Alias Thomas Bennet by Suzan Lauder

However, he was betrayed by his eyes, which gave away the feelings blossoming in his heart even as he was determined to deny them.
    Bennet was sensible to the young man’s conflict but also felt compelled to give Darcy cause to ponder his reasons for such a vehement denial of his partiality, particularly when Darcy had underlined his friendship with Elizabeth too often for one to not be suspicious of deeper sentiments. Although Bennet’s characteristic impatience was urging him to ask Darcy more pointed questions, his greater sense prevailed. So Bennet chose his words carefully while hoping to inspire Darcy to reconsider his position.
    “Darcy, I must protest this little speech of yours by two points you cannot deny. Had you always regarded Lizzy in such a favourable manner, my daughter would not have reported overhearing you admit to Mr. Bingley that she was ‘tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me.’ Obviously that opinion no longer holds true.” Darcy’s lips compressed into a line, but he made no comment.
    Bennet continued more sternly, “But the second point challenges your honesty with yourself. Be assured, Darcy, your regard towards my daughter has been displayed all these weeks. I am not blind, sir; I have seen the way you look upon her when you think no one is watching. I hardly think you see my Elizabeth as merely a friend, or I would expect to see you dancing with Bingley and giving him longing gazes from across the room.”
    Darcy looked away without protest. Bennet paused and crossed his arms before making his next point.
    “I have not spoken before because I esteem you, sir, and I do not see the connection as unwelcome. Were you to apologise and gain her approbation, I would be agreeable to a request to pay her court, and in fact, I would disclose information that would clearly demonstrate she has everything necessary to attract an offer from a man of your station.
    “Your pride and prejudice have kept you from attempting to win her, yet you continue to show her special regard. Although her seemingly mild aversion to you has comforted me that her heart is not likely in danger, your attentions have been noticed enough to raise speculation, and I will not sit by and watch her reputation be tarnished. As her father, I must insist you be certain of your intentions and more guarded with your countenance before you are so quick to deny responsibility for the conclusions made by astute observers.”
    Darcy was silent for some minutes as he looked downward with a furrowed brow, his hand over his mouth, mulling over the truth of what his friend was saying. The accusations were not to be refuted, and he was angry with himself for being so easily read. He was captivated with Elizabeth’s innate kindness and spirit of mind and found it difficult not to spend an excessive amount of time basking in her glow.
    But he was also offended that Bennet all but demanded a declaration. Darcy’s intentions were to marry well; his duty to his family and estate demanded it, and it would be most ill advised to admit his feelings towards Elizabeth to anyone. Darcy was sure her father would extol the blessings of his daughter, but his indicated revelation surely could have no effect on her circumstances within society or her relations. Darcy felt it prudent to avoid this point and answer only to his insult at the assembly, and he tried to do so with a lightened expression and convivial tone.
    “Bennet, I have long regretted my ill-mannered comments at the assembly, and beg your forgiveness. I was not certain which young lady Bingley was promoting for my felicity, thus the comments were directed towards someone I did not know. I also did not know our discussion was overheard, and I am ashamed my remarks were considered to be offensive. No excuse would justify such a deplorable comment regarding any person. I have been remiss in not relating all this to Miss Elizabeth, and I will correct that as soon as a suitable