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knew she would someday, he did not welcome it.
    Mrs. Bennet, having secured her daughter’s comfort, began her own machinations. She sauntered over to Mr. Darcy at the window, swaying her matronly hips and skirts as she moved, and began spewing out her gratitude for him. “Oh, Mr. Darcy! You are so kind to come to my Lizzy’s aid. She has the most patient of spirits and would have endured well, but we are so grateful that you came along and brought her safely back to our house.”
    Mr. Darcy bowed to Mrs. Bennet and stiffly replied, “It is nothing, madam. Your gratitude is not necessary.” With that, he turned to the window again in hopes she would desist and return to her daughter. She did not.
    “Oh, but Mr. Darcy, I am sure that it is! My Lizzy often walks out alone, although I swear she does it to tempt my nerves. As you know, I am a most doting mother, and I constantly worry about the comfort of all my children. Anyhow, she walks out often alone and is so headstrong sometimes.” Mrs. Bennet’s fluttering hands froze as she realized her words might not please a great man like Mr. Darcy, who would not be interested in a woman who would not bend to his every wish. She hastened to add, “That is to say, although she is headstrong at times, she has the most sweet, conforming nature, and I am sure when she marries, she will be the most proper and obedient wife.”
    Mr. Darcy drew from his years of practice and held himself back from dropping his jaw in appall at this woman’s audacity. She was really quite insufferable. He knew she was trying to sell him on her daughter. For a moment, humor colored his disgusted thoughts as he thought of the reaction Mrs. Bennet would have if he replied, “ Mrs. Bennet, I am glad to hear it, as I was just considering what a lovely wife Miss Elizabeth would make .” He schooled his expression and merely nodded. From the corner of his eye, he could see that Elizabeth had observed the interchange and was now squeezing her eyes shut as she lowered her head in shame. Seeing Elizabeth so mortified made his anger towards her ridiculous mother simmer, and he turned from her, bowing slightly, and went to Elizabeth.
    “Miss Elizabeth, I hope that you are feeling comfortable now that you are home.” Stupid, stupid, stupid, thought Darcy, cringing inwardly at the banality of his statement, but he smiled politely and awaited her reply.
    Elizabeth drew in a deep breath and straightened her shoulders as she raised her chin and replied, “I am, sir. Thank you once again for your kind attentions to me.” With this, her younger sisters burst into laughter and Elizabeth winced.
    Mr. Bennet, although enjoying the entertainment the morning’s turn of events had offered him, could see the discomfort of his favorite daughter and ordered the younger three girls from the room, ignoring Mary’s protests that she had just been reading and not disturbing anyone. He then turned to his wife, who was at that moment walking towards Mr. Darcy for another round of flattery, and said, “Mrs. Bennet, could you please tell Hill that we will need some wraps for Lizzy’s ankle? Some tea would be nice, too.” He said this as he guided her out of the room, ignoring her whispered objections and the constant billowing of her handkerchief over her shoulder in an attempt to turn towards Mr. Darcy. Once she was safely beyond the door, he turned and, looking at Elizabeth, smiled and winked as he closed the door behind him.
    Immediately, the three remaining felt a calm settle over the room. Jane, who had remained silent until then, turned to Mr. Darcy and said, “Mr. Darcy, sir, may I thank you again on behalf of my family for being so kind to Lizzy. I am sorry for the excitement you have witnessed here today. We were indeed very worried about my sister when she did not return as expected.”
    Mr. Darcy nodded. “You are welcome, of course.” He turned back to Elizabeth as he thought about how kind Miss Bennet was