As the summer days slipped by, the Bennets saw more and more of the Bingley party. Angelica proved invaluable for popping backwards and forwards to Netherpollock and Mill Bay. Bingley soon purchased his own rib, which he christened Little Miss Splendid , and the two rubber boats became a familiar sight nuzzling on the beach as their owners enjoyed picnics, games of cricket, and swimming in the clear waters. It became clear that Bingley was completely crazy about Jane. He was attentive and kind, always having a towel ready for her when she emerged shivering from the sea, offering a hand to help her to her feet after sunbathing may have made her dizzy, and in a daring moment, applying factor-fifty suncream to protect her snowy white back. Jane was cheerful and composed in response, so no one could guess which way her affections lay.
Lizzy remarked on Jane’s strength of character to Lottie one day as they wandered down the beach towards the Venus Cafe for a quiet Magnum ice cream and was surprised by her friend’s response.
“Jane’s behaviour might be admirable in your eyes, but she is playing a dangerous game.”
“What do you mean?” asked Lizzy, astonished. “A dangerous game? Are you suggesting Bingley is not what he seems? Is he some sort of criminal or undercover agent who means to trick dear Jane into a subculture of espionage or…?”
“Lizzy! Be serious. I simply mean that if Jane is so guarded in her behaviour, she may lose that which she most desires! Bingley is clearly head over heels in love with Jane, but if she shows him no encouragement, it may go no further. She must help him on.”
“But if I can tell she has a high regard for him, he must be a simpleton indeed not to discover it, too.”
“Lizzy, you have known Jane since the cradle. Bingley has only just become aware of her charms.”
“And it is up to him to discover her feelings.”
“Perhaps if he sees enough of her. But remember there are always crowds of sisters around. Jane should ensure that she contrives at least some time in his company alone. When she is secure of him, there will be leisure for falling in love as much as she chooses.”
“Fine, if her only desire is to be well married. But she has known him barely a fortnight and may not be sure yet of her own feelings. She has swum with him several times at Mill Bay and has visited Captain Morgan’s twice with him for a slap-up breakfast, the Winking Prawn three times to enjoy a dozen king prawns for lunch, and snuggled up in the oak-beamed Victoria Inn four times for a fireside supper—but all in company. This is not quite enough to make her understand his character.”
“Not as you represent it. Had she merely visited a public house with him, it would be enough to ascertain whether he preferred Becks or Stella Artois; but you must remember that four evenings have also been spent in an intimate atmosphere together—and four evenings may do a great deal.”
“Yes. Those four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that they both like Vampire Weekend better than Glasvegas; but with respect to any other leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much has been unfolded.”
“Well,” said Lottie, “I wish Jane all happiness, but I think she could dive in, tie the knot tomorrow, and be as happy as if she spent the next twelve months researching Charles Bingley and his suitability for marriage.”
So occupied was Lizzy in observing Mr Bingley’s attentions to her sister that she failed to notice that she was becoming the object of some interest in the eyes of his friend Mr Darcy. Darcy, who had initially dismissed Lizzy, had become alarmed that with further observation where he had at first seen fault, he now saw strengths. Her face that he had so criticised, he now saw was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. Her manners, though not fashionable by Bingley’s sisters’ standards, were of a light and playful sort that could not fail to attract. In short, Darcy, despite himself, was falling in love.
It was at Sir William Lucas’s barbeque bash that very evening that Darcy found himself wishing to become better acquainted with Elizabeth. It was a warm and balmy evening. Sir William had assiduously completed his health-and-safety check before guests arrived and had placed the barbeque on an upper level of the terrace and carefully put red-and-white tape around the steps leading to it to ensure no one should venture into such dangerous territory without his permission. Signs alerted guests to the uneven nature of the pavings, the drop to the side into the estuary, the fact that the sausages might be hot, so to wait at least three minutes before biting, and that drinks were limited to two each to avoid unpleasant side effects. With great pleasure and professionalism, Sir William generously gave a little health-and-safety speech once all the guests were gathered to advise them on dangers and precautions necessary, and then bade them to enjoy themselves, but not excessively.
Lydia and Kitty failed to heed the final warning of “not excessively” and were on a mission to enjoy themselves a great deal. Barbeque parties in Salcombe were a thing to be treasured, grasped, and revelled in. Some of the more chavvy young guests, who had joined the party only by slipping through a hole in the social net of the Lucas invitation list, feared possible limitations on alcohol from Sir William, so prepared themselves by frontloading before arrival. Fortunately, the facility to vom over the sea wall meant the indiscretions of this minority passed largely unnoticed by the majority.
Lydia and Kitty were by no means of this category, but once at the party, gaily ignored the limit on two drinks and were soon singing, dancing, and laughing outrageously loudly with the clutch of handsome young men who had excessive thatches of blond hair or spiky black hair, wore pink shirts with the collars turned up and tails out, long shorts that fell off their waists and balanced dangerously on skinny hips, looking as if they might slip farther with the slightest provocation, and to Sir William’s disgust, soft shoes with no socks—a smelly result at best, a health hazard at worst. But still, he was in no mood to complain. He was the host, after all, and was all smiles as the young people partied hard around him. He was surprised but delighted that Mr Darcy had deigned to come along.
“Is this not a pleasant evening?” Sir William ventured. “It is always such a joy to see young people enjoying themselves, and,” he continued, observing a young man break dancing, “how well they dance.”
“Any savage can dance,” retorted Darcy.
At that moment, Lizzy happened to step to one side to avoid being kicked in the teeth by the break-dancer and found herself directly before Sir William and Darcy.
“Ah, Elizabeth!” said Sir William. “Mr Darcy and I were just discussing the pleasures of dancing. What a perfect opportunity for you, too, to show your prowess on the dance floor.”
Mr Darcy, though surprised, was not averse to taking Elizabeth as a partner, although break dancing was not his forte.
“Do not suppose I stepped this way hoping for a partner,” said Elizabeth quickly.
Mr Darcy acknowledged this but reiterated Sir William’s suggestion that they might dance. Lizzy was determined in her refusal and moved away. Darcy’s eyes followed her lithe figure as she threaded her way through the gyrating bodies.
“Hmmm.” A voice at his shoulder failed to avert his gaze.
“I can guess the subject of your reverie.”
It was Cazza Bingley.
“I should imagine not.”
“I think you are wishing to escape such a grotesque party?”
“You are quite wrong. I was meditating on the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.”
“And who is the owner of these "fine eyes?"”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet! Why, I am all astonishment. When are we to wish you joy?”
Mr Darcy allowed Cazza to continue in such a vein. He meanwhile spent the rest of the evening in pleasant observation.