"And perhaps you will have found a husband for your sister by then."
"Perhaps. Now that you are married, she must find another to take your place. I shall keep my eyes open and see if I can find someone suitable."
Darcy could not very well offer any of his bachelor friends. He liked them all too well to sacrifice any one of them in such a manner.
"Perhaps one of your cousins would suit her, Charles."
The two men conversed in private until nearly midnight. Then they parted and retired for the night.
As Reeves helped Darcy out of his coat, Darcy informed his valet that he would be sleeping in his master's bedchamber.
"Yes, sir. I shall set up a cot."
"No, it is too late for that. You may set up a cot tomorrow. Tonight, you may sleep in the bed."
Reeves looked surprised.
"But lock the door."
"Yes, sir."
At breakfast the following morning, Charles entered to find Darcy alone.
"Darcy, I would ask your advice."
"Of course. How may I help you?"
"Last September, when I first leased this estate, I met Miss Jane Bennet. Darcy, I must tell you that I was very taken with her, and had it not been for Caroline, I believe I would have married Miss Bennet. She is the most beautiful and amiable woman of my acquaintance."
Darcy sat staring at his friend.
"You had intentions toward my sister-in-law?"
Mr. Bingley must not have liked the expression on Darcy's face, for he hurried to explain.
"Yes, I did. I meant to ask for her hand, even though we had known one another for only a brief period of time. I knew almost immediately that she possessed every quality I could desire in a wife. I was most attentive to her. In fact, I am certain my attentions were very marked."
"And then you left her on account of Caroline?"
"Yes. That is exactly it, Darcy. Caroline was adamant, and it was just as she described last night at dinner. We packed and were gone from one day to the next."
"And you left Jane Beaumont open to the censure of her neighbors?"
Charles studied his hands.
"Yes. I suppose that is what happened."
Darcy said, "That is exactly what happened, if your attentions were as marked as you describe. How have your relations with the family been since your return?"
"I have only been back this month. In fact, it has been only two weeks since I moved back into Netherfield."
"I see. So you have not had an opportunity to explain yourself or apologize to Mr. Bennet."
"That is correct. I do not know what to do, Darcy. Should I apologize to Mr. Bennet or to Lady Beaumont herself?"
Bingley suddenly looked aghast. "Or to Beaumont?"
Darcy toyed with the food on his plate. "Bingley, I would advise a clean break. Give up the lease and move away."
