His head pounded, which must explain why he did not hear the front door open or the heavy footstepsand petulant whining preceding Bingley into the parlor. Miss Bingley was in high dudgeon. She pointed at her brother. “He promised to host a ball.”
Mrs. Hurst finally looked away from Georgiana to smile disapprovingly at her sister for her unbecoming display. “Surely, you can find no fault with?—”
“In nine days!” Miss Bingley interjected.
To this exclamation, Mrs. Hurst had no ready reply. However, the look she gave her brother showed clearly where her sympathies?and lack thereof?lay.
Bingley ruffled Archie’s fur, ignoring his sisters entirely. “And where did you go off to, old boy?”
Whether Bingley’s imperviousness was a form of self-preservation or a skill learned from a lifetime of practice, Darcy could not determine. His timing was perfect, and Darcy was grateful for the interruption it had provided. Mrs. Hurst, in her shock and anger, had forgot Georgiana… at least for now.
“Do not ignore me, Charles. You created this mess,” hissed Miss Bingley, hands on her hips.
“Yes, Caro, you have made your vexation plain not just to me but also to our guests. It is true that I promised to host a ball here, but it need not be an extraordinary affair. Louisa and I will help.”
Miss Bingley clenched her hands, her tone displaying a control which would make most brothers worry. “And give them reason to criticize us? No, Charles, our reputation depends on us exceeding their expectations, or else word will get back to London that we have become countrified and dull and are unable toafford the extravagances expected of those in our position.”
“Our position? What concern is it of ours what people in town think of us? They are not here.”
“Only a fool would discount the opinion of theton. Do you care nothing for our father’s wishes?”
“Of course, I do, which is why I wish to arrange a gathering wherein we can extend our hospitality to our closest neighbors and get to know them better.”
“And dance with their handsome daughters,” muttered Richard loudly enough for Bingley to grin his agreement.
Mrs. Hurst rolled her eyes. “Caro is right in this, Charles. We will be judged by our friends in thetonif our arrangements fail to meet our usual standard. This cannot be a small affair.”
“Your friends are much harsher and demanding than mine. I would encourage you to find better ones.”
Darcy inwardly applauded Bingley’s good advice. Richard nodded in agreement.
And then Bingley turned to Darcy. “What do you think, Darcy? You are in the first circles.”
“At times, I would rather not be.” Now was one of those times. Darcy would never ask his sister to host more than a small dinner party with only nine days to plan but could not say that without seeming to side with Miss Bingley.
“You are too modest.” She tittered and waved off his reply as if he could not possibly have meant it.
Bingley plucked a bur off Archie’s coat and held itup. “Where did you get this, you rascal? I will have you know that I searched the house high and low! You were out of doors the whole time? How did you get out?”
Mrs. Hurst looked at Georgiana as one did who had power over the other. “Archie prefers Miss Darcy’s company over yours, Charles. Who can blame him?”
So she hadnotfallen asleep in front of the window as she had claimed. Just what had she seen?
Georgiana shrugged. “My apologies, Mr. Bingley. I should have told you sooner, but Archie accompanied Miss Elizabeth and me for a walk out of doors. Cook gave me some bread to feed the ducks.”
Her sensible explanation appeased Darcy somewhat. She still needed to explain to him why she had slipped away without a word and with only Archie for protection until she met with Elizabeth, but at least she was not reliant on Mrs. Hurst’s discretion.
That lady arched a brow. “Eliza Bennet? E-liza Bennet?” she repeated with exaggerated emphasis, though Georgiana had spoken clearly enough.
“Yes, she is known to be a great walker.” That said, Georgiana turned to Bingley, “How exciting for you to host a ball!” Her swift change of subject was suspect, as was the flush tipping her ears and invading her cheeks.
Miss Bingley groaned. “Any ball worth having requires at least six weeks to plan, and he has only given me nine days!”
Richard replied, “If anyone can do it, it is you, Miss Bingley. With Mrs. Hurst’s help, I am convinced it will rival any high society ball either Darcy or I haveattended in London. You can show the locals the meaning of fashion. Now, if you will excuse us, I require?and I suspect Darcy does as well?the tasteful eye of our young cousin to select the right waistcoat and cravat for the occasion.” Before any objections could be raised, he ushered Georgiana out of the room.
Darcy followed them, leaving Bingley to toss a ball for Archie and Mrs. Hurst to whisper frantically in her sister’s ear.
Once Darcy closed the library door behind him, Richard crossed his arms, dropped his chin to his chest, and looked intently at Georgiana. “You have some explaining to do, young lady.”
