Richard leaned back. “And anyone fortunate enough to already have a Mario Rossi will be proud to display their art.”
“I will open Darcy House and Pemberley for them to see how proud I am to own Elizabeth’s work. They will not doubt the lengths to which I will go to defend her. If I wield my influence correctly, they will defend her too.”
Richard shook his head, a grin spreading over his teeth. “I like you more when you are in love. You are quite dashing, you know.”
“Quite the romantic hero,” added Georgiana. “The ladies’ fans will flutter!”
They teased him all the way to London. Darcy let them have their fun. He had a plan that just might work, and that hope lent him humor.
CHAPTER 37
Papa was not in his book room when Elizabeth woke the following morning. Nor did she find him sitting at the breakfast table.
When asked, Mrs. Hill explained, “Mr. Bennet left nearly an hour ago for Meryton.”
Elizabeth was of a mind to follow him, but she restrained herself. He would have gone to Uncle Philips’s office. Of that, Elizabeth was certain. Oh, but she wished she could be present to hear what was said! Then she would know how to receive her father when he returned to Longbourn. Uncle would cast a favorable light on her activities, but would it be enough?
Unable to stomach any food yet, she took Remy for a walk over the fields while she waited for the rest of the household to stir.
How thorough was her ruin? Would her sisters be made to pay for her offense? Would her fatherunderstand why she had done what she had? Could he forgive her?
Of Mr. Darcy, she tried not to think at all. She imagined him deciding to stay, of calling at Longbourn in a display of support which would eventually win over her neighbors. It was a lovely dream that she wished she did not have because it led her to hope when, in all likelihood, he would leave Hertfordshire and forget all about her.
However, after she had returned home to breakfast with her sisters (whose appetites suffered as hers did), and they had settled in the drawing room to await Papa (whose extended absence increased everyone’s anxiety), her heart fluttered when a caller was announced. Instinctively, she bit her lips and pinched her cheeks. Had Mr. Darcy decided to call after all?
Hill announced Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth held her breath, hoping to hear Mr. Darcy’s name announced next, but it was necessary to force a smile and hide her disappointment when it was not. Jane was too relieved, and Mama was too overjoyed…
But then Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley were also announced.
It was apparent that Mr. Bingley was aware that his sisters’ presence would cause them unease, for he had no sooner entered the room than he stated his reason for bringing them. “My sisters owe you an apology, and it is my intention to see that they give it to you and to each of the families with whom they gossiped before the ball. I, too, beg for your forgiveness. You have paiddearly for my ignorance and leniency.” He glanced at Jane briefly.
To Elizabeth’s surprise, her sister did not bow her head in acceptance. She held her head high as though weighing the worth of his apology. Mama, on the other hand, was eager to accept any favor he was willing to extend, though she was hard-pressed to speak too favorably when she would not offer his sisters the same deference.
He looked meaningfully at his sisters, as did they all, and he motioned for them to speak.
Miss Bingley stared at her hands, her lips pinched and her voice tight. “My deepest apologies to you, Miss Elizabeth.”
There was a pause until her brother nudged her to continue.
Her chin jutted out in protest, but she continued, “It was wrong of me to tell your neighbors about your profession.”
Another nudge.
“And to claim your work as my own.”
Mr. Bingley cleared his throat and nodded his head at Mrs. Hurst, who muttered, “You have my apologies, too.”
He nodded for her to continue, but she merely glared at him in return.
His complexion reddening, Mr. Bingley added, “We will do what we can to undo the damage that has been done. It is the least we can do. If you never wish to see us again, it is no lessthan we deserve.”
Jane said nothing, which visibly added to his distress.
For Jane’s sake as much as his, Elizabeth said, “Thank you, Mr. Bingley.” More than that, she could not say, for it was not yet in her power to forgive.
“Then, we shall bid our farewells now.”
“Farewell? You do not intend to quit Netherfield Park!? What about Jane?” protested Mama.
