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him and whose affection for him was questionable.”
    The earl gulped some wine while examining his nephew’s face with extra care.
    “So her affection was questionable? That would mean you are not certain about it. What is your friend’s opinion? And what is the situation of the young lady’s family that is so beneath him?”
    “Uncle, why are we speaking of this? It can be of little interest to you.”
    “The matter is of little interest to me, but you are of great interest to me, and you seemed preoccupied with the situation.”
    “I confess I am preoccupied because I really want to find the best resolution for my friend. His well-being is my main concern, and his sisters agreed with me that—”
    “His sisters agreed with you? And you are concerned about his well-being? Come, Nephew; that is quite ridiculous. As far as I know, he is a worthy gentleman, well capable of taking care of his own interests. May I ask what precisely you did for his well-being?”
    “I advised him it would be best for everyone that he stay in London for the winter. I am sure you would agree with me if you saw the shocking behaviour of the entire Bennet family—their lack of manners and education. I will admit that the two elder Miss Bennets were beyond reproach in every regard, but the rest of the family—”
    “The Bennet family?” The earl moved to the wine decanter.
    “Yes, that was the name of the young lady—Miss Jane Bennet.”
    The earl stopped in the middle of the room, forcing his nephew to cease his pacing.
    A few moments of silence followed until the earl poured himself another glass of wine.
    “I see…and Miss Bennet’s father… What does he do for a living?”
    “He has an estate in Hertfordshire, but the estate is entailed to a cousin.”
    “So Mr. Bennet is a gentleman, and he owns an estate. However, I suspect Miss Bennet does not possess an impressive dowry.”
    “I imagine she does not, but that was not the reason—”
    “Yes, yes, the main reason was her family’s behaviour. You were appalled by their lack of manners, and in this, you had the agreement of his sisters, whose behaviour and manners are always beyond reproach.”
    “Uncle…”
    “And your friend? How does he bear the situation?”
    “Worse than I anticipated, I am afraid. I was hoping his attachment was a superficial one, but it appears his heart was touched more deeply than I thought.”
    “Well, neither he nor his attachment means much to me at the moment if he changed his mind so easily. Perhaps you did the lady a favour after all. And as long as you are preoccupied with his well-being and the lady’s feelings did not equal his, everything is for the best.”
    “I hope so. But, sir, you must not blame my friend. You know he is an honourable man.”
    “He is honourable; there is no doubt about that. But I do wonder how much of a man he is.” His son laughed.
    “What about Miss Bennet’s sisters? You mentioned earlier that the two eldest ‘were beyond reproach.’ Did I understand you correctly? Does she have a sister who is not the object of your complaints?”
    Darcy averted his eyes, and his answer was delayed a moment too long. “You understood correctly, Uncle. Miss Bennet’s younger sister—Miss Elizabeth—is one of the most accomplished ladies I have met in a long time.”
    “This is quite astonishing; there seems to be something you approve in Miss Bennet’s family! And most accomplished, above all… Well, well…”
    “I… There is… I confess I had the chance of being in Miss Elizabeth’s company a few times, and I will not deny that I noticed many qualities that are rarely seen together in a young lady.”
    “I see… Well, at least I am relieved to know you and Bingley do not admire the same Bennet daughter. For a moment I suspected you had an interest of your own in keeping your friend separated from the lady.”
    “Uncle, you must not—’
    “Do not worry; I no longer suspect such a thing. I