CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Two Couples at Netherfield
A rainy afternoon trapped Jane, Elizabeth, Bingley, and Darcy in Netherfield's library with wedding lists.
This was Bingley's idea. It was not a good one.
"We must decide the breakfast seating," Jane said.
"Put everyone where they wish," Bingley replied.
Elizabeth looked at him. "That is not a seating plan."
"It is a philosophy."
Darcy, at the desk, said, "A dangerous philosophy."
Bingley looked offended. "Why?"
"Because Caroline wishes to sit beside Georgiana, Mrs. Phillips wishes to sit beside Lady Matlock, Lydia wishes to sit near the officers, and Lady Catherine wishes to sit nowhere because she is not invited."
Elizabeth burst out laughing.
Jane hid a smile.
Bingley said, "Very well. You do it."
Darcy looked at the list as though confronting an enemy troop arrangement.
Elizabeth leaned over his shoulder. "Do not put Mama beside the Earl."
"They like each other."
"Exactly. They will encourage one another."
"Your mother encourages herself without assistance."
"True. Put her beside Lady Matlock."
Jane said, "Mama likes Lady Matlock."
"Everyone likes Lady Matlock," Bingley said. "Except Lady Catherine."
Darcy moved a name card.
Elizabeth watched his hand.
"You have placed Mr. Collins nowhere."
Darcy looked up sharply. "Is he coming?"
She laughed. "No. I wished to see your face."
"Cruel."
Bingley leaned back. "I only briefly met him."
"Be grateful," Mr. Bennet's voice said from the doorway.
All four turned. He entered with Mr. Gardiner.
"We were driven from Longbourn by discussions of lace," Mr. Bennet said. "We seek asylum."
Bingley poured wine. The seating plan was abandoned in favour of cards. Jane and Bingley played against Elizabeth and Darcy.
This produced unexpected revelations. Bingley played cards exactly as he conducted conversation: enthusiastically, optimistically, and with insufficient suspicion. Jane played serenely and remembered every card.
Elizabeth bluffed.
Darcy did not.
"You cannot look that grave every time you have a good hand," Elizabeth told him.
"I look grave all the time."
"That is unfortunately true."
Jane won the first round. Bingley looked delighted, though he had contributed very little.
"We make an excellent pair."
Jane smiled. "Because I compensate for you?"
He stared.
Elizabeth laughed.
Jane's eyes sparkled.
"You have become wicked," Bingley said.
"I have sisters."
During the second round, conversation shifted to Netherfield.
"The owner has agreed to sell," Bingley said casually.
Jane dropped a card.
Elizabeth looked up. Darcy did not, which meant he already knew.
"Sell?" Jane asked.
Bingley smiled.
"If we want it."
Jane became very still. "Charles."
"I did not purchase it yet."
"Good."
Bingley blinked. Elizabeth looked at Darcy. Darcy looked back. Both silently agreed to remain out of it. Jane set her cards down.
"You said if we want it."
"Yes."
"Do you?"
Bingley opened his mouth.
Then paused. It was a small pause, but Elizabeth saw his growth in it.
"I think I do," he said. "I like the house. I like the land. I like being near Longbourn. But I do not want to buy it merely because I am happy here now."
Jane's face softened.
"Nor do I want you to buy it because you think I cannot bear to live farther from my family."
"I do not think that."
"Good."
Bingley took her hand. "Would you like to see the estate accounts with me?"
Jane smiled.
"Yes."
Darcy looked down at his cards. Elizabeth kicked his boot lightly beneath the table.
He looked at her.
She smiled.
He understood. Bingley was deciding for himself by deciding with Jane. Later, Darcy and Elizabeth stood alone by the library shelves.
"You knew," she said.
"About the sale? Yes."
"You did not advise him."
"He did not ask."
Elizabeth's brows rose.
Darcy sighed. "Not much."
"Progress indeed."
"I told him to inspect the drainage and roof before agreeing on price."
"That is nearly restraint."
He caught her hand before she could move away.
"You enjoy this too much."
"Your improvement? Immensely."
"I meant teasing me."
"That too."
He lifted her hand toward his mouth, then paused.
Elizabeth nodded.
He kissed her fingers. Across the room, Mr. Bennet saw and turned deliberately back to his cards. Mr. Gardiner noticed him noticing.
Neither said a word.