Page 20 of Regrets

Your affectionate nephew,

Darcy

Chapter Eighteen

Mr. Bingley was doing his best to prepare for his adventure, as he thought of it, to the countryside. He went shopping with his valet, Gibbs, to purchase clothing that could survive a good deal of walking and, well, country activities. Whatever those might be.

He purchased several pairs of boots that looked as though they would survive hiking through fields, as well as trousers and shirts that Gibbs thought would clean easily. His greatcoat had seen better days, so he ordered a new one. Then he thought that he should bring the old one to Netherfield Park and leave the new one in London, for what use had he for new clothing in the country?

But then again, Netherfield was only thirty miles from London, so he could always come back and order more clothing if he required it. And likely, there was someone in Meryton, the town near Netherfield Park, who could make clothing, and doubtless he should make it a point to give his custom to local merchants. That was what Darcy always said.

He had two carriages; one would take him to Netherfield, the other would be left behind for the Hursts and Caroline to use. Were there enough horses? He thought so, but maybe he should write to Darcy about it. Or just ask Darcy when he came to visit, as they could always return to London to visit Tattersalls.

There were a good many people who needed to be given his new address for mail, including his various business associates and his own solicitor. But perhaps he should wait and write to them once he was actually at Netherfield. Might that be better?

There was just so much to think about!

Chapter Nineteen

Georgiana leapt into her brother’s arms the moment he entered the house. “Brother! Oh, I am so very glad!”

He laughed and spun her about, ignoring Lady Catherine entirely until that august lady cleared her throat.

Remembering his manners, Mr. Darcy stopped and apologised. “My longing to see my sister must be my excuse, Aunt Catherine. How are you?”

“Quite well. And Anne is looking very well, is she not?”

Mr. Darcy nodded to Anne and agreed, as he knew he must, that she looked very well indeed. He looked again and saw that it was quite true.

Seeing his quick scrutiny, she smiled at him and said, “How was your journey, Darcy?”

“Very easy; the weather was favourable and the roads dry.”

“Tea, Darcy?” Lady Catherine asked.

“May I refresh myself before joining you, Aunt?” he asked.

“Of course; your usual room,” she replied.

“Will you accompany me, Georgiana?” he asked.

She followed him up the stairs, chattering on about how happy she was to see him, how pleasing Anne was, how delightful the phaeton had been, and so on.

Finally, laughing, he interrupted her. “So any fears you might have had about living at Rosings were for naught.”

She blushed. “Yes; it has been truly wonderful.”

“You will be sorry to leave, then.”

“I shall, and if I am honest, Brother, I do not wish to spend any time with Miss Bingley,” she said, bluntly.

“His sisters will not be there,” he replied, grinning widely.

Her face brightened. “Oh! Well, that does change things. Very well; I am ready to go with you.”

***

That afternoon, having heard that Mr. Darcy was visiting, Mr. Collins came to call. Mr. Darcy saw Anne and Georgiana rolling their eyes when he was announced, and it did not take long for Mr. Darcy to understand the reason.