Chapter 22 #2
“It is, is it not? I have every confidence that you will like it here as much as I do. The society is less formal than here in London, which I find very refreshing.”
As, despite brave words to the contrary, the ladies were very tired, Bingley dispatched a maid to show Georgiana and Mrs Annesley to their rooms. Upon being offered the choice of his own room or a drink in Bingley’s study, Darcy chose the latter.
“How are things in Meryton?” he asked, leaning back into the comfort of an overstuffed chair.
Bingley took a sip of his wine, then plunged into what he had heard so far.
“I arrived two days ago, and the news is much the same as when we left. Mrs Bennet and her daughters still do not go out into society or make morning calls. But since we have already been introduced to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, we will be able to go around and see her, and renew our acquaintance.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Darcy remarked. Though he did not intend to convey how very glad he was, the broadening of Bingley’s smile suggested he had not escaped his friend’s perception.
But being an understanding, forbearing sort of man, and not one to force a confidence, Bingley only said, “Yes, indeed. Very pleasant news.”
What his smile might say was another matter entirely. But Darcy was not so ungenerous as to quarrel with any man over his smile. Hurriedly, he changed the subject. “How are your sisters and Mr Hurst?”
Bingley gave a wry smile. “Mr and Mrs Hurst are much as they always are. I believe they are staying with one of my aunts at the moment, along with Caroline. They have been attending parties left and right as the Season begins. I assume they will be too busy even to notice that I am gone.”
“On the contrary,” Darcy told his friend. “The absence of a truly good-natured friend must always have a substantial effect on a party — particularly when those remaining are of less amiable temperaments.”
Bingley acknowledged this with a nod before going on. “Caroline has received several calls from a gentleman in parliament, Lord Greystoke. Perhaps you have heard of him?”
“No, I have not had the pleasure.” Darcy exchanged a smile with his friend, for the news that Caroline Bingley seemed to be transferring her ambitions to another gentleman was a pleasure indeed.
“Well, it is good to be back in Hertfordshire. I like the neighbourhood very well.” Bingley raised his glass as if to toast, and Darcy followed suit.
“How are things at Pemberley?” Bingley asked, lounging back in his plush chair.
“Far too quiet,” Darcy admitted truthfully. “Your invitation could not have come at a better time, really. I thank you for saving us from the tedium.”
Bingley frowned. “I have never heard you speak of Pemberley that way. You were always so eager to be there, when you were away.” He gave a mischievous smile. “Could it be that love has made you restless, old friend?”
Darcy smiled. “Perhaps.” He took a sip of his brandy, then set the glass on the side table. “And what of you?”
“Me? In love? No,” Bingley said. “I have not yet seen the woman I could truly love. I have met pretty women enough, but I must have something more than this. I would like to find a woman of truly excellent character and heart — like your Elizabeth Bennet, although I should not require so much cleverness in a wife, lest she find me rather dull!”
Bingley chuckled at this, but Darcy was too much taken aback to join him. “My Elizabeth Bennet?” he managed at last.
Bingley stood and leaned an elbow against the mantel, grinning at his friend. “Do not try to lead me astray. I have seen how you look at her. Indeed, I had several weeks to observe you with her.” He stilled. “I am happy for you, my friend.”
Darcy shook his head. “It is hardly time for congratulations. Do you not recall how suddenly she left? I cannot believe she feels as much as I do, or she would not have done so. Perhaps she does not wish to see me at all.”
“As to that, I think you must not leave it to chance,” Bingley said quietly. “It is clear how much you feel for her. I think there is a risk of far more suffering in staying away than in seeing her and making your wishes clear, however she might react.
Darcy expelled a hard breath. “I agree. Hence why I am here — in addition to the pleasure of your company, of course.”
Bingley took no offense at this, but merely waved it away. “I cannot believe it has been almost a year since we were last here together. I do believe this time will be much more enjoyable than the last.” He smirked. “For several reasons.”
“Indeed. We have the prospect of a very pleasing addition to our acquaintance here.”
“As well as the absence of some rather difficult company,” Bingley said, with a meaningful raise of his eyebrow.
Darcy could hardly deny it. Caroline Bingley’s snobbery towards others and obsequiousness towards himself had grown very tiresome indeed. “To avoid saying anything of your sister which might cause offense,” he said dryly, “I shall merely say that I agree.”
“Your sister seems to have come out of her shell nicely since the New Year,” Bingley observed in return.
“Georgiana was always a very sweet girl, but on previous visits, she was so shy as to be rather childish. Now she is grown quite pleasant to talk to. One feels she is truly one of the party, and a lovely addition to it.”
“I could not agree more. I credit much of her development to Miss Bennet, along with Mrs Laurence’s books, if you can imagine such a thing. I, for one, had never thought that a mere novel could help someone to grow up as it has helped Georgiana. But the proof is in the pudding, as they say.”
“Your sister’s future is bright indeed. Perhaps I will have to read these books myself, if they can have such an effect,” Bingley jested.
Darcy chuckled for a moment before turning to his friend more seriously. “And what of your future, Bingley? What do you want?”
Bingley shrugged. “I want what you have found. Not just a woman who can take my name and bear sons for the continuance of the Bingley line, but a woman I can share my heart with, one who understands me, and allows me to understand her. I have seen what a loveless marriage does to a person — second-hand, of course.” He sighed.
“My sister Louisa wed Hurst for the social advantage he might bring her. She has not been happy in her marriage. And I believe Caroline has taken the wrong lesson from our sister’s misfortune.
I believe Louisa would have been happy had her husband been of a temperament and understanding better aligned with her own, but Caroline thinks only that she did not marry high enough.
Hurst has connections, but little wealth.
Caroline thinks only that she must find a husband with both. ”
Darcy nodded. “Quite understandable,” he said in his most neutral tone.
“No wonder she wanted to marry you,” his friend went on. “Not to mention that I do not know a better chap in the whole empire. But for your sake, I hope you will make a match of true happiness and affection.”
“You flatter me, Bingley. But I could say the same about you.” Darcy said, warmed by the compliment, so evidently heartfelt. “I want you to have everything your heart longs for, too, my friend.”
Bingley longed for the love of a dream-woman he had not yet met, but for his part, Darcy was in no doubt of what would satisfy the longing in his heart. It would take nothing more and nothing less than making Elizabeth his forever.