Chapter 16 #3
As for his relationship with Wilson, it had not progressed much although it became trustworthy.
Darcy had hired men to look for proof of his identity and had no reason to doubt the man any longer.
His coming to Lambton and Derbyshire in the near future would allow him even more opportunities to observe him further.
His musings were interrupted by the colonel’s arrival; only minutes later, Bingley entered, restless and on the edge of panic.
“How have you been? I have not seen you in the last days. I just sent you an invitation to dinner—did you get it?” Bingley asked directly.
“Good morning. Please take a seat. May I offer you anything?” Darcy asked.
Bingley looked at him dumbfounded. “What? Oh, are you mocking me? Very nice. I am desperate; I am having dinner tomorrow night, and I am looking for flowers to decorate the dining room. And I need a couple of additional kinds of cheese and some fresh fish.”
“So, are you in charge of the purchases? May I offer you some of our servants?” The colonel laughed. “And yes, I received your invitation. So, how many courses have you prepared? Just so I know whether I should accept or decline the invitation.”
“Colonel, I appreciate your attempt to tease me, but trust me—this is not the best moment. I am rather distressed about this dinner. I want it to be perfect. And I have already had several nasty arguments with my sisters. I cannot trust them to behave properly.”
Darcy’s was the voice of reason. “Bingley, we have no intention of distressing you further. Try to calm yourself. It is your house, your dinner party. You are the master. If we want to attend your dinner, we have to obey your rules or leave—family and friends.”
“I know you are right. But it is so difficult with Caroline and Louisa. We are together all the time, and it is hard to do anything without their approval,” Bingley replied.
“Of what do they not approve? The dinner?”
“No…I mean yes, the dinner and…I plan to propose to Miss Bennet soon,” Bingley confessed, looking at Darcy as though seeking support. “I have not told them yet, but they are suspicious.”
“It is not much of a secret,” the colonel added with obvious amusement.
“I think you are wise to propose soon. Miss Bennet seems to be partial to you too, but once she is out in society, you might have strong competition. I have rarely seen a woman more beautiful and with a sweeter disposition. And being a gentleman’s daughter, even with a dowry that I suspect to be modest, she would be the perfect wife for any man with the means and willingness to marry. ”
Bingley stared at him, dumbstruck, blinking several times. “What do you mean competition? This is not a challenge. Miss Bennet returns my affection; I have no doubt about that.”
“But can she be certain of your affection and—even more—of your intentions? You left unexpectedly last year, did you not? If she were my sister, I would warn her to be cautious and to choose what is best for her,” the colonel declared.
Bingley stood, perplexed. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, have you made a pact with Mr Wilson for the purpose of tormenting me?”
“Not at all, Bingley, I only speak my mind. And yes, I know you were badly advised by your sisters and even by Darcy here present; but truly, what made you believe that any of them is an expert in matters of the heart?”
“Richard, you are not an expert in matters of the heart, either,” Darcy interjected.
“We should all stop giving Bingley opinions he neither needs nor has requested. And if you ask me, he and Miss Bennet are a perfect match. If you were Miss Bennet’s brother, you would encourage her to enter into a marriage that offers her the love, respect, and security she deserves. ”
“I drink to that,” the colonel agreed and sealed it by filling his glass with brandy.
“Is it not a little early for that?” Darcy inquired, raising his eyebrow in challenge.
“Not at all. I am on my way to visit Anne and Aunt Catherine. And you should join me, so you might need a drink too.”
“No, but I thank you for your care.” Darcy smiled.
“So, I shall see you both tomorrow evening?” Bingley asked one more time.
“You may count on us,” Darcy assured him.
“Just make sure to have enough food and drink,” the colonel added before Bingley left in a rush.
∞∞∞
The evening was warm, but a welcoming breeze chilled their faces when they stepped from the carriage on Grosvenor Street.
Jane held Elizabeth’s arm tightly. “I cannot believe I am here again, Lizzy,” she whispered.
“This time you have no reason for distress, dearest,” Elizabeth replied. “I am sure Mr Bingley is hosting this dinner for you only.”
“Do not tease me, Lizzy. Mr Bingley is hosting this dinner to repay Mr Wilson’s kindness.”
“Of course, he is.” Elizabeth laughed. “Surely, it is for Mr Wilson. Come Jane—admit it and enjoy it as you deserve, my darling.”
There was no time for more debate as the door opened and Mr Bingley appeared. Behind him were Mr Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Their host welcomed them and offered his arm to Miss Bennet while the colonel did the same for Elizabeth.
Once inside, they met the waiting Hursts and Miss Bingley in the main hall. Their welcome was polite but distant as they invited their guests into the drawing room. However, Mr Bingley was already leading the party inside, arm in arm with Miss Bennet.
“Mr Wilson’s house is bigger and more elegant,” Lydia whispered to Kitty and Mary, loud enough to be heard. Mr Bingley ignored the statement, but Miss Bingley’s face turned crimson with anger.
“I hope dinner is ready soon; I am already hungry,” Lydia continued, much to the Bingley sisters’ repugnance.
Elizabeth had only two points of interest that evening: Jane’s interaction with Mr Bingley, and Mr Darcy’s with her.
About the former, she was quickly content; the latter, however, remained a mystery as he spoke to her relatives and barely looked at her.
She was pleased to see him so friendly with her father and uncle, but it was not enough.
Their eyes met across the room several times, and finally, when they all expected to be invited to the dinner table, he walked towards her.
“Miss Elizabeth, I am happy to see all of you again. Sadly, I have had some engagements that kept me away these past days.”
Sadly. Elizabeth blushed. “Yes, I heard you were busy with Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh. You were missed, and we discussed you quite a lot,” she declared daringly.
He looked pleasantly surprised, and a smile lit his face. “I missed your company too. I became accustomed to spending time with your family, and I hope to have more opportunities in the future.”
She held his gaze and wondered whether he could notice her nervousness. “I hope Miss de Bourgh is not ill. Colonel Fitzwilliam told me she is being seen by several doctors.”
“She is not ill, but we hope to find a way to improve her health permanently,” Darcy confessed. “In fact, I have a message from her.”
Elizabeth was puzzled, and she frowned, but he continued to smile. She missed Bingley’s invitation to the dining room, but Darcy heard it and offered her his arm. She took it and they walked slower than the others, remaining a little behind as they continued to speak.
“A message for me?” she asked.
“Yes. Tomorrow Anne will take a ride in Hyde Park with her companion. Richard and I shall join them. She wondered whether you would happen to be in the park before noon. She would like to meet you if you happen to be there.”
“I would love to meet Miss de Bourgh. What a lovely surprise, indeed. We would also be happy and honoured if she would stop by for a cup of tea…”
Darcy paused slightly. “I am not sure my aunt would approve of that. And Anne is rather restrained with strangers.”
“Yes, I understand. I walk in the park every day, and before noon is my favourite time. We shall be near the place we last met.”
“Excellent,” Darcy concluded as he helped her sit and moved to his own place, across the table and towards her left.
Despite Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst’s cold manners, the dinner was declared a success. The decorations were admired, the food was savoured and praised, and the conversation was animated and interesting.
For Elizabeth, it was truly one of the most delightful evenings, but she looked forward to seeing it end and the next day arriving quickly.