The familiarity of the room did not immediately ease her.
Mr. Bennet assumed his customary position, his demeanor relaxed, while his focus intensified as he observed his daughters.
“Well,” he said, “how has the evening passed?”
Jane spoke first, her tone warm. “Very well, indeed. The company was agreeable, and the dancing most enjoyable.”
Mrs. Bennet nodded. “It was a very proper assembly. Mr. Bingley is a most pleasing young man.”
Mary added a measured account of the music, noting its strengths and occasional deficiencies.
Elizabeth remained silent.
Mr. Bennet’s gaze shifted.
“And you, Lizzy? You appear to be in a brown study.”
She hesitated.
It was seldom Elizabeth’s habit to dwell upon such matters, and still less to share them. The question, so plainly asked, seemed to call for an equally plain answer.
“I enjoyed the evening less than the others.”
Mrs. Bennet’s expression showed mild surprise. “Less? Why ever was that?”
Elizabeth drew a breath.
“There was… an incident.”
Mr. Bennet’s interest piqued. “Indeed?”
She recounted it without embellishment.
The introduction. His failure to engage. The moment by the wall. Bingley’s encouragement. Darcy’s reply.
She repeated the words without emphasis. None was necessary.
The effect was immediate.
Mrs. Bennet straightened. “He said that? Of you?”
Elizabeth inclined her head.
“It is insufferable,” Mrs. Bennet declared. “A gentleman of his supposed standing ought to know better than to speak in such a manner.”
Mr. Bennet’s expression, though less animated, conveyed clear disapproval. “It was ill judged.”
Jane leaned forward slightly. “Perhaps he meant less than his words suggested.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I cannot imagine how it might be meant otherwise.”
“He may not have known you were within hearing,” Jane said.
“That scarcely improves the matter,” Elizabeth replied.
Mary, who had been listening with careful attention, spoke at last.
“I observed something of his companion’s conduct,” she said. “Miss Bingley seemed most determined to engage his notice throughout the evening. It is possible that her influence contributed to his manner.”
