Page 64 of Regrets

Your loving cousin,

Anne

Georgiana could not wait to reply.

Dear Anne,

Of all the dreadful things, Miss Bingley is here! I overheard Mr. Bingley talking to Brother, and it seems she actually went through Mr. Bingley’s trash in Bingley House in London and found a note Brother had sent, saying that he was on his way to Netherfield, and that is why she is here! Can you even imagine such a thing?

I had to put her in her place rather severely, and I know Brother is unhappy with me as a result, but I refuse to just sit back and listen to her insult my friends. And I fear I may have been a bit too rude, though, as she decided not to come down for dinner last night. In any case, it is just as well, for things are ever so much easier when she is not around. Perhaps she will go back to London; that would suit me very well indeed!

In any case, we are to host the Bennets here at Longbourn on Friday for dinner. I suppose I should have organised it myself, but Miss Bingley set it up. Doubtless, she did it to watch her brother and Jane Bennet; I am sure she must disapprove of the match, though anyone can see that Jane is perfect for Mr. Bingley!

I have not seen George again since I last wrote, but I think your idea is a good one. Brother said he is not allowed to call on me at Netherfield, but surely it will be all right if it leads to a reconciliation!

Your loving cousin,

Georgiana

Mr. Darcy also waited to read his letter until he could be alone; it was the long-awaited message from his Aunt Catherine.

Darcy,

I admit that I had reluctance to become involved in the situation, but you made your point when you asked me to imagine such a poor specimen of humanity responsible for Rosings Park. Unsupportable!

I have to say that it was most distasteful to have to listen to that man go on and on about his antecedents, as if they could possibly be important! But I did as you asked, and I learnt that his family is from a small market town called Atherstone. In any case, there is your answer, and I hope it helps you.

Your loving aunt,

Catherine

Atherstone! He would alert his solicitor at once.

Mr. Stanley,

I have just learnt that Mr. Collins comes from a small town outside of Birmingham called Atherstone.

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Chapter Fifty

As the Bennets traveled to Netherfield on Friday evening, Mr. Bennet noted that the carriage was unusually quiet. He looked at his two youngest daughters, and saw that they were gazing out the carriage windows in silence. Come to think of it, both Kitty and Lydia had been very quiet the past few days. And also, come to think of it, Mrs. Bennet, Jane and Elizabeth had seemed to take some sort of grim humour in the unexpected tranquility. He would have liked to know what had caused this change, but knew not how to ask.

But he was grateful for it, and grateful for the fact that they did not speak loudly nor exhibit any of their usual poor manners in the Netherfield drawing room. Indeed, everyone seemed quite amiable and good-natured, even the apparently dreadful Miss Bingley.

The dinner was far more pleasant than any of the participants had anticipated. Miss Bingley had curated the menu so that it was enjoyable, but not overwhelming. There was no ostentatious display nor overly frenchified sauces, as had been feared.

After dinner, Miss Bingley led the ladies into the drawing room. Miss Bingley played the pianoforte, and then said, “Miss Darcy, I imagine everyone here knows you to be the superior performer; might I beg you to play for us?”

Georgiana was happy to do so, and her performance was followed by Mary’s. Miss Bingley listened to Mary play with a surprised expression on her face, and then complimented her effusively when she was done. “That was marvelous,” she said, sincerity ringing in her voice. “How very well you play!”

“Georgiana and I often play together; she has helped me a good deal,” Mary said, quietly.

Miss Bingley then sat beside Mrs. Bennet. “I have given a good deal of thought to our conversation earlier this week,” she said, softly.

“Have you? I hope I was not too presumptuous, Miss Bingley; I just hated the idea of a young lady as pretty as yourself making the same mistake that I did.”

“No, you were quite right,” Miss Bingley said. “Right in every particular. I will go back to Town and find a husband who enjoys the same things that I do.”