Read Alias Thomas Bennet for Free Online Page B

was speaking of, Darcy, by Mr. Neumann. It is in German, so please forgive my poor translation, but the experiments are intriguing.”
    He proceeded to relate, somewhat haltingly, a short passage. Darcy and Elizabeth did not attend as well as they should.
    Elizabeth continued feeling flustered; she waited for an appropriate pause in her father’s reading then stood abruptly and said, “Please excuse me, Father, Mr. Darcy, I must . . . I have forgotten . . . Please excuse me.”
    She quickly made her curtsey and rushed from the room. Darcy, who had risen to make his bow, looked at her father in confusion. Bennet offered the book he was reading to Darcy then politely excused himself to follow her.
    “Lizzy, are you ill?” he called to her as she neared the landing of the staircase. She stopped and turned to her father with a face much calmer than she felt.
    “No, Papa, I am well. There is no need for concern on my account. Mr. Darcy has owned he is not accustomed to young ladies speaking plainly about such topics. I thought my absence would help him feel more at ease, and you have suggested I refrain from my impertinent challenges to him.” She smiled at the last.
    “Yes, I have, Lizzy, but not to stifle your queries. However, at the moment I must thank you for your sensibilities. Are you to return?”
    “No, I thank you, but I will ponder my philosophies on my own. Please convey my apologies to Mr. Darcy.”
    “I shall do as you wish, my dear.” He watched as she turned to continue up the stairs before returning to his guest.
    “Is Miss Elizabeth well?” Darcy enquired as Mr. Bennet took his seat in the library.
    “Thank you for your concern, Darcy. Lizzy is quite well. She apologises to you for her abrupt departure but she desired a bit of solitude for thoughtful reflection.”
    “I feel no need for apologies, sir. May we continue our discussion? I would like to understand this treatise better, and you have had more time to consider it.”
    The gentlemen spoke for quite some time on subjects of general interest to both, changing topics occasionally, much as would have occurred with Elizabeth and her father.
    Elizabeth closed the door to her bedchamber and sat heavily on her bed. What happened? Why did I feel I had no choice but to be away from Mr. Darcy? Was I ashamed of my meagre fortune? Or was I embarrassed that he might think I was suggesting I want a rich husband? Was I hoping he would not think I am a bluestocking? Does he think ill of my impertinence? Why am I so concerned about what he thinks of me?
    ***
    Mr. Bennet was suspicious of Elizabeth’s reaction to Darcy. She was jealously competitive and disapproving of him at first but lately seemed somewhat less so. While Elizabeth was still confident and argumentative as their acquaintance continued, Mr. Bennet sensed a conflict in her feelings. Over a game of chess, he broached the subject with her.
    “What do you think of our new neighbours?”
    “Mr. Bingley is all easy manners and makes friends effortlessly. He pays Jane a great deal of attention, and she seems to enjoy his company a great deal. He is well-liked in the community, and I would be delighted if he decided to stay at Netherfield.” She completed her latest move feeling quite pleased with her cunning, and continued, “His sisters are another matter. I find their supercilious airs annoying but also amusing. I am glad Mama has taught us better manners.”
    When Elizabeth did not elaborate further, Bennet allowed her some time since he was also examining the situation of his pieces on the board. Finally, he made his move and asked, “And the other gentlemen? What are your impressions of them?”
    “Mr. Hurst keeps to himself and is somewhat unsocial and taciturn,” she said without looking up. “He does not complain, though, and is very complimentary of the meals he enjoys. Mr. Darcy is also rather quiet. He is clever, but too proud.”
    “What do you mean by ‘proud’?”
    “He