Page 31 of Master of Himself

Darcy released a frustrated breath and conceded the point. Something not of this world had caused this mischief, and he had no better idea of what to do about it than he’d had that night. “Let’s discuss it further after breakfast. Shall we go meet the ladies?”

Charles agreed and followed him out of the master’s chamber and down the stairs, where they found Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth waiting for them in the grand hall. Both ladies bade them good morning as they approached.

“How are you feeling, Miss Bennet?” Darcy inquired, knowing Charles would have done so.

“I am much recovered, Mr Bingley, and wonder if we may impose upon your kindness one last time with the loan of your carriage to convey my sister and me to Longbourn.”

Glancing at Elizabeth, her imploring eyes conveyed her complete agreement with her sister.

“Yes, of course. It shall be no trouble at all,” he said, then signalled to a nearby footman to have the chaise brought around to the front of the house.

Charles took immediate exception. “I beg you to reconsider, Miss Bennet. You’re not fully recovered,” he said. “Perhaps you might consider staying one more day.”

“I thank you for your concern, Mr Darcy, but I’ve already risen from my bed, and there’s not the least need to impose on Mr Bingley and his sisters a moment longer.”

Elizabeth wrapped an arm around her sister. “We thank you most sincerely for your abundant kindness, Mr Bingley, but it’s time for us to go home. I’ll ensure Jane is warmly dressed and in no danger of catching a chill.”

Darcy saw no reason to compel the ladies to stay. “And I’ll supply warm rugs and hot bricks to see to your comfort during the ride home.” When Darcy gave the orders to a waiting footman, both sisters expressed their earnest thanks and hurried up the stairs.

“I wish you had convinced them to stay, Dar—” Charles ducked his head and lowered his voice to a whisper. “Miss Bennet risks her health by going outdoors while she’s ill.”

Darcy led his friend into the sitting parlour and closed the door. “Would you rather keep them here against their will?” he said in a quiet voice. “They have no desire to burden your household.”

“They could never be a burden.”

“Not to you, of course, but what of your sisters? They’ve made no secret of their disapproval.”

Charles sank into a sofa and held his head. “I wish Jane could have stayed for one more day.”

“I know this has been difficult for you, Charles, and I’m sorry for that. You’ll have ample opportunity to pursue her once we’ve sorted everything out. Until then, matters are hopelessly complicated.”

Charles reluctantly agreed and offered no further argument.

When the Bennet sisters were ready to depart with their trunks securely bestowed and the chestnut mare tied to the back of the carriage, they repeated their heartfelt thanks and boarded. Once the ladies were warmly protected from the morning chill, Lockhart set off down the driveway with the precious cargo.

Charles watched the carriage until it had disappeared from view, then paced frantically. “She ought to have stayed. What if she relapses and her condition worsens?”

“Then she’ll take to her bed at home, where she’ll be far more comfortable and suffer no qualms about imposing on your hospitality, which has been weighing heavily on her mind, as you well know,” Darcy said, attempting to reason with his friend.

Still dissatisfied, Charles continued to pace. “I scarcely exchanged two words with her during her stay.”

“Nor would she have been amenable to a private conversation with you in your present condition, because she’s scarcely acquainted with me,” Darcy said. “You saw for yourself how guarded she was last night.”

Charles groaned and threw up his hands. “I can’t think properly here. I need to go to town.”

“Now?” In Darcy’s opinion, this was the worst possible idea.

“Yes, it’s all so confusing. I must go the instant Lockhart returns with the chaise.”

“Charles, if you would only take a moment to consider—” Upon observing Bingley’s stricken eyes, furrowed brow, and heightened colour, Darcy abandoned this line of thought. “I’ll come with you,” he said, determined to support his friend. “Shall we order our trunks packed?”

“I can’t wait that long. Henderson will fuss and fret over every cravat and handkerchief. We can send for them later. I’ll go mad if I stay another minute.”

Although Darcy couldn’t agree with this strategy, he hoped to use the time to talk some sense into his friend. A short ride would do no harm and would give them a chance to speak privately, away from the pressures of the house. They waited in the driveway, and once Lockhart returned with the carriage, Darcy gave the order to head to London and boarded.

As they set out, Charles clung to the strap and absently tapped his feet. When they approached Meryton Road, he closed the curtains so no one could see inside the chaise.

“You’re too impulsive, Charles,” Darcy said once they reached the London Road. “You haven’t completely thought this out.”