Chapter 16 #2
Saye clapped Darcy on the shoulder. “You and me, Cousin: the next generation of lambs led to the slaughter of dutiful matrimony. Let us hope ’tis better than it seems.”
With a deep sigh, Darcy looked up at the facade of the house where Mr and Mrs Hurst resided.
Having already declined two invitations to dine in the six weeks since they had all returned from Netherfield, he had not felt he could beg off another.
This night he expected to be particularly trying as the invitation from Mrs Hurst had included an entreaty from Miss Bingley to join them and “speak to Charles, as only you can, sir, of his unseemly attachment.”
Darcy knew not what Bingley’s sisters might have already said, but he would offer that which he had opined before: the match was less than Bingley might reasonably hope to attain.
Beyond that, he had no conjecture or suggestion, save that Bingley allow a bit of time to pass and then revisit his feelings.
Darcy suspected this dinner was being convened because Bingley felt enough time had elapsed to make him certain of his attachment.
The hour before dinner passed with a measure of relative delight. Although it was rarely seen, Hurst was, when not in his cups, a good host and often had amusing anecdotes to share. He had the group laughing within minutes of Darcy’s arrival, and their enjoyment carried them into the meal itself.
The topic of true interest was raised in the drawing room after dinner. Caroline swooped towards Darcy the moment he entered, hissing, “Come turn pages for me.” He had no excuse to decline and joined her by the instrument.
She began to play, speaking in an agitated whisper. “He says he will return to Netherfield in February and wishes me to go with him to serve as his hostess. I shall not be a party to my own destruction!”
Darcy turned the page, taking a moment to restrain his amusement at her dramatics. “I should hardly call it your ‘destruction.’ Miss Bennet is gently bred, after all.”
“Gently bred? Pah!” Caroline shook her head derisively, her fingers punishing the keys of the instrument. “She is not suitable. You must speak with him, sir, I beg you! You are my last hope.”
“I will speak to him, but I shall not exert undue influence.”
“You own my gratitude,” she told him. They were quiet while she completed her frantic concerto.
As they rose from the pianoforte, she added, “And now, you must permit me to do you a good turn as well. I know of a lady in need of a situation. She has excellent references, and though her wage is a bit higher than most, I have heard she is well worth it.”
“For Georgiana?” He was surprised. It was indeed a good turn if Miss Bingley helped him find a companion for his sister.
“Mrs Younge is an expert at helping more lively girls settle into demure womanhood. I am certain she would do very well with dear Miss Darcy.”
“I shall be glad to take her information and arrange to meet her,” Darcy answered as they reached Bingley, who was sitting with his eldest sister. Hurst had long since fallen into a stupor on a chaise near the fire, and Miss Bingley immediately importuned Louisa to walk around the room with her.
For a moment, Darcy sat with his friend in silence. Bingley proved first to speak. “Darcy, I see by your expression that you are preparing to have a serious talk. Pray, save yourself the trouble. My mind is made up; I cannot be happy unless I am with Miss Bennet.”
“You are reconciled to any consequence of offering for her then?”
“Society’s nonsense? I cannot be bothered with it. I love her, and I cannot live without her. If that life is outside of the ton, so be it.”
Darcy spoke carefully. “My greatest concern is that I had not detected any symptom of peculiar regard in her. I should not wish you to sacrifice your standing if the lady is not sincerely attached.”
“Do you know her so well that you could discern the truth of her feelings?” Bingley looked at him with raised brows.
“I suppose not.”
“Miss Bennet is a demure, proper lady. I would not expect to see more overt regard from her than I have. I am satisfied in my understanding of her esteem.”
“Very well, then. Your mind is decided, and I applaud your resolve. What, though, of your sister? She is unhappy and could grow bitter if she feels her prospects have been altered.”
Bingley smiled, seeming a bit triumphant. “I have had success with some of the investments you recommended. With the gain, I shall augment her fortune, either to induce a suitor into matrimony or to provide her a better living. I cannot sacrifice my happiness for hers.”
Darcy looked at his friend and felt a deep pang of sour jealousy that he swallowed like a hard, bitter pill. He forced a smile to his face. “Then I hope to soon wish you joy.”
“Thank you. Will you accompany me to Hertfordshire?”
After considering for a moment, Darcy said slowly, “You would perhaps wish to delay.”
“Delay? Whatever for?”
Darcy regarded his friend a moment. First sworn to dissuade him and now moved to assist him? “I overheard a conversation while at Netherfield between the two eldest Miss Bennets, and Mrs Bennet spoke of it at your ball. To wit, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth intend to be in town for the Season.”
“In town? Splendid! But are you certain?”
“They were to arrive for the New Year. I should not imagine they will be invited to any parties of the ton. Will you go to their uncle’s home to meet them?”
“Gladly.” Bingley grinned broadly. “In Cheapside, or wherever he is; it will not keep me away.”