Chapter IX #3
Darcy could not prevent the grin that tugged at his lips, and Bingley did not hide his diversion.
“Added to that,” said Bingley, “if you consider the benefits of our early departure, I suspect you will agree with my intention to leave as soon as may be. Though I must still escort my family to the north, you may follow Miss Bennet to Hertfordshire, on her heels if you wish it.”
“When you put it that way, I cannot but agree.”
Bingley grinned as irrepressible as always. “Somehow, I thought you might see it that way.”
Darcy nodded, but turned businesslike. “Before we do anything else, I believe there is a task I have left far too long. Your sister continues to hope against all evidence that I will offer for her. Unless you have any objections, it is time she learns the truth.”
Dubious, Bingley stared at him. “Are you certain? Should you succeed with Miss Bennet, that will be evidence enough.”
“That is true, Bingley,” said Darcy, “but it would be better for us all—and kinder to her—if she does not live in suspense. It is not commonly done—this I know. But I think it is best in this situation.”
“Very well, Darcy,” said Bingley. “If you insist, I have no objection.”
When they agreed on how it was to be done, Bingley left to summon his sister while Darcy went to the sitting-room.
They had considered doing it in the study, but rejected it because it would resemble a recalcitrant child called to account for some misdeed.
While Darcy waited, he pondered what he might say to Miss Bingley, and if thoughts of Miss Elizabeth Bennet intruded as they often did, he forced them to the side in favor of the current business.
Miss Bingley entered with her brother, appearing reluctant, her eyes finding Darcy the moment she entered, judging, trying to decipher his mood. Knowing that delay would not do them any favors, Darcy spoke at once.
“Thank you for attending me, Miss Bingley. There is a misunderstanding between us that has persisted too long.”
“I have no notion of your meaning, Mr. Darcy,” said she, appearing nervous but determined.
There was no need to call her on the obvious obfuscation, so he did not try.
“Then I shall explain. You have harbored a hope that I will offer for you, Miss Bingley—this much is clear. I wish to inform you without disguise that I have no intention of it. If this brings you pain, I apologize, but I never intended to lead you on.”
All pretense dropped away, as Miss Bingley shed her mask of uncertainty and glared at him, tall and proud. Bingley, standing a few feet away from her, noticed the change and directed a glance heavenward.
“Then I suppose you mean to offer for Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” Miss Bingley huffed with contempt. “That is a singular choice, Mr. Darcy. By all means, make her the mistress of your estate. I am certain her mother and all her sisters will lend Pemberley distinction it does not already have.”
“That is my business, Miss Bingley,” replied Darcy evenly.
“I shall neither confirm nor deny your conjecture. The salient point is that I have no interest in a closer relationship with you. As you have misunderstood my behavior, I shall clarify. Bingley is my friend. My association with you has always been a product of that friendship. Regardless of any hope you had, it has never been my intention to foster a connection between us.”
“As I have told you several times,” said Bingley. “But you would not listen.”
Miss Bingley ignored her brother, but she did not respond either. Instead, she was considering Darcy, no doubt trying to judge the degree of his determination. She need not have bothered.
“Bingley, I understand you mean to cut short your visit.”
Bingley’s grin was tinged with determination, amusement, and perhaps even a touch of anticipation. “Yes, my friend. I believe under the current circumstances that it is for the best.”
“Charles!” exclaimed Miss Bingley.
It seemed Bingley had not told his sister about his decision. Or she had not believed him. Either way, it was of no concern to Darcy.
“My decision stands, Caroline,” replied Bingley. “Thank you for your hospitality, my friend. In two days, we shall depart for the north.”
“Very well, Bingley,” said Darcy with a nod. “Perhaps we shall meet again soon.”
Bingley’s grin spoke to his eagerness. “Very soon, I think.”
With a nod, Darcy excused himself and returned to his study. He considered calling for Georgiana to tell her the news, but opted to wait until that evening. Knowing her opinion of Miss Bingley as he did, Darcy knew the Bingleys’ departure would be a relief.
That was an amusing truth, but not important.
What was more important was Darcy’s freedom to retire to Netherfield the moment the door closed behind the Bingley family.
As Darcy knew Mr. Gardiner intended to tour a few more locations of interest on his way south, he would wait.
The moment he knew when they intended to arrive at Longbourn, Darcy would plan his journey south.
Georgiana would not protest—in fact, it would please her to keep Miss Bennet’s company.