Page 128 of A Question of Character

Mrs. Bennet rose.

“There you are, Mr. Darcy! Mr. Bennet has not detained you too severely, I hope. My husband has a dreadful habit of discussing books when perfectly pleasant company is available.”

“I fear I have escaped that fate, madam.”

Mr. Bennet entered moments later.

“Darcy has survived the ordeal admirably.”

“I told you Papa would not devour him,” Lydia declared.

“I reserve the right to do so another day,” Mr. Bennet replied.

The room laughed.

Conversation resumed naturally.

Bingley soon found himself beside Jane once more. They were discussing Netherfield’s neglected gardens with remarkable seriousness considering neither possessed much practical knowledge upon the subject.

Mrs. Bennet drifted toward them.

Kitty followed.

Lydia intercepted Mary with questions about a piece she had lately begun upon the pianoforte.

The room shifted without anyone intending it.

Darcy discovered Elizabeth standing beside a small table upon which rested a vase of late roses.

“You appear relieved,” she observed.

“Do I?”

“A little.”

“I have received your father’s permission to court you.”

Color brightened her face.

“So that is what Papa wished to discuss.”

“It was.”

“And?”

“And he was kinder than I deserved.”

She smiled.

“Papa generally is.”

“He warned me against wounding you.”

Elizabeth laughed.

“Then he knows me very well.”

“I assured him disappointment would be mutual.”