4. Chapter 4
B ingley rarely stood up to his sisters, so it was a real possibility that his family would remain at Netherfield.
Darcy was therefore planning what his next moves would be when a knock at the bedchamber door pulled him from his thoughts.
He opened the door to find Bingley standing there, looking aggravated.
“Come in, Bingley, have a seat.”
After taking a seat, Bingley looked at Darcy and sighed. “Darcy, I apologize for all this. It is a disgrace. I have no doubt my sister has been regularly helping herself to whatever business of mine she wishes to know.”
Darcy raised a brow. “You are more than likely correct on that.”
“Was I not just saying how desperately I need to marry her off?”
“Indeed, you were,” Darcy replied. “What do you plan to do about this situation?”
“I told them they must leave tomorrow.”
“Really?” Darcy said, raising a skeptical brow. “I cannot imagine they readily agreed.”
“No, they did not, but I used Caroline’s desire for your approbation to secure her compliance.
I told her you were undoubtedly appalled by her behavior and suggested she keep this fact in mind before deciding to defy me, since doing so will only lower her further in your estimation.
I also informed Hurst privately of my assurance to you that Caroline would not be at Netherfield, and therefore, I expected him to take her and Louisa right back to London in the morning.
Maybe next time he will think twice before allowing my sisters to involve him in such a ridiculous scheme again! ”
Unsurprisingly, Bingley had not truly put his foot down with his sister, but had used Miss Bingley’s hopes toward Darcy against her. I suppose whatever works . . .
Darcy told Bingley that he and Georgiana would take trays for dinner to avoid the awkward situation with his relatives.
He then went to inform his sister that she could remain in her rooms for the rest of the evening if she so chose, since they would not go down for dinner.
He also told her it was likely that Miss Bingley and the Hursts would be leaving on the morrow. She expressed her relief at the news.
When Darcy returned to his bedchamber, his valet was putting clothes away in the armoire.
“Jones, I am not sure if you are aware, but the Hursts and Miss Bingley arrived this afternoon,” Darcy said.
“Yes, sir, I did hear that. I was under the impression they would not be here for some weeks.”
“That was Bingley’s intention, however, Miss Bingley managed to get around her brother,” Darcy explained. “He has told them they must leave tomorrow. You can imagine what the atmosphere shall be like this evening,” Darcy said.
“Indeed.”
“I have no wish to deal with it or to deal with his sister. Bingley understands this, and he knows Georgiana and I will not go down this evening. So, there will be no need for me to dress for dinner, Jones.”
“Very well, sir.”
“Also . . . see if you can have a word with the housekeeper,” Darcy said, looking his valet straight in the eye.
“Shall I request the keys to your bedchamber and sitting room?” Jones asked shrewdly.
“That would be ideal, or you can pass on to Mrs. Oliver my request that she not allow anyone else to have them. Feel free to explain why.”
“I shall take care of it, sir,” Jones assured him.
Their precautions may prove to be unnecessary, but Darcy knew that all of Caroline Bingley’s carefully laid plans had just been ruined. There was no telling what she might do.
Later that night, Darcy was startled awake by a noise.
He blinked away the sleepiness, willing his eyes to make out the shapes in the room.
He hoped Caroline Bingley was not one of them.
Darcy lay very still, listening and trying to get a sense of what was happening.
He heard the noise again, but this time it sounded further away. Darcy sat up.
“Sir,” Jones whispered from nearby.
“Is it Miss Bingley?” Darcy whispered back.
“I believe so. She attempted to open the bedchamber door. Now, she is trying to enter the sitting room.”
Darcy shook his head. “Unbelievable.”
They heard the doorknob stop rattling. For a few minutes there was nothing, then there was a sound at the bedchamber door again. It was quieter than before, but still focused on the doorknob. What was she doing? She was no longer turning the doorknob back and forth . . .
“She is trying to pick the lock!” Darcy said, incredulous.
Jones lit a candle and walked quietly to the door. He quickly unlocked it and flung it open. Miss Bingley stood there, frozen in shock.
“Is . . . this not my sister’s room?” she asked lamely.
Jones stared at her in silent condemnation.
“I must have gotten . . . turned around,” she added without meeting his eyes.
Jones then looked down to the floor where the tools she had been using on the lock fell when he threw open the door. Miss Bingley looked down at them as well and quickly bent to pick them up. She then turned and hurried away.
