Alias Thomas Bennet Read Online Free Page B

such an exciting evening.
    ***
    The following day, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy called at Longbourn: Bingley to thank the three eldest Bennet daughters for their dances the previous evening, and Darcy seeking a game of chess. Mr. Bennet consented, and as he and Darcy played their game, the former was alert to the deportment and words of both visitors.
    It was plain that Bingley had an inclination towards the company of Jane. Darcy was just as reserved as had been observed the previous evening. He said no more to the Bennet ladies than was required by good manners and was congenial, but rather quiet, with Bennet. He also seemed to be quite the observer, keenly attending to conversations even though he did not participate as actively as Bingley.
    Elizabeth, who had been out walking with Lydia and Kitty when the visitors arrived, was annoyed to see Mr. Darcy had accompanied Mr. Bingley. The gentlemen politely rose and bowed their welcome, and after Elizabeth made her curtsy as good manners required, she introduced her youngest sisters. As the three young women took their places in the sitting room, Elizabeth frowned at Mr. Darcy and murmured her disapproval to Lydia. Lydia had some sympathy for Elizabeth, since her sister had essentially been cut by Mr. Darcy, but whispered to Elizabeth not to let the inconsiderate words affect her good humour.
    Bennet made an effort to befriend Darcy as a kind gesture towards his late father, and the two agreed to weekly chess matches. He also mentioned Darcy might like to challenge any of the Bennet daughters, which surprised that gentleman greatly.
    “Jane and Kitty are unlikely to be particularly interested in playing,” Mr. Bennet said, “but the other three have taken to the game quite well. Both Lizzy and Mary have bested me, and Lydia will also defeat me one day soon if she can keep her attention on the game.” Mr. Bennet smiled at his youngest, and she smiled back with a sparkle in her eyes.
    Meanwhile, Darcy found himself quite admiring the second eldest Miss Bennet but was chagrined at having forgotten her Christian name. It was fortunate Bennet later referred to her as “Lizzy,” reminding him that her name was Elizabeth.
    Darcy noticed all the Bennet ladies were quite pretty and genteel women, who attended to their work while enjoying lively yet proper conversation with Bingley and Bennet. He had observed the crudeness of some of the ladies at the prior evening’s assembly, speaking of the gentlemen’s fortunes and their potential as husbands and pushing their daughters forward. But Darcy did not discern any extreme tendency towards matchmaking from the Bennet family, although it was plain to see he would be an upward match for any of the girls. While marriage to a daughter of a gentleman such as Mr. Bennet would benefit Bingley, Darcy felt he owed it to his family to look for a partner from the highest circles in society and with better connections than the Bennets seemed to possess.
    ***
    That evening, Mr. Bennet spoke to his wife as they sat in their private sitting room. “So, my love, what do you think of the young gentlemen after today’s visit?”
    “Jane and Mr. Bingley seem quite taken with one another. I must admit, I am pleased with his manners and hopeful there could be a good match there. They are well suited in temperament, and if Mr. Bingley does indeed settle on Netherfield Park, he will be as suitable a gentleman for Jane as I could hope for. Mr. Darcy is another matter. He is very quiet but listens carefully to others. I cannot help but think something is troubling him.”
    “I believe I know what that might be. After the assembly, I was somewhat worried he had recognised me. However, he seems to have abandoned asking me questions, so I am hopeful he will not make the connection. I believe there is a strong intellect there.”
    “Yes, he bested you at chess, sir. That would impress anyone!” she said with a teasing smile. Her husband shook his head,