“Perhaps?” said Bingley, though it was more a question than a statement.
This was one of the few things about Bingley that genuinely irritated Darcy. Bingley was a friendly fellow, easy in any type of company. Darcy admired him greatly for his social skills. However, Bingley was also a bit indecisive, a bit too dependenton the opinions and advice of others. At times Darcy had found this convenient for himself, but now, when it mattered most, Bingley did not seem to have the necessary drive to do what needed to be done.
After several moments of silence while Darcy gave Bingley time to think, Darcy said, “Well, if you will not be returning to Netherfield, may I purchase the lease from you? I will need a place to stay for at least a month, hopefully more, and Georgiana and Richard wish to join me. I may even invite a few other friends as well to give ourselves a jolly Christmas.”
Bingley looked wistful, as if he wished to deny his friend’s request and return to Miss Bennet himself.
“Do you really believe Miss Bennet doesn’t love me?” asked Bingley, apparently not yet willing to let the subject drop.
Darcy thought carefully about Miss Bennet’s behavior. She was universally kind, universally cheerful. Her manners and mannerisms were the same no matter who she spoke to. Darcy had never been able to detect any amount of peculiar regard toward his friend. At the same time, however, Darcy was reminded that no one had been able to detect his affection for Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps, Miss Bennet was simply adept at hiding her own feelings, though why she would do such a thing was beyond him.
“I genuinely don’t know,” said Darcy, “and even if I did, I don’t think I would say. This is a matter between you and Miss Bennet.”
Another round of silence followed. Then, Bingley said, “I think I will take you up on your offer to purchase the lease. It was a mistake. The whole thing was one big mistake.”
“Very well,” said Darcy. “Do you have time to go to your solicitor tomorrow morning to make the arrangements? Iwould prefer it if I could head back to Netherfield sometime tomorrow.”
Bingley thought for a moment. “Of course,” he said. “I shall meet you there at eleven.”
Darcy wished it could be earlier, but Bingley was never a particularly early riser. Most days, he didn’t leave the house until after noon, so his agreement to meet at eleven was quite generous.
“Thank you, Bingley,” said Darcy
~~~~~
After informing Georgiana and Richard that he would be ready to return to Hertfordshire the next day, around three in the afternoon, Darcy spent the rest of the evening at his club. There were a few friends he wished to greet while he was in town, but there was one in particular that he wished to see, Jonathon Masters.
Masters was of a similar age to Darcy, and he held a similar social standing to Bingley, though some would consider him to be lower. Both Masters and Bingley were independently wealthy from the recent industrialist boom. Bingley had sold all his business concerns, hoping to attain the status of landed gentleman by purchasing an estate somewhere. Masters, however, still owned several mills in Manchester and even one in London.
Even though he was not a true gentleman, since he was very much involved with his business, Masters was a man Darcy felt a strong friendship with. He was steady and decisive and usually quite serious, though like Darcy, he had an occasional sense of humor. On this day, Darcy sought out his friend’s company,because he craved the steadiness of Masters’ character as an antidote to the fickleness of Bingley’s charm.
Darcy was in luck.
“Masters,” he said, cheerfully greeting his friend. “It is good to see you.”
Masters nodded. “And you as well. I don’t believe we have crossed paths since last spring.”
“True. I spent the summer at Pemberley and a couple of other places. Then I spent the majority of this autumn in Hertfordshire with Bingley and his family,” said Darcy. “What little time I spent in London in between was taken up with business. Even now, I am on my way back to Hertfordshire tomorrow.”
Masters’ eyebrows rose. “There must be something particular to draw you back there,” he said.
“There is,” said Darcy, “and I will be happy to tell you all about her once you tell me that you will be willing to accompany me.”
Confusion clouded Masters’ features. “You know Bingley and I don’t particularly get along,” he said. “Every time we attempt to converse we end up at cross purposes as to the role we should play in the business that made us wealthy. Even if we are only supposed to be talking about cards or women or even food, it always comes back to that.” After a pause, he added, “And don’t think I didn’t notice that you mentioned a lady as the reason you will be going back to Hertfordshire.”
Darcy chuckled. “Nothing gets past you,” he said. “As for Bingley, he won’t be there. He decided to give up the lease, and I have purchased it. It will only be Richard, Georgiana, Georgiana’s companion, and myself, unless you decide to break up our little family clique and join us.”
“How long?” asked Masters after a brief moment of thought.
“At least until Christmas, though if things go well, it might be an additional few weeks.”
“You don’t mind me joining you for Christmas?” asked Masters.
Darcy felt a pang of guilt that he had never spent much time with his friend during the festive season in the past. Masters had no family except a sister in Manchester. He had, once or twice, made the journey to see her at Christmas, but most years he claimed it was too much traveling simply to see someone for a few days.
“Of course not,” said Darcy. “I am certain you shall liven up our holiday admirably.”
Masters raised one doubtful eyebrow at him, and Darcy laughed again. “Perhaps I should say that we shall liven up your holiday, and we will benefit from the effort. Now, do say you will join us.”
