Darcy stood and walked to the door. Before he left the room, he heard Bramwell say to his brother, “You are an insensible imbecile?—”
Several days later, Darcy escorted Georgiana and Mrs Annesley shopping. They were leaving a warehouse just as Mrs Bingley and Elizabeth were entering, and naturally they stopped to greet each other. He doffed his hat, introduced Mrs Bingley to Mrs Annesley, and thereafter observed Elizabeth and his sister.
“Miss Bennet, how good it is to see you again,” Mrs Annesley said. They had met in Derbyshire.
“And you. Are you finding your time in town pleasurable? I recall you telling my aunt that you have a sister who lives here.”
They talked about Mrs Annesley’s family and similar matters. Other than greeting Georgiana and Darcy politely, Elizabeth did not even glance their way. It was a kindness as far as Georgiana went. As soon as they had seen Elizabeth andMrs Bingley, his sister had stiffened, and Darcy suspected Elizabeth meant to make the encounter as easy as possible for her. He wished she would at least look at him, but Georgiana might notice; Elizabeth would worry that she might find even that disturbing. If only his sister understood how much she was doing for her—her kindness this morning, the way she refused to consider a future with him, despite her wishes! Perhaps then Georgiana would be more willing to accept the possibility of their marriage.
The previous Sunday, Darcy had mentioned returning to Derbyshire soon, but Fitzwilliam had been against it. He did not want to be separated from Georgiana before he must be, and he could not leave town at present. The earl and countess also did not like the idea, believing it was better for them to remain together at what was a difficult time for the Darcys. Seeing Elizabeth renewed Darcy’s desire to leave London. It was too hard to be in her presence. She had said that it would be better if they both accepted that their situation would not change, and as much as he hated to admit it, she was correct.
In two or three weeks, I shall inform my family that Georgiana and I are going home. There, I shall immerse myself in work and long rides across the park.
At breakfast one morning in early May, Bingley spoke of how much he had enjoyed the last weeks and sought reassurance that Elizabeth and Jane had likewise. In truth, as they moved through the end of April and into the early weeks of the new month, Elizabeth found herself growing weary of being intown. It was diverting in its own way, to be sure, but the spring weather made her long for the country.
Nevertheless, she said, “For my part, I certainly have. Next to spending so much time with you and my sister, I have liked meeting so many new people.”
“Perhaps Grey especially?” Bingley laughed and waved a hand to indicate she need not reply. “I am only teasing you, Lizzy. I know he likes you very much, but even though I introduced you to him?—”
“And every other single man of your acquaintance,” she remarked archly.
He laughed. “It isnotbecause I am anxious for you to marry him or any other man. Jane and I would only wish for you to know the happiness we have found. Is that not right, my dear?”
“Yes, of course, but Lizzy will know when…well, when she is prepared to marry.” Jane’s expression was remorseful, probably because she knew the thought of giving her heart to any man was presently distasteful to Elizabeth. Jane cleared her throat and said, “Bingley and I were discussing leaving town soon. Not immediately, but perhaps in three or four weeks. What do you think?”
Elizabeth gave a light laugh. “Just last night, I realised that I was beginning to yearn for the country.”
“Did I not tell you she would be longing for a good country ramble, Jane?” Bingley said. “There is one other matter for you to consider, Lizzy.”
“Oh?” She hoped it was that Jane suspected she was with child, and she was a little disappointed when no such disclosure was made, despite having seen no sign of it herself.
“We have talked of finding a new estate. Bingley has heard of several potential properties,” Jane explained.
“We thought it would be fun to embark on a tour to see them so that we can decide which one we like best. My experience at Netherfield taught me it was important to consider the house, grounds, how well the estate has been managed, the neighbourhood, et cetera, et cetera. I could not possibly make such an important decision without hearing Jane’s opinion. Most of those my agent has suggested are north of London, and we could plan our route to end in Scarborough so that we could visit my family. I amnotasking Louisa and Caroline to join us.”
“But we hope you will.” Jane reached across the table to clasp Elizabeth’s hand.
“Of course we do! Did I not say that?” Bingley asked.
Jane and Elizabeth both shook their heads.
“Well, you must,” he went on. “Remember, we are determined that you will stay with us until you marry or grow fatigued of our company.”
“It is impossible that I would ever grow tired of your company,” Elizabeth interjected.
Jane squeezed her hand. “We have spoken of it a great deal and have decided we do not wish to remain at Netherfield. I know Mama will be disappointed.”
Elizabeth laughed before her sister could continue. “She will simply have to accept that it isyourdecision to make.” She looked between Jane and Bingley. “I love my mother dearly—I truly do—but we all know that if you lived so close to her, she would not be content to let you live your lives without interfering at every turn! You have made a wise decision. Now, please, I beg of you, tell me about these estates. I find the notion of you choosing a new home delightful!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The Bingleys and Elizabeth were invited to a ball at the beginning of June, not long before they were to depart town. Mr Darcy was also in attendance with his cousins. To Elizabeth’s relief, he did not ask her for a set or even approach her. The thought of standing opposite him for half an hour, of having to take his hand and being expected to talk amicably with him, was too much to bear, even for one such as she who always attempted to face the world and all its trials with courage. It was especially difficult knowing they would soon be separated and she would not have even the comfort of seeing him. She imagined Colonel Fitzwilliam’s position by his side prevented him from attempting to speak to her. Whenever she happened to look their way, she often noticed their gazes upon her—one with what she could only interpret as regret mixed with longing, the other with his customary suspicion.
She spoke to Miss Reed, whom she had seen dancing the first set with Viscount Bramwell. It was clear the couple wasgrowing closer, and Miss Reed confided that he had asked her for a second set. When Elizabeth regarded her with a knowing look, her friend blushed.
“He has been very attentive. I asked him what he meant by it.”
“Did you? What did he say?”
