Georgiana frowned at this news. “Were you not to invite them to Pemberley for the summer?”
“I had forgotten we had discussed the possibility,” said Darcy reflexively, not having considered what his sister would say to this news.
“I apologize if I am overstepping, Brother, but I am curious why you reconsidered.”
“You are not overstepping, dear. But I think we should take this conversation elsewhere.”
Georgiana agreed, and he escorted her to the sitting-room where they would find privacy. There, Darcy endeavored to explain what happened the night of the dinner at Bingley’s house, his thoughts concerning his friend’s sister, and what she had said to him. Darcy said nothing of her insult to Miss Elizabeth, of course, for he had shared nothing of Miss Elizabeth, his growing fascination for her, or his aborted proposal. Instead, he focused more on Miss Bingley’s general behavior and his growing disgust, culminating with his decision to distance himself from her.
“You know enough of my opinion of Miss Bingley to understand that losing her society will be no trial for me.”
Darcy grinned and nodded. “Well do I know it, Georgiana. Unfortunately, Miss Bingley is not so perceptive. According to Bingley, she has experienced the fruits of her assertions concerning her relationship with me.”
“Miss Bingley claimed you would propose to her?” demanded Georgiana, her eyes growing large from astonishment.
“Even Miss Bingley is not so blatant as to claim such a thing openly,” replied Darcy. “While she will not speak of a coming betrothal, she did not hesitate to insinuate as much to her cronies. It seems her friends are questioning the veracity of her claims.”
For a long moment, Darcy experienced his sister’s considering regard. “If you will forgive me, for a time I thought it possible that you would offer for her.”
“No, Georgiana,” replied Darcy with a firm shake of his head. “Miss Bingley has never been an option to assume the position most recently held by our mother. I have always seen her as the grasping social climber she is. Even if our relations would not deplore her background as unsuitable, I have no affinity for her.”
A slow nod comprised Georgiana’s response. “Then I am happy to hear it, William, for I never thought Miss Bingley would be anything other than a most disagreeable sister.”
“And an evenmoredisagreeable spouse!” exclaimed Darcy. “Perhaps there may be some man in England who could tolerate her; I am not that man.”
Darcy thought to say that he would never take such a step as to propose to a woman without consulting her, but the words died on his lips. It was the simple truth that hehaddone exactly that when he proposed to Miss Elizabeth. The difference was, of course, that Darcy was convinced Georgiana would love Miss Elizabeth as an elder sister and a woman to emulate. Such was not possible with Miss Bingley.
“Then I am sorry for the distance that must arise between you and Mr. Bingley,” said Georgiana, catching Darcy’s attention again.
“Thank you for the sentiment, but I believe all will be well,” replied Darcy. “While I will not attend Bingley at his house, nothing prevents me from inviting him here, and we can still meet at our club and on other such occasions. If anything, I believe our friendship will grow stronger without Miss Bingley’s interference. There will still be occasions when I will be in her company, for she may visit and we may attend the same function, but I will only offer her the barest civility.”
“That is well then.” Georgiana regarded him and said: “Miss Bingley has hinted that I would make an excellent bride for her brother.”
Darcy snorted his exasperation. “I suspected as much. If youwere truly attached to him and he to you, I would not stand in your way, regardless of what the earl might say on the subject. But you are only sixteen and will not come out for two more years.”
“That is true,” said Georgiana. “Mr. Bingleyisan excellent man, and I am prodigiously fond of him. But I do not consider him a prospective husband and I do not think he sees me as anything other than a younger sister.”
“I am happy to hear it, Georgiana. Let us concentrate on your introduction to society and leave such weighty subjects as love and marriage until after you become accustomed to moving among your peers.”
“Thank you, Brother,” said Georgiana. “I cannot agree more.”
She rose and kissed his cheek, excusing herself and leaving Darcy in the company of his thoughts. It was a relief that his sister did not entertain such feelings for Bingley, for he suspected his friend would not return them. Georgiana, though a handsome young girl, was not Bingley’s preferred type, and while that did not mean he would not look outside that sort of woman, Darcy suspected any such tender regard would end in heartbreak for his sister. If what Darcy suspected of Bingley’s continued affections for Miss Bennet were at all accurate, Bingley returning to Hertfordshire would seal that matter altogether.
As for Darcy himself, there was still much on which to ponder. If Bingley should return to Hertfordshire, did he dare accompany his friend? Should he put himself in Miss Elizabeth’s company again, if only to determine if he had any chance of earning her regard? Darcy had no answers. He suspected there would be no answer until he braved further disappointment by acting on his instincts. Whether he could summon that courage was an unanswered question.
Chapter III
Disaster struck Longbourn only a week later. While disaster was, perhaps, an overly fanciful description of the event, Elizabeth could do nothing other than consider it a death knell for her family’s respectability. Lydia’s behavior, for certain, rendered that possibility nothing less than a surety in Elizabeth’s mind.
It had started as a typical day in Hertfordshire. Mary played the pianoforte and sang in her weak voice, Kitty and Lydia giggled and fought with each other before departing with great noise and fanfare for Meryton, Mr. Bennet remained in his bookroom and Mrs. Bennet held court in the sitting-room, while Jane and Elizabeth pursued their concerns. There was no evidence that day would be any different from any other that had ever occurred at the sleepy estate.
At least it was quiet until Lydia and Kitty returned to Longbourn, entering the room in a rush. That Lydia led, excitement glowing from her, while Kitty followed, obviously near tears, informed Elizabeth that something was about to shake their comfortable existence.
“Mama! Mama!” called Lydia, far louder than she needed to speak. “You will never guess what has happened!”
“Of course, I shall not,” was Mrs. Bennet’s waspish reply. “I only know you charged into the room screeching and upsetting my poor nerves!”
Trust Mrs. Bennet to focus on her nerves when something unusual was in the offing. Lydia was heedless of the feelings of anyone else as usual.
