AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Very good. Thank you.” Bingley turned and hurried away. He had declined an invitation to the Martins’ ball when he learned of his aunt’s ill health. Hopefully they would not be offended if he attended after all. Hopefully they also would excuse his less-than-formal clothing. He refused to waste time returning to Darcy House for a change of attire.
After another carriage ride, Bingley was standing before the steps of Martin House. The building was ablaze with light, and the hum of conversation was audible even from the street. Although it was a bit late for arrivals, a few people streamed up the front steps in elegant gowns and formal evening wear.
What am I doing here? He was not dressed for such an event, and balls did not tend to lend themselves to frank, intimate conversations such as offers of marriage. Surely the proposal could wait at least a day; he could call upon the Gardiners tomorrow. A man pushed past Bingley in his hurry to climb the stairs. Even from behind, his clothes were obviously in the latest fashion, and he cut a very fine figure. The ball would be filled with dozens of such men, many of whom would notice Jane’s beauty.
He could not allow that to happen. Bingley hurried up the steps, shouldering past the elegantly dressed young man and pushing into the house. He stopped on the threshold of the ballroom, surveying the scene. Couples crowded the dance floor in the center of the room while a crush of people milled about the periphery. How would he ever find Jane?
But Bingley had not traveled this far to be deterred now. Taking advantage of his superior height, he pushed and weaved his way through the throng—for once in his life unconcerned about offending others—turning his head back and forth as he searched for a particular set of golden curls.
Fortunately, it was not long before he spied Jane near the windows overlooking the back garden. Resplendent in a blue silk gown with gold trim, she took Bingley’s breath away. As he had predicted, her hair was dressed in curls, which were woven with matching silk ribbons.
However, when he saw who spoke with Jane, Bingley suppressed an urge to curse. Caroline had not hinted at any plans to attend a ball that evening, but no doubt she had recognized an opportunity to plant more rumors. Bingley’s hands balled into fists at the thought.
He weaved through the crowd toward Jane and Caroline, huddled with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Caroline had a false smile fixed on her face, but the others seemed somewhat dismayed by the conversation. What was his sister saying?
Finally, he was close enough. “Miss Bennet. Mr. Gardiner. Mrs. Gardiner. Caroline,” he called out as he crossed the remaining distance in a few long strides. Caroline seethed upon glimpsing him while the others evinced wary surprise.
Jane’s smile was far more tentative than he had hoped for. “Mr. Bingley, I understood you had not yet returned to town.”
He glared at Caroline. “Indeed? I returned this afternoon with my sister.”
She smirked. “It must have slipped my mind.”
Deliberately turning away from Caroline, he took Jane’s gloved hand and pressed a kiss to the back. “I am pleased to be back. I missed London very much.”
She colored becomingly but did not demonstrate exceptional pleasure at his presence.
It was urgent that he speak with her privately. “Might I claim you for the next dance?”
“Y-Yes, certainly,” she stammered.
“Very good!” Bingley’s entire body relaxed. Surely all would be right with the world if he could simply speak with Jane.
Caroline regarded him sourly. “Do not forget our conversation in the carriage, Charles. You would not want make any impetuous decisions.”
As he gave his sister a level stare, warmth rushed through Bingley’s body. Ah, there is my anger. Not lost, simply misplaced.
“I assure you that my every action tonight will be very carefully considered,” he replied. Making Jane an offer was not impetuous; in fact, it was long overdue.
The Gardiners’ eyes darted from him to Caroline, aware that his words held a hidden meaning. Unfortunately, he was unable to enlighten them.
Jane was glancing about at the other attendees, drawing Bingley’s attention to the many sets of eyes that regarded them with undisguised curiosity. Several women whispered behind their fans while a number of gentlemen offered Bingley sympathetic looks.
Drat! They really did believe Caroline’s gossip. Despite his evident enthusiasm for Jane’s company, they persisted in the notion that she had some hold over him. Anger seething through his veins, Bingley wanted to shout the truth at them: “I am in love with this woman and cannot wait to make her my wife.”
However, he was angry with Caroline, not these bystanders; they did not deserve the brunt of his anger. He wished he could convince them that his affection for Jane was genuine, but it seemed a hopeless task.
***
Jane had nearly declined the opportunity to attend the Martins’ ball. After a fortnight of no word from Mr. Bingley, she had wanted to remain at Gracechurch Street and pack her trunk for the journey to Hertfordshire. Her attendance was a favor to Aunt Gardiner, who was convinced that dancing would improve her spirits.
Although she had been much in demand as a dance partner, Jane had struggled to display the kind of gaiety and liveliness expected at a ball. Then her encounter with Miss Bingley—who had taken great pains to explain how their aunt considered Jane to be an inappropriate match— had convinced her that she had made a terrible mistake.
Her first glimpse of Mr. Bingley had nearly caused her to swoon with surprise. She had barely uttered three words to him and could not even muster a smile of welcome. What does his presence mean? Why is he here? Does he still care for me?
Her heart pounded as Mr. Bingley took her hand and led her into position for the next dance. She should speak, but words had deserted her. The questions she needed to ask could not be spoken in public. “Did you return to town today?” she finally asked, and immediately chastised herself for asking a question he had already answered.
“Yes.” He paused and then added, “I first visited the Gardiners’ house and discovered you were here.”
