“No, not yet. But I have even better news. Bingley is returning to Netherfield for the winter, and he has asked us to visit him there at our earliest convenience.” His smile widened as her face brightened.
“Truly? Oh, Fitz, that is just what we need!” She stood and threw her arms around his neck. “May we go?”
“Of course, if you want to.”
She cocked her head to the side. “And you do not want to go?” she asked.
He was fairly falling over himself at the prospect of seeing Elizabeth again. But it would not do to say too much, or indeed even to hope too much. She had left swiftly, after all. It was not impossible that she did not wish to see him. Certainly, it was far from certain that she might share his regard.
Darcy tried to hide his conflicting emotions. “Of course I do. I shall write back to him and let him know we shall accept his invitation to Netherfield Park.”
“Oh, how wonderful! I ought to start packing, but I believe I must play something first.”
Darcy laughed. “We cannot leave as quickly as all that, Georgiana! Certainly you have time to play.” And before he had even left the room, Georgiana had begun to play a more joyful piece than he had heard in some time.
Though Darcy had counselled his sister to be patient, he could not claim to feel it himself. He felt like bounding up the stairs and leaving immediately after the carriage could be called and his luggage packed. The journey was a long one, and must not be taken precipitously, but he could not convince his heart of that.
∞∞∞
Though they were as few as possible, the days until Darcy and Georgiana arrived at Netherfield seemed long. Bingley greeted them with customary cheerfulness. “How good it is to see you both again! You must be very tired after so many hours in the carriage.”
Darcy was nothing of the kind. The thought that he would soon see Elizabeth had made his heart swell with excitement and anticipation as they came to Meryton.
Thankfully, Georgiana answered, as that was hardly a fitting reply. “Yes, I am rather tired, Mr Bingley, but so very pleased to be here! Thank you for inviting us.”
“On the contrary, thank you for coming!” Bingley replied earnestly. “You and your brother are always very welcome in my home, Miss Darcy.”
To Darcy’s satisfaction, Georgiana evinced no signs of returning shyness on being a guest in his friend’s house. Perhaps Bingley was now classified among those she considered true friends — a pleasant thought. “Netherfield is a lovely house,” she was even then saying. “And the countryside is so charming.”
“It is, is it not? I have every confidence that you will like it here as much as I do. The society is less formal than here in London, which I find very refreshing.”
As, despite brave words to the contrary, the ladies were very tired, Bingley dispatched a maid to show Georgiana and Mrs Annesley to their rooms. Upon being offered the choice of his own room or a drink in Bingley’s study, Darcy chose the latter.
“How are things in Meryton?” he asked, leaning back into the comfort of an overstuffed chair.
Bingley took a sip of his wine, then plunged into what he had heard so far. “I arrived two days ago, and the news is much the same as when we left. Mrs Bennet and her daughters still do not go out into society or make morning calls. But since we have already been introduced to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, we will be able to go around and see her, and renew our acquaintance.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Darcy remarked. Though he did not intend to convey how very glad he was, the broadening of Bingley’s smile suggested he had not escaped his friend’s perception.
But being an understanding, forbearing sort of man, and not one to force a confidence, Bingley only said, “Yes, indeed. Very pleasant news.”
What his smile might say was another matter entirely. But Darcy was not so ungenerous as to quarrel with any man over his smile. Hurriedly, he changed the subject. “How are your sisters and Mr Hurst?”
Bingley gave a wry smile. “Mr and Mrs Hurst are much as they always are. I believe they are staying with one of my aunts at the moment, along with Caroline. They have been attending parties left and right as the Season begins. I assume they will be too busy even to notice that I am gone.”
“On the contrary,” Darcy told his friend. “The absence of a truly good-natured friend must always have a substantial effect on a party — particularly when those remaining are of less amiable temperaments.”
Bingley acknowledged this with a nod before going on. “Caroline has received several calls from a gentleman in parliament, Lord Greystoke. Perhaps you have heard of him?”
“No, I have not had the pleasure.” Darcy exchanged a smile with his friend, for the news that Caroline Bingley seemed to be transferring her ambitions to another gentleman was a pleasure indeed.
“Well, it is good to be back in Hertfordshire. I like the neighbourhood very well.” Bingley raised his glass as if to toast, and Darcy followed suit.
“How are things at Pemberley?” Bingley asked, lounging back in his plush chair.
“Far too quiet,” Darcy admitted truthfully. “Your invitation could not have come at a better time, really. I thank you for saving us from the tedium.”
Bingley frowned. “I have never heard you speak of Pemberley that way. You were always so eager to be there, when you were away.” He gave a mischievous smile. “Could it be that love has made you restless, old friend?”
