“That is welcome news. I am greatly anticipating hosting our first event at Netherfield. I find the time I spend making arrangements seems like nothing at all, because I know how much pleasure it will bring to all our wonderful neighbours.”
After a brief pause, during which Darcy saw her peeking at him, although her head was bent over her dish, she continued. “Charles mentioned you saw the Bennets when you were in Meryton today.”
Bingley shook his head. “Not all of them—just Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Mr Collins.”
“It is such a shame you did not see all the sisters. The youngest two are such…lively girls, and Miss Mary is to be praised for her devotion to improving herself. I trust you found our dear friends well. Did you speak to them long?” Miss Bingley enquired.
“Miss Elizabeth and the cousin were in the general store. Darcy went in, but I remained outside with Miss Bennet.”
“Did you?” For a few seconds, Miss Bingley’s attention was strictly on her brother.
Bingley appeared to grimace at his sister’s words. To Darcy’s ears, her tone was too harsh to be teasing, but she could not mean anything by it. Anyone could see Bingley was growing increasingly enamoured of the eldest Bennet daughter, and since Miss Bingley had befriended her, she must approve. In addition, she was too fond of her brother to stand in the way of his happiness.
“I own, every time I have seen Miss Elizabeth since Mr Collins’s return, they have been practically tethered to each other. It is rather endearing, is it not?” Miss Bingley giggled.
Darcy gritted his teeth, then forced them apart to say, “There is nothing remarkable about them being friends. They have lived in the same house for over a decade, since they were children, and she told me herself they grew quite close. No doubt, they have interests in common.”
“Of course, Mr Darcy. I am not surprised they should beparticularfriends. Her interests are…not quite the usual ladylike ones, with her desire to always be in the open air, the serious tomes she prefers, and her boldness in stating her opinion about everything. I am not one to criticise any young lady, but you must admit she is rather independent. And, you know, I have not forgotten what I was told about her and her cousin.” Miss Bingley sounded as though she wished to placate him.
Although his mouth was full of food, Bingley said, “I heard a little something about that myself.”
Darcy’s gaze swung to him, and he cocked an eyebrow.
“I happened to overhear something about their engagement being assumed by those who know them best. It seems Mr Bennet refuses to have it announced until Mr Collins has a living of sufficient value to keep a wife in comfort.” Bingley shrugged.
Darcy was suddenly full and placed his fork and knife on the table. Knowing he was pushing the boundaries of politeness, Darcy found himself suggesting the Bingleys, “might want to have two or three families to dinner, if you are not content to wait until your ball to entertain. It could be a simple affair. Since we were speaking of them, I would suggest the Bennets. You have both told me how much you like them, and they are an important part of the neighbourhood.”
Darcy hardly took note of the way the brother and sister stared at him. All he could do was think that it would give him another opportunity to study Miss Elizabeth and Mr Collins together. The uncertainty regarding their connexion would surely make Darcy mad if he had to live with it much longer.
If he knew for certain the pair were betrothed, he would leave Meryton at once and do his utmost to forget he had ever met Elizabeth Bennet.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
The Bingleys did not take Darcy’s hint about hosting an evening party before the ball. He wondered that they were so disinclined to entertain; he thought of his friends as gregarious. When in town, both brother and sister always seemed to be attending one event or another, or visiting people they knew. Possibly, they were simply appreciating the quieter nature of country life. Whatever the reason for their decision, discovering the truth about Miss Elizabeth and Mr Collins was far more important to Darcy, and, again and again, he wished he knew whom he could ask without being indiscreet.
Whenever possible, he studied Miss Elizabeth. When he was so fortunate as to speak to her alone, he examined each word and look she gave him, and he did the same when he observed her with Mr Collins, almost desperately seeking every tiny bit of evidence that hinted at which man she favoured. They met once while she was walking with some of her sisters and her cousin. Darcy and Bingley were riding, and when they came across the Bennets and Mr Collins, they stopped.
“Good afternoon! What a fortunate meeting. Miss Bennet, how are you this afternoon, and all your sisters?” Bingley called while quickly dismounting. Glancing at the gentleman, he nodded. “Mr Collins.”
Darcy also got down from his horse and greeted the party. Miss Elizabeth stood with her cousin, but to Darcy’s relief, they did not have their arms linked or show any particular sign that they were enjoying each other’s company above that of their companions.
“I trust you are well this morning, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said, taking advantage of a brief moment during which her sisters and Mr Collins were exchanging a few words with Bingley.
“I am, thank you. It is quite a lovely day for November, and I am able to be outdoors. That is enough to make me happy. And you, sir? I hope the afternoon finds you as fit as a fiddle.”
She might think the day was lovely, but as far as Darcy was concerned, it was nothing compared to her. The cool autumn air made her cheeks pink, and with her bright eyes and warm expression, he was hard pressed to recall his name. Darcy quietly cleared his throat and deliberately looked away from her for a second.
“Very much so.”
“What say you, Darcy? Shall we join them on their walk? If Miss Bennet does not object.” Bingley turned to the lady, whose smile made it evident she was pleased.
“You are most welcome,” Miss Bennet said.
Bingley grinned at her. Darcy readily agreed to the plan. They decided to leave their horses in the clearing and secured them to two elm trees where they could enjoy the sun and grass. Bingley immediately joined Miss Bennet, and they walked on, leaving the remainder of the party behind. Darcy manoeuvred until he was beside Miss Elizabeth. Mr Collins was to her other side, along with the two youngest sisters.
“Miss Mary is not with you?” Darcy asked Miss Elizabeth.
“She remained at Longbourn to assist my mother with…I cannot recall, to be honest. My mother asked that one of us help her, and I admit to hiding in the corner so that she would not notice me. I did so want to take a long walk. Am I not a terrible daughter?” She laughed, the sound as light and airy as birdsong.
