Chapter Two #2
“A proper ship.” Reid nodded his satisfaction the entire time he was stowing his gentlemen’s belongings into a small and stuffy cabin. “A British naval ship. Now we’ll see some sailing!”
Despite the threat of the French navy and the Atlantic Ocean’s uncooperative disposition, Wentworth delivered them safely home thirty days’ hard sailing later, almost seventy days after they left Calcutta.
He put them ashore at Portsmouth in the early hours of 16 July, with mutual good wishes. An excellent, intelligent man.
Darcy could not immediately go to Pemberley. He was an envoy, appointed by the king, and his first duty was to report to Lord Liverpool at the War and Colonial Office and account for himself and his mission.
“I suppose we must observe the formalities, little value though we gain from them,” Darcy told Bingley over a midday meal at Brooks’s after leaving the Office together, a week after their return to London. “Liverpool said we did creditable work. I dare not seek more vindication than that.”
Bingley huffed. “I did not see the man. His secretary took my reports and thanked me for my services before sending me on my way. I cannot for the life of me understand why I allowed myself to be persuaded to do them the favour of going to Bengal in the first place! The least they might do is acknowledge me properly. But then, while they may consider me tolerably gentleman-like for one of my breeding, they will never count me a true gentleman worthy of their respect.”
“While none could be truer. I am sorry, Bingley. I could not have done my work without your aid, as I made plain to Lord Liverpool.”
“It is hardly your doing, Darcy!” Bingley huffed out a laugh. “I enjoyed our time in India, and at least I carried out some business on our own account. We do not come home nabobs, but I do not repine that the government has yet to pay my salary for the last three months.”
“What will you do now?”
“Meet my father’s expectations that I buy an estate and raise the family to the gentry. I must think about where. Somewhere in the north, I fancy, near our family in Yorkshire.” Bingley gave him a sharp grin. “But not too near!”
“Very wise. You may find it best to lease for a year, and see if the life appeals to you.”
“An excellent idea. In the meantime, I was given the names of one or two men in the City whose word is good upon the Exchange—a Mr Gardiner for the import of fine fabrics and other luxuries, and a Mr Weston for trade with the Americas. I will be looking for opportunities for some quiet investment.”
“Again, very wise. Wise, also, not to make a public noise about it. Keep me informed, will you? I should like to join any venture you approve of.” Darcy had part-funded Bingley’s Bengal efforts and, as a result, enhanced his bank balance considerably.
Bingley nodded. “I will certainly find opportunities for us both. I am surprised you will consider links to trade. It is not the usual practice of the landowning classes.”
“The war has pushed the price of grain high but cannot last forever. Peace, when it comes, will correct the imbalance. Many landowners are fixing their hopes on an unsteady foundation, and incomes from land will fall. I will not advertise to the world that I hold any investments we make, but I will not deny them, if discovered. Pemberley is a business of sorts, and it is sensible to look at all means of keeping it in profit.”
“A true businessman could not say it better! I agree. Still, my main effort will be to fulfil my father’s wish and raise the Bingley name, an ambition shared by the whole family.
My sisters are wild for making a show in society.
For myself, I will happily attend soirées and balls and the theatre with them, but, more than anything, acquiring an estate will lift the Bingleys a trifle. ”
Perhaps. But they would always be considered parvenus. Bingley’s son, when he had one, might fare better, should Bingley marry prudently.
“What of you, Darcy?”
Darcy lifted his glass of wine to the light. A nice colour to complement the rich taste. “I have formally resigned my appointment. Liverpool shook my hand and wished me well. And now…”
“And now you must venture north and take up your inheritance.”
“Yes. I have business to conclude with the family’s solicitors.
A week or two should see that completed.
I will call at Ashbourne on my way, and I expect to reach Pemberley early next month.
” He hesitated. The Darcys were not naturally loquacious or at ease with conversations venturing into the personal, but this must be said, despite the heat in his face and ears.
“Bingley, I hope I do not lose your friendship now we are returned home. I value it—and you!—greatly, and…”
Bingley stared, his mouth slightly ajar. “Was there ever any question of it? I should be sorry indeed if our friendship came to an end!”
Darcy’s ears burned more fiercely. “Well, then. That is settled.”
“Indeed it is! And to celebrate, why do you not come and dine with me tomorrow? I am living at present with my elder sister Louisa and her husband, Henry Hurst of Chamnhurst in Norfolk. He has taken a house on Bruton Place on a five-year lease. My younger sister Caroline, too. I would be pleased to introduce them.”
“They are not retiring to his estate for the summer?”
“It is his father’s estate, and he and the elder Mr Hurst are… well...”
Darcy nodded. “Then I am delighted to accept, Bingley. I look forward to meeting your family.”
Bingley’s mouth twisted, wry and deprecating. “I think I can promise that you do not look forward to it one iota as much as they do! They know of you from my letters, you see, and they are greatly anticipating the acquaintance.”