Darcy could not believe what had just transpired—Miss Bingley skulking through the night and attempting to break into his bedchamber!
She was caught red-handed, and she still tried to act as if she had not meant to be there!
Darcy had remained hidden in the shadows, but the candlelight had illuminated the sheer nightgown she wore.
Dressed as she was, there was no doubt of her intentions.
She had come to his bedchamber, hoping to seduce him.
Caroline Bingley was indeed delusional if she thought Darcy considered her a temptation!
“The nerve of that woman!” Darcy said angrily.
“Indeed,” Jones said as he double-checked all the locks. “We are locked down tight, sir."
Darcy nodded.
Jones had slept in the dressing room just in case Miss Bingley attempted something like this and was able to get in. With Jones there, she would not be able to claim she had been alone with Darcy. Not that he would marry her even if she did manage it.
The next morning, Darcy was pleased to learn Bingley’s sisters and brother-in-law had left Netherfield quite early.
Caroline Bingley had shown exactly how far she would go to get what she wanted.
Of course, since she had not succeeded, she would simply claim she had done nothing wrong and that it was all a misunderstanding.
Darcy resolved that he would simply treat her as an indifferent acquaintance in public.
However, she would never again be invited to his homes.
And if Bingley asked why future invitations excluded his sister, Darcy would be sure to enlighten him.
Darcy had been a bit distracted by the knowledge that Miss Elizabeth and her sisters were to call on Georgiana today. He had also found himself looking forward to seeing her again.
His sister had been visiting with the Miss Bennets for a little while when he and Bingley decided to intrude. Darcy’s eyes did a sweep of the drawing room as he entered behind Bingley.
“Good day, ladies!” Bingley greeted the Bennet ladies, who responded pleasantly. "May we join you?"
“Please do,” Georgiana replied. “I will ring for more tea.”
Bingley sat near Miss Elizabeth and immediately engaged her in conversation.
To Darcy's right, Georgiana and the other ladies spoke among themselves. He tried to seem interested in the ladies’ conversation, but his attention kept returning to Bingley and Miss Elizabeth.
His friend appeared resolved to refrain from showing Miss Bennet so much attention.
He and Miss Elizabeth were having a lively discussion, and Darcy could see Bingley was enjoying every minute of it.
The tea arrived, and Georgiana served everyone.
Realizing he had barely spoken, Darcy said, “I hope you ladies do not mind that we interrupted your visit.” He looked around at them, smiling politely.
“Not at all, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bennet said.
“I understand you ladies have more sisters at home,” Bingley said.
“Yes, we have two younger sisters, Catherine and Lydia,” Miss Mary replied.
“I say, your father is quite surrounded!” Bingley teased.
Miss Elizabeth chuckled. “Indeed, he is, and he is known to seek the sanctuary of his bookroom when the talk of lace becomes too much.”
Chuckles were heard around the room. After several more minutes of conversation, the Miss Bennets rose to take their leave, thanking Georgiana for her hospitality.
“Miss Darcy, may I ask how long you plan to be in the neighborhood?” Miss Mary inquired.
“A few weeks, I believe.”
“Perhaps one day we might work on our music together,” Miss Mary suggested.
Georgiana’s cheeks flushed with pleasure. “Oh, yes, I would enjoy that!”
Miss Mary smiled and nodded.
Darcy and Bingley stood waiting at the door of the drawing room. When Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth drew near, Darcy stepped forward. “May I escort you ladies to the carriage?” he asked.
“Yes, thank you,” Miss Bennet replied.
Miss Elizabeth merely smiled. Darcy offered an arm first to her, then his other to Miss Bennet.
As he led them outside, he politely inquired if they had other calls to pay.
Miss Bennet obliged him with a response and light conversation as they made their way to the carriage.
Bingley had offered Miss Mary his escort, and Darcy could hear them conversing as they followed behind.
Upon reaching the carriage, Darcy handed Miss Bennet inside. He then turned to Miss Elizabeth, extending his hand to her. She laid her hand in his, grabbed her skirts with the other, then smiled and thanked him as he handed her up. He waited for her to look at him, but her eyes never met his.
Bingley handed Miss Mary into the carriage and shut the door. He gave the ladies a wide grin and wished them a good evening.
Darcy and Bingley stood watching as the carriage drove away.