Darcy groaned. “You and your dances, Bingley. Please tell me you have planned other forms of entertainment.”
Bingley laughed. “We shall hunt and ride to your heart’s delight, my friend. I promise I shall only request you dance once a week.”
“What of other social excursions? Surely, the denizens of the area will wish you to attend all their functions. Am I to be paraded alongside you?”
Bingley chuckled. “You have a dismal view of the world, do you not? How can you have so much and still be so displeased with life?”
Darcy sighed. “I feel as though I am always on display. Ever since I inherited, ladies have thrown themselves at my feet—quite literally, I assure you. I detest walking into a room and being sized up for the amount of money in my bank account and the extent of my estate.”
“That would certainly make socializing more tedious.” Bingley frowned. “I shall do my best to keep the matchmaking mamas off your scent.”
“And I shall domybest to be an amiable companion.” In truth, Darcy had only agreed to come to Hertfordshire because his sister had practically begged him to go. Georgiana had experienced a disappointment that summer and had yet to recover her spirits, and now resided with her aunt, Lady Matilda Matlock. Darcy’s aunt assured him that the time away from him would do Georgiana a world of good.
“She thinks you are ashamed of her,” his aunt had confided. “Go with Bingley, Darcy. Keep writing to Georgiana and she will recover her spirits eventually.”
And so Darcy had departed London after bidding his sister a fond farewell. Georgiana had barely looked at him as he said goodbye.Would that I could take all her pain away,he thought.It is my fault. I failed her.
Bingley’s exuberance proved to be a balm to Darcy’s dark mood. By the time they were dressed for the assembly, he felt more inclined to enjoy the evening. Bingley rambled on about the gentlemen he had met and the calls he had returned as the carriage made its way down the drive and onto the main road that led to the little market town of Meryton.
“Sir William Lucas is a jovial fellow. He is the master of ceremonies tonight, or so I have been informed. You will like him. He speaks of St. James with great fondness.”
“I do not attend St. James regularly. Tell me, does he have any daughters?” Ever cynical, Darcy nudged his friend with his foot and raised an eyebrow.
“Two. The elder is Miss Charlotte Lucas. She is seven-and-twenty. His younger daughter is but sixteen—Maria, I believe her name is.” Bingley paused. “Do not give me that look, Darcy. A man is not to be suspect simply because he has daughters to marry off.”
“If you think for an instant that this Sir William does not see you as a potential mate for his offspring—”
“Oh, stop. I intend to enjoy myself fully tonight. If you cannot do the same, I shall send you back to Netherfield in the carriage.”
Darcy drew in a breath. “I am sorry, Bingley. It seems I cannot shake the dark mood that hovers about me like a cloud. I shall do my best not to disappoint you.”
Bingley nodded sharply, then continued describing his neighbors as though he had not just thoroughly chastised his old friend. “The Gouldings have a son and a daughter. Their daughter is not out, and their son is away at school. Then there are the Longs—Mr. and Mrs. Long do not have children, but they do have the care of their nieces. I met them when I returned Mr. Long’s call. Oh—and then there is my closest neighbor, Mr. Thomas Bennet.”
The name sounded familiar, but Darcy could not place it. “Has he an estate?” he asked instead.
“Yes. Longbourn lies south of Meryton, whilst Netherfield is just to the north of the market village. It is a prosperous little estate. I suspect the income is some thirty-five hundred pounds.”
“And he has how many daughters?” Darcy tried to keep his voice level but failed miserably.
Bingley frowned. “Come to think of it, I do not know. Mr. Bennet said only that his son had recently returned from university and was now assisting him with management of the estate.”
Perhaps he has no daughters,Darcy thought.Surely a man with female children would wish his new and very eligible neighbor to know that they exist. Expounding on their charms would be top priority.
“I look forward to meeting your neighbors,” he said aloud, and none too sincerely. “I am sure it will be an enjoyable evening.”
Chapter Six
October 1811
Meryton Assembly
Darcy
Bingley’scarriageslowedtoa stop before a rustic assembly hall. Heavy timbers supported an awning over the door. Lanterns had been hung, casting a brilliant light across the entrance.
Gathering his fortitude, Darcy followed Bingley out of the carriage and into the building. The room was illuminated by what seemed to be hundreds of candles. Mirrors along the walls reflected the light, enhancing the brightness throughout the space. The first dance had yet to be called, and nearly every eye in the room turned toward the two gentlemen from Netherfield Park as they entered the room.
“Mr. Bingley!” A portly, cheerful-looking gentleman approached, bowing to Bingley in greeting. A plain lady who looked to be at least five-and-twenty trailed behind him.
