Darcy nodded, saying nothing.
“Then I suppose that means you will not join us for dinner again?” asked Bingley with a wry grin.
“If your sister dispatches it, I shall not,” replied Darcy. “Also, any invitations I make to you will be foryouonly and will not include your family. Those invitations I shall endeavor to offerby word or put into your hands alone. Should we meet at a function, I will offer Miss Bingley the customary civilities and nothing more.”
Bingley did not bat an eyelash at Darcy’s statement. “Caroline will be fit to be tied when you do not ask to dance with her, but perhaps she will finally understand your sentiments. Heaven knows I tried to make her understand without success.”
“I apologize, my friend,” said Darcy. “I know your sister will be difficult, but I can no longer tolerate her naked ambition and her certainty that I will offer for her.”
“Do not concern yourself, for I do not blame you. Your patience in the face of Caroline’s excesses far exceeds what anyone else of my acquaintance would have endured.”
Bingley paused and considered, then he shook his head, allowing a chuckle. “In fact, I suspect my sister is becoming less certain of her success. Of late, it appears her friends have noted your distance, leading to questions my sister has no desire to answer.”
Darcy grimaced and shook his head. “If she is experiencing difficulty because she hinted at her certainty of my proposal, it is her own doing.”
“That it is,” agreed Bingley. “The situation has not become untenable, but it is enough for my sister to wish to be away from town. As such, we are to depart for the north to visit family. Our last visit to York was two years ago, so I dare say some time amongst them will do us good.”
“I cannot agree more,” replied Darcy. “Perhaps some time in reflection will teach her something of herself. It would do her good if she learned to... moderate her expectations.”
“With that, I cannot agree more.”
Falling silent, Darcy considered his friend, his thoughts returning to the matter of Miss Bennet and Bingley’s persistent affection for her. Was he being unfair to his friend by keeping theintelligence he learned from Miss Elizabeth from him? Was it his right to prevent his friend from reaching for that which might bring him lasting happiness?
The notion of Bingley marrying Miss Bennet was not appealing, and not for any lack in the lady. Rather, his friendship with Bingley would put him in contact with her, and perhaps bring him into Miss Elizabeth’s sphere again. While the thought that he should attempt to change her opinion had occurred to him, he had not come to any conclusion about that situation. Bingley marrying Miss Bennet might be a blessing, but if Miss Elizabeth continued to spurn him, it may be more of a curse.
Yet, to keep the matter from him was not fair to Bingley, and a betrayal of their friendship. The question was how to go about broaching the subject, and how to ensure their friendship did not suffer because of it. Perhaps an oblique approach would be best.
“What do you mean to do after your visit?” asked Darcy, carefully feeling his way forward.
“I will own I had not thought that far in advance,” replied Bingley. He paused as if he wished to say something, then shrugged. “I suppose we shall return to London, for Caroline is never so happy as when she is here.”
“There is another option,” said Darcy. “You still hold the lease on Netherfield, do you not?”
Bingley’s frown was not unexpected. “Until Michaelmas unless I renew it. To be frank, I am beyond surprised that you would mention Netherfield as an option.”
“It is your leased property,” replied Darcy, “one you have not looked in on since November.”
“Have you reconsidered your arguments to me in December?”
It was far blunter a question than Bingley would usually ask. Fortunately, he had a ready answer.
“Nothing in my suggestion is intended in such a way, Bingley.The estate is yours for the moment, and until the lease ends, it behooves you to pay at least some attention to it, if for no other reason than to protect your investment. If nothing else, a brief visit to inspect the place and ensure all is in order for when you return it to the owner will not go amiss. Perhaps you might indulge in a little hunting while you are there—as I recall, it was a rather fine location for it.”
Bingley rolled his eyes. “As Hurst stated without cessation.”
For a long moment, Bingley considered Darcy’s suggestion. When he responded, he revealed nothing, which was quite unlike Bingley.
“I shall consider your suggestion, Darcy. At present, I am for the north, and we shall depart before the end of the week.”
“Of course, my friend. Then I shall see you when you return.”
The two rose together, Darcy escorting his friend to the door to see him off. As Bingley entered his carriage, Darcy considered him, wondering if his counsel to his friend had been efficacious. Should Bingley decide against returning to Netherfield, Darcy knew he would need to be more explicit with his friend. He owed Bingley that much, even if the peril of cooling their friendship came with such an action.
When Darcy returned inside, it was to the sight of his sister regarding him. Always happy to see her, Darcy smiled and approached, kissing her cheek in greeting. Georgiana accepted it, offering her own in response, but he could see that she was still hesitant.
“How was your visit with Mr. Bingley?”
“The same as usual,” replied Darcy with a grin. “Bingley lightens my mood so much that I appreciate his friendship. Unfortunately, I will need to do without it for a time, for Bingley is to go to the north to visit family.”
