Page 38

“No, sir. It is the matter we discussed when you arrived in London,” Bingley assured him, noticing his pale face.

In his haste to explain, Bingley forgot his request for privacy. “No, sir…what do you suppose I mean? I only wish to bring forward…to hasten our marriage…”

At last, Mr Bennet looked at him warmly and exchanged a brief glance with Elizabeth.

“I see. Does Jane know what you wish to discuss?”

Bingley blushed and nodded. “Yes, she does. But with what has happened to Miss Lydia…As I said, there is no urgency. We can speak whenever you wish.”

Mr Bennet set the letter aside. “Mr Bingley, are you certain you wish to speak of this now? Perhaps we ought to wait.”

“Sir…if you will permit me, why should we wait?” Bingley looked bewildered, almost frightened.

“Mr Bingley, I speak as a friend. Whatever happens, a scandal will affect our family. Perhaps we should wait until the rumours have diminished…or, we may hope, been forgotten. In a few months, people may have found something else to talk about, particularly if Lydia marries Wickham. But that still depends upon his demands and the extent of his debts. It might be wiser to postpone your plans…”

Bingley turned pale and could scarcely answer. “A few months? But…I mean—Miss Lydia is to be married next week. Darcy has already settled everything and taken Wickham to obtain a special licence. He…” He stopped suddenly, struggling to catch his breath and find the right words.

“Forgive me. I ought not to have said anything about that. Darcy asked me to keep it secret,” he muttered, looking about for his glass. He emptied it in two quick gulps, avoiding everyone’s eyes.

The others looked at one another in disbelief. Bingley had just told them that Darcy had made all the arrangements himself. What could it mean?

Mr Bennet opened the letter, read it quickly and shook his head before reading it aloud.

“Here is what Mr Darcy has written.”

Mr Bennet,

I have spoken to Wickham again, and he is now willing to marry Miss Lydia, if she still wishes it. He asks only for the terms we discussed yesterday concerning her share of the money settled upon your wife and children. He intends to obtain a special licence so they may marry within a week, with your approval. Some acquaintances may also be able to obtain a new commission for him in the North. He will gladly give you further particulars if you agree to receive him.

Yours sincerely,

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Bingley kept his eyes on the carpet while the others, still astonished, scarcely knew what to say.

Lydia’s exclamation from the doorway interrupted them.

“Oh, Papa, is it true? Shall I be married in a week? Thank heaven! How happy I am! I must write to Mama—she will be delighted! Lizzy, you must help me choose a gown! And a bonnet! Oh, I shall die of happiness!”

“Lydia, please be quiet!” Elizabeth tried to silence her as Mr Bennet folded the letter and turned to Bingley.

“Sir, if you wish to speak to me, we may as well do so now.”

He rose with some difficulty and went into the library, with Bingley following.

Elizabeth sank into an armchair, looking helplessly at her aunt.

Mr Bennet and Mr Bingley remained in the library for an hour while Lydia continued to make plans for her wedding and married life. When they finished talking, Bingley returned alone. He still looked troubled, but his satisfied smile suggested that they had reached an agreement.

“I must leave now. As I told Mr Bennet, I shall return to Netherfield. There is little more for me to do here, now that everything is settled.”

“Oh—I see. Yes, I believe that is a wise decision,” Elizabeth replied.

“Is there anything you would like me to say to your sisters or mother?”

“No, thank you—only that I miss them and hope to return home soon,” she answered with a smile.

Our mother will be so occupied with the news from London that she will scarcely listen to anything else, Elizabeth thought with vexation, looking about the room, where only Lydia smiled.