Page 53 of Sweet on Mr Darcy

Sir Rupert, remained entirely collected, his severe mien unruffled.

“Our aunt has been busy, sister.”

“She cannot possibly mean to exile her only relations permanently.” Miss Barry was indignant. “To what end? And for whom? Some country chit from nowhere?”

From her place, Lady Barry surveyed the room with the tranquil countenance of a woman who could–and absolutely would–continue their banishment indefinitely, and even extend it far beyond Ramsgate, if necessary.

Those members of society who already knew Sir Rupert from town or previous visits to Ramsgate could provide no assistance at all.

One gentleman after another upon seeing his approach, abruptly turned away faster than Elizabeth might if presented with Mr Collins.

Mr Underhill, who had never met Sir Rupert, performed the cut direct with precision. Sir Rupert accepted this without visible alarm. Nothing deterred him from his purpose. Eventually, inevitably, he directed himself to Elizabeth. She observed his approach and instinctively wished she could hide. Unfortunately, she had left Lady Barry and was near the dance floor with Jane and Priscilla.

Mr Bennet saw him as well and stepped into his path as if quietly closing a door.

Sir Rupert stopped. “Mr. Bennet, I presume?”

“I beg your pardon. We are not introduced.” Mr Bennet was curt and did not welcome an introduction. Just because Sir Rupert was ranked higher did not mean he could force one where it was unwanted.

“I have been introduced to Miss Elizabeth,” said Sir Rupert, “I was hoping to ask her to dance.”

Mr Bennet looked at him with complete disinterest. “You may not.”

Sir Rupert blinked in surprise. “I beg your pardon?”

“You may beg,” said Mr Bennet, “but your chance of success is not encouraging.”

Elizabeth looked away and pretended not to hear. Jane looked terrified.

Priscilla stared at Mr Bennet in glee and admiration.

Sir Rupert recovered from his surprise. “Surely, under the circumstances–”

Mr Bennet interrupted him. “The circumstances in which you impose yourself upon a slight acquaintance with my daughter like a vulture?”

“Your daughter should be grateful for our notice!” Miss Barry snapped.

“And yet…” Mr Bennet smiled. “She is not. None of us are.”

At that moment, Darcy appeared at Elizabeth’s elbow with the quiet air of a man arriving exactly where he belonged.

“Miss Elizabeth.” He bowed low over her hand, as though no one else existed in the room, “May I have the pleasure of the next dance?”

Elizabeth smiled beautifully. “With pleasure, Mr Darcy. Thank you for asking.”

Blocked by his aunt, his target’s father, and his rival in under a minute, Sir Rupert was thoroughly routed.

As Mr Bennet turned away without another word, and Darcy led Elizabeth onto the floor, Sir Rupert stood unbelieving, emanating refined vexation.

“This is intolerable,” his sister hissed in displeasure. “You cannot intend to persevere."

Sir Rupert’s countenance was like stone. “I dislike unfinished business.”

Lady Barry watched this unfold from her place with the matrons with narrowed eyes. “Stubborn fool,” she muttered.

Charlotte sighed from beside her. “How reassuring. Will he truly not desist after such obvious rejection? Why would a man chase a lady whose family has rejected him so publicly?”

“The town of Ramsgate has never seen me treat anyone with approval, because I enjoy the company of so few people,” Lady Barry answered. “They have decided that allowing Lizzy to read to me suggests an attachment so significant, that I must intend to make her my heiress. They have overlooked the fact that this summer I have also grudgingly approved of Darcy-boy, his sister, and Reggie’s girl. Lizzy was first, and she visits more often. It is evidence enough for society.”