Jane only looked puzzled.
“But – but – Charles told me that you and he were engaged; did I misunderstand?”
“Oh, no, quite right. I am sorry, Miss Bingley, that was several days ago. Of course I thought you alluded to more recent events.”
Miss Bingley felt herself to be quite wrong-footed now. “I had intended, of course, to call upon you before now, but –“ And she could not think of an excuse that would serve.
Jane merely waited, with an interested expression on her face.
Finally, Miss Bingley said, “In any event, I am happy to welcome you to the family. I will be delighted to help you take on your new role, as I am certain you will be unaccustomed to being the mistress of a household.”
“I do not anticipate any difficulties in that regard, Miss Bingley; surely you know that I was raised to be the mistress of an estate. Dealing with servants, balancing the account books, deciding upon menus, stocking the stillroom, visiting tenants – heavens, Mama has been teaching all of us girls the necessary skills since we were in the schoolroom. And besides…” here Jane trailed off.
“Besides?” Miss Bingley was now quite irritated. She had few of these skills, of course, and did not like having that fact pointed out to her.
“Has Charles not spoken to you yet?”
“About what?”
“Ah, evidently not. Forgive me, Miss Bingley, I spoke out of turn. In any case, I thank you for your good wishes.” With that, Jane smiled, curtsied, and departed, leaving Miss Bingley to stare after her, scowling.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Mr. Darcy felt a good deal of pride upon hearing the banns read for Mary Bennet and Mr. Collins. He had done Miss Elizabeth a good turn in turning Collins away from her. Doubtless she would find someone else to marry, someone more sensible, someone more presentable, someone more suitable. It could not be himself, of course, but surely there was someone, somewhere, who would deserve her.
He had promised to have Wickham taken to prison, and for that he needed proof of the debts he had paid for the man; those papers were in the safe in his London house. It was not worth disturbing the servants and opening Darcy House for such a brief visit, so he thought he might stay with the Fitzwilliams.
Dear Aunt Elaine,
I have a bit of business in London; might I stay with you and Uncle, rather than troubling to open Darcy House? I imagine I will be there no more than two nights.
Your affectionate nephew,
Fitzwilliam
The next day, a return message arrived; it was presented to him on a silver salver by Mr. Graham, who bowed respectfully. Mr. Darcy managed not to smile as he read.
Fitzwilliam,
Of course, we would be delighted to see you! I will expect you tomorrow.
Aunt Elaine
He folded the note and went in search of Mr. Bingley.
“You will be gone just a few days?”
“No more than three, I imagine. I shall certainly return in time for your ball.”
“Caroline will be so very disappointed.”
“She will be even more disappointed when you tell her the fate that awaits her. I have completed my task, Bingley; it is now a point of honour that you complete yours.”
“I will, of course, Darcy.”
“Has your sister even attempted to welcome Miss Bennet into the family? Or spoken to her at all since your engagement?”
“They spoke after church yesterday,” Mr. Bingley answered, but he looked away and fidgeted as he spoke.
