Since Miss Bingley and the Hursts remained in their rooms for the evening, the house was silent.
His wife whispered, her breath tickling his ear, “You were correct to give your sister the option to have mychamber or remain in the one given to her and her husband.”
He admitted his surprise at her choice of the guest wing.
Leaning up on her elbow, Elizabeth’s fingers ran down his jawline. “She is trying very hard to be mature and responsible. In her mind and the minds of most ladies, that means submitting to her husband’s orders even if it means going against her desires. While we know that Mr. Wickham is unfair and unrelenting in dominating her simply because she was born a Darcy, I suspect she hopes to discover something good that she can share with her child.”
Darcy’s head sank into the pillow. “Was she very much surprised when Aunt told her?”
“That she was increasing? Yes, I fear she had given the idea no thought.”
Draping his free arm over his eyes, he said, “This is another failure on my part. I kept her innocent of the ways of men and of life. She had no mother to explain all the rest. I guess…I guess I assumed she would learn these things at school or from her paid companions.” He shot up to a seating position. “Wait! How do you know about these things? Did your mother inform you about babies and childbirth?”
She chuckled. “Not at all. Oh, do not get me wrong, Mama tried. However, when Jane and I asked too many questions, she threw her hands into the air and left the room. Aunt Gardiner explained it clearly when she was with child the last time. Since we were there for the birth, I suppose I learned more than I should. Jane, of course,would not remain in the birthing room. I was curious enough to stay.”
“That is my girl.” He grinned, relaxing back on the bed. Kissing her hair, he asked, “Do your younger sisters know?”
She looked affronted. “Of course, they do. Aunt explained that several girls with whom she attended school thought a lady could not carry a child unless she was married. As you might imagine, some girls were sent away, never to be seen again. Both Jane and I felt strongly that our sisters needed to protect themselves from false information. Mama was relieved that she did not need to say more.”
“I imagine so.” Darcy learned something new about his wife each time they conversed, and he adored her for it. “I am loath to mention it, but it would seem to be the course of wisdom to look for signs that Miss Bingley might be in the same predicament as Georgiana. Wherever the dreamworld is that she inhabits, she seems to believe that there will be no consequences for her actions against my sister. Somehow, she rationalizes or justifies her adulterous conduct.”
Elizabeth forced her gaping mouth closed. “Oh, my! There is little similarity between Mr. Bingley and his sisters, is there? He is a gentle man, trying to control a self-indulgent tyrant. It is no wonder that he left when he did. Instead of viewing his decision as weak, which I admit I did at first, I now see it as the course of wisdom.”
“I agree. After thinking about it, I viewed his actions as discerning. I, because of him, informed Wickham of the expectation that he treat my sister with utmost loyalty during his stay at Netherfield Park. Of course, I suspectedthat he would immediately depart, seeking a new playground. I need to warn the good citizens of Meryton of the damage he could do. Now that he can afford excesses does not necessarily mean he intends to pay for them.”
“You are a good man, Fitzwilliam.”
Turning toward her, his lips brushed her brows, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, then her full lips. “And you are the best woman alive. Now, enough about Georgiana, Wickham, and the Bingleys.” He buried his face in her neck, delighting in her laughter.
He would think about the guests of Netherfield Park later. Much later.
The next morning,Miss Bingley followed the Darcys into the breakfast room. Elizabeth was surprised to see the woman pile her plate high before sitting at the far end of the table. Darcy had only set his coffee down when Miss Bingley complained that the taste of the ham was off.
Elizabeth immediately took a bite before requesting Mrs. Nicholls and Cook attend them.
Before the servants could enter the room, Miss Bingley said, “I knew how it would be yesterday when I was informed that I would not be hostess. There would be no shoddy work in my household ifIwere the mistress. To accommodate my guests,Iwould have considered their preferences and made appropriate rooming arrangements.
Darcy set down his fork. “Excuse me, but were you invited to Netherfield Park?” He glanced at Elizabeth. “Dear Mrs. Darcy, did you, by chance, extend an invitation or give the impression that you would welcome company on your wedding night?”
She wanted to laugh. Fitzwilliam Darcy was a menace when he was making a point in her favor. She loved him dearly for it.
“I believe I was better occupied, sir.” Elizabeth reminded him to compliment the cook when the dear woman entered the breakfast room.
Miss Bingley sniffed.
Darcy said, “Miss Bingley expressed her opinion that the taste of the pork is off. Did you change your recipe since you prepared the morning meal yesterday, or buy meat from someone other than our local butcher?”
“No, indeed, Mr. Darcy. Mr. Anders himself brought the ham early this morning. I prepared it as I always do,”said Cook.
“I appreciate your honesty. You may return to your responsibilities. Before you do, Mrs. Darcy and I are enjoying the meal thoroughly and look forward to what you provide later.”
Ignoring them, Miss Bingley waited until the women were out of the room before she tucked into the rest of her meal, eating until her plate was clean, including the ham.
With the arch of his brow, Elizabeth knew that this was not typical conduct at the table for the woman. Memories of her aunt Maddie saying that she ate her husband out of the house and home during her first pregnancy gave her a clue that Miss Bingley might be so affected.What a disaster!
Elizabeth and the others rejoiced when Bingley’ssisters and brother-in-law stayed in their rooms for the rest of the day. This allowed the Matlocks to fuss over their niece while Darcy gave his full attention to his bride.
The next day, Mr. Wickham finally graced Netherfield Park with his presence, likely because it was the Sabbath and the innkeeper would not serve spirits nor allow gambling. Not unexpectedly, Miss Bingley and the Hursts finally joined them in the drawing room as soon as he arrived.
