Page 95 of A Question of Character

“I have discussed other subjects,” Darcy said defensively.

Bingley laughed. “Indeed, such as taxes.”

“They concern estate management.”

“Horse breeding.”

“Also estates.”

“Pemberley’s drainage.”

Darcy surrendered. “I begin to perceive your point.”

“I hope so.” Bingley regarded him with unmistakable affection. “I am glad, Darcy.”

The simplicity of the statement caught him unexpectedly.

“So am I.”

“I have not seen you this...content...in years. Despite your pique when I arrived.”

The word sat oddly beside the last month’s misery.

Darcy looked toward the window.

“I have not been content recently.”

“No.”

Bingley’s expression sobered.

“But before whatever has troubled Georgiana.”

Darcy inclined his head.

“Miss Bennet has had that effect.”

“So, I gathered.”

Silence fell between them for several moments, companionable rather than strained.

Then Bingley cleared his throat with studied casualness.

“I wondered...”

Darcy knew that tone.

“What do you want?”

“I want nothing.”

“You always begin that way.”

“I merely thought...” Bingley smiled with disarming innocence. “Since I know no one in Hertfordshire except a solicitor, perhaps you might accompany me.”

Darcy waited.

“For a little while.”