Page 85 of The Secret Diary of Anne de Bourgh

Miss Bingley joined us between dances. She reminded him of a lady who had particularly wished to hear his opinion of something, and offered to take him to her.

He went readily enough, but first asked whether I would keep the next dance for him. I agreed, and saw Miss Bingley’s expression alter before she turned away. It was only a little change. I should probably not have noticed it a fortnight ago. Now I wished that he had asked me before she came over, or after she had gone.

By the time Jane began to speak of leaving, I was very ready to accompany her. Mr Byerly, however, seemed quite sorry that the evening was drawing to a close, and wished to know whether we expected to attend another gathering later in the week.

I had enjoyed dancing with him, but could not help hoping for an evening at home before I did so again.

I had been thinking about all this when Richard came into the drawing-room late this morning, and immediately ceased to think of any of it.

He looked tired still, though he smiled when he saw me.

“Well, Anne? Has London quite spoiled you for the country?”

“Not in the least,” I said. “I think I shall be glad to sit down quietly for a little while.”

“Then we are of one mind.”

He took the chair beside mine, and I was so pleased to have him there that for several minutes I asked him questions without allowing him time to answer properly.

There was not much that he wished to say about Matlock. His father had refused to alter the arrangements concerning Lady Catherine, and James had taken this very ill.

“He considers that we have interfered where we have no business to interfere.” Richard rubbed a hand over his face. “My brother finds it difficult to accept a decision in which he has had no part.”

I could well believe that. I did not ask any more about James, but allowed myself to feel relieved that my uncle and Richard have the situation well in hand and Lady Catherine will remain where they have put her.

Mr Byerly called before luncheon. I was pleased to see him, and asked whether he had enjoyed the remainder of the evening after we left. He had, though he said that he had missed our company.

I told Richard about our visit to see the prints, including Georgiana’s objection to the lady’s shawl. Mr Byerly laughed at the recollection and said that we had spoiled the picture for him entirely.

Richard looked from him to me with a little smile.

“I am glad you are finding so much to enjoy, Anne,” he said.

I was glad too. I only wished he understood which part of this morning had pleased me most.

21 October

Richard and Mr Byerly are to visit Rosings.

It was Darcy’s suggestion. Mr Byerly had been speaking of an estate which somebody had recommended to him, and asking what he ought to discover about it before troubling to make the journey.

Darcy asked several questions, most of which Mr Byerly could not yet answer. I was reminded of their first conversation about land at Pemberley, although Mr Byerly certainly knew more of the subject today.

“You ought to see Rosings,” Darcy said at last. “There is much there which would interest you.”

Mr Byerly glanced at me. “I should be very glad to see it, if Miss de Bourgh would have no objection.”

I had not expected to be asked, and could think of no reason to refuse. “Of course not,” I said. “Though there are very few people in the house now.”

“Enough to make us comfortable,” Richard assured me. “I can go with you, Byerly, if you wish.”

I looked at him in surprise. He had only just reached London, and I did not wish him to go away again so soon. Besides, he knew how little I desired to return to Rosings myself. It seemed odd that he should be so ready to recommend it to somebody else.

But Mr Byerly was asking about the estate, and Darcy was explaining something concerning its situation which might require Richard’s attention. I had no opportunity to speak to him alone.

Elizabeth did ask whether another journey would be too much for him.

Richard said that they need not hurry, and Mr Byerly at once agreed that they should stop for the night on the way. An express will be sent ahead to have rooms prepared. They mean to set out tomorrow and make a stay of a few days while Richard attends to some matters of business there; Byerly said he should be glad to be of assistance, if he could.