Page 13 of To Win Her Affections

“Yes,” Elizabeth said with a sigh. “Mr. Wickham has many vices and has used Mr. Darcy without remorse. And Mr. Darcy has proven to be a better gentleman than I had ever thought.”

“You esteem him now,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

“More than I did before, to be certain,” agreed Elizabeth.

Mrs. Gardiner watched her for several moments. “If you will pardon me, Lizzy, I must say that Mr. Darcy strikes me as a man whose admiration is decidedly engaged. Have you seen nothing of his regard?”

This was getting into territory about which Elizabeth did not wish to speak.

“By the time I left, I was not unaware of Mr. Darcy’s interest.”

The amused glance Mrs. Gardiner directed at her husband spoke volumes.

“What do you think, Edward? It seems our niece has a gift for understatement.”

“Given what I saw of Mr. Darcy yesterday,” replied Mr. Gardiner, “the gentleman’s regard has made remarkable progress in Lizzy’s absence. Or perhaps Lizzy is keeping something from us.”

“Uncle!” protested Elizabeth, but he just laughed.

“Lizzy,” said her aunt, “we do not tease you.” Mrs. Gardiner grew mischievous. “Or maybe just a little. You must own that this is all more than a little mysterious. What I saw of Mr. Darcy suggests his feelings are not of recent origin. As you have not seen him since the spring, that suggests he developed that regard when he was in your company.”

“I cannot speak for Mr. Darcy, Aunt,” insisted Elizabeth. “Until he declares himself, it is all speculation.”

From the way her relations looked at her, Elizabeth was certain they still suspected she had not told them all. They were correct, of course—she had several good reasons for her silence. The scene at Hunsford was a matter she did not wish to reveal unless necessity required it, and as matters between her and Mr. Darcy were far from settled, she did not think she could, in good conscience, add to their suspicions. The future would prove or disprove them.

“Very well, Lizzy,” said Aunt Gardiner. “We shall not press you further. The other matter to consider is how Miss Bingley will behave. As I recall, Mr. Darcy mentioned the Bingleys were to be guests at his estate.”

Elizabeth acknowledged this. “Unless I am mistaken, you are acquainted with Miss Bingley.”

“If you can call it that,” replied her aunt. “Jane introduced me on that one occasion when Miss Bingley returned her call, but it was clear she had little interest in knowing me.”

“Then you already know something of how she will behave.”

Elizabeth sighed and looked out the window, catching sight of a passing cart amid the bustle of the thriving town. The bright August sun hung overhead, with only a few clouds to mar the endless azure.

“Everything I once said of Mr. Darcy’s behavior might be said with far greater justice of Miss Bingley,” said Elizabeth at last. “She is proud, insolent, and treats anyone she does not need to impress as beneath her. No, I do not expect her to behave at all well.”

Mrs. Gardiner nodded. “That is what I might have suspected. Tell me, Lizzy, does Miss Bingley also have other . . . expectations where Mr. Darcy is concerned?”

Surprised, Elizabeth turned to her aunt. “I do not think I have ever spoken on that subject.”

“It was not difficult to deduce, Lizzy,” said Uncle Gardiner, his tone mildly chiding. He ticked the points on his fingers as he spoke. “Miss Bingley is proud, wishes to rise in society, her brother is Mr. Darcy’s close friend, and he possesses a grand estate and is connected to some of the highest families in the country. All that remains is for you to confirm our suspicions.”

She should have known, Elizabeth reflected. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were among the most observant people of her acquaintance, possessing the ability to discern what was left unsaid.

“No one has ever confirmed it to me,” said Elizabeth, “but what I observed of her in Hertfordshire tells me that you are correct. Miss Bingley struck me as a woman eager to rise in society, and what better match could she imagine than her brother’s close friend?”

“Who, indeed?” murmured Mr. Gardiner.

“Then you understand the reason for my concern,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “The men will turn their attention to sport, which will allow them to become better acquainted, but you and I must endure Miss Bingley at Pemberley.”

“And Mrs. Hurst,” said Elizabeth.

“Ah, yes, the elder sister,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “Tell me, is she as objectionable as her sister?”

“No, she is not,” said Elizabeth, “but that is only because she speaks little. Mrs. Hurst is in the habit of allowing her sister to lead their intrigues, but she does not stint in agreeing with everything Miss Bingley says.”

Mrs. Gardiner offered a slow nod. “Then we must deal with one lady who shows every bit of insolence she possesses, and one who will content herself with quiet support. That is better than dealing with two viragos, I suppose.”