Page 52 of Miss Bingley’s Return

“Mama was in hysterics, Mr. Collins was growing indignant, so my mother accosted my father, determined to induce him to intervene.”

“As you are unmarried, your mother did not prevail,” said Harrington.

“No, she did not,” agreed Miss Elizabeth. “Papa called me into his study, told me that my mother insisted I marry Mr. Collins—my mother told him if I did not, she would never see me again. Then my father, with his usual wit, declared that I must be a stranger to one of my parents—my mother had already made her sentiments known, but if I married Mr. Collins, then I would never see him again.”

Again the room erupted in laughter. Darcy did not know Mr. Bennet well; while he did not suppose the man’s behavior was at all proper, his sense of sarcastic humor was a match for Darcy’s.

Miss Elizabeth shrugged as if the matter did not concern her. “Mr. Collins was so disappointed by my rejection that he waited two whole days before proposing to my closest friend. I will note that until the night of the ball, he had not so much as encountered her on the street.”

“That is admirable, Miss Elizabeth,” said Harrington. “Thank you for this lively tale—I have not been so diverted in a fortnight.”

“It is curious that Miss Lucas accepted him with such alacrity,” said Darcy. “I had always thought her a rather sensible woman.”

“Well, marrying Mr. Collins was not the most rational thing she has ever done,” replied Miss Elizabeth. Then she softened, though she was anything but indifferent. “You must understand Charlotte, Mr. Darcy. She was seven and twenty and had no prospects. Though it surprised me to learn she had accepted him, she soon made her sentiments clear. She calculated the benefits of a situation with a fool against becoming a spinster and made her choice accordingly.”

Harrington regarded her with compassion, his mirth now gone. “You could never have made that choice.”

“I rejected it, Mr. Harrington,” said Miss Elizabeth. “And I would do it again.”

Miss Elizabeth turned back to her aunt, arching an eyebrow. “Thus, you have your answer, Aunt. I do not seek to increase any gentleman’s love by suspense, but having rejected one suitor because he professed imaginary love, I must take care to ensure that any man who presents himself does so in command of his feelings.”

Mrs. Gardiner reached across and took Miss Elizabeth’s hand. “Yes, Lizzy, I understand you very well, indeed.”

The door knocker announced the arrival of more visitors, and Darcy, suspecting who it was, glanced at Harrington. His friend returned it and offered a minute shrug, which Darcy accepted. There was little to be done regardless—they would not slink out the back like thieves in the dark to avoid Miss Bingley.

“Are you expecting anyone in particular, Mr. Darcy?” asked Miss Elizabeth.

When Darcy turned to regard her, he noted her curiosity mixed with archness.

“You saw my exchange with Harrington?”

“Most count me as an observant woman,” said she.

Darcy chuckled and nodded. “Expecting no, though I should have expected you to notice everything. Do Bingley and his sister visit every day?”

Miss Elizabeth’s glance heavenward diverted him all over again. “Every day that she can drag him here. Jane and I visited often when we first arrived in London, but we have not gone of late. Their visits have also grown less frequent.”

“Then Bingley has drawn back,” said Darcy with a nod. “That is for the best.”

There was no more time for conversation, as the housekeeper led Bingley and his sister into the room as Darcy had expected. Bingley’s features lit up with recognition the moment he entered the room, but Miss Bingley showed surprise, then suspicion.

“Mrs. Gardiner,” said he, addressing the mistress first as was proper. “It appears your sitting-room has become quite popular.”

“Such august personages,” said Mrs. Gardiner with an exaggerated expression of wonder. “You all do me great honor.”

“I think, Mrs. Gardiner,” said Harrington, though he was looking at Miss Bennet, “it is the honor of your house and those staying here that draw us.”

“Jane dearest!” exclaimed Miss Bingley, desperate to reclaim her authority. “How wonderful it is to see you!”

The woman glanced at her brother. “Charles and I have been desolate without your company!”

“Miss Bingley,” said Miss Bennet, her response containing nothing of pleasure. “Please sit with us.”

Though she lost no time in doing that, Darcy noticed her again glancing at her brother, then at Harrington, the former with pleading, the latter with exasperation. Harrington knew what she was about, of course, but he had no intention of surrendering his position next to Miss Bennet. Bingley, in direct contradiction to his sister’s wishes, joined Darcy and Miss Elizabeth. Darcy knew the moment he did that Miss Elizabeth was about to release her wit.

“This is most curious, Mr. Bingley,” said she. “I cannot reconcile who between you and your sister finds Gracechurch Street more agreeable.”

Though Bingley’s amusement showed, it contained a definite rueful quality. “At the moment, I should have to say Caroline,” said he, “though I would not insult your excellent sister.”