Page 51 of To Win Her Affections

“If she finds a husband,” said Darcy, directing a sly look at his friend, “she will no longer be your responsibility.”

“Happy thought, indeed,” said Bingley, drawing laughter from all three men.

Mrs. Hurst curtseyed and departed up the stairs, leaving Darcy with the two men. Hurst regarded him speculatively, while Bingley continued to mutter epithets Darcy was certain were directed at his sister.

“I shall not comment on your departure, Darcy,” said Hurst. “It is not my business to do so. Regarding Caroline, I shall only say that her days of doing as she wishes are at an end. Her behavior toward Miss Bennet has turned our Bingley into a tiger.”

“Whether I have grown fangs I cannot say,” retorted Bingley with a grin, “but you are correct, Hurst. I am little inclined to allow Caroline to continue acting as she will.”

“That is for the best, Bingley,” said Darcy.

“You need not say it, my friend,” interrupted Bingley. “Caroline’s behavior does me no credit in society—with that I have no argument.”

“Either way,” said Hurst, “since we are to depart at once, I should make my preparations.”

Hurst then eyed Darcy. “I know you consider me more of an acquaintance than friend, Darcy, but I hope you will continue to associate with me. Should we induce some unfortunate fool to take Caroline on, we will not have that millstone between us.”

“I have no objection,” said Darcy, though in truth Hurst did not interest him enough to make frequent association appealing.

“Good,” said he.

When he left, Bingley turned to Darcy, but at Darcy’s warning expression, he swallowed the apology plainly waiting on his tongue, though not without a look of amusement.

“With any luck, Caroline will desist, my friend. How long do you suppose the business in London will take?”

Darcy grimaced. He had not shared his thoughts about how Miss Lydia’s situation might be resolved with anyone yet, and thought it best to speak to Mr. Gardiner before anyone else. Thus, he resolved to speak in general terms.

“It depends how long it takes to locate them. I have a notion already, but I may be wrong. At a minimum, I suspect we will be in London for a week, and potentially much longer.”

Bingley considered this and then nodded. “It will take me three days to travel north, then almost a week to return south. If you find them early, you might wrap the business and find yourself eager to leave London. Feel free to retire to Netherfield if you are at leisure to do so—I shall dispatch a letter to the housekeeper before leaving Pemberley to inform them.”

“Thank you, Bingley,” said Darcy, extending his hand, which Bingley clutched in friendship.

“Not at all, Darcy.” Bingley laughed. “If you think about it, we shall be brothers if we both have success. Not in the way my sister wished, but brothers all the same.”

“That we shall,” said Darcy. “I shall see you in Hertfordshire before the end of the summer.”

“Godspeed, my friend.”

Chapter XIII

Georgiana arrived soon after, which was fortunate for Darcy’s peace of mind. Eager to depart as he was, he paced the entryway, already considering what might be done to remove George Wickham from his life forever. The other question was how much to tell Georgiana. By the time she stepped into the entrance hall, Darcy had resolved to tell her all—or at least as much as it was prudent to relate.

“Brother,” said she when she saw him. At once, she noted his traveling clothes and grim expression. “What has happened?”

“First, the Bingleys are to depart this morning,” said Darcy. “Bingley grew tired of his sister’s behavior and decided it was best to remove her from Pemberley today.”

As Darcy had expected, Georgiana was not displeased to learn of Miss Bingley’s departure. “That is for the best, I should say.” She watched him, filled with curiosity. “It does not explain why you are wearing traveling clothes.”

“No, I shall not accompany the Bingleys north,” replied Darcy. “Instead, my path will take me south, for a matter of urgency has arisen that cannot be delayed.”

Georgiana frowned, not understanding the connection. “What do you mean?”

“Only that Miss Bennet received word of a serious situation this morning,” replied Darcy. “Georgiana, it involves Wickham.”

The name would have pushed Georgiana to tears that spring. Now, however, she only tensed. Darcy had expected her to make the connection at once, and she did not disappoint.

“Might I assume that Mr. Wickham is again plying his trade with young ladies?”