Page 128 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Your scathing remarks do you no credit, Caroline,” Bingley told his sister with forced calm. “I have no interest in improving my social standing in London society. When I am in London, I am invited to more social events than I can possibly attend. I am perfectly comfortable in my current sphere.”

“You must listen to my counsel, then, if you cannot think clearly yourself.”

“I am thinking with perfect clarity,” Bingley vowed. “It is my happiness that I endeavor to obtain. Not yours. I am certain that marrying Jane will make me happy. And, I will strive with all my heart to make her happy.”

“You will make me unhappy if you marry Jane,” Miss Bingley told him.

“Your happiness is not of paramount importance to me, Caroline.”

Darcy heard her gasp, and he winced. Miss Bingley did not react well to being snubbed. He glanced down at the floor, feeling Basile brush past him on his way into the drawing room.

“I am sorry if my words offend you, but they are the truth.” Bingley heaved a sigh. “I thought you liked her,” he said, sounding weary now. “I suppose I was mistaken. However, when you marry—which I hope will be soon for your sake—you will have your own household. Jane will have no effect on your life whatsoever after that happy event.”

“Louisa will arrive on Thursday and you will discover that her opinion matches mine,” Miss Bingley said.

“I hope you are wrong. I look forward to seeing our sister, and I am confident that I will have good news to tell her when she arrives,” Bingley said. “Tomorrow I will seek Mr. Bennet’s permission to pay my addresses to Jane. He is a charming man, and I do not expect him to refuse me. I will be pleased to call him Father, if he permits the familiarity.”

Darcy heard Miss Bingley stomp her foot as she screeched in her frustration. “You are impossible!”

In a quiet voice, Bingley said, “I think, Caroline, that the sooner you find someone to love, the happier you will be. Now, excuse me, I believe I heard Darcy’s carriage.”

Darcy pushed the door open far enough for Bingley to see him. “Hello. We are back. Bingley, come and show me that new hack you purchased.” He bowed to Miss Bingley, who had turned partially away from the door. “Miss Bingley, your servant.”

She did not curtsy. Instead, she flapped a hand in his direction as though pushing him away. Darcy took Bingley’s arm and led him from the room. They met Douglas coming along the corridor.

“Cousin,” Darcy said, smiling at him and staring pointedly. Douglas slowed his steps and lifted his eyebrows. “I think Miss Bingley would benefit from a stroll—down the lane where the trees overhang it and there is shade. We are going to the stables.”

“I would be delighted to escort her,” Douglas said, nodding firmly.

“Thank you. Georgiana is in her bedchamber, resting before she changes for dinner.”

“The vicar and his wife are joining us,” Bingley informed them.

“Jolly good,” Douglas said, heading for the drawing room. “There is a light breeze, which I will enjoy as much as Miss Darcy. You have no idea how hot serge is.”

Chapter Twenty-one

Darcy said nothing to Bingley as they walked together to the stables. He could feel Bingley’s disappointment in his sister. Occasionally his friend would kick at a thicker clump of grass and sigh.

“I suppose you heard our argument?” he asked at last.

“Some,” Darcy admitted. “I beg your pardon for eavesdropping.”

Bingley waved away his apology. “I hate confrontations, as you know. But I truly thought this time would be different because Caroline likes Jane. I knew Louisa would object—I did not need to be told that. I foolishly hoped Caroline would support me against her.”

“When Mrs. Hurst arrives, and you must face her, your engagement to Miss Bennet will strengthen you against her tirade.”

Bingley nodded and shrugged. He stopped near the stableyard entrance and fixed Darcy with a keen gaze.

“Do you have any objection to my marrying Jane?”

“I do not pretend to misunderstand why you might want my opinion. I am certain you expect me to side with your sisters. I do not,” Darcy said, making his voice firm and reassuring. “From what I know of Miss Bennet, she is a calm, kind, soft-hearted woman. Perhaps she has more reserve of manner than is my preference, but I am not marrying her. Miss Bingley may have a valid point about your future mother-in-law, though.”

“I am not concerned.”

“Your easy nature makes you say so. My suggestion is that you make a plan on how to manage her if she becomes difficult to bear.”

“I will,” Bingley said, a sudden smile making his cares seem far away. “Thank you, Darcy, for supporting my decision.”