Page 68 of Bitterness of Spirit

“Lady Catherine? Why would you wish to invite her?” Elizabeth asked rather impertinently.

“Since I intend to invite Darcy and his other relatives, how can I ignore her? Should I leave all of them off the list?” Mr. Wilson inquired, challenging Elizabeth to an answer she refused to give.

“Forgive me, sir; I have no right to interfere, you are the only one to decide. Of course, since Mr. Darcy and the colonel are now close acquaintances of yours and since you intend to invite people of consequence, it would be impolite to disregard them,” Elizabeth replied.

“I thought so,” Mr. Wilson said. “But feel free to share your opinion, Elizabeth. I enjoy these discussions with you.”

“Well, you should not count on us,” Mr. Bennet declared. “Lizzy and Jane may stay, but I intend to return home at the end of this week. As for Kitty, Lydia, and Mary, they are too young and unwise to be part of a ball with members of the ton.”

“But, Papa,” Lydia cried in distress. “What are you saying??? Surely, you cannot be so cruel! This is the most important ball of my life, and you want to deprive me of it?”

“Indeed, I do. Be content that you have dresses and bonnets and all manner of silly nonsense to use at future balls in Meryton.”

Kitty took up her sister’s argument. “But, Papa, we came to Town particularly for the balls.”

“Not at all, young lady. You came to Town because I agreed to take you. But in no way shall I allow you to make a spectacle of yourself at a ball with dukes and earls.”

They responded with one voice. “Papa!”

“Lydia, Kitty—this conversation is finished! Find yourselves some means of amusement for the next week—and that will be all! We shall return to Longbourn as I said!”

***

Darcy looked at the piece of paper, obviously written in haste. Bingley’s handwriting was as poor as ever—and perhaps worse since his excitement could be read through the words that invited Darcy for dinner the following day.

He had not seen Bingley, or the Bennets, since Lady Catherine arrived in Town. He had dined once at Lady Catherine’s house and also at the Matlocks’. He spent the rest of the time with his uncle and Richard, talking to several doctors and convincing Lady Catherine to allow them to see Anne.

Apparently, Anne pretended to be ill and weak and wished to ask other medical opinions from the doctors in Town. Lady Catherine could not deny her that wish, which was the main reason for their journey to London. However, to Darcy, Anne did not look worse—quite the contrary. But he was pleased and relieved to be involved in finding a solution to improve Anne’s health.

“Anne inherited your mother’s poor constitution, and very likely, so did Georgiana,” Lady Catherine declared thoughtlessly during dinner, making Anne pale and causing the earl to rebuke such a statement with anger.

Even if he was frightened to admit it, Darcy had shared the same fear for some time. However, Georgiana did not appear to be weak or ill, only shy and restrained in front of unfamiliar people. As for Anne, he truly cared for her and was willing to look after her as he would his own sister.

During these days, he thought of Elizabeth as much as before—but with a little less torment. He knew Bingley was a daily visitor, and his attachment to Jane Bennet was as strong as in Hertfordshire, perhaps even more. So an announcement was expected soon, and his friend’s union with the eldest Miss Bennet would certainly allow him more opportunities to gain the second Miss Bennet’s good opinion.

He had come to appreciate Mr. Bennet too—as well as Mr. Gardiner. Several months ago, he would not have taken the trouble to know the two gentlemen better, but they proved to be well educated, smart, and witty—like their daughter and niece.

As for his relationship with Wilson, it had not progressed much although it became trustworthy. Darcy had hired men to look for proof of his identity and had no reason to doubt the man any longer. His coming to Lambton and Derbyshire in the near future would allow him even more opportunities to observe him further.

His musings were interrupted by the colonel’s arrival; only minutes later, Bingley entered, restless and on the edge of panic.

“How have you been? I have not seen you in the last days. I just sent you an invitation to dinner—did you get it?” Bingley asked directly.

“Good morning. Please take a seat. May I offer you anything?” Darcy asked. Bingley looked at him dumbfounded.

“What? Oh, are you mocking me? Very nice. I am desperate; I am having dinner tomorrow night, and I am looking for flowers to decorate the dining room. And I need a couple of additional kinds of cheese and some fresh fish.”

“So are you in charge of the purchases? May I offer you some of our servants?” The colonel laughed. “And yes, I received your invitation. So, how many courses have you prepared? Just so I know whether I should accept or decline the invitation.”

“Colonel, I appreciate your attempt to tease me, but trust me—this is not the best moment. I am rather distressed about this dinner. I want it to be perfect. And I have already had several nasty arguments with my sisters. I cannot trust them to behave properly.”

Darcy’s was the voice of reason. “Bingley, we have no intention of distressing you further. Try to calm yourself. It is your house, your dinner party. You are the master. If we want to attend your dinner, we have to obey your rules or leave—family and friends.”

“I know you are right. But it is so difficult with Caroline and Louisa. We are together all the time, and it is hard to do anything without their approval,” Bingley replied.

“What is against their approval? The dinner?”

“No…I mean yes, the dinner and…I plan to propose to Miss Bennet soon,” Bingley confessed, looking at Darcy as though seeking support. “I have not told them yet, but they are suspicious.”