Bingley turned his back on his sisters, facing Darcy instead. “Your arrival is timely. My family is returning to London as soon as their bags are packed.”
He would not feign surprise or displeasure since Miss Bingley single-handedly robbed Netherfield Park of peace the second she entered its doors.
“Safe travels,” was all he would say, but he only thought of the care of his coach and horses than for its inhabitants. If he had his way, they would hit every rut and rock in the road during their sojourn, such was his distaste for Bingley’s sisters.
Bingley addressed him as his siblings flounced from the room. “By the bye, I will meet with my solicitor in London to transact business for my sister, then return as quickly as I am able. You are welcome to travel with me.”
Darcy considered the suggestion, rejecting it immediately. “I thank you, Bingley. However, I have severallengthy letters to pen. In the quiet of the house, it will be easier, I suspect
“Very good. I need to send an express to my solicitor to inform him of my plans, so I need not spend undue time in London.”
Ascending the stairs, Darcy admitted to himself that he hoped to see Miss Elizabeth again on the morrow and wondered if she had spoken with her father yet. He, too, wanted to report that he attended to her words. Entering his chambers, he moved to the desk and gathered paper, quill, and ink, wondering how to write what he needed to say. Two hours later, he was still struggling with the letter to Georgiana, only to have nothing but his greeting on the page.
Once Miss Bingley and the Hursts departed, he realized Miss Elizabeth’s suggestions would appeal to Georgiana. Within a short time, he had two pages full. Rereading each word, he wondered at the simplicity, the honesty. Before he could stop himself, he copied it for Miss Elizabeth to read. Would Georgiana be surprised by what he wrote? Curious? Satisfied? He could not wait to find out what Miss Elizabeth thought as well.
Placing the pen carefully in its holder, the real issue came to fore.What does Miss Elizabeth think of me?
Folding and sealing the missive, he hoped he might chance upon her. Scoffing at his foolishness, he recognized that the only person he was likely to see was Petey. Tucking the copy in his pocket just in case, he called for his horse and rode to Meryton.
14
Elizabeth, Jane, and Mary hurried to the inn. Charlotte Lucas mentioned during her visit that her eldest brother would leave for London by post that afternoon. John Lucas was an upstanding young man who knew the Gardiners well. The girls hoped to catch the coach before it left so he could carry their precious possessions safely.
Entering the inn, Elizabeth searched the room. The only one inside was the innkeeper.
Disheartened, Elizabeth asked, “Has the post departed?”
He nodded, not ceasing to wipe the inside of the tankards lined up in a row. “Not five minutes ago.”
Elizabeth’s hands dropped to her side, her fingers tightly clutching monies and the letter. Mary’s shoulders drooped, and Jane’s expression could not hide her disappointment.
“There’ll be another coach coming through late this evening, miss,” he said.
Elizabeth replied, “No, thank you, sir. We were hoping to catch Mr. John Lucas before he departed.”
“Aye, he was on the coach, miss.” With a shrug of his shoulder, he returned to his business.
Stepping through the open door, she led her sisters into the walkway in time to see Mr. Darcy handing over the reins of his horse to Petey. After his business with the lad, he tipped his hat to the three of them.
“Miss Bennet,Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Mary, I am pleased to see you.”
“As are we.” Jane glanced behind him.
He looked back to see what had caught her attention. Was Petey having trouble with his mount?
Miss Elizabeth’s eyes darted to her sister before she asked, “Did Mr. Bingley not accompany you?”
Ah!Miss Bennet was hoping to see his friend.Interesting!
“I am afraid there have been some unanticipated changes at Netherfield Park. Bingley’s family decided not to remain in Hertfordshire. He intends to follow them to Town to see his sister settled, then return to Meryton by tomorrow evening.”
Miss Elizabeth’s expression was puzzled. “I am grieved to hear that the arrangements did not satisfy them. Was it the property they found lacking, do you think?”
“Lizzy!” Miss Bennet placed her fingers on her sister’s arm. “We do not need to know the reason for their departure.”
Darcy reassured Miss Bennet that her sister’s curiosity did not offend him. “Miss Elizabeth, they had no comment about the house. Rather, it was my company they found objectionable.”
Her mouth formed the perfectO.
