Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
When they arrived at Rosings, Darcy was disappointed to find that Miss Elizabeth was no longer at the house.
He had not expected her at all, but at the sight of her father, he inquired after her, perhaps with more enthusiasm than he realised, and his cousin explained that she and Mrs Collins had been present but had left some hours earlier.
Georgiana went immediately to her room to rest after the long journey, and Anne, who had fallen asleep on the sofa, was gathered up by servants at the behest of Mrs Jenkinson and brought to her room. Mr Bennet made his excuses, leaving James and Darcy alone at last.
Darcy asked, “What has happened? Our aunt dead? And at Longbourn, no less. And Miss Elizabeth here?”
“Interesting that you mention her.”
“Interesting in what way?”
His cousin smiled. “Come, come. You love her. We all know you love her.”
“This is hardly the time to discuss Miss Bennet.”
James lifted his eyebrows but asked, “Have you any idea why our aunt was at Longbourn?”
“I was hoping you might know.”
“No, but perhaps we shall learn the truth tomorrow. For now, let us drink to a miserable event for a miserable woman.”
“James!”
James shrugged. They clinked glasses, attempting not to laugh, downed their drinks, and retired for the evening.