Georgiana was speechless. She had no idea how to respond to such a plea. She looked up at her brother, who simplynodded encouragingly at her. She straightened her spine and looked at Miss Bingley. Speaking quietly, but sincerely, she said, “Miss Bingley, your words did hurt me. More than that, they frightened me, and I was already quite frightened when I arrived here. I cannot say that we are now friends, but I accept your apology.”
“Thank you, Miss Darcy. I will do my best to become your friend, but for now, your forgiveness is enough.”
Miss Bingley stood up then, and looked down at Mr. Darcy. “Mr. Darcy, I was unkind to you as well. The truth is that I hoped you would someday make me an offer; the newspaper article made me think that now I could not marry you even if you did make me an offer. I was angry and upset, and I spoke out of turn as a result. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Mr. Darcy looked up at Miss Bingley for a long minute. Then he stood. “Miss Bingley, I care very little about how you speak to me, but I care a great deal about how you speak to my sister. She has accepted your apology, so I must as well. But take care, Miss Bingley. Despite the latest gossip, I am still the nephew of the Earl and Countess of Matlock. Should I ask it, my aunt would cut you in London, and you would not survive that.”
Miss Bingley went white and took a step back. “I will give you no cause for such reprisals, Mr. Darcy,” she whispered. Then she curtsied to both Darcys and took a seat on the other side of the room.
***
Over dinner, Mr. Bingley announced his intention of calling on the Bennets the following day.
“May I accompany you, Charles?” Miss Bingley asked. “I hope to make amends for any past insults.”
Chapter Forty-One
Longbourn
The next day saw the Darcy carriage pulling up to Longbourn’s front entryway. Georgiana tumbled out of the carriage and ran into the house, greeted by hugs from Mary, Kitty and Lydia, who had seen the carriage arriving. They went into the parlour and squeezed in together on a sofa, with Georgiana in the center.
Elizabeth greeted Georgiana warmly, and then went to the front door to greet Mr. Darcy. He smiled at Elizabeth and said, “I come to warn the Bennets, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Warn us? Of what?”
“The Bingley are on my heels.”
“BothBingleys?”
“Yes; Miss Bingley has decided to become a decent human being, or so she says.” He rolled his eyes, showing his clear opinion of this. “I had them come in a separate carriage, in case Georgiana wished to remain longer with her friends here at Longbourn.”
Elizabeth chuckled. “Turnabout is fair play; I must warn you as well.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes; my father’s heir, a Mr. Collins, is visiting us. He is a rector.” Her moué of distaste was marked.
“He has not earned your favour, I take it?”
“Perhaps I should not prejudice your opinion, Mr. Darcy.”
“I would be surprised if our opinions did not agree, Miss Elizabeth, on anything of importance.” He spoke more warmly than he had intended, and she noted it as well; she blushed and looked away.
The blush added colour to her lovely skin, Mr. Darcy noted, and then realised that he truly admired her very much. She was not just beautiful, but intelligent, well-mannered…he reined in his thoughts as he followed her into the parlour, noting almost absently that Georgiana was surrounded by her friends and required none of his attention.
Miss Bennet rose and curtsied to him. In response to her unspoken question, he said, “Mr. Bingley is on his way, Miss Bennet. And Miss Bingley is with him,” he added.
A slight strain appeared on Miss Bennet’s face at that, though she smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.”
Mrs. Bennet welcomed everyone warmly, saying how delighted she was to have Miss Darcy here again; would she not stay for the entire day?
A minute later, the Bingleys entered and were greeted with every courtesy. Mr. Bingley found his way next to Miss Bennet, and Miss Bingley was left to find her own seat.
The sound of a throat being cleared got everyone’s attention. “Oh, Mr. Collins,” Mrs. Bennet said. “Do come in.” Her words were polite, though her tone lacked enthusiasm.
Everyone looked up. The gentlemen rose, politely, as Mrs. Bennet performed the introductions.
So this was the cousin, Mr. Darcy thought. He was not a handsome specimen, but surely that alone would not be enough to earn Miss Elizabeth’s disapprobation. He noticed, then, that the man was staring at Georgiana. She saw it as well, for she began to shrink back into her seat.
