Page 161 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Court-martial?” Bingley asked, his gaze wide.

“It is worthy of one, surely, but Wickham himself said he would sell out and enter the regulars,” Douglas explained, taking the brandy glass from Darcy.

“A good thing,” Bingley said, sitting once more.

Darcy returned to his seat and nodded. “We did not wish to make Wickham. If the insubordination had occurred on the battlefield, the result would have been Wickham’s death.”

“He would deserve it,” Douglas said grimly. He lifted his glass and said, “To the conclusion of a successful campaign.”

Darcy and Bingley raised their glasses. “Thank you for your sacrifice,” Darcy said, nodding at his cousin’s face.

Douglas shrugged and they sipped their brandy.

“You may wish me well,” his cousin said, smiling. “Caroline has done me the honor of agreeing to be my wife,” he told them, happiness evident in his voice. “That is, if you will give your consent, Bingley?”

Bingley set down his glass, reached over, and wrung Douglas’ hand. “You do not need it, my friend. I am overjoyed for you both.”

“Thank you,” Douglas expressed. He faced Darcy. “Are you happy for me, Cousin?”

Darcy nodded gravely. “Indeed. I think Miss Bingley will suit you to a ‘t’. I predict she will be a great political hostess.”

“By Jove, yes,” Bingley said, appearing much struck. “She needs to be busy, and to feel needed. And you will live in London, which she loves to do.”

“I have a house there, which I inherited,” Douglas told him. “I have no ties to the country, since my brother will inherit the family seat.”

“You will sell out?” Bingley asked.

“I will.”

“How long will that take?” Darcy asked.

“I thought to wait until the end of the war, but I know a captain who is interested. I could be a civilian before Christmas.”

“My future is settled,” Bingley stated. “And yours is settled, Colonel. Darcy, it is about time you make inroads into your future.”

Darcy smiled enigmatically, making no statement to assuage his friend’s curiosity.

Bingley lifted his glass again. “To the women we love and who love us.”

“Hear, hear,” his friends replied.

Chapter Twenty-six

Mary arrived at Netherfield in the late afternoon of Thursday, the day of the Meryton assembly, full of news of her engagement, and eager to meet Georgiana’s prospective governess-companion, Mrs. Clarise Inwood. Brewster sent a footman up the back stairs with Mary’s valise.

Georgiana, glowing and eyes sparkling, grasped her hand and drew her toward the stairs. “I am so glad you are here. I have so much to tell you, and I cannot wait to introduce you to Mrs. Inwood.”

“I have news as well,” Mary told her, smiling broadly.

Mr. Bingley came out of a side room and approached, bowing when he reached her. “Welcome to Netherfield, Miss Mary. We are delighted to have you visiting us, and hope we can convince you to stay more than one night.”

“You are too kind,” Mary murmured as she curtsied.

“Would you care for some refreshments?” Bingley asked.

“We are meeting with Mrs. Inwood in the small upstairs sitting room. Miss Bingley has already arranged for us to have tea there,” Georgiana said in a sunny voice. “Please excuse us, Mr. Bingley, I wish to show Mary to her bedchamber first.”

“Of course. Until later, Miss Mary,” Mr. Bingley said, bowing again.