Page 10 of To Win Her Affections

The easiest action he could take would be to inform Bingley of the matter, but that carried its own risks. Bingley no longer displayed the acute disappointment Darcy had observed during the winter, but it was possible that this meeting would reopen the wound. And was there any reason to prevent Bingley from following his heart? Could he even do so? Miss Elizabeth had told him about Miss Bennet’s feelings, so Darcy’s primary objection to the match must now be without foundation.

Through dinner he mulled over the problem, endured Miss Bingley’s cloying attentions, and by the end of the evening, he resolved to take Bingley into his confidence. A private tête-à-tête with his friend was out of the question, since Hurst, sniffing out the opportunity to consume more of Darcy’s brandy, did not hesitate to accompany them when they sought Darcy’s study. That would not be a problem—Darcy knew Hurst only tolerated his sister by marriage, and would not have enough interest in the subject to repeat anything he heard.

“Bingley, I need to tell you something,” said Darcy after he had poured three portions. “The acquaintance we visited in Lambton—you know her.”

“Her?” demanded Hurst, considering Darcy from over his glass. “No wonder you were so coy about it. Caroline will not appreciate hearing that you went to visit a woman, not when she expects to corner you during this visit.”

Darcy decided it was best to allow that comment to pass.

“I know her, you say?” asked Bingley, though a hint of intuition appeared in his expression.

“Yes, she is known to us all,” said Darcy. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet and her London relations are staying at the inn in Lambton.”

Though Bingley was struck speechless, his glass stopping halfway to his lips, Hurst was under no such constraint, the evidence of which was a bark of laughter.

“This is admirable, Darcy!” chortled he. “Not fifteen minutes after our arrival, you went to Lambton to visit a woman Caroline detests above all others, and unless I am mistaken, you took your excellent sister along to introduce her.”

“Miss Bennet is an acquaintance,” replied Darcy. “I met her again in Kent in the spring when I visited my aunt. Since I made some mention of her in my letters to Georgiana, she was interested to make Miss Bennet’s acquaintance.”

Darcy had never considered Hurst to be an especially shrewd man, but at the moment, his expression suggested that he understood more than Darcy had said. Bingley, for his part, had gone silent and still at the mention of the name Bennet.

“Miss Elizabeth is staying five miles from Pemberley?”

“She is,” said Darcy.

It seemed Bingley could not muster a response, so shocked was he.

“Since you made no response to my earlier comment,” said Hurst, “I shall say it again, Darcy. Miss Bennet’s sudden appearance will displease Caroline. She has convinced herself that you will honor her with your proposal during our stay.”

“Caroline is not so blatant as this,” protested Bingley.

“No, but every word betrays her expectations,” replied Hurst. He gestured to Darcy. “Consider her reaction to Darcy’s absence this afternoon. In Caroline’s mind, Darcy’s every attention must be directed toward her—if she does not receive the level of devotion she expects, she will redouble her efforts.”

This appeared to rouse Bingley from his shock.

“That is accurate enough,” said he with a grimace. “Your indifference has wounded her, my friend—she has convinced herself that you were waiting for the right moment to propose, that this stay will result in your capitulation.”

Though Darcy had avoided this subject for years, he could do so no longer. “Bingley, I mean no offense to your excellent sister, but I have no interest in her as a wife.”

Bingley and Hurst exchanged a look, one that seemed to suggest Darcy had stated the obvious. Their responses proved his supposition correct.

“I have never expected you to propose to my sister, Darcy,” said Bingley.

“The only person who does not see your disinclination for her company is Caroline herself,” added Hurst. “Even Louisa has seen the truth. The task before us, therefore, is convincing Caroline to accept reality.”

“Tomorrow she will understand, whether she likes it or not,” said Darcy. “Miss Bennet and her relations are to come to Pemberley tomorrow afternoon for a few hours. They would remain for dinner if they did not have another engagement, but they will dine with us the following evening.”

“I am not surprised,” said Hurst while Bingley looked on. “What have you planned for their entertainment?”

“My sister will host the ladies,” replied Darcy. “I have promised Mr. Gardiner that we shall indulge in some fishing.”

“Sport is a good choice, indeed,” said Hurst. “I have no objection to fishing, and if you recommend Mr. Gardiner, I suspect he is a good sort.”

“The question,” said Bingley, “is whether Pemberley will remain standing in the wake of Miss Bennet’s visit. My sister has never gotten on well with her.”

“If you will pardon me, Bingley,” replied Darcy, “I care little for your sister’s feelings on this matter. Miss Bingley is a guest at Pemberley, and Miss Bennet and her family will also be guests. It is not her place to insert her opinion.”

“No, it is not,” agreed Hurst. “But Caroline will not hesitate to make her sentiments known, regardless.”