Page 46 of Miss Bingley’s Return

“Do you know that, or is it just observation?”

Mr. Darcy shrugged. “If you recall, I mentioned our discussion.”

“Yes, I do,” said Elizabeth. “I too have noticed Mr. Harrington’s interest. I suppose there is nothing to do but wait.”

Elizabeth again turned playful. “Tell me, Mr. Darcy, do you expect to observe Jane through your friendship with Mr. Harrington?”

The gentleman regarded her and did not flinch. “No, Miss Elizabeth, though I must suppose that our friendship may become closer in the coming years. Rather, I had thought to observe her through a connection much closer than the wife of a friend.”

For several moments after, Elizabeth found she could not look away, for his eyes on hers were so captivating as to hold her with no chance of escape. That was when Miss Bingley’s other area of interest came into focus.

“Mr. Darcy,” said she. And then, in a tone calculated to portray civility, she added: “Miss Eliza.”

“Miss Bingley,” replied Elizabeth before the gentleman could find his wits. “How fortunate you have joined us, for we were just discussing my sister and your brother.”

A complex web of emotions crossed her face before she settled for pleasure, though Elizabeth could not decide how sincere it was. “It is so wonderful,” said she; the complacency was not feigned so far as Elizabeth could see, but it was more self-congratulatory than pleased for the couple. “Why, I dare say it will not be long before all is resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.”

Though Elizabeth did not wish to make Jane’s life any more difficult, she could not resist the inclination to tweak Miss Bingley’s nose. “That is curious, Miss Bingley, for Jane appears calm and restrained.”

Miss Bingley stared at Elizabeth. “What do you mean?”

“Nothing in particular,” said Elizabeth, knowing she could not back down now. “Jane is the most agreeable woman alive, but she is also no fool. We have not been in London for long, and Mr. Bingley was absent for two full months. Before he can claim her, Mr. Bingley will need to prove himself; that may yet take time.”

Several moments passed in which Miss Bingley attempted to gain some insight into Elizabeth’s comment. Then she discounted it, confident in her opinion.

“Perhaps you are correct,” said she. “We shall need to wait and see. Charles is impulsive, if you recall.”

“I do, indeed,” replied Elizabeth, leaving well enough alone.

Then Miss Bingley started talking to Mr. Darcy, and though she was not overt about it, she wished Elizabeth away so she could claim his attention for herself. Elizabeth remained for a time, amused by her incivility, and when she thought she had annoyed Miss Bingley for long enough, she excused herself. Mr. Darcy did not seem to appreciate it, given his plaintive look, but Elizabeth thought it wise to retain the appearance of civility with Miss Bingley.

Jane had also noticed Miss Bingley’s distance. As she was not as cynical as Lizzy, she avoided the obvious explanation that Elizabeth had come to, and accepted it as a reprieve. Mr. Bingley was still a man with whom she enjoyed conversing, and she did not mean to shame him by refusing to speak.

“I see you have noticed my sister’s distance too.”

Though surprised by his sudden comment, Jane did not hesitate. “What do you suppose motivates it?”

“Confidence, I should think,” replied Mr. Bingley, coming to the same conclusion as Mr. Darcy.

If it had been Lizzy, she would have made some witty comment designed to provoke, but Jane was not her sister. “Is your sister in the habit of molding events to her liking?”

Mr. Bingley all but rolled his eyes. “You have no notion, Miss Bennet. No notion at all.”

He fell silent, studying her for several moments, then said with an abundance of caution: “You are well, are you not?”

This was more than just a question about her comfort, whether she needed refreshment, or any other such query a gentleman might offer at a party. It was Mr. Bingley asking after her state of mind, cautious and concerned. Jane did not think now was the time to have the discussion she knew was inevitable, so she did her best to reassure him.

“Yes, Mr. Bingley, I am quite comfortable.”

“Good,” said Mr. Bingley.

They drifted apart soon thereafter, Mr. Bingley to a conversation with several other men while Jane turned to converse with another lady nearby. The conversation proved more banal than noteworthy. What happened next was far more interesting.

First, Mrs. Hurst approached, and while Jane had spoken to her before, most of her conversations were with Miss Bingley in attendance. Jane could remember Mrs. Hurst’s behavior during the dinner at Netherfield before she had become ill, recalled her questions, the ill-concealed desire to learn of Jane’s connections. Mrs. Hurst had said little after that, so Jane did not know her sentiments.

“Miss Bennet,” said she, her tone containing a quality Jane could not name. “We have spoken little of late. How have you been?”

“Very well, Mrs. Hurst,” said Jane, staying cautious. “Lizzy and I have enjoyed our time in London, and your sister has been most gracious.”