“Good. Then I will see you early tomorrow.”
Darcy nodded, and with a quick bow, Mr. Bennet left.
“I see Mr. Bennet is gone,” said Bingley, wandering in and looking glum. “What could he possibly have said to you in confidence? I hope he was not here to discourage me from courting Miss Bennet.”
“Nothing like that,” said Darcy. “He came to consult me on a financial matter.”
Which was at least partially true; he did not need to dissemble.
“Thank heavens!” Bingley went to the window to watch Mr. Bennet ride away. “I wish I had known. I have been pacing the picture gallery in torment this past half-hour.”
“Mr. Bennet would not be so indiscrete as to approach me on a private matter that concerns you. I am not your brother or father, you know.”
Bingley thought about this for a moment. “I suppose not, but the devil take it! I think of nothing but Miss Bennet all day. There are cobwebs in my brain.”
“Well, that can be remedied easily enough. Mr. Bennet has invited us to shoot pheasants tomorrow. That should clear the cobwebs.”
“Excellent news!” said Mr. Bingley. “Why did you not say so earlier? We will have a perfect excuse to call on the Bennet sisters.” He cast a doubtful look towards Darcy. “Unless you are still determined to leave for Town?”
“I have promised Mr. Bennet my carriage to attend a funeral. I must wait for him to return.”
Mr. Bingley chortled and clapped Darcy on the back. “How very convenient!”
“What do you mean?” Darcy frowned.
“Nothing, old fellow. Nothing at all.”
Darcy was too preoccupied with Mr. Bennet to attend to Bingley’s words. He was not sure what to make of Mr. Bennet’s visit. It was the first time he had spoken to Elizabeth’s father in private, and he was surprised to find Mr. Bennet more perceptive than he expected. Darcy also appreciated Mr. Bennet’s offer to repay the carriage expenses. It showed he was an honorable man with a strong sense of obligation.
As for Mr. Bennet’s apology for his wife’s behavior—.
A sudden idea struck Darcy with the blinding effect of a lightning bolt. It was astounding it had not occurred to him earlier.
Rather than despising Mrs. Bennet for interrupting Mr. Collins’ proposal, Darcy should in fact feel indebted to her. Were it not for Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth would now be engaged to Mr. Collins.
He struck his brow with the flat of his hand.
“What is it, Darcy?” said Bingley, with alarm.
“Nothing. Only that sometimes I am not as clever as I imagined.”
Bingley grinned. “I am very pleased to see you acknowledge it at long last.”
