Page 21 of Miss Bingley’s Return

Harrington’s interest quickened at that news, and he came to the correct conclusion at once. “Perhaps I am seeing shadows where there are none, but would this parson be connected to your aunt?”

“He is,” conceded Darcy.

“That says what sort of man he is,” chortled Harrington. “Tell me, Darcy—is it a close connection?”

“Cousins to some degree, or so I understand,” replied Darcy. “Though I have never heard, I suspect they do not know him well.”

Harrington nodded, but he changed the subject. “Bingley is different from any other time I have seen him with a woman.”

At Darcy’s interested look, he clarified: “There is a measure of hesitation. He does not give her all his attention, and he watches her as if considering. That is not the Bingley I know.”

“With that, I cannot disagree,” replied Darcy, thoughtfully watching Bingley and Miss Bennet across the room. “In Hertfordshire, he was much as you suggest, but now he is more circumspect.”

“Interesting,” said Harrington. “His sister does not take the trouble to hide her opinion, though I never would have credited it.”

“Yes, she is doing everything in her power to push them together,” said Darcy.

“Do you know why?” asked Harrington.

“Only a slight suspicion,” replied Darcy, not wanting to say anything more.

Thereafter, Harrington drifted away, and when the opportunity presented itself, he was by Miss Bennet’s side again. Darcy watched them amid the laughter and conversation around him, then, a few minutes after that, Miss Elizabeth approached him.

“This dance has grown most curious, Mr. Darcy,” said she.

“How so?”

“How often we seem to meet in London. Based on your avoidance of society in Hertfordshire, I might have thought you would make yourself scarce.”

“London allows for a greater variety of acquaintance,” said Darcy. “And fewer misunderstandings.”

Miss Elizabeth regarded him thoughtfully. “Then that allows you to attain more comfort.”

“I shall not say you are wrong. Now, my presence cannot be what has excited your interest.”

“No, I suppose it is not.” Miss Elizabeth gestured toward her sister. “In Hertfordshire, Mr. Bingley was always by my sister’s side without fail. Here, he appears distracted, and Mr. Harrington is eager to use that distraction for his own purposes.”

“It is no surprise you have seen it,” said Darcy.

Again, Miss Elizabeth studied him. “Do you have any insight you wish to share?”

“At present, I have nothing,” replied Darcy. “Harrington has said nothing to me beyond a few general questions, and you know your sister’s mind better than I do.”

“The more interesting point is how Miss Bingley does not appear to appreciate the current state of affairs.”

Darcy glanced across the room, noting her steady gaze at Harrington and Miss Bennet. Though Darcy could not claim to interpret her expression, he suspected she was not happy about this development. After she had gone to all the trouble to reunite Miss Bennet with her brother, she would not tolerate any distraction.

“I told you before that I have no knowledge of Miss Bingley’s aims,” said Darcy.

“So you did,” replied she. “If you were to gain such insight, can I trust you would share it with me?”

“That depends,” said Darcy. “If Bingley requested my confidence, I would have no choice but to stay silent.”

“And does Mr. Bingley often ask you for such confidences?”

“No, but he has in the past. Whether this will be one of those times I have no notion.”

“Very well,” replied she. “Then I shall not press you. I shall continue to observe, and offer my sister what assistance I can.”