“He did! Apparently, he finds her very pleasing company.”
Sir William’s eyebrows began creeping up his forehead. “Indeed! Maria mentioned that he called on them often at Hunsford.”
“Not often enough for them to say all they needed to say, for I am still passing messages between the pair of them.” Bingley briefly wondered whether he ought to have said as much when Sir William’s eyebrows all but lost themselves in his hairline, but two more flagons of ale and four rounds of skittles quite put the matter from his mind.
THE END OF EQUANIMITY
Monday 18 May 1812, London
Darcy acceptedthe stack of letters from Godfrey and waited until he was alone before permitting himself a small groan. He was tired and in no humour to attend to correspondence. His mood soured further still when he espied one letter written with Bingley’s unmistakable hand. He knew not that he had stomach enough to read what his friend had to say, but he could not ignore it. Steeling himself, he opened the letter and beganto read.
Netherfield
12thMay
Darcy,
I cannot thank you enough for sending me back to Herts! I have called at Longbourn and received aheartywarm welcome. Miss Bennet is somewhat reserved still, but Miss Elizabeth was encouraging. I have some chance with Miss Bennet, I believe, but I proceed with caution.I am notShe is as serene as ever, but I would be surebefore I make any
Are you sure you will not come to Netherfield? I have been fishing with the other gentlemen. Caught nothing. Ding-dong of a head on me the next morning though.Sir William wasYou could, of course, bring Georgiana. If you come, bring your own rod. Lent my spare to Mr Bennet.
Any luck discovering an attorney to look over my cousin’s proposal? Survey expected within the month—should like to know what to do with it.It was interesting toGreat news! The Hursts are expecting a child! They come hither to avoid the London air. Miss Elizabeth was just last evening extolling the benefits of country air, as it happens—hardly surprising to hear she enjoys it, given her fondness for walking. She remains as engaging as ever. Her manner of speaking is delightfully unaffected. She assures me her sister receives my attentions with pleasure, for which I am exceedingly grateful, for I might otherwise begin to think I had no hope. Would that the one conversed as easily as the other! Might have better luck next week. I have decided to put on a picnic for all and sundry. Miss Bennet was anxious it might be too cold, but Miss Elizabeth thought it a fine idea?—
“Damn!” Darcy snatched his hand away, not caring that the letter crumpled in his fist—he had read enough. That it should be Bingley, not him,receiving Elizabeth’s warm welcome, and enjoying Elizabeth’s unaffected conversation, was simply too much to bear. He wrenched open a desk drawer, threw in the letter, and slammed it closed again before surging from his chair and stalking to the window. He leant heavily against the frame. Did Elizabeth know hehad confessed his mistake to Bingley? Did she think any better of him?He pressed his forehead against the cold glass.
“Do you know it has all been for you?”
His breath frosted the glass, obscuring his view of the world. Of course she did not know. She thought him devoid of every proper feeling. He straightened, adjusted his coat, and strode from the room. He informed his man that he meant to go out and was duly provided with the appropriate attire. Then he quitted the house and did not return for many hours.
Portman Square
18thMay
Dear Cousin Fitzwilliam,
I beg you would speak with my brother. We were to go to Gunter’s this morning for ices, but he did not come for me as arranged. He sent no note and no messenger. I waited for three hours, then went to Darcy House, only to be told he was from home. I waited another hour there and was about to return home when I heard him in the hall, talking with Godfrey. He had been injured! He had a ghastly cut to his cheek that bled freely and his face was bruised!
He would not look at me, and Mrs Annesley drew me back into the parlour before I could speak to him and warned me it would be impertinent to interfere, but I can no longer overlook his malaise, which has been of many months’ duration now.
Please come, for I know not what to do.
Georgiana
Tuesday 19 May 1812, Hertfordshire
“Oh! There are no officers! Why are there no officers?”
“Lydia! Lower your voice.” Elizabeth took her sister by the elbow and marched her away from the gathered company.
“But it would be much less dull if Wickham and Denny were here.”
“Colonel Forster’s regiment is engaged elsewhere today, Miss Lydia,” said Mr Bingley from behind them.
Elizabeth cringed at having been overheard.
Lydia felt no such contrition. “Oh, pooh! Are there games at least?”
Mr Bingley graciously directed her to where some of the other ladies were playing shuttlecock. Lydia sighed loudly but nonetheless trudged to join them, leaving Elizabeth to apologise for her impertinence.
