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“Darcy! There you are. Come in!” Bingley waited on the steps. “Your carriage has not yet arrived.”

Good. Darcy would not be required to tell Bingley he had become lost. “I fear I was taken in by the beauty of the countryside and slowed my progress,” he said as he shook his friend’s hand. “Netherfield appears to be a handsome property in good repair.”

“It is. There have been issues with drainage due to the rains, but nothing that was not fixed. Granted, I have little say, as I am only leasing the estate, but Mr. Bennet and the land manager, Mr. Morris, were kind enough to explain things to me so I might learn.”

Darcy felt a pang of regret. “I am sorry I was unable to come,” he apologized. That name again. Memories from long ago teased him, but their faded recollection refused to be called forward in full.

“Think nothing of it. Is Miss Darcy well again?”

“She is, though she remains weak. The doctors are unsure what struck her down. She resides with my aunt Matlock for now.”

They climbed the stairs and entered the house.

“Mr. Darcy!”

He knew those strident tones. Miss Bingley approached, her steps hurried as she neared them. “Oh, what a relief! You have finally arrived. The area is positively provincial, and I long for some refined society.”

“Miss Bingley.” Darcy’s less-than-warm greeting did not irk her a bit. She reached out and latched onto his arm.

“Can you believe my brother has insisted on hosting a ball for these country rustics?” she bemoaned.

“I had not informed him yet, Caro,” Mr. Bingley protested.

The brother and sister bantered back and forth as Miss Bingley fairly dragged Darcy down the hall and up a grand staircase.

“Tea is ready for you when you have refreshed yourself,” Miss Bingley simpered. “Perhaps your presence will keep my brother here instead of at Longbourn.”

Darcy glanced quizzically at Bingley.

“I shall show Darcy the rest of the way to his chambers,” Bingley said firmly. “Go ensure tea is in the drawing room.”

Miss Bingley was poised, ready to argue, but smiled instead. “Very well.” She glided away, hips swaying.

It is too bad for her that her arts and allurements have no draw on me. “Longbourn?” he asked as Bingley began walking down the hallway. That was the estate Miss Elizabeth was from. Was the handsome woman already being courted by Bingley?

“Yes, I am courting the eldest daughter of the house.”

Darcy breathed a sigh of relief. Miss Elizabeth had said the title of Miss Bennet belonged to her elder sister.

“Tell me of her,” he invited.

Bingley began to describe Miss Bennet in great detail. He described her golden hair, her blue eyes, her angelic disposition.

“She is incredibly kind, Darcy,” he said. “Never have I met a woman with whom I felt so…comfortable.”

“Does this creature have a Christian name?” Darcy asked, amused.

“Her name is Jane.”

Darcy paused briefly, brow furrowing as the name registered in his mind.

Could it be? No, it was impossible. It was seven years ago.

“I am eager to meet her,” he replied instead. “Any lady who has won your good opinion must be worth meeting.”

“I planned to ride out tomorrow to see her. After the ball, I mean to ask for an official courtship. Six weeks is more than enough time to know I wish to proceed. And if you approve of her, Caroline will cease haranguing me to cut the connection and return to London.”

“Miss Bingley does not approve?”