Bingley turned to him, entirely undeterred. "Darcy, I have no intention of walking. That would defeat the object entirely. We shall take my carriage, drive out at a very reasonable pace, stop where anything of interest presents itself, and, if we are wise, carry provisions enough to make a proper day of it. I cannot imagine a better arrangement."
"I can imagine several," Darcy said.
"I do not doubt it," Bingley returned cheerfully, "but I think you will find this one answers very well. Miss Bennet, you will come, I hope? I should be very glad of your opinion, though I cannot promise to deserve it."
Miss Bennet smiled. "If it is settled then of course. By which I mean that I, that we, should be very happy to join you."
"And Miss Elizabeth," he went on, with equal warmth, "you must come too. I rely upon you to tell me when I am talking nonsense, which I am assured is frequently the case."
Elizabeth’s mouth curved slightly, though she did not lift her eyes. "I should not like to deprive you of the exercise."
"Then you must come for that reason alone."
Mrs Bennet leaned forward at once. "A drive into the country would be exactly the thing. The air is so very fine at present, and I have always thought that a little variety is of the greatest benefit—"
She broke off, turning slightly. "Miss Darcy, my dear, you must come as well. It will do you a world of good."
Georgiana looked up, a little startled at being addressed so directly, and then, after the smallest hesitation, said, "Yes—thank you. I should like it very much."
"It is settled then," said Bingley, with satisfaction.
Darcy did not contradict him.
Across the table, Mrs Bennet’s attention returned to him, and this time he met it directly. There was speculation in her expression, certainly, but also a thoughtfulness that hedid not readily associate with the matchmaking mamas of his experience.
"Darcy," said Bingley again, "you are not attending."
"I beg your pardon."
"I was only observing," Bingley continued, "that I may learn a thing about sheep farming if we head to the farms to the west."
"I have no doubt you will endure it very well," Darcy said.
"Endure it? My dear fellow, I fully expect to become an authority upon the subject before luncheon."
Chapter Twelve
Mr Bingley’s plan for the day improved considerably in his own estimation within the first quarter hour of its execution.
"I am very glad we did not confine ourselves to the shore," he said, leaning forward in the carriage. "There is a great deal to be learned from the land here. Quite different from the northern counties in some respects, though not without its similarities, which I think is a most instructive combination. Do you observe, Miss Bennet, the fall of the field there?"
Jane, who would have observed anything he chose to describe, followed his gaze with interest. "It is very gentle," she said. "And yet quite deliberate, I think. It must be of great advantage in wet weather, when the ground would otherwise retain too much water."
"Exactly so," said Bingley, delighted.
Darcy, opposite, said only, "It is a ditch."
Elizabeth turned her face toward the window to conceal her smile. "What is your opinion, Miss Darcy?"
Georgiana coloured slightly and answered it to her lap. "I do not know about such things."
The carriage did not proceed much farther before Bingley called for it to stop altogether. A farmer stood at the edge of a field bordered by low stone and imperfect fencing, and Bingley was out almost before the horses had settled, greeting him with a warmth that suggested prior acquaintance.
Jane followed, more measured but no less willing, and was immediately drawn into the explanation that followed.
Elizabeth remained where she was for a moment, then slipped down more quietly and walked a little way along the wall, glad to be removed from a discussion that appeared likely to extend itself indefinitely.
"You have abandoned us."
