“Then do you speak out of concern for your younger daughters? There are two more, is that correct?”
“Three. But no, my concern is not for them. It is you whom I would caution.”
Richard looked over his shoulder. “About Bryson? A blustering cowherd who will likely be too inebriated to walk straight, let alone threaten anyone?”
Bennet’s lips thinned. He held Richard’s gaze for another pulse beat, then his expression lightened. “Well, Lizzy, I shall miss seeing you in your finery tomorrow evening. I am certain you and Jane will be the prettiest girls in town, but do have some mercy on your poor papa and forego any descriptions of lace and ribbons. Do you suppose you might bring me that copy of Cowper on your next visit?”
Derbyshire
August 1900
“Itwasjollygoodof you to come back to London with me, Darcy. I had not expected you could do so just now.” Bingley tossed his hat carelessly on the seat and settled himself with a satisfied sigh.
Darcy set his own hat and gloves down with his typical deliberation and took the opposite seat in the private car. “Matters there do not require my attention at present. I would do better to see how I can help the earl in searching for information regarding Richard—not to mention your questions about the shipping investments.”
“Yes, but you only arrived two days ago, did you not? Not even a full week at home before you come back with me? I tell you, Darcy, that is the mark of a true friend, and I shall not forget it. It is so very difficult to find good advice from one whose opinion I can trust.”
“You are quite welcome.” Darcy nodded uncomfortably and then turned his attention to the window.
“I say, Darcy, I should not have gone yet, if you had not insisted. I suppose it is for the best, as I must resolve this matter, but I should have been content to wait a day or two. I hope your guests do not think me rude for going so soon.”
“I doubt it,” Darcy answered shortly.
“Well… that is well. I do not like to think of a sweet girl like Miss Bennet feeling as if I did not enjoy her company.”
“I think you made your enjoyment quite clear.”
“I did?” Bingley’s forehead creased. “What do you know of her? I mean, she is not attached or anything, is she?”
“I do not believe so, but neither does she have plans to remain in England indefinitely.”
“Oh.” Bingley fell to gazing out of the opposite window.
Darcy watched him and sighed. The silly fellow had gone and done it—in one night, he had done it. What man fell in love at the first meeting with a poor country girl from the wrong side of the globe?
“But if her sister is married to Fitzwilliam,” Bingley suggested, “perhaps she might not return all at once. Do you suppose?”
“I cannot pretend to know the lady’s intentions.”
“I know what you are thinking, Darcy, and before you scowl and disapprove, let me say—”
“Stop there, Bingley. If I am scowling, it is not because I disapprove of your interest in Miss Bennet. Her character is still unknown to me, and her circumstances are even more of a mystery, but I know nothing—as yet—of which I can specifically warn you.”
“But you advise caution, I can see it. You think I should be more prudent in engaging her attention.”
Darcy rubbed his thumb and fingers together in thought as he sought the rolling landscape for some response. “For her good and for yours, yes, the caution is judiciously applied. You would do better in business if you chose a wife with more care for connections and fortune.”
“Bold words from a man pledged to one of the wealthiest heiresses in the kingdom. How long has it been, Darcy? Two years? One wonders whether you mean to actually wed the lady.”
“And one also wonders why you are speaking of marriage when you have met the lady only once,” Darcy retorted.
“As to that, I believe it was you who suggested marriage. I only wished to know Miss Bennet better. What is troubling you, Darcy? Are they a burden? Is Mrs Fitzwilliam a disappointment?”
He shook his head but did not answer.
“I know what it is. You are sick to death about Fitzwilliam, and their presence reminds you of it. That is why you are running back to London with me.”
“I cannot deny some truth in that.”
