The way Jane’s head shot up, her eyes filled with shock, Elizabethwondered that she had not blurted something, though Jane usually exercised far more control over her reactions. What to make of his comment, Elizabeth was uncertain, but she did not think it was an attempt to blacken the name of a man he considered a rival. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s next words proved Elizabeth’s supposition.
“Please do not suppose that I am censuring Bingley, for I know no harm of him. I am not so well acquainted with him as Darcy, but I know something of his exploits in society. Of course, I can say nothing of his feelings for Miss Bennet, but he is eager to admire young ladies, though I do not believe he acts beyond simple admiration.”
“Then he is inconstant,” said Jane softly, appearing dejected.
“I cannot say that,” replied Colonel Fitzwilliam, drawing Jane’s eyes to him. “Miss Bennet, please do not suppose I am trying to blacken Bingley’s good name. Remember that Bingley is still quite young—it may be nothing more than youth and the simple fact that he has not yet found a woman who suits him.”
Elizabeth considered this, and when Jane did not respond, she essayed to speak herself. “In this instance, I do not believe it was Mr. Bingley’s decision alone that prevented his return to Netherfield.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s snort was not at all expected. “By that, I presume you refer to his sisters, and perhaps even my cousin.”
“I do not intend to cast a shade, Colonel,” said Elizabeth, “but when looking at all the facts, my interpretation of events is plausible at least. Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst never concealed their distaste for the neighborhood, and Mr. Darcy rarely said anything to anyone when he could avoid it.”
“He spoke toyoumore than anyone else,” ventured Jane, though with an expressive look that spoke volumes.
“And when he did, they were almost always debates,” returned Elizabeth.
Colonel Fitzwilliam appeared to catch something in Elizabeth’s reply, though he was not displeased. “For Darcy, I can speak at length, for I am as well acquainted with him as any man alive. Darcy is not blessed with a disposition that is comfortable in any society, and thereareextenuating circumstances that likely influenced his behavior, though I cannot speak of them.
“As for the Bingley ladies . . .”
With a shake of his head, appearing exasperated, he focused his attention on them both again. “Mrs. Hurst is not so notorious, being of a much quieter disposition, but Miss Bingley has a certain infamy in London, and it is not to her credit.”
Jane gasped, though Elizabeth was not at all surprised.
“Again, I do not speak to censure,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, regarding Jane with a measure of affection Elizabeth did not think most men harbored for their wives of many years. “Miss Bingley has an exaggerated opinion of her worth, and a haughty disposition that even my sister Rachel—who has a high opinion of herself, indeed—does not display. I have seen enough of the world to know that people cannot be measured by the circumstances of their birth alone. Having said that, Miss Bingley, though she does not like to acknowledge it, is the daughter of a tradesman—giving herself airs is even more ridiculous for her than it is for a duchess.”
Elizabeth could not agree more with his assessment. It was not Miss Bingley’s supercilious nature that offended her; it was the woman’s assumption that she was better than others because of her dowry or the seminary she had attended. Piercing the vanity of others was something of a pastime for Elizabeth—Miss Bennet was a rich target.
“Now,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, “I am curious about my cousin. Darcy is not a warm man, or at least he is not to those he considers mere acquaintances, but I have never known him to give unconcealed offense. If I have misinterpreted, I apologize; but I suspect you have something more against him than his standoffishness. Will you not be explicit?”
The way Jane regarded her, Elizabeth knew her sister would not respond. It was Elizabeth’s choice whether she would reveal the truth of what had happened between them, and for once, Elizabeth decided she was not eager to share it. Though she had never considered it before, the notion of hating a man forever for one careless—or even unkind—comment made months earlier was not the action of a rational woman. Yet, she could not just refuse to speak, for the colonel had asked her a direct question. Thus, Elizabeth opted for truth, but not complete transparency.
“I have no injuries to resent, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” said Elizabeth, noting Jane’s approving nod. “Mr. Darcy was silent and uncommunicative, but he was always proper. On several occasions, we crossed verbal swords, and while I did not always agree with Mr. Darcy, I always understood and respected his opinion, even when I thought pride dictated it.”
By Colonel Fitzwilliam’s steady gaze, Elizabeth suspected he had inferred more than she had intended to say. The direction of his interpretation, however, took her by surprise.
“That is curious, Miss Elizabeth. Darcy has his fair share of pride,but his willingness to engage with you in these discussions you mentioned tells me something more of how he sees you than you realize.”
Confused, Elizabeth said: “What do you mean?”
“Darcy’s practice is to ignore those he does not find interesting—or does not like. That he was willing to debate with you shows that he not only respects your opinion, but he finds you interesting, even when he does not know why.”
That was a surprise, and Elizabeth knew it was reflected on her face. The colonel smiled at her, one of true amusement and a little knowing.
“Do not apologize, Miss Elizabeth; I understand how those who do not know Darcy might perceive his behavior. Darcy isnota warm man to those he does not know well, but once he decides to befriend someone, that friendship is unshakable. I suspect you have not told me all about your experiences with Darcy, but I will not press. However, do not suppose that I do not see Darcy’s flaws just because I am a close relation and companion of many years.”
“This is quite curious, indeed!” exclaimed Elizabeth. “You are higher than they by any standard, yet other than Mr. Bingley, you are much less pretentious.”
The colonel’s eyes crinkled in amusement. “Perhaps I have just seen too much of the world to put any stock in such things.”
“That is what I like about you,” said Jane, a daring comment for her. “When another is all pride and vanity, I find they have little to say that interests me.” Jane paused and colored a little. “I did not discover that about Miss Bingley until it was far too late.”
“I hope you do not consider me a poor substitute for Bingley,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Jane looked into his eyes, and for a moment, Elizabeth thought they had both forgotten about her presence altogether. Then she offered a shy smile and looked away.
“Not at all, Colonel. I hope you are happy here.”
