Bingley whistled, eyeing Darcy with astonishment. “Though I know of your determination, I had not thought you would gothat farin dealing with your aunt.”
“It would be no loss on my side,” said Darcy, shaking his head with exasperation. “Most of my family have dreamed of cutting ties with Lady Catherine. She has the most peculiar talent of infuriating everyone around her, and most especially those who know her the best.”
“Miss de Bourgh’s activities have proventhatwith no hint of doubt!” chortled Bingley.
“Just so,” replied Darcy.
“Then you should speak to her before you depart,” said Bingley. “It would be best to couch it in terms that make your meaning clear but avoid offending your aunt.”
“Actually,” replied Darcy, shaking his head, “I suspect the direct approach would yield better results. Lady Catherine, in case you have not noticed, is not a woman made for subtlety. She is a woman who appreciates directness.”
“I suppose you must be correct!”
For some time after they sat in companionable silence, both caught up in the consideration of their situations. What form Bingley’s contemplations took Darcy could not say, thoughhe suspected a certain blonde beauty played a large role. For Darcy’s part, he alternated between reminiscences of his interaction with Miss Elizabeth that evening, and considering what he might say to Lady Catherine, and what might prove most effective in curbing her natural ability to offend.
“When shall you depart for Pemberley?” asked Bingley.
“That is conditional on the exact timing of Miss Elizabeth’s departure,” replied Darcy. “She said her relations delayed the tour for two weeks. I believe I will return to Pemberley before Miss Elizabeth departs, as that will give me enough time to prepare for her arrival.”
“I am certain your staff is more than capable, Darcy.”
“Yes, they are,” said Darcy, not rising to his friend’s jest. “As Lady Catherine is to go, it is desirable to settle there before our guests arrive, and Anne will no doubt appreciate the ability to rest as well.”
Darcy turned to regard his friend. “What of you? If you wish, I will be happy to invite you to join us. The Bennets’ relations would no doubt include Miss Bennet in their amusement if they asked. Perhaps you may also conduct your wooing without interference.”
“I thank you for considering me, Darcy,” replied Bingley firmly, “but I do not think I need any more time for wooing. If I have my way, I shall be engaged before you depart.”
“I offer my congratulations, my friend,” said Darcy warmly. “I know you will be happy.”
“That I will,” agreed Bingley with a grin. “And more so, as I suspect Caroline has finally given in to the inevitable.”
“Oh?” asked Darcy, interested to hear it. “Has she said something to you on the subject?”
“Not yet,” replied Bingley. “I watched her while the Bennets were here and after when we were speaking of your intention to invite them to Pemberley. She may yet prove intractable, but herdemeanor suggested that she has realized all her schemes have come to naught.”
“I hope, for her sake, that you are correct, Bingley.”
“As do I.”
“Well,” said Darcy, rising to his feet, “as pleasant as this has been, I believe I shall retire. Tomorrow is another day, and I would not remain in this attitude for so long that I am not alert in the morning.”
“An excellent suggestion, my friend,” said Bingley, draining his glass and standing with Darcy. “The sooner I retire to my room, the sooner I shall dream of Miss Bennet.”
“We are two fools in love, are we not?” asked Darcy as they exited the room.
“Mayhap we are,” replied Bingley. “Yet it would astonish me to learn you wished to be in any other place.”
“No, you are correct, Bingley. For the moment, I am more than content.”
Chapter XXXI
Excited, Elizabeth watched the scene, an incandescent happiness spreading through her very being. Jane, who stood with Mr. Bingley on the other side of the room, fairly radiated her joy and contentment, while the gentleman looked at her with adoration. There was, in Mr. Bingley’s eyes, a hint of tension, and perhaps even shock, but that was rapidly fading before the utter satisfaction of his current situation.
“This young rapscallion invaded my library only five minutes ago,” Mr. Bennet had announced the previous day, as he looked upon them with the amusement with which he often saw the world. “After a great deal of persuasion, for I could not part with my most angelic daughter to anyone unworthy, I considered his suit and gave my reluctant approval.
“Mrs. Bennet,” said he, turning to his wife, considering her through mischief-filled eyes, “I believe you may begin planning a wedding for your eldest.”
The extent of Mrs. Bennet’s reaction on the occasion shall be left to the readers’ imaginations, for it would not do to make the woman appear foolish. Having expected this, Mr. Bennet regarded her for several long moments before he interjected yet again.
