Page 103 of Shields and Roses

Between them, he and Sir Phillip assessed the problem and came up with a few reasonable solutions for Bennet to consider, along with making a short-term fix then and there. The tenants appreciated the quick attention to their needs, knowing that Bennet was busy with family matters and guests. Darcy and Richard's rescue of the young ladies was already known, giving him the immediate approval of the Clarke family. When Darcy explained that Sir Phillip was a cousin by marriage both to him and to Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger man was readily accepted as well. The two returned to the main house a few hours later, well pleased with the work they had done.

After accepting their report and thanking the younger men for acting in his stead, Bennet told Darcy that two messengers had arrived shortly before their return. He must have seen the slight look of panic in Darcy's eyes.

Bennet quickly explained, "One was for me, from Mr. and Mrs. Hanson. They said they plan to arrive tomorrow unless I sent word back to let them know it would be inconvenient. It seems your cousin is so excited by the thought of finally being able to meet my daughters that she could wait no longer. Of course, I sent the messenger back to say we would be delighted to have them join us at any time and I wished them a safe journey on the morrow."

"That is excellent news," Darcy said.

Sir Phillip seconded the comment, adding, "I think you will like them both, sir. And with Martin here, we will not be so outnumbered by the ladies after Mr. Darcy heads off to Netherfield Park this evening."

"Ah, yes," Bennet said, "and after this morning that parting will be more painful than ever. Just as well, I suppose, if you want your secret to remain one from Mrs. Bennet. Hmm. I wonder if Mr. Bingley had that talk with his sister?"

"I am certain he has tried," Darcy responded. "Whether he was able to ease her mind or change her behavior must wait to be seen. She is known for hearing only what she wishes to hear."

"Ah, a little like my own wife, then," Bennet said offhandedly. "Although I have learned over the years that she hears more than she lets on. It just takes time for her to accept what you say. She will deny everything until she comes to the same conclusions on her own."

Darcy considered for a second. "Interesting. That view of matters makes much more sense than believing Miss Bingley incapable of listening or understanding what is said."

"You need to become accustomed to looking at matters from other points of view if you are to get on well with Lizzy in the long run. Although you will both want what is best for each other and your estate, her idea of what is best or her way of getting there may be very different from yours. I am not saying you always need to defer to her ideas, but it will serve you well to listen generously, trying to understand why she wants to do something in a certain way instead of just deciding her way is wrong because it does not meet your goals. You will end up happier if you can find ways to meet in the middle."

"I will try to remember that sir," Darcy said, "although you may have to remind me again in a few years."

"It goes two ways. Perhaps I shall have to remind both of you."

Darcy nodded thoughtfully. Their companion did not find the subject as compelling, however.

"You said there were two messages," Sir Phillip said. "Who was the second one for?"

"Ah, yes!" Bennet said. "I had forgotten." He reached over to a folded and sealed page to one side of his desk. "It is for Mr. Darcy. I know the handwriting is Richard's."

"You may just call me Darcy, or even Will, if you like. Both of you," Darcy said.

"Thank you, Darcy. I will accept being called Bennet by both of you as well."

"I am afraid that the title gets in the way of informality," Sir Phillip said as Darcy opened the message. "But I appreciate the offer of familiar address from you both."

Darcy chuckled as he scanned over the page. "Ah, as I had hoped, Richard was delighted and highly amused by my plan for Collins. If I had not sent two good men along with him, I would agree with Richard's hope that they get lost on the way. He also wonders if we have had any response from his father. I am surprised we have not yet either. It is not like my uncle to leave us waiting so long."

"It has not really been that long," Bennet reminded him. And you must remember there was a Sunday in those few days since we wrote to him. That slows the delivery of messages as well."

"Hmm, yes, I suppose you are correct. With as much as has happened, it seems longer ago than it truly is."

"I would hazard that we will have heard from him by the time a certain happy understanding is announced," Bennet said with a twinkle in his eyes.

"I hope so. I am also concerned about Georgiana and want to know if I will be taking a quick ride to Derbyshire to collect her. Just like Anne, she needs some time to get to know the Bennet sisters by more than letters."

"You could stand leaving Lizzy long enough to make the round trip?" Bennet asked mischievously.

Darcy looked disgruntled at the thought. "Well, I truly hope it is not necessary, but to make my sister happy, I would."

"Good man," said Bennet.

"Speaking of making the ladies happy," Darcy added, "I did not notice them in the parlor as we passed. Do you have any idea where I might find my betrothed?" He savored the last word as he spoke it, providing some amusement for the other two.

Bennet replied, "With Mrs. Bennet's sudden plan for a dinner party on Friday, the ladies have gone to Meryton for some shopping and gossip. You have pleased your betrothed with the loan of your carriage to ease crowding on the expedition. After all, the de Bourgh vehicle was really only meant for two and mine alone would have been a tight fit for them all once the purchases began to pile up."

Darcy shrugged. "I am pleased to be of service. What is mine will soon be hers, after all. It is not as if I had a need for the carriage at the moment."

"I thought you would see it that way." Bennet smirked as he continued, "That is why I gave permission on your behalf when Lizzy came in to ask where she might find you. They left only an hour or so ago, so it may be some time before we see them again."