Page 21 of Idle Gossip

“Do not become conceited, sir. I have just taken a liking to you.” In a more serious tone, she continued. “My opinion of you has altered greatly in a very short time.”

“Then I shall continue to improve upon it.”

The rain let up soon thereafter, and the gentleman took advantage of it to call for their carriage. Both appeared reluctant to leave their ladies. Mrs. Bennet attempted to persuade them to stay longer, but they politely declined, citing business that had been left sitting for far too long.

The ladies followed Bingley and Darcy to the entrance. Jane stepped aside with her betrothed. They whispered together, leaving Darcy and Elizabeth in relative privacy as they awaited the carriage.

“Take care. The roads will be muddy and unpleasant.”

“Are you worried for me, Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy reached up and ran a finger down her cheek.

“I am concerned for your horses,” she replied. Why did such sentiments send her hiding behind wit and humor?

“Naturally,” he replied in a rough voice. “May I call tomorrow if the rain permits?”

“You would be most welcome.” It was true, she realized.

He took her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed the back of it. “I shall pray for better weather, then.”

“As shall I,” she admitted.

The gentlemen departed after that, leaving Jane and Elizabeth standing at the door, watching the carriage depart.

Only a short time ago, she had been irritated whenever Mr. Darcy appeared before her. Now she was disappointed at the prospect of a single day where he might not. Elizabeth had heard tales of ladies falling in love rapidly. She had never thought herself to fall among them. Yet, here she was, her feelings for Mr. Darcy growing with each passing day.

Jane is right. Elizabeth could not deny it. And the truth was not unwelcome.

Chapter Eight

Charlotte suppressed another sigh. She sat in the drawing room with Mrs. Long and her nieces. Their short call had been extended due to the pouring rain outside. In the time since it began, they had discussed the same things repetitively. Of most import to Miss Long, however, was her displeasure at the Misses Bennet’s good fortune.

“Everyone suspected Miss Bennet would secure Mr. Bingley,” she said for the third time. “She is by far the prettiest lady in the area. But why did Miss Elizabeth have to take Mr. Darcy as well? It is unfair. So much beauty in one family ought to be a crime.”

“The Bennet ladies have need of good marriages to prevent genteel poverty,” Mrs. Long consoled her niece. “You have a handsome dowry.”

“All the more reason why one of the gentlemen ought to have sought me out.”

Miss Long would be more attractive if she did not scowl so much, Charlotte thought bitterly. She had once held similar feelings of envy, but had long ago accepted that there was nothing she could do to enhance her physical beauty. Her charms were all she had to recommend her, and she had used those poorly in the past.

“Why should you have received any attentions?” the younger Miss Long complained. I am just as eligible as you.”

“But I am three years older.” Miss Long sniffed disdainfully.

They sounded very like Kitty and Lydia Bennet. Charlotte smothered a smile in her teacup.

“How do you suppose the rumors began?” Miss Long continued.

This was a new strain of the conversation. Charlotte felt a twinge of guilt.

“I heard it was all over town. The Bennets do not have the connections to spread it there, so someone else must have done it. It is strange, though—who would work to help another lady secure a gentleman?” Miss Long’s discourse increased Charlotte’s unease.

The rain slowed, and Charlotte breathed a sigh of relief. They would depart soon.

Miss Long was not finished. “Elizabeth Bennet lacks beauty, refinement, and anything else that might attract a man of Mr. Darcy’s station. I studied with the masters. I can speak three languages, paint tables, net purses, and entertain a house full of guests. My skills at the pianoforte are far better than hers. Mr. Darcy ought to have listened to me when I offered to step in.”

She what? Charlotte’s elbow seemed to act of its own accord. It jerked, bumping Miss Long’s hand and spilling what was left of her tea in her lap.

“Oh! How clumsy of me!” Charlotte said as Miss Long spluttered angrily. “I am dreadfully sorry. Allow me to fetch a cloth.” There had been quite enough loose talk over tea. Charlotte could not regret that some of the tea had finally become loose as well.