Chapter II #3
Darcy paused to consider how to discover what he wished to know. “You mentioned that Miss Bingley did not tell me all. In truth, I suspected as much, but I would appreciate the confirmation.”
“I will not know until you are clear about what she said.”
“Indeed, she said little,” replied Darcy. “Miss Bingley did not dwell on the particulars—rather, she insisted that I was the only one who could persuade you against offering for Miss Bennet. She was rather closemouthed about what had sent you here in the first place.”
“First, let us be clear on one thing, Darcy.” Bingley’s eyes burned hot with purpose.
“There will be no persuading. I am my own man, capable of choosing my path in life. If I choose to pay my addresses to Miss Bennet or anyone else, it is my decision. You must accept this if our discussion is to proceed any further.”
“I have never doubted your ability to choose, Bingley,” replied Darcy. “To own the truth, I debated the wisdom of coming at all for precisely those reasons—if Miss Bennet is your choice despite the deficiencies of her situation, that is your business alone.”
Bingley offered a curt nod. “Thank you, Darcy. I have always appreciated your guidance—I know you have always offered your experience in the spirit of helping me gain my footing.”
“Of course,” replied Darcy.
“Then I shall tell you what Caroline has done.”
Bingley’s jaw tightened as if the very memory angered him.
“The day I confronted Caroline, I discovered that she had lied to me about Miss Bennet’s feelings. According to Caroline, not only did Miss Bennet fail to respond to her letter, but Caroline informed me that Miss Bennet had told her in confidence that she did not welcome my attentions.”
Darcy considered that. The level to which she had descended to have her way did not surprise Darcy any more than it had when Darcy had only the suspicion of what she had done.
Miss Bennet would never have said that to Miss Bingley; if she did not welcome Bingley—and Darcy did not think her completely indifferent—her mother would never have allowed her to say as much to his friend.
“How did you discover your sister’s duplicity?” asked Darcy.
“Caroline carelessly left Miss Bennet’s letter—which she swore she had not received—where I could find it.
When I realized it was from Miss Bennet, I confronted Caroline.
She did not confess anything, of course, but knowing she had lied about the letter, I would not rest until I discovered whether the rest of her tale was the truth.
Miss Bennet confirmed she had said no such thing to Caroline. ”
“Nor would I have expected it of her,” replied Darcy. “If you recall, I said I did not think she would refuse a proposal because of her mother’s influence. To say as much to Miss Bingley would counter Mrs. Bennet’s plans.”
“Then you should think again,” replied Bingley, a curtness in his tone that Darcy did not think he had ever heard from his friend.
“Mrs. Bennet is not the most proper woman, and I well remember what she said during the ball, but she does not rule her daughter. These last days, being reunited with Miss Bennet, I have confirmation of her feelings for me. They are real and true.”
“Bingley,” said Darcy, taking care to avoid angering his friend, “I acknowledge your right to make your own choices. Yet I question whether this is at all wise.”
“If you mean to make the same argument my sister plagued me with, you may save your breath. I have the assurance of Miss Bennet’s regard and care little for her situation. Nothing else signifies.”
Darcy must have appeared skeptical, for Bingley chuckled.
“If you remain unconvinced about the state of Miss Bennet’s regard, I invite you to join me when I visit Longbourn.
If I may be blunt, the only opinion that carries any weight is my own, but if you require assurance, observe her without prejudice, and you will conclude the same as I have. ”
“Very well, Bingley,” replied Darcy, knowing there was no other choice. “I shall be happy to join you.”
Darcy paused. “Now that I am to stay, I have a request. When she discovered I was to come to the country, Georgiana expressed the desire to come with me. As I was without an invitation, I thought it best to refrain.”
“But now that you are to stay, your sister will wish to come to Netherfield,” finished Bingley.
“I am not certain of the proprieties, for I have no mistress at present, but I welcome Miss Darcy’s presence.
Perhaps she may act as the mistress while she is in residence.
If she agrees, I can host my neighbors here. ”
“Georgiana might not be comfortable with that.”
Bingley nodded. “Yes, perhaps you are correct. If she is willing, then mayhap we may invite the Bennets. I have no concern if she is not, for the Bennets were most willing to host me whenever convenient.”
It was no surprise the Bennets wished to keep Bingley close, but Darcy could not say that without angering his friend.
As the matter was settled, Darcy excused himself to write his letter, dispatching it express.
Then he sat back to consider what he had done.
Darcy was not certain it was wise, even at this late date, but he supposed there was nothing to be done.
Bingley had the bit in his teeth and was determined to follow through.
Darcy only hoped he would not find heartache in the end.