Page 62 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“See what I have discovered due to my sweet tooth,” Wickham murmured to himself, carefully opening the paper cone containing his treasure as he peered after the gig. He popped one in his mouth. “Mmm.” Georgiana has come to visit her brother. What an unexpected surprise.

Chapter Ten

Darcy watched Miss Bingley enter the breakfast room, her accursed cat padding along beside her. He and Bingley stood. Georgiana looked over her shoulder, producing a smile.

“Good morning, Miss Bingley,” Darcy said.

She gave him a brilliant smile, and then bestowed one upon Georgiana. “Good morning.” Then her smile disappeared as she gazed down at the card she held in her hand. “This is an invitation for us all to attend a comet-viewing dinner party.”

“The comet can be viewed right after sunset,” Darcy observed, moving to hold out her chair for her. She did not appear to notice his gallantry. “Will we have clear skies, I wonder?”

“Our hosts will be Lord and Lady Wulfrun.” Miss Bingley looked at the table again and seemed to see her brother for the first time. “Oh, you are here, Charles?”

He chuckled. “As you see.”

Crossing the room, she held out the card to him. “Do you know Lord and Lady Wulfrun?”

“I do not,” her brother said, taking the card and examining it. He passed the card to Darcy. “You?”

Darcy took the card, still standing next to Miss Bingley’s chair. He read the card. “Ah, as I thought, Lord Wulfrun is the noted amateur astronomer.” Darcy handed the card back to his friend, who gave it to his sister. “He built Fool’s Rise, near Childwickbury. And, he has his own telescope.”

“By Jove,” Bingley exclaimed. “I have seen the comet—as I suppose everyone must have as it has been in the sky for so many months—but I have not seen it magnified. We must accept, Caroline.”

“I suppose we must,” his sister said, placing the card on the mantel. “We have no other obligations.” Glancing at Darcy, she said, “Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but do sit down.”

Darcy sat once more. Miss Bingley glided toward the sideboard and picked up a plate.

“When is the night?” Georgiana asked.

“This Monday—the fourteenth,” Darcy supplied.

Miss Bingley turned and looked at Darcy and Georgiana. “When I reply, shall I accept for all of us? Including the colonel?” She frowned. “Where is Colonel Fitzwilliam? Has he already eaten?”

“He has gone riding,” Darcy explained. “He said he would eat something when he returned.” He looked across at his sister. “Would you like to attend the comet party?’

She frowned. “I think it would be interesting to see the comet through a telescope. But, do you think I will be the only young person?”

Darcy shrugged. “I do not know.”

“I will accept for all of us,” Miss Bingley said. “It is easier to remove a place at dinner than to add one.”

Georgiana nodded, appearing relieved to have the decision made.

“So, you were saying you are going to the market in Meryton today?” Bingley asked.

“We are,” Georgiana said, nodding eagerly. “Will you be coming?”

“I am escorting Miss Bennet there,” he informed them.

Darcy’s spirit leapt and then relaxed. I will see Miss Elizabeth this afternoon. Do not be so anxious to see her that you make a fool of yourself by thinking yourself unhappy if she is not by your side at every moment.

“Do you mean to go to market today, Miss Bingley?” Darcy asked.

His cousin walked into the breakfast room. “She is coming with me,” Douglas informed them.

“Am I?” Miss Bingley asked, appearing surprised.

Basile left her side and approached Douglas. The cat crouched, ready to spring at him. Douglas caught his movement and stepped out of the way.