Page 65 of Regrets

“What are those things?”

“Dancing, going to the theatre, attending teas and suppers,” she said. Then she shrugged. “I suppose it all sounds very silly, does it not?”

“Not at all; if that is what you enjoy, then you should have no difficulty finding a gentleman in Town with similar interests. I can tell you from experience that being the mistress of an estate leaves little leisure for such things as that.”

Miss Bingley nodded. “I plan to go back to London in just a few days, but I will return for the wedding.”

“Wedding?”

“Well, yes; Charles and your eldest daughter.”

“You do not object?” Mrs. Bennet said, cautiously.

“Not at all; it is a step up for him, of course, and the two of them have very similar characters.”

“They certainly do,” Mrs. Bennet said, her face breaking into a wide smile. “Now if only he would ask her!”

***

The moment the ladies left the room, Mr. Darcy turned to Mr. Bennet and said, “Your Mr. Collins hails from a little town called Atherstone. I have my solicitor searching the baptism records there.”

Mr. Bennet shook his head. “I have little hope of finding inconsistencies in his birth; but it seems to me that this common recovery process may bear fruit. What happens next?”

“Well, next Mr. Stanley must ‘discover’ that the estate is entailed and so title cannot be transferred. Then I will sue you in court.”

Mr. Bennet winced. “I know that is what is required, but it sounds dreadful.”

Mr. Darcy nodded. “I understand; but all you have to do is exactly nothing. Once the trial date is set and you do not appear, then the judge will award Longbourn to me.”

“When does Mr. Collins find out about all this?” Mr. Bennet asked.

Mr. Darcy chuckled, but it was a grim sound. “He must be informed of the situation once it is done; otherwise, he will come to claim his estate upon your passing and someone here would have to tell him that it was not his to claim.”

“So likely Mr. Philips.”

“If he is still alive, then yes; but otherwise that unpleasant task might fall to your wife or one of your daughters. Thus, as I say, it would be best to inform him and allow him to seek legal advice, and then express his rage or whatever reaction he will have in Kent, rather than here in Meryton.”

Mr. Bingley put in, “Darcy explained it all to me, and I can understand how it would sound rather frightening, Mr. Bennet. It is indeed a bold move.”

“Yes; you must take very great care of yourself, Mr. Darcy; do not die before gifting Longbourn back to me.” Mr. Bennet made a valiant attempt at humour.

“My solicitor knows of my intentions, and he would see it through, though it would be a rather slower process,” Mr. Darcy replied, smiling. “But do pray for my continued good health!”

Mr. Bennet began to rise, but Mr. Bingley put out a hand to stop him. “Mr. Bennet, while I have you here…” He seemed unable to continue and his face was tomato-red.

“Jane, is it?” Mr. Bennet said, smiling broadly.

“With your permission, sir,” Mr. Bingley said, hastily.

“You have it; the two of you will do well together.”

“I thank you, sir!” Mr. Bingley grinned so widely that Mr. Darcy briefly feared his face would split in two.

Mr. Bingley rose and headed to the drawing room to join the ladies. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet began to follow him, but Mr. Darcy took a moment to put a hand on Mr. Bennet’s shoulder. He murmured, “Do not fear, Mr. Bennet. I believe all will be well.”

The ladies looked up as the gentlemen walked in. Mr. Bingley noted his sister sitting with Mrs. Bennet; he nodded at her as he made his way to Miss Bennet, who welcomed him with a bright smile.

Mr. Darcy paused in the doorway. His sister was engrossed with Miss Mary; the two youngest Bennets were sitting quietly on a sofa, whispering together. He saw Miss Elizabeth glance up at him. There was just a hint of a frown before she pasted a smile on her face.