Silence stretched between the sisters as Lydia’s defiance wavered. Her eyes darted to the side, and she folded her arms, huffing softly. “It is all Mr. Darcy’s fault for coming back here tocut up our peace,” she declared. It was nonsensical, but so was Lydia.
Jane’s expression was gentle but resolute. “Mr. Darcy is not responsible for Mr. Wickham’s choices, Lydia. No one forced him to purchase things when he had no money to pay.”
“He has done us a great kindness by inquiring about Mr. Wickham’s debts,” Elizabeth said quietly. “Can you imagine how difficult the winter would be for the merchants he has cheated? For their children?”
Kitty, at least, appeared ashamed. Even Lydia shifted uncomfortably.
“I still don’t see why it matters so much. But . . .” Lydia sighed. “If you say that I should, I suppose I will stop talking about Mr. Wickham.”
Elizabeth smiled, reaching out to squeeze Lydia’s hand. “That is all we ask. We are family, after all, and we must protect one other.”
The sisters exchanged glances, a quiet understanding settling over them. For once, they were all in agreement, reluctant though Lydia was to admit it.
As they stood to leave, Jane’s soft voice broke the silence. “Thank you, girls. I would not have any of us hurt.”
Kitty and Mary left the room together, and Lydia sighed. “I suppose it would be better to wait for a man who can afford servants. Perhaps Captain Carter has an allowance.” She sailed out after her sisters, and Elizabeth chuckled as she shook her head.
“I suppose we have found Lydia’s standard for true love—a good modiste and a full complement of servants to wait upon her every whim.”
Jane laughed softly, her shoulders relaxing. “At least we know what to look for.”
Chapter Ten
“Darcy!” Bingley’s voice rang through the doorway, cheerful and exuberant. He entered the room with a wide grin, his energy almost tangible. “It is done! Miss Bennet has accepted me!”
Darcy was standing by the window in the library at Netherfield, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed out over the frost-covered grounds and contemplated his precarious position. He had anticipated this moment since Bingley had insisted on returning to Netherfield with them, and yet the speed of the event had still caught him unprepared. They had first visited Longbourn only two days ago.
He and Fitzwilliam had spent the better part of an hour speaking with Colonel Forster about Wickham, though the reprobate denied it all. Once he had sent Wickham back to his duties, Forster had promised to investigate. Darcy was not hopeful.
Bingley’s news was a very welcome diversion from that business. Darcy turned from the window, allowing himself asmall smile as he approached his friend. “Congratulations, my friend,” he said, genuinely pleased. “You could not have chosen more wisely.”
Bingley’s smile only widened. “Thank you, Darcy. She is an angel among mortals.” His words came quickly, tumbling over one another in his excitement. “I can hardly believe it myself. I have secured the happiest future a man could hope for.”
Georgiana was standing in the doorway, having followed Bingley in. Her face brightened at his enthusiasm. “You have proposed?” she asked with a delighted smile.
“I have!” Bingley exclaimed.
“And she has accepted?”
Bingley’s chest expanded so far it was a wonder the buttons on his waistcoat remained in place. “Indeed she has, Miss Darcy. You see before you the happiest of men.”
Georgiana stepped forward with her hands clasped together. “Congratulations, Mr. Bingley. Miss Bennet is everything you deserve, and I know she will make you very happy.”
“She will,” Bingley said with conviction. He glanced at Fitzwilliam, who had said nothing as of yet, and then back at Darcy. “I hope you will all join me in celebrating this evening.”
Fitzwilliam nodded and stepped forward. “Of course, Bingley. It would be unthinkable not to toast to such excellent news.” He clapped Bingley on the shoulder. “I imagine you have already planned the next ten years of bliss in great detail.”
“Not quite,” Bingley said with a laugh, “though I confess I have spent some time considering the wedding.” He straightened, his expression growing more serious. “But for now, I must attend to practical matters. The marriage contract requires attention before I send it to my solicitor in town. If you will excuse me, I shall see to that now.”
Darcy knew Bingley well enough that he suspected the man had been about to say he was anticipating his weddingnight. Fortunately, he had recalled Georgiana’s presence.
“Congratulations, Mr. Bingley,” said Mrs. Annesley, who had followed behind Georgiana. “I wish you very happy.”
As his friend departed, Georgiana turned to Darcy, her smile softening. “I must say, Brother, I am relieved. You and my cousin have done your duty by Mr. Bingley, and it is clear he has made the correct decision.”
Darcy inclined his head slightly, though he said nothing. Bingley’s new connection to the Bennets would be a complication for him.
“Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Annesley said gently, “you will be wanted upstairs to prepare.”
