Darcy bristled. ‘I can assure you that I am a gentleman —’ he barked only to be interrupted.
‘You certainly do not act like one,’ was Phillips’ curt rejoinder which caused Darcy’s mouth to snap shut.
Miss Bingley had listened in disbelief to the conversation. She now cut in. ‘How dare you insult Mr Darcy,’ she exclaimed in shrill tones.
‘I speak nought but the truth. Your neighbours are gentry… unlike yourself. They had been prepared to welcome you and allow you to become one of their community. But they refuse to be insulted and denigrated by the nouveau riche.’ Phillips shrugged and suggested, ‘You might as well leave since you will be shunned by everyone in the community.’
Miss Bingley sneered, ‘I cannot believe that a mercenary shrew like Mrs Bennet will agree with you.’
‘My sister was one of the first to make the request, immediately after her husband. She will not allow anyone to disrespect her daughters… especially not some social climbing harpy or some stuck-up prig.’ He gave a deprecating smile. ‘Those were her words, not mine.’
Bingley’s shoulders slumped. ‘I presume you have brought papers for me to sign?’
~T~
An hour later, Bingley and his family were in his carriage, headed for London, having left their personal servants to supervise the packing. He offered to convey Darcy, who had left his coach for his valet and belongings. His friend declined, opting to ride, since he had not the slightest desire to spend several hours listening to Miss Bingley alternating between complaints and gloating that she would not have to endure the savages of Meryton any longer.
Within half an hour Bingley regretted that he had not chosen to accompany his friend. Miss Bingley was in particularly good voice, to the detriment of her travel companions.
‘Who do those mushrooms think they are, making us leave their verminous village? They should have felt honoured to have people of our stature and consequence gracing them with our presence,’ she fumed.
‘You mean the gentry of the area should have bowed before the consequence of a tradesman’s children?’ Hurst asked pointedly.
‘You know perfectly well that our family is no longer in trade,’ she barked. ‘Besides, once I am Mrs Darcy, I shall outrank everyone in that benighted town.’
Bingley’s patience snapped. ‘How many times do I have to tell you that Darcy will never offer for you.’ When Caroline looked as if she wanted to interrupt him, he held up his hand and continued. ‘Yes, you are a beautiful woman, and you dress in the latest fashions. I should know since I pay for your exorbitant wardrobe. But I have to tell you that your manners are atrocious. No gentleman is interested in a loud and vulgar woman like you.’
‘Considering the women with whom you keep falling in love, you would not know how ladies behave.’ Caroline crossed her arms and pointedly looked out the window, ending the conversation.
Since Bingley was grateful for some peace and quiet, he did not push the issue any further.
~T~
7Darcy’s Dilemma
Mr Darcy arrived at his townhouse to the great surprise of his staff, but they, being well trained and efficient, did not take long to provide a bath and dinner for their master.
Darcy was grateful for both as he had become rather chilled on his ride, even though he had not noticed at the time, so engrossed in his thoughts had he been. Yet despite the hours spent in solitary reflection, he was no nearer to an answer as he had been when he set out from Netherfield.
After his meal he retreated to his study where he sat in front of the fire with a glass of brandy to contemplate the last few days.
He had barely taken the first sip when his musings were interrupted by the unannounced entrance of his cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. The Colonel was the second son of the Earl of Matlock, who was the brother of Darcy’s mother. Richard was also Darcy’s best friend and co-guardian of his sister Georgiana.
‘Darcy, what are you doing back in town? I thought that you would stay with Bingley for at least a month. Did Caroline make such a pest of herself that you decided that attending the little season to be a lesser punishment than remaining even a sennight in her presence?’
‘How do, Richard. How did you know that I was at home?’
‘I saw your carriage pulling into the mews and thought I would keep you company.’
Richard’s comment distracted Darcy from his own issues and he gave a fleeting smile. ‘Is your mother trying to introduce some more heiresses to you?’
‘You know me so well,’ replied Richard with a grin as he poured himself a generous measure of brandy. ‘But you have not answered my question. What are you doing back in town?’
Darcy averted his eyes from his cousin’s searching gaze and focused on the small fire which provided more comfort than heat, unsure of how to answer the question.
Richard cocked his head when Darcy hesitated to answer such a simple question. He seated himself in a chair near Darcy. ‘Well…’ he prompted.
With a sigh Darcy faced his cousin. ‘Would you believe that Bingley was evicted from the estate he was leasing?’
