But he could not deny that he wished it were simpler.
That she would simply believe in the same way he did.
Then nothing could stand in the way of their love.
By the time Netherfield came into view, his stomach remained unsettled, though his resolve had steadied. He dismounted and entered the house with outward composure. Once he had washed and changed his clothing, he made his way downstairs to find the women of the house gathered in the drawing room.
Lady Anne looked up at once when he entered.
Miss Bingley did as well—but for entirely different reasons.
“My dear Mr. Darcy,” Caroline exclaimed, rising from her seat with elaborate grace. “We have been quite bereft without your presence this morning. Hertfordshire society is not nearly refined enough to warrant paying calls. Would you not agree, Lady Anne? Society in London would be preferred to here.”
Lady Anne murmured something vague, which did little to console Miss Bingley. As Darcy took his seat, Georgiana leaned over from her needlework. “Brother, did you encounter Miss Elizabeth on your ride?”
Lady Anne’s voice intervened smoothly. “Georgiana, I believe it is time for your lessons. Mrs. Annesley must be waiting for you.”
Georgiana pinkened, then rose obediently. “Yes, Mama.”
As she disappeared through the open doorway, Miss Bingley gave an impatient sigh and turned her attention back to the room. “Really, Mr. Darcy, I cannot imagine what on earthhas come over you and my brother. Surely, Lady Anne, you must agree with me that a household with five daughters of an indolent gentleman and a tradesman’s daughter cannot compare with our circles.”
Darcy did not immediately respond. His gaze had shifted beyond her shoulder.
In the doorway stood Bingley.
He had entered quietly—so quietly that Miss Bingley had not heard him. His expression, ordinarily so open and genial, was transformed. The easy cheer had drained from it entirely. What remained was something far harder.
Miss Bingley continued, unaware.
“One tolerates such society for a season, of course. A little rustic amusement may be diverting. But to elevate them—to place them upon equal footing—” She gave a brittle laugh. “It is almost comic. The younger girls are scarcely restrained, and as for the elder—”
She did not finish.
“For the elder?” Bingley’s voice was low.
Miss Bingley froze.
Slowly—too slowly—she turned.
Her brother stepped fully into the room.
Darcy had never seen him thus.
There was no bluster. No nervousness. Only resolve.
“You were saying?” Bingley prompted.
Color drained from Caroline’s face. “Charles, I was merely observing—”
“You wereinsulting,” he said evenly. “And you were doing so in my house.”
“I spoke only what everyone must see.”
“What everyone must see,” he repeated, his tone tightening, “is that you have mistaken my patience for permission.”
Her composure cracked. “You cannot truly mean to align yourself with such connections! A mother so vulgar, sisters so unpolished—”
“That is enough.”
