“And I of you, Colonel,” she whispered in return, her body swaying towards him.
At that moment, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy walked into the room. “Colonel – oh, I beg your pardon!” Elizabeth exclaimed as the Colonel and her sister leapt apart. Jane ran back to her accustomed place on the sofa and stared hard at her shoes.
“Miss Elizabeth, I was just explaining to Miss Bennet that you would tell her of the circumstance that calls us to London,” the Colonel said, unruffled.
“I shall,” she assured him.
Kitty and Lydia chose this moment to run into the parlour. Lydia waved a yellow ribbon above her head, yelling out, “My ribbon!” and Kitty chased her, screaming, “No, it is mine!”
Elizabeth and Jane both closed their eyes in shame as the two gentlemen rose, bowed and left without another word.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam returned to Netherfield from their early visit to Longbourn in time to hear Mr. Bingley and his younger sister arguing in the drawing room.
“I will travel to London with Mr. Darcy,” she was heard to say.
“You most certainly will not,” was her brother’s response.
“And why not, I should like to know? His carriage is far more comfortable than ours.”
“To start, it is notourcarriage, Caroline, it ismine. If you wish a carriage of your own, you may purchase it once you are in London.”
“But if we are all going to London together –“
“Will you not listen, Caroline? We are not all going to London together. You and I are going to London to find lodgings for you as soon as you have finished packing. The Colonel and Darcy are going to London – quite separately from us! – on family business, as you heard this morning.”
The Colonel had heard quite enough. He walked into the drawing room.
“Oh, Colonel!” Miss Bingley fluttered. “I was just saying to my brother –“
“I heard you, Miss Bingley. Darcy and I are leaving even now. Darcy’s valet has already departed with our luggage. I thank you for your hospitality, Miss Bingley; it has been most…educational.” With that, he bowed and walked out.
Mr. Darcy realised that he, too, must thank his hostess. Truly, where was his mind? He could not seem to focus on anything for more than a minute. He entered the drawing room just as his cousin was leaving it.
“Bingley, I thank you for your kindness. Netherfield Park is a fine estate and would benefit from having a permanent resident, rather than being leased out.” He then turned to Miss Bingley. “Miss Bingley, I thank you for your hospitality and wish you a pleasant stay in London.”
Miss Bingley knew Mr. Darcy was lost to her, but she knew a connection with the Darcy family could still benefit her. “Mr. Darcy, I hope that Georgiana – Miss Darcy – is at Darcy House, so that I might pay her a visit.”
His expression turned icy. “Miss Darcy will not be at Darcy House, Miss Bingley.” And with that, he bowed and left. He heard her say, “Well! Of all the –“
And then Mr. Bingley said, “You just never learn, Caroline.”
***
In his cousin’s coach, headed for Town, the Colonel asked, “Do you think Bingley will actually manage to get his sister to London?”
Darcy stared out the window as if he had not heard.
“Darcy!”
“Yes?”
“Did you not hear me?”
Mr. Darcy passed his hand over his eyes. “I am sorry, Richard; I cannot seem to think clearly today.”
He is in some sort of stupor, the Colonel thought. He had certainly seen his share of this condition before – in its worstform, on the battlefield – but had never before encountered it in civilian life. Doubtless this was a reaction to the upcoming meeting with Georgiana; perhaps he could distract the man.
