"Excellent. I am always pleased to discover I have imagined entire conversations."
A faint colour appeared in Darcy's face.
"Perhaps we should return to the others," Elizabeth said.
"A capital idea."
Nobody appeared especially pleased by it.
They walked back towards the picnic together. Mr Darcy, whether from prudence or discomfort, gradually allowed himself to fall behind. Mr Bennet waited until he was well out of earshot before speaking.
"Lizzy, I wonder whether you have ever heard of Miss Bucket."
Elizabeth looked at him blankly. "I beg your pardon?"
"Miss Bucket. Or perhaps, Mr Derby?"
"I am quite certain I have never met Miss Bucket or this Mr Derby."
"No. Nor had I until four nights ago. Nevertheless, she appears to have acquired a considerable reputation."
The colour arrived so suddenly in Elizabeth's face that Mr Bennet felt a grim sort of satisfaction.
"Oh lord."
"That was more or less my reaction."
She covered her eyes briefly. "Papa."
"I spent an evening at an inn listening to many men, very few of them gentlemen, discuss a scandal of some local renown. It included a gentleman from Derbyshire, a card party, a young lady called Miss Bucket, and behaviour which they considered entirely shocking."
Elizabeth groaned and looked towards the sea.
"I believe that the gentleman from Derbyshire shall prove to be Mr Darcy."
Elizabeth made no answer.
"And it seems a remarkable coincidence," Mr Bennet continued, "that I should then discover him yet again taking your hand when his attentions are unwanted."
"It was hardly the scandalous embrace the good people of Dorset appear to imagine."
"No. Though I suspect the good people of Dorset would be disappointed to hear it."
Despite herself, a reluctant smile flickered across her face.
Mr Bennet's expression softened slightly. "You know, Lizzy, one disadvantage of being a very wealthy man is that the world develops an unfortunate habit of agreeing with you. Doors open. People accommodate your every whim."
She glanced at him. "You make him sound dreadful."
"I am speaking generally."
"You are speaking of Mr Darcy."
"I am speaking of any gentleman who has spent his life frequently getting his own way."
Elizabeth was quiet for a few moments. "He is not like that."
"No?"
