He had spent much of the previous days thinking on what Fitzwilliam had said to him, wondering if he could engineer a reunion with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, such that he might recommend himself to her with more success than he had before. Approaching a woman who had previously rejected him was not exactly proper, but Darcy thought there was a reason to be optimistic, for surely they could resolve the misunderstandings and Wickham’s poison that lay between them. Try as he might, however, he could think of no way to put himself in her company again before the autumn. Resigned, Darcy prepared for a return to Pemberley, determined to return to Netherfield with Bingley, when the man himself appeared inDarcy’s study.
“Bingley!” exclaimed Darcy as his friend entered the room unannounced and unexpected. “It is a surprise to see you, my friend, for I had understood you were gone to the north.”
Bingley shook his head and said: “My plans have changed.”
It was far curter than was his friend’s custom, and all at once Darcy noted Bingley’s agitation, his suspicious glare, such that Darcy did not think he had ever seen from his friend. Good manners dictated that he offer his friend a chair, which Bingley accepted, though with evident distraction. When Bingley did not speak again at once, Darcy, unwilling to allow the silence to linger, asked after the meaning of his words.
“I suppose this change of heart should not surprise me,” said Darcy, opting for a bit of humor, “for I know you often change your mind on the whim of a moment.”
Even the old jest did nothing to alter his friend’s demeanor, for he regarded Darcy through narrowed eyes, his reticence becoming unnerving. In time, Bingley spoke.
“Darcy, there is something I must ask you—I must insist on your honesty.”
“Am I not always honest with you?” asked Darcy, again surprised.
“I always thought so, but now I wonder.” Bingley regarded him for another long moment and then asked his question. “I discovered that Miss Jane Bennet was in London this winter and yet I was told nothing of it. Miss Bennet visited Caroline and Louisa, and instead of bringing it to my attention as they ought, they concealed it and acted to sever the acquaintance. My question to you is this: were you aware of Miss Bennet’s visit? Or were you perhaps there yourself?”
Though he strove to give no overt response, the urge to wince at his friend’s question was nigh overpowering. How Bingley learned of it, Darcy could not say, nor was it at all convenient tohave his friend barge into his study and accost him as he had. Darcy had considered how he might make this communication to his friend, having conceived of the notion that it may be best to offer his apology once he had returned to Netherfield. Now, however, it appeared there was little choice in the matter, for even had Bingley not required his honesty, Darcy would not tell him an untruth.
“I was aware of it, Bingley,” replied Darcy.
The crease in Bingley’s forehead deepened. “I see. Then I suppose you aligned yourself with Caroline in this? You do not approve of me following my heart?”
“If you recall,” replied Darcy calmly, “I recently advised you to return to Netherfield.”
Bingley’s gaze was no less than demanding. “Please explain.”
Feeling like a green recruit being dressed down by a commanding officer, Darcy obliged. “When we all returned from Hertfordshire and your sisters persuaded you against returning if you recall, I only said that I did not think her feelings were the equal of yours.”
“Yes, I recall you saying that.” Bingley’s voice was brimming with impatience. “Do you now attempt to say that you did not agree with their assessment of Miss Bennet’s qualifications?”
“Her qualifications were never in question, Bingley. Miss Bennetisthe daughter of a gentleman, whatever your sisters may think about the gentleman in question. Their contention, if you recall, concentrated on her lack of standing in society and the detriment marrying her would be to your own, for her family possesses nothing of prominence, and she possesses little of dowry.”
Bingley considered this for a moment then nodded. “Yes, Idorecall that. At the time, I thought you agreed with them.”
“Let us say that I did notdisagreewith them,” said Darcy. “But I only spoke of her level of returning esteem for you, forthat was the salient point.”
Darcy paused uncertain how much to say, then decided his friend deserved to know all.
“That advice, I now fear, was in error.”
“You do?” asked Bingley, his tone faintly challenging.
Darcy sighed and extended his hand. “I offer my apologies, Bingley, for I did not intend to keep this from you forever. Considering your decision to return to the north for the summer, I thought it was best to remain silent for the moment, which is part of the reason for my reference to Netherfield.”
Appearing distracted, Bingley considered Darcy’s comment for a moment then nodded. “Yes, I suppose I can understand your decision. What I cannot account for is your silence about Miss Bennet’s presence in London.”
“I was only made aware of it after the fact by your sister,” said Darcy. “She did not inform me until after Miss Bennet visited and she had returned it.”
“Caroline waited until three weeks after,” spat Bingley, his dander suddenly raised. “I suppose she meant to convey the depth of her contempt and ensure Miss Bennet did not presume to approach her again.”
“That was... not well done,” said Darcy. “I beg your pardon, Bingley, for had I known of her intentions, I would not have counseled your sister to be so... dismissive of Miss Bennet.”
Bingley considered him again, then returned to a previous point. “You said you had reason to believe your initial judgment was in error.”
Darcy sighed, not wishing to bring up this point. It appeared, however, that he had little choice, for Bingley was not in a mood to be gainsaid. Before he could open his mouth, however, Bingley filled the silence, astonishing Darcy in the process.
“I suppose your change of heart must have something to do with Miss Elizabeth.”
