Chapter VI #3
Of more importance to Darcy himself was the benefit he would derive from Bingley’s newfound resolve.
Bingley’s return to Miss Bennet’s side would remove the remaining source of disagreement between himself and Miss Elizabeth.
Darcy knew it would not provoke Miss Elizabeth to fall madly in love with him, but it could not hurt either.
Georgiana entered the room and approached, displaying a hint of knowing.
“I see you have returned from Lambton. How were Miss Elizabeth and the Gardiners?”
“They were well,” said Darcy. “Mrs. Gardiner has planned an outing for the day, but they anticipate the visit to Pemberley tonight.”
“That is excellent news,” said Georgiana.
Darcy regarded his sister. “I had not thought you were aware of my visit to Lambton this morning.”
A giggle was his sister’s response. “Miss Bingley was not best pleased.”
“That I understood myself,” said Darcy, wondering anew how he would ever tolerate her for three weeks complete. “What did she do?”
“At first, she said nothing,” replied Georgiana. “I supposed she understood how agreeable I find Elizabeth, which prevented her from venting her spleen. After a time, she seemed to think better of it.”
“It is unfortunate that I issued the invitation to them,” said Darcy, shaking his head in disgust. “If Miss Elizabeth had visited while they were elsewhere, we might have enjoyed the visit. Then I could have informed Bingley of it and suggested he return to Netherfield.”
“Yes, that would have been for the best,” said Georgiana, understanding his meaning at once. “Elizabeth is only to stay for a few days—what do you mean to do when the Bingleys leave?”
“Bingley has offered me the use of his estate in Hertfordshire,” said Darcy. “Perhaps I will accept his generosity.”
“Oh, that would be excellent, Brother,” said Georgiana. “Elizabeth has told me something of her sisters—I should appreciate the chance to meet such agreeable young ladies.”
“Then I shall tell Bingley of my acceptance,” said Darcy. “Once the Bingleys are bound for the north, we shall depart for the south.”
LATER THAT DAY, NOT long before the Gardiners were to arrive, Darcy learned the results of Bingley’s discussion with his sisters. It fell out more or less as Darcy had expected, though he did not say that to his friend.
“Caroline insists she acted in my best interest,” said Bingley, more than a trace of disgust making its way into his voice.
“Of course she would, Bingley,” said Hurst.
Hurst sat with them in Darcy’s study, and for once he was not nursing a glass of brandy.
Unless Darcy misjudged him altogether, Hurst was watching the proceedings with amusement, but he was also concerned about Miss Bingley’s behavior.
Darcy thought he understood—while he considered Hurst an acquaintance, Hurst’s feelings for him were warmer.
The connection to Pemberley was valuable, Darcy knew, but he did not think that accounted for the bulk of Hurst’s thinking.
Though Darcy had little in common with him, he knew Hurst was a decent sort of fellow, one who did not appreciate poor behavior.
The grunt with which Bingley responded was an eloquent summation of his feelings. “I expected nothing different myself. Caroline now knows my sentiments, but if I thought that would be the end of it, I would be gullible indeed.”
“At least you understand that now, Bingley,” rumbled Hurst. “I do not mean to offend, but Caroline has led you about by the nose a little too easily.”
“Those days are at an end,” growled Bingley. “I have made it clear that I expect her to refrain from interfering in my affairs. Next season, Caroline must go to town with a clear intent to find a husband.”
“That is not likely,” snorted Hurst. “Not so long as Darcy here remains unmarried.”
Bingley darted a look at Darcy, and Hurst did not miss it. Though Darcy might have expected him to comment, he remained silent, though his look grew speculative. There was little enough reason to speak on the subject.
“Dare I suppose you spoke to Caroline about her behavior tonight?” asked Hurst of Bingley.
“I have,” confirmed his friend. “Whether it will have any effect on her I cannot say, but she understands what I expect of her.”
“She is all but ungovernable, particularly when it pertains to Darcy.”
“And yet, I have no interest,” replied Darcy. “If she grows many degrees worse, I shall end all her pretense on the subject.”
Hurst nodded. “That may be for the best. If she hears it from you, she cannot claim that she knew nothing of your indifference.”
Darcy gave him a curt acknowledgment. “It is hardly a conversation one seeks, so I shall refrain for the moment. If she forces my hand, however, I shall not hesitate.”
“Then go to it, Darcy,” said Hurst. “If nothing else, the sight of Caroline’s pretensions ending will provide us all with amusement.”
As it was better not to reply, Darcy kept his own counsel. In a short time, Miss Elizabeth would arrive with her relations, and the thought supplied him with a few pleasant moments of reverie before they left the study.