Louisa called upon all her acting skills and managed to look confused. “But – but you were there, Caroline. Have you truly forgotten? That is indeed cause for concern. Perhaps you should visit Harley Street.”
Miss Bingley’s eyes narrowed. “Very well, then, Louisa. What was I wearing?”
“Oh, I recall it quite well. You and I had a long discussion as to the most fashionable shade of green. I declared it to be emerald green, and you said I was quite wrong, it was Pomona green. So you had a gown made for the event in that colour, trimmed in white lace. You would have had it trimmed in fur,you said, had it not been a summer wedding and far too warm for fur.”
Mr. Hurst added, “It was quite fetching, I thought. Was there not a matching hat?”
“There was, indeed, my dear. How clever of you to recall it!” The Hursts beamed at one another.
Mrs. Hurst added, “And we will be aunts this spring, Caroline! Is that not exciting?”
Miss Bingley’s head was swimming. It was not possible that she had attended her brother’s wedding and then forgotten the event! They were bamming her, were they not?
Mr. Bingley interrupted his sister’s whirling thoughts. “I told you that you and I were not going to live together again, Caroline, so I am at a loss to account for your presence here.”
Miss Bingley thought quickly. “Well, Charles, given your recent marriage –“
“Recent? We were married this past summer, you will recall.”
Miss Bingley ignored that. “In any case, I thought Georgiana might need some support in learning how to be the mistress of Netherfield.”
Mrs. Bingley drew herself up to her full height. Suddenly, she was no longer Mrs. Bingley; now she was Miss Georgiana Darcy, the niece of an earl, the Princess of Pemberley. She spoke sternly. “Caroline, need I remind you that I have been trained by my brother to run Pemberley? I do not intend to be rude, but we could fit all of Netherfield’s house into the east wing of Pemberley; I assure you that I need no help to perform my role, despite my condition.” She turned to her husband. “I find myself weary, Charles.”
Mr. Bingley immediately sprang into action. “Of course, dearest.” He gave her his arm and led her out the door of the study. Then he paused, looked back over his shoulder andsaid, “I will have the carriage readied to return you to London immediately, Caroline. It is still early enough in the day that you will be back in your townhome before dark.”
“Wait,” Miss Bingley said. “Might I not stay the night? I would like to hear news of our neighbours, the Bennets.” If I can stay for one night, I can unmask this charade in its entirety, she thought.
“I will agree only if you promise to leave tomorrow immediately after breakfast, with no further fuss or discussion,” Mr. Bingley replied.
“Of course, Charles. I certainly have no wish to cause any trouble.”
***
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam returned to Netherfield after enjoying dinner with their fiancées. “So you did it! I congratulate you, Darcy; Miss Elizabeth is perfect for you.”
“I could not be happier,” Mr. Darcy replied and, in truth, his face was wreathed with smiles.
“When will you marry?”
Mr. Darcy turned to face his cousin. “She and I spoke about the possibility of a double wedding on the twelfth of January, but she will speak with Miss Bennet privately on the matter to see if this is acceptable to her. I presume you would not mind, Richard?”
“Mind? I should be delighted, Darcy, you must know that. And then we could travel together to Derbyshire. What could be more perfect?”
“Let us see what Miss Bennet has to say. Meanwhile, you understand what is expected of us now?”
“I do.”
Minutes later, the two gentlemen joined the Bingleys and the Hursts in Netherfield’s drawing room.
“Mr. Darcy!” Miss Bingley all but jumped to her feet in her haste to speak with the gentleman.
“I believe you know my cousin, Miss Bingley?” Mr. Darcy said, quickly, reminding Miss Bingley of her manners.
“Oh, indeed. Good evening, Colonel.” She dropped a slight curtsey.
“Colonel no longer, Miss Bingley,” he replied, affably.
“Oh?”
