Page 27 of To Win Her Affections

“Yes, that would have been for the best,” said Georgiana, understanding his meaning at once. “Elizabeth is only to stay for a few days—what do you mean to do when the Bingleys leave?”

“Bingley has offered me the use of his estate in Hertfordshire,” said Darcy. “Perhaps I will accept his generosity.”

“Oh, that would be excellent, Brother,” said Georgiana. “Elizabeth has told me something of her sisters—I should appreciate the chance to meet such agreeable young ladies.”

“Then I shall tell Bingley of my acceptance,” said Darcy. “Once the Bingleys are bound for the north, we shall depart for the south.”

LATER THAT DAY, NOT long before the Gardiners were to arrive, Darcy learned the results of Bingley’s discussion with his sisters. It fell out more or less as Darcy had expected, though he did not say that to his friend.

“Caroline insists she acted in my best interest,” said Bingley, more than a trace of disgust making its way into his voice.

“Of course she would, Bingley,” said Hurst.

Hurst sat with them in Darcy’s study, and for once he was not nursing a glass of brandy. Unless Darcy misjudged him altogether, Hurst was watching the proceedings with amusement, but he was also concerned about Miss Bingley’s behavior. Darcy thought he understood—while he considered Hurst an acquaintance, Hurst’s feelings for him were warmer. The connection to Pemberley was valuable, Darcy knew, but he did not think that accounted for the bulk of Hurst’s thinking. Though Darcy had little in common with him, he knew Hurst was a decent sort of fellow, one who did not appreciate poor behavior.

The grunt with which Bingley responded was an eloquent summation of his feelings. “I expected nothing different myself. Caroline now knows my sentiments, but if I thought that would be the end of it, I would be gullible indeed.”

“At least you understand that now, Bingley,” rumbled Hurst. “I do not mean to offend, but Caroline has led you about by the nose a little too easily.”

“Those days are at an end,” growled Bingley. “I have made it clear that I expect her to refrain from interfering in my affairs. Next season, Caroline must go to town with a clear intent to find a husband.”

“That is not likely,” snorted Hurst. “Not so long as Darcy here remains unmarried.”

Bingley darted a look at Darcy, and Hurst did not miss it. Though Darcy might have expected him to comment, he remained silent, though his look grew speculative. There was little enough reason to speak on the subject.

“Dare I suppose you spoke to Caroline about her behavior tonight?” asked Hurst of Bingley.

“I have,” confirmed his friend. “Whether it will have any effect on her I cannot say, but she understands what I expect of her.”

“She is all but ungovernable, particularly when it pertains to Darcy.”

“And yet, I have no interest,” replied Darcy. “If she grows many degrees worse, I shall end all her pretense on the subject.”

Hurst nodded. “That may be for the best. If she hears it from you, she cannot claim that she knew nothing of your indifference.”

Darcy gave him a curt acknowledgment. “It is hardly a conversation one seeks, so I shall refrain for the moment. If she forces my hand, however, I shall not hesitate.”

“Then go to it, Darcy,” said Hurst. “If nothing else, the sight of Caroline’s pretensions ending will provide us all with amusement.”

As it was better not to reply, Darcy kept his own counsel. In a short time, Miss Elizabeth would arrive with her relations, and the thought supplied him with a few pleasant moments of reverie before they left the study.

Chapter VII

Hostility seethed in the sitting-room, and Elizabeth noticed it the moment she walked through the door. It would have taken someone of very little perception not to notice it, and Elizabeth was nothing if not observant.

“Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet,” said Mr. Bingley the moment she stepped into the room on Mr. Darcy’s arm. “How pleased I am to again be in your company, though I would not presume to usurp my friend’s position as your host.”

Mr. Darcy, who had warned her of the discord in his house, grinned at his close friend. “Not at all, Bingley. I am pleased to have Miss Bennet here myself.”

A loud sniff of disdain came from behind Mr. Bingley, but both men ignored it, and Elizabeth found she had little trouble doing the same. They exchanged civilities for a few moments. Those offered by Mr. Bingley and, Elizabeth noted with some surprise, Mr. Hurst were far more genuine than the shallow curtseys and inaudible comments from the ladies. Elizabeth determined to say nothing to Miss Bingley, instead confining her attention to Mr. and Miss Darcy, and Mr. Bingley.

A few minutes passed in which Elizabeth comprehended that Mr. Bingley, though he gave the appearance of his usual joviality, was in fact rather angry. It was unusual, to say the least—Elizabeth did not think she had ever seen the gentleman say so much as a cross word to anyone, even at Netherfield when she had thought his sister provoked him. This Mr. Bingley, however, snapped at his sister when she said something objectionable, appearing disinclined to allow her to vent her usual spleen. Elizabeth was uncertain what to make of him.

“Miss Bennet,” said he after she had been there only a few moments, “I wondered if I might have a moment of your time for a private conversation.”

Elizabeth could not restrain her wit. “Oh? That is curious, Mr. Bingley, for though I have seen you in private conversation many times, it has never been with me.”

A wide grin adorned his features without hesitation—he appeared pleased by her comment. “Perhaps not, but there are a few items I should like to discuss with you, matters I should like to clarify.”