Page 12 of A Sisterly Bond

“But, Charles, I forgot—”

“You seem to forget many things and quite often, Caroline,” Mr Bingley uttered. “Regardless, you may leave if you want. I am sure we shall survive your absence.”

His tone sounded unexpectedly rude to everyone, and his sister — clearly stunned by his response — looked undecided how to proceed further.

Despite the general awkwardness, Elizabeth could not conceal her contentment.

Mr Darcy glanced at her several times, and she could not suppress a smile of self-satisfaction. If Mr Darcy and the Bingley sisters had plotted to keep Mr Bingley away from Jane, fate — with a little help from Miss Darcy — had thwarted their plans.

Eventually, Miss Bingley took a seat, and Mr Bingley pulled up a chair to face Jane and Elizabeth. He looked as pale and distressed as Jane, except she was silent and he continued to speak.

“Miss Bennet, I beg your pardon — I was wholly unaware. Had I known you were in London, I should have— That is, I would most certainly have called—” He broke off, colouring still more deeply.

“Jane has been with us since January,” Mrs Gardiner said gently, her tone measured yet kind.

“And my sisters knew?”

Jane nodded, averting her eyes. “I wrote Miss Bingley as soon as I arrived in town…” she whispered.

“As I said, we had some other engagements, and—” Miss Bingley interjected.

“I was unaware your schedule was so busy, Caroline,” Mr Bingley said harshly. “Have you, by any chance, been involved in politics lately? Or in some secret business? I look forward to hearing more of your activities as soon as we arrive home.”

His response — rude and jeering — caused more distress to both Mr and Miss Darcy.

“Bingley, let us calm down for a moment,” the former suggested.

“I am very calm, Darcy,” Mr Bingley replied. “Only stunned to discover that Miss Bennet visited my sisters and I was not told about it. If not for Miss Darcy’s kindness, I would have still been kept in the dark like a fool!”

“Bingley! That is not the sort of language to be used around ladies,” Mr Darcy scolded him.

“Indeed it is not! And certainly not around Miss Darcy!” Miss Bingley uttered. “Even Mr Darcy agreed—”

She then stopped as if minding her words, glanced at Mr Darcy — whose countenance displayed his distress — then back at her brother. Mr Bingley seemed all astonishment.

“Darcy agreed? What did he agree to? When?”

“I believe this is a conversation we should postpone until later, Bingley,” Mr Darcy declared, his tone now severe. “We have ruined my sister and her guests’ tea party, and we must allow them to continue, while we mind our own business.”

“You are right, of course, Darcy. In fact, we all know you are always right, so why would this be different?” Mr Bingley replied with a trace of mockery that nobody missed. “I admit I did not expect you to conspire with my sisters, but I am glad to see you get along so well.”

“Let us try to calm down a little, as Mr Darcy suggested earlier,” Mrs Gardiner said in a composed yet determined voice. “We are all here at Miss Darcy’s generous invitation, for which we are all grateful. Mr Bingley, we are exceedingly happy to finally see you, and we would be honoured if you would call on us at any time you like. I shall give you our address. Of course, this invitation applies to all of you, ladies and gentlemen.”

The daughter of a shop owner from Lambton — educated and elegant in appearance and in manners — had immediately settled the argument and steered the conversation back to more suitable ground.

“Thank you, Mrs Gardiner,” Mr Bingley replied. “I shall call on you tomorrow, if that is convenient for you. Now my sister and I shall leave — we have much to discuss privately.”

“We shall be happy to see you again tomorrow, Mr Bingley,” Mrs Gardiner replied.

The gentleman took a step forward and bowed to Jane. “Miss Bennet, I hope you would not mind my call tomorrow?”

“Not at all, Mr Bingley. Quite the opposite,” Jane managed to reply with a little smile and a trembling voice.

Moments later, Mr and Miss Bingley left, and the rest of the party remained in an awkward silence.

Mr Darcy kept his usual expression — aloof, impassive — his gaze moving between his sister and Elizabeth. He struggled to appear calm, but his success was limited.

Miss Darcy, perceiving the general discomfort, endeavoured to restore ease by offering more tea.