elizabeth, I hope you will still dance the supper set with me.”
Jane could see an angry retort forming on Elizabeth’s lips, and she hastened to interject. “Lizzy, I hope Mr. Darcy shall tell you about a very interesting conversation we had. I told him that after the recent impression Mr. Bingley’s sisters have made on me, I am pleased to hear that Mr. Bingley will likely remain at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth furrowed her brows, her lips parting into a wideo.“What?”
“Please, Lizzy,” Jane repeated, and she smiled when Elizabeth tentatively accepted Mr. Darcy’s arm. He led her sister away, leaving Jane with Mr. Willoughby and the colonel. Jane had no idea what to do next.
Colonel Brandon said nothing, but stared murderously at Mr. Willoughby, perfectly aware of his intimidating aspect. Mr. Willoughby took a step backward. “Sir, I daresay I should like a word with you as much as you may desire one with me – but if you would allow me to first speak with Miss Bennet, I hope to achieve a greater degree of clarity before I seek you out.”
“I will find you,” the colonel snarled. “During the meal, we will ask the Mortons for use of a private room to speak. Enjoy the dance; it may be your last.” The colonel turned and bowed tersely to Jane before stalking away.
And then Jane and Mr. Willoughby were left alone together. For a moment, neither of them spoke. He stared at her as though he had just been stripped and beaten in the street, and Jane was moved by his appearance. “Can it really be only a misunderstanding, sir?”
“It is more than that; I must have wounded your cousin deeply to provoke such language from your sister, and I will not deny that I deserve it. But I should like to account for myself, if you will hear me. Will you dance with me, Miss Bennet?”
The sight of him extending his hand with such trepidation tore at Jane’s heart, but she did not take his hand. “I promised my aunt that I would rest if my ankle began to feel uncomfortable, but I will sit with you and hear what you have to say, so long as she is present with us.”
He had come to her side and offered her his arm for support before she had finished her sentence, and Jane took it, breathing a sigh of relief as she shifted her weight. “As you wish. May I ask my mother to join us, as well? She may be the only person present tonight who thinks well of me, and I might require her to vouch for my good character.”
“Very well; it appears they are already sitting together.” Jane gestured toward where the two women sat by the hearth, and Mr. Willoughby led her that way. Jane clung to his arm but did not look at him as they made their way to the place nearby where her aunt was speaking with Mrs. Hatchard.
Mr. Willoughby retrieved a footstool from some empty seating nearby, and as he placed it under Jane’s injured ankle, she explained herself to Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Hatchard.
“Aunt, allow me to present Mr. John Willoughby. Sir, my aunt, Mrs. Madeline Gardiner, who has lately come to stay with us at Mrs. Jennings’s home. Aunt, have you met Mrs. Hatchard already?”
“We have worked together in supporting the same charity for years,” Mrs. Hatchard said with a nervous smile.
Mr. Willoughby looked a little relieved at this. He seated himself beside his mother and waved over a footman bearing wine. He offered the ladies each a drink and immediately sipped at his own.
“Oh! You did not say, Aunt Madeline.”
“There are a great many Hatchards in London – I never thought…. Well, what do you wish to say, dearest?”
“As you know, Aunt, I was not aware of the identity of the man who aided me when in the thoroughfare three days ago, though I have just discovered that he is acquainted with Marianne.”
Mrs. Gardiner gasped. “You arethatWilloughby?”
The gentleman nodded but allowed Jane to do the speaking. “Elizabeth has confronted him about the notice of his engagement that we saw in the paper this morning, and he says that his aunt posted the announcement without his knowledge or permission – he had not proposed to the lady.”
