Alias Thomas Bennet Read Online Free Page A

life of a country gentleman, sir,” Bennet replied. Attempting to leave the awkward subject, he continued, “It allows me to concentrate on my chess game.”
    “You play often?”
    “Mostly with my daughters, although I am trying to teach a neighbour’s boy to become a worthy opponent. Do you play Mr. Darcy? Your father was a formidable adversary.”
    “I am known to be a champion. My name is on the books at White’s, and I have not been bested in some time,” Mr. Darcy said quite seriously.
    “Well, perhaps we should test that theory. Would you care to call at Longbourn tomorrow and answer my challenge?” Bennet asked with a smile.
    “Indeed I would, Mr. Bennet,” Darcy replied with a nod of his head.
    The gentlemen continued talking of gentlemen’s interests until Mr. Bennet was reminded by his wife that he had promised her the next set, at which time Darcy continued to move about the perimeter of the hall, observing the participants in the dancing and not endearing himself to the residents of Meryton, especially Elizabeth.
    ***
    The Bennet family stayed until the last dance. When they arrived home, Lydia and Kitty were still awake and allowed to join the rest of the family. They enjoyed a lively retelling of the events of the assembly, the opinions on their new neighbours, the descriptions of gowns and the antics of those who took too much wine. Mr. Bingley’s apparent preference for Jane and Mr. Darcy’s slight of Elizabeth were also discussed.
    “Lizzy, why do you think Mr. Darcy would have said such a thing?” Lydia asked. “You may not have taken as much care with your appearance as did Jane, but you are quite pretty. Are the ladies of the ton so very beautiful?”
    Before Elizabeth could reply, Mary interjected, “Perhaps Mr. Darcy is uncomfortable in such a situation where he does not know many people. He seemed rather quiet and shy when compared to Mr. Bingley, who is exceptionally lively. I know I would have difficulty maintaining calm in the face of such goading as I heard Mr. Bingley give Mr. Darcy!”
    “But that is no reason to be so abominably rude to any lady, whether or not she is within earshot!” Mrs. Bennet protested.
    “I knew Mr. Darcy’s father from university,” Mr. Bennet added, “and he was rather shy but always kind and generous. This Mr. Darcy seemed quite reserved when I spoke with him this evening, though he did agree to come by to play chess with me later this week. I am surprised to hear he was so ill-humoured towards you, Lizzy.”
    “I suspect he is just too proud to dance with anyone from Meryton. That is of little matter. I have decided to believe he is not handsome enough for me also!” Elizabeth declared in a mock haughty tone, inspiring the family to share in a laugh.
    “He certainly does not recommend himself to strangers,” her mother said thoughtfully.
    “I hope you are not too disappointed, Lizzy,” said Jane.
    “Lizzy had plenty of dance partners; she has no reason for discontent.” Everyone agreed with Mary, and Mrs. Bennet smiled encouragingly at Elizabeth.
    “My darling, you and all my girls are truly beauties. Mr. Darcy is blind if he cannot see it is so. My Lizzy is too intelligent for most men, but at least our neighbours know better than to raise her ire. Mr. Darcy is bound to be in her company, and heaven help him if he becomes the object of Lizzy’s wit and teasing. Please, Lizzy, I implore you, do be kind.”
    Elizabeth’s reply was merry. “Mama, you know I would not embarrass you with impertinence, even though Mr. Darcy deserves to be made sport of.”
    “Well, I will endeavour to know these gentlemen better,” said Mr. Bennet. “I am pleased to have new company in the area and will make the best of it. Perhaps when Mr. Darcy has another look at you, Lizzy, he will regret his words.”
    The Bennets agreed they would give Mr. Darcy a chance to redeem himself. Soon they realised it was quite late and some rest should be had after