As much as Bennet would have loved to ponder this mystery further, the haughty gentleman was destined to be deprived of Elizabeth’s tolerable company, as the Bennet family would depart directly after the current set concluded. No doubt the gathered assembly of friends and neighbours would be shocked when they realised that the most prominent family hadabandoned the ball at its apex, but he had no intention of explaining – at least not presently. Gossip would inevitably reach Meryton, but with fortune’s favour, he and his family would be well away before then.
With this resolution firmly in mind, he dispatched one of the evening’s numerous footmen to summon his two carriages. When the supper set concluded, and guests were clamouring to enter the dining hall, he commenced the onerous task of gathering his family. Bennet first came upon Jane in conversation with Mr. Bingley.
“Mr. Bennet.” Bingley offered a slight bow. “I trust the evening meets with your approval?”
“Miss Bingley has arranged everything with her usual attention to detail,” replied Bennet, thinking that while the lady’s temperament left much to be desired, her talents as a hostess were undeniable. “Might I borrow my daughter for a moment? It is a matter of some urgency.”
“By all means,” said Bingley, his gaze lingering on Jane. “I shall secure us places at the dining table, Miss Bennet.”
“You are most kind, sir.” Jane’s smile was radiant.
When they were sufficiently alone, Bennet cleared his throat and gestured his daughter closer.
“Find Kitty and Lydia, would you? Have them meet me by the main entrance.”
“Are you taking them home early?”
“Indeed, I am. Your mother and Mary shall accompany us. I shall dispatch the carriage to return for you and Elizabeth afterward.”
“Even Mary?” Jane could not hide her surprise. “She will be so disappointed. She has been practicing that sonata for weeks.”
Bennet’s lips twitched. “The brevity of her disappointment will be inversely proportional to the gratitude of our neighbour’s ears.”
“Father!”
“Come now, we both know Mary’s enthusiasm far outweighs her talent.”
“She tries so hard.”
“I know. Now, off with you – time is of the essence. We shall convene at the entrance shortly.”
“As you wish, Papa,” Jane replied, before gliding across the ballroom in pursuit of her younger sisters.
Bennet sought out Mary and conveyed his direction, which she accepted with characteristic solemnity, collecting her musical compositions before departing. Now, only his wife’s loose lips remained to be silenced. He approached the area where Mrs. Bennet held court and cringed.
“Five thousand a year,” she sighed out to Lady Lucas, her childhood confidante. “My Jane shall want for nothing as mistress of Netherfield Park. Oh, Sarah, how delightful that sounds! Mrs. Bingley of Netherfield Park, Hertfordshire.”
“At present, she remains Miss Bennet of Longbourn,” Bennet halted before his wife.
“Not for long, Mr. Bennet. Mark my words, by Christmas, two of our daughters shall be engaged to be married.”
“Two engagements?” Bennet shook his head. “A word with you, if you please, my dear.”
Mrs. Bennet’s face brightened. “Has Mr. Bingley spoken to you of his intentions? I knew my Jane could not be so beautiful for nothing.”
“Indeed. Now come along; this requires privacy.”
They departed the ballroom. His wife almost pranced by his side, her elation was so high. That euphoric joy evaporated whenher husband turned to her with a stern expression, and he kept his voice low while he scolded her.
“I insist you cease this foolishness at once! Mr. Bingley has made no offer for Jane, nor,” – he held up one hand to stop her protest – “will Mr. Collins wed Elizabeth.”
“But surely—”
“Not another word. Collect your things quietly. I shall wait for you by the ladies’ cloakroom, then we shall gather our daughters and return to Longbourn.”
“Return home? But Jane and Mr. Bingley—”
Mr. Bennet turned to his wife. “Jane and Elizabeth shall remain behind. I have instructed one of the coachmen to collect them when the ball concludes.”