Page 24 of Shadows of the Past


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“Yes. That means we can have dinner parties or invite guests for tea.”

Darcy grinned. “You have only one guest in mind, I think. I have never seen you so distracted by a lady.”

Instantly, Bingley’s good mood vanished. Yes, he was distracted, but notonlyby Miss Bennet. Her younger sister occupied far too many of his thoughts. If only he understood how to banish her! “Miss Bennetisan angel,” he said aloud.

“She smiles too much.” Darcy said, cocking an eyebrow challengingly.

“How can anyone smile too much?” Bingley asked in bemusement.

“I suppose I ought to clarify. She smiles at everyone with equal placidity. How is one to know her thoughts?” Darcy shrugged and took a bite of a scone from his plate.

“Young ladies are scarcely at liberty to reveal their feelings openly. Really, Darcy, why must you be so stubbornly against anyone of the fairer sex?” He rolled his eyes and set about putting his egg between the two halves of a scone. Louisa hated it when he did that, butshewas not there to scold him.

“Merely testing your resolve, my friend.” Darcy pushed back from the table. “Be careful. You have not known her for more than a fortnight.”

“Do you imagine she is hiding an insane relation in the attic?” Bingley asked sarcastically.

Darcy laughed. “No, no, but you must admit that there is still much for you to learn about her…and she about you. Do not be hasty.”

Bingley nodded. Darcy’s advice was somewhat out of character. Normally, his staid, proper friend spouted things about duty and honor and marrying to improve social standing.Is he truly encouraging me to consider my heart?

Louisa arrived whilst he still partook of breakfast, sweeping into the room as if she were the queen. “Charles!” she cried. “My dear brother.” Kissing both cheeks and embracing him, she then stepped back, offering him a charming smile. “Netherfield Park is a most beautiful estate,” she continued. “Mrs. Nickens has already shown us our chambers.”

“It is Mrs. Nicholls,” he said, correcting her gently. “And I did not even hear the carriage. Why was I not alerted to your arrival?”

“Oh, I sent a man ahead and asked that we be allowed to surprise you.” Louisa grinned.

“You mean you wished to find me unprepared and then chastise me about the proper way to greet guests,” he grumbled. “How very like you, my dear,oldersister.”

Louisa frowned at his stab, but did not reply. “Well, we are here now. Please tell me there is something to do in this backwater.”

“We have been invited to dine at Longbourn on Thursday, but I wish to take you to call there before then. I have someone I wish for you to meet.”

Louisa sighed. “Already, Charles? Tell me, is she another blond angel? Please say that at the very least, she is a gentleman’s daughter with a handsome dowry.” She moved to a chair next to his and sat down, her displeasure and disappointment clearly writ upon her face.

“I do not know the nature of her fortune,” he admitted. “And I do not mean to find out. Miss Bennet is a lovely young lady, and I am eager for you to meet her.”

His sister sighed. “Have a care, Charles. You have come so far.Wehave come so far. We must do all we can to leave our roots as far behind us as possible.” She picked at an invisible piece of lint on her skirt, frowning as she smoothed the wrinkles from the fabric.

“And marrying the daughter of a gentleman will help.” He stood. “I am my own man, Louisa. If I find that Miss Bennet and I suit, I shall not hesitate to ask for her hand.”

Louisa folded her arms and pouted. “Oh, very well. I shall attempt to know her better.”

He nodded. “Since you have disregarded both propriety and correct behavior and have already seen your room, I shall see to my estate business. Tomorrow we will go to Longbourn.” He turned and left the room without another word, mildly irritated that his sister had acted exactly as he expected. Though they had spent some years apart, she still behaved predictably. Oh, how he wished that for once she would surprise him.

The issue with the drainage once again dominated discussion in the study, and as Darcy and Gibbs debated the merits and deficiencies of each resolution, Bingley wondered if he were truly cut out for such a mundane existence.Darcy seems to enjoy the intricacies of land management. Perhaps only because I have yet to feel confident in myself.He struggled to pay attention to the conversation and even offered up a few suggestions. Darcy was kind enough not to roll his eyes at his friend, explaining calmly why each idea would fail to resolve the problem. Mr. Gibbs tried his best to smother a smile, but Bingley could tell that his lack of knowledge amused the man.

“I think we have done all we can do today,” Darcy said, rolling up the map and then straightening a stack of papers. “Mr. Gibbs, see to your list and I shall see to mine.”

Mr. Gibbs nodded and excused himself, bidding each of the gentlemen a good day.

“Darcy, I cannot learn if you simply discuss things with the steward without involving me. Every suggestion I offered up was dismissed, and whilst I appreciate your patience in explaining the particulars to me, I find that I do not know enough to follow the conversation.”

“I do apologize for my manner. I fear taking control and managing others has been my habitual manner for many years now.” Darcy replied. “I could offer you a book on drainage if you wish,”

“You know I should not read it even if you did give it to me,” Bingley said, laughing. “It is all very boring. I would much rather learn how to raise horses.”

“That is still very much an option. Perhaps you might purchase an estate for that purpose. I shall do my best to be a better teacher.”