Chapter XXI
“W
ell, it is fortunatethattrial is now in the past,” said Miss Bingley the moment the party gathered after their return from Longbourn.
Darcy regarded her, wondering what she was about. They had traveled in different carriages for the visit to Longbourn, welcome in Darcy’s opinion as he had no wish to endure her in the close confines of a carriage. Before they had departed Longbourn, however, and as Miss Elizabeth was walking Darcy to the carriage, he had seen her direct several glances at them, her sneer at Miss Elizabeth all that was abhorrent and knowing. What Miss Bingley was planning Darcy could not say, but it seemed obvious she had come across some means she was certain would detach them all from the Bennets and return them to where she thought they belonged.
“It is interesting to hear you call it a ‘trial,’ Miss Bingley,” said Anne, appearing more than amused. “It was a lovely morning visit with people I esteem.”
Anne turned to Bingley and Darcy and, with an exaggerated show of interest, asked: “Are there others in the neighborhood who are as interesting as the Bennets?”
“The Bennets are the best of the district,” said Bingley, the way he regarded his sister seemed to warn her to behave. “But you may accuse me of bias for obvious reasons.”
“I concur,” said Darcy before Miss Bingley could insert herself into the conversation. “There are good people here, though none of them are what we might call sophisticated, given their distance from so-called polite society in London.”
“In many ways,” said Bingley, “I consider that a benefit.”
That he intended his words as a subtle dig at his sister wasno mystery to Darcy, though he may be the only one who understood Bingley well enough to apprehend it. Miss Bingley, however, clearly understood his inference, for she ground her teeth together in frustration.
“Then you must introduce them to me, Mr. Bingley,” said Anne.
“At the first available opportunity,” promised Bingley.
“Charles, there is no one worth knowing in this place.” Miss Bingley sniffed with disdain, a credible imitation of a duchess. “Even the Bennet family, who you upheld as the ‘best of the district’ are people who would attract no attention in London.” Miss Bingley paused, and a malevolent grin adorned her face. “Then again, I cannot but suppose they would attractmuchattention, though none of it would be good.”
“You are welcome to your opinion, Caroline,” said Bingley, unaffected by his sister’s poor manners. “Just as I will hold to mine.”
Miss Bingley regarded her brother with some asperity before she addressed the entire company. “If we wish to spend the summer in the country, why do we not repair to Pemberley? As I recall, it is divine in the summer, and more than a match for this paltry estate.”
“If you recall,” said Bingley, “I already said that I am fixed here for the summer. If you did not understand me, please allow me to state my intentions clearly: I mean to pay court to Miss Bennet, and I shall not depart Netherfield until I have her consent to an engagement. Even then, I doubt there is anything that can pull me away from here until I meet her at the altar.”
“Oh, Charles,” said Miss Bingley, shaking her head. “I cannot understand what you see in that woman. She is pretty, to be certain, but she is also insipid, and possesses not a hint of fashion.”
“Insipidity, my dear Caroline, is whatyousee in her. I cannotcall Miss Bennet anything other than lovely and engaging, and I will thank you not to disparage her. She is to be your sister.”
“I too am grateful for Bingley’s presence,” said Darcy while Miss Bingley was summoning a response. Perhaps it was a little daring of him, but he meant to ensure she understood him. “It allows me to stay here too. I also find myself with unfinished business demanding my attention.”
The way Miss Bingley regarded him suggested anger beyond anything he had ever seen from her—or at least directed at him. Lady Catherine appeared no more pleased, though a glance at Anne prevented her from inserting her opinion. Lady Catherine would not like his pursuit of Miss Elizabeth, though her anger now would be a pale imitation of the scenes that would ensue had Anne not asserted her independence. Still, Darcy was certain she entertained some notion of pairing him with a woman high in society to improve the family position.
“I apologize, Mr. Darcy,” said Miss Bingley, her disdain again on full display, “but I am afraid I cannot agree with my brother’s mad design to pursue Miss Bennet, and I think the notion of you finding Miss Elizabeth agreeable is equally repellant.”
“Then, Miss Bingley,” said Darcy, “it is fortunate you will not need to live with the consequences.”
“And I care little for your opinion, Caroline.”
Miss Bingley turned a scowl at her brother. “Do you not comprehend that any action of yours affects and reflects on me?”
“Yes, Caroline, I understand it.” Bingley’s eyes bored into his sister’s, and he was not at all friendly. “So, I recall, doyouractions reflect uponme, especially when you sever an acquaintance I do not mean to sever, and treat the best of women with contempt. As you still cannot see the error of your ways, I am uncertain I will allow you to associate with my future wife.”
“Given your uncertainty,” growled Miss Bingley, “I mightwonder that you feel you need to protect her from your own sister. Imagine what actions you must take to protect her from society.”
“Had I any doubt for her abilities, your words might mean something. As it is, I have no compunction about ignoring you.”
Miss Bingley sniffed, pulling back from the spat between siblings. “You should not be so hasty, Charles, for when you hear what I learned today, I am certain you will judge matters differently.”
“Is that so?” asked Bingley, an unmistakable note of amused disbelief in his voice. “Have you uncovered some dark secret of the Bennets that make them unsuitable? Is there some undiscovered ancestor involved in secret rebellion against the virgin queen? Or perhaps they are highwaymen disguised as gentlefolk? Are they Catholics in secret, flouting church doctrine with their heretical ways?”
The woman was practically seething at her brother’s baiting. “Do not be ridiculous, Charles. Whatever their true situation, it appears theyhaveowned their pitiful estate for many years. But I discovered a secret that will render them completely unsuitable, even if everything else we know of them has failed to move you.”
