“My opinion had changed long before we met at Rosings, Mr. Bennet.”
“You are rather behind your time in expressing your sentiments, if that is the case.”
Mr. Darcy hardly knew how to respond.
Mr. Bennet continued, “And have you reason to believe that my daughter returns your sentiments?”
“I have hopes in that regard, I must admit.”
“You have some difficulties in your path, do you not? Ah, thus your particular interest in finding Lydia. It all comes together now.”
“I hope to remedy my fault, Mr. Bennet, not just – “
“Yes, yes, to remedy your fault in not telling us of Mr. Wickham’s habits. I understand completely.”
“Will I encounter any difficulties in obtaining your consent to marry your daughter, Mr. Bennet?”
Mr. Bennet peered at Mr. Darcy over his glasses. “She is in mourning, you know.”
“I am quite aware; I believe we must wait at least six months so as not to cause talk. I hope we can wed in early February. ”
“If Lydia’s true situation is discovered before then, will this alter your plans with respect to Lizzy?”
“No, though I hope very much that your daughters’ reputations may be preserved. Miss Bennet will be married to Mr. Bingley – at least, that is my understanding – regardless of Miss Bennet’s reputation. I plan to marry Miss Elizabeth, despite the fact that my family will be distressed if there is any stain upon her character. But I would not want Miss Mary’s or Miss Kitty’s chances to be ruined.”
“Your family will disapprove, will they?”
“My aunt and uncle, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, are rather particular in matters of birth and reputation.”
“Rather high in the instep, then.”
“Well, I suppose that is one way of describing them. They are heavily involved in politics, and that makes my wife’s reputation of some importance. Moreover, I have a younger sister who has not yet made her come-out. If I have a wife of questionable reputation…” He trailed off.
Mr. Bennet nodded. “Well, then, it appears that I may count on your support with regard to Lydia.”
“You may indeed, sir, in every particular.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
After speaking with Mr. Bennet, Mr. Darcy made his way to Netherfield. His arrival caused quite a stir.
“Darcy! I got your message, and have been waiting for you this entire day!”
Miss Bingley appeared at her brother’s side, eyes wide. “Mr. Darcy! I had no idea that we were expecting you! Charles, how very disagreeable of you to not prepare me. I must speak with the housekeeper at once to have the best guest room readied.” She bustled off.
“You did not tell your sister that I was visiting?” Mr. Darcy asked.
“I did not want to listen to her going on and on about it, Darcy, nor staring out the window at all hours looking for your carriage.”
Mr. Darcy managed not to snort.
Miss Bingley returned to inform her guest that his room was ready; would he not follow her up to his room? He replied rather severely that he knew the way, and did not require a guide. She frowned, but did not contradict him; instead, she stared at his back as he made his way upstairs.
***
At dinner, Mr. Darcy let it be known that he had already been to Longbourn.
“But why? Surely they have no claim on your attention,” Miss Bingley protested.
