In point of fact, Mr. Bingley was doing that exact thing at that exact moment. “Do not say that you do not care, Darcy, for it is you who told me that keeping the good opinion of one’s neighbours was important.”
“They are your neighbours, not mine.”
“But you are my house guest, so what is said about you reflects upon me. Come, you cannot deny it.”
Indeed, Mr. Darcy could not. But his eyes lit up as a thought occurred to him. “I will strike a bargain with you, Bingley.”
“Yes? What bargain?”
“I will tell Mr. Bennet the truth of Wickham as soon as you tell Miss Bingley what you promised Miss Bennet and Mr. Bennet.”
“Darcy, that is unfair!” Mr. Bingley’s eyes were wide with outrage.
“Is it?”
“I think so; the situations are in no way similar.”
“They are more than similar, they are almost identical. They are both conversations that we must have, but do not wish to have.”
Miss Bingley swept into the drawing room, her face distressed. “Oh, Mr. Darcy! After you left the room last night, that terrible man said the most dreadful things about you!”
“I am certain that he did,” Mr. Darcy replied, calmly.
“I was so horrified that I almost swooned!” she continued, her hand to her forehead.
“There is no need for your theatrics, Caroline,” her brother said. “Mr. Darcy has it all well in hand, do you not, Darcy?”
“You tell me, Bingley; do I?” Mr. Darcy countered.
Confused, Miss Bingley looked from one gentleman to the other. Mr. Darcy took pity on her. “Do not fret, Miss Bingley. There is no truth to the story at all, and I will explain myself when I feel the time is right.”
“I shall be happy to listen,” she said at once. “And then I will tell the truth of the matter to the entire neighbourhood, for such slander should not be allowed to flourish! And I believe, if this is not overly self-congratulatory, that a contradiction from myself would carry a good deal of weight with the ladies in the neighbourhood.”
“I beg you not to concern yourself, Miss Bingley. As your brother stated, it is well in hand.”
Seeing that her pleas would not move him, she changed the topic. “The dancing last night was so clumsy! I wastoo embarrassed to participate. Doubtless you did not notice, Charles, being occupied with Miss Bennet to the exclusion of all else. And the music! I have heard Miss Elizabeth described as an accomplished musician, but all I heard were wrong notes and inaccurate rhythms.”
“Indeed?” Mr. Bingley’s voice held barely contained laughter. “I noticed no deficiencies, but since you bring it up, I think I should like to host a ball here at Netherfield.”
“Host a ball? Why, you must be joking, Charles! Surely there is no need for such a display. No one here will appreciate it.”
“Display? Nonsense; I mean only to return my neighbours’ many kindnesses to me. We have had no one to dinner, you know, Caroline, though we have been invited to a good many dinners and parties.”
Mr. Darcy put in, smoothly, “Quite right, Bingley; it is important to repay the hospitality of the neighbourhood. One does not wish to become known as someone who is happy to take advantage of the friendliness of others but not extend it in return. Am I not correct, Miss Bingley?”
“You are, of course, Mr. Darcy, but – well, heavens, Charles! It is a good deal of work for me, you know; you did not consider that, did you?”
“You are absolutely right, Caroline; I did not, and I apologise to you. But no matter; doubtless Louisa would be happy to oblige me. I will just run up and fetch her.”
“Louisa! Why, she could never manage such a thing.” Miss Bingley heaved a great sigh. “Very well, Charles, you always get your way and I suppose you shall have your way in this as well.”
Mr. Bingley continued on, oblivious to his sister’s plaints. “I thought Tuesday, the twenty-sixth of November. The moon willbe near to full, you know, and that will give everyone plenty of light for traveling.”
“Very well; I shall get started at once.” With another great sigh, Miss Bingley left the room.
Mr. Darcy eyed his friend with some consternation. “I see what you are about here, Bingley.”
“Do you?”
