Page 53 of Miss Bingley’s Return

“Do not concern yourself, Mr. Bingley,” replied she, all trace of mirth fading. “Jane and I know something of your dilemma.”

Bingley regarded her sharply. “What do you mean?”

“Miss Whitcombe, Mr. Bingley,” said Miss Elizabeth, trying to project sincerity. “Jane and I have made her acquaintance.”

The blood ran away from Bingley’s face, and he gaped at her. “You know Clara?”

“We do.”

Bingley appeared unable to respond, so Miss Elizabeth took pity on him. “Aunt Gardiner and I were walking in Hyde Park, and we happened to see you with her. Thereafter, we met her at a gathering to which my aunt was invited—their social circles overlap.”

An explosive breath was Bingley’s response, and he appeared a little shamefaced. “Perhaps I should have spoken to Miss Bennet, but I never knew what to say.”

“Considering your sister invited us to town without your knowledge,” said Miss Elizabeth, “the blame is not your burden.”

Bingley was shaking his head before she finished speaking. “It is good of you to absolve me, Miss Elizabeth, but I know the truth. This is hardly the moment to speak of it, but be assured that I shall address Miss Bennet when the time is right.”

“That is for the best, Mr. Bingley,” said Miss Elizabeth. “You owe me nothing, but Jane would appreciate an explanation.”

“And she shall have it,” said Mr. Bingley with a decisive nod.

“Jane, Miss Eliza,” said Miss Bingley, pitching her voice so everyone in the room could hear it, “I have received an invitation to a ball next week at the house of a close friend of mine. I requested, and received permission to invite you, if you would be so good as to attend.”

Miss Elizabeth’s gaze shifted to Miss Bennet, who nodded. “Of course, Caroline. We should be happy to attend.”

“Excellent,” said Miss Bingley. “Charles, Hurst and Louisa will also be in attendance.”

Then she turned to Darcy. “Will you also attend, Mr. Darcy?”

“The Davidson ball?” asked Darcy. When she nodded, Darcy returned the gesture. “It is on my desk. I have not yet accepted, but Davidson is a good friend, so I shall attend.”

“We shall be a merry party together,” said Miss Bingley.

“Davidson has also invited me to that ball,” said Harrington, his manner amused, even a little knowing. “I hope, Miss Bingley, that you will add one to that party, for I shall also attend.”

Miss Bingley’s smile appeared a little sickly, but she did not demur. The rest of their visit, Darcy spoke with Miss Elizabeth, and though Miss Bingley maneuvered her brother next to Miss Bennet, their conversation was brief, an exchange of only a few words, until the Bingley siblings went away. Miss Bingley’s exasperation when Darcy and Harrington did not depart early was obvious, but each understood the other, making no move to depart until the Bingleys had risen.

“I shall ask you to reserve a set for me at the ball, Miss Elizabeth,” said Darcy, bowing over her hand.

Miss Elizabeth met his gaze without hesitation. “Perhaps we shall acquit ourselves better than the last time we stood up together.”

“Depend on it,” said Darcy.

When Darcy reached the bottom of the stairs, he looked back up and saw Miss Elizabeth in the window, watching him go. Something swelled in his heart, the understanding that he had touched some small part of hers. That did not guarantee her acceptance when he asked for her hand, but Darcy could not read it as anything but an excellent sign.

On the evening in question, Jane and Elizabeth entered their uncle’s carriage for the ball, their aunt and uncle insisting that Mr. Gardiner’s driver would take them.

“It is no trouble, my dears,” said Uncle Gardiner. “When you return, I hope you will have much to tell us, for I suspect the evening will be notable.”

Elizabeth regarded her uncle with interest. “Do you mean anything in particular?”

“Not at all, Lizzy,” replied Mr. Gardiner. “This business with Mr. Bingley cannot go on much longer, can it? Perhaps tonight will be the resolution.”

When the carriage stopped before the house, Jane had a word with the driver about what time they expected to leave, then they entered. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson were on hand to greet their guests, and though the sisters were not well acquainted with them, the introduction had happened only a week or two after their arrival in London. The couple welcomed them with a few kind words, then the sisters made their way inside.

The house was not large like Mr. Darcy’s, but it was a handsome structure, and the ballroom was decked with flower arrangements, candles that would not drip on the guests, and a beautiful chalk design on the floor they had commissioned someone to create. As they had arrived early, only a few guests had arrived, but none of their acquaintances. Thus, they stood together for a few moments, waiting for their friends to appear.

“What do you think of Uncle’s comment?” asked Elizabeth.