Page 49 of To Win Her Affections

A bark of laughter was Bingley’s response. “If that was not an accurate portrayal of my sister’s character, I might take offense, Darcy. Caroline might see it as a way to pull you away from Miss Elizabeth, and she might speak of the matter out of spite alone.”

“Then you see the problem,” said Darcy. “If you see your family north, by the time Miss Bingley makes her way south the matter will be resolved, though I do not know how just yet.”

“Very well, I shall follow your excellent advice.” Bingley paused and gave him a grin that Darcy had seen many times from his friend. “After I leave Caroline in Scarborough, I shall make for Netherfield at once. If you have not returned by then, I can visit the Bennets and lend my support. It will be quieter than yours, but I cannot think it will be unwelcome.”

“Trust me, my friend,” said Darcy, showing a grin, “when Mrs. Bennet sees you riding down the drive, she will accept your gesture in the spirit it was offered.”

Bingley did not hesitate to release his mirth. “Mrs. Bennet’s approbation is one thing, but if Miss Bennet welcomes me, I shall consider myself most fortunate.”

At once, Bingley grew serious again. “As you know, we are to leave tomorrow. Would you prefer we left today?”

Darcy considered this longer than was proper. Leaving a day earlier would allow Bingley to return to the south more quickly, and it would ease the burden on Georgiana that his departure would inevitably create. Yet Darcy’s innate sense of politeness would not allow him to request it, even if he thought it was for the best.

“That is unnecessary, Bingley,” said Darcy, trying to keep the reluctance from his voice. “You have already cut your visit short. If you feel you should take your family north today, I shall not gainsay you, but I do not require it. Georgiana can see to your family’s comfort for the day you will remain.”

“You are an excellent friend, Darcy,” said Bingley, grasping his hand. “Few would have tolerated Caroline all these years without complaint.”

“Not at all, Bingley. When your sister becomes too much to endure, I take the simple expedient of absenting myself from her company.”

Bingley offered a rueful chuckle. “If it were that easy for me, I should be well pleased, indeed.”

As it was nearing the time for Darcy’s departure, he invited his friend to accompany him below stairs, talking as they walked. Bingley was not lacking words, but then again, he had never suffered from that affliction. As Darcy might have expected, Bingley all but ignored the reality of Darcy’s imminent departure and instead focused on what he would find in Hertfordshire, the assistance he could offer, and the pleasure he expected from being in Miss Bennet’s company again. Darcy allowed him to talk, knowing his friend deserved all the patience Darcy could offer him.

“The carriage is prepared, Mr. Darcy,” said the butler the moment he stepped into the foyer.

“And cook has provided a basket,” added Mrs. Reynolds, as she regarded him with hope-filled eyes. “Please give my regards to the young lady.”

“Thank you,” said Darcy, appreciating his staff’s efficiency as always. “Where is Georgiana? I must speak with her before I depart.”

“Miss Darcy is with Mrs. Annesley in her chambers,” replied Mrs. Reynolds. “I shall have her summoned at once.”

Before Mrs. Reynolds could step away, another voice interrupted them.

“Mr. Darcy,” came the smooth tones of Miss Bingley.

She stepped from the hallway leading to the sitting-room, wearing an expression that suggested she had heard something of Darcy’s departure and harbored certain suspicions about the reason for it. He could not remember if Miss Bennet had mentioned her sister’s presence in Brighton for the summer. Even if she had, it was quite a leap to guess the truth. Whether Miss Bingley harbored certain suspicions was immaterial—she would be in no position to confirm it regardless.

“It is most curious, sir, that you are to depart when you still have guests at Pemberley. I wonder how you can account for it.”

“Darcy does not need to account for his actions to you, of all people, Caroline,” said Bingley, his tone warning her against further commentary.

As he might have expected, Miss Bingley ignored her brother altogether. Behind Darcy, Hurst and his wife descended from the upper floor, their faces suggesting they expected some measure of unpleasantness, though he doubted they knew about his immediate departure. Hurst, Darcy noted, was scowling at Miss Bingley, his bored expression replaced by cold fury, while his wife only appeared fearful.

“Perhaps a gentleman does not need to account for his movements, Charles,” said Miss Bingley, never removing her eyes from Darcy, “but a man who has invited acquaintances to stay at his estate should at least provide some explanation when he designs to quit it.” Miss Bingley’s tone turned mocking. “Or has Pemberley’s hospitality suffered of late?”

All that surprised Darcy was her audacity—it seemed her anger had overwhelmed her sense, which led her to speak when she would have done better to remain silent. Darcy cared nothing for her opinion, and that was what led him to end the discussion.

“You have my apology, Miss Bingley, but you are correct—a matter of some urgency calls me to the south. I must depart without delay. In my absence, Georgiana will see to the last day of your stay here.”

Though Darcy intended to depart at once, Miss Bingley snorted most indelicately. “Do not suppose that I do not understand. This sudden need to depart has something to do with Miss Eliza Bennet. Has she exposed herself to ridicule, such that you must take her away from Lambton at once?”

“Caroline!” barked Bingley.

“Not at all,” said Darcy, contempt forcing its way into his response. “As Bingley said, I do not need to explain myself to you of all people.”

“Mr. Darcy,” said she, her tone now conciliatory, “I must once more advise you to release this unseemly fascination with Miss Eliza Bennet. If you persist, the family will ruin you forever. There is no member of the family who is worthy of even basic notice. Please, sir, whatever else you do, do not let them pull you down!”

“Be silent, Caroline,” said Bingley, radiating disgust. “No one wishes to hear your lectures.”