Elizabeth hesitated for only a moment. “Yes! I asked if he had been fortunate enough to have seen her.”
“Well, I suspect, given how discomposed Darcy was whilst talking of it, that you must have had a frank discussion. Somehow, you came to learn what he had done?”
She felt her cheeks turn pink. “His cousin boasted how he had separated—I, I accused Mr Darcy of ruining Jane’s happiness—but we...” She hardly knew what to say.
“After speaking with you in Kent, Darcy reconsidered all of his actions and confessed what he had done. He was wrong, and did whathe could to right it. I do not think ill of him, although I was angry at the time,” he added with a laugh.
“That explains why you returned, but what has Mr Darcy to do with what you spoke to my father about?” If Bingley knew nothing of Darcy’s rejected proposal, there was one other reason why Darcy would suspect her questions. “Had it anything to do with Mr Wickham?”
His expression darkened. “And what know you about the history between Mr Wickham and Darcy?”
She had to tread carefully, for Darcy had not authorised her to make anything said in his letter public.I dare not relate any particulars relative to his sister.“I know the pecuniary transactions in which they had been connected.”
“Then you already know the extravagance and general profligacy that Mr Wickham is capable of. I would hate to shock you, Lizzy, and I daresaythatis reason enough to keep him, and any officer, away from Longbourn. I told your father, in general terms, about his conduct towards Darcy, and he agreed with me to sever all acquaintance with the entire militia.”
Her father would not have gone to such trouble just because an idle man wasted three thousand pounds and forsook the generosity of his benefactor. But he was, beneath his satirical, eccentric manner, a respectable man with daughters to protect.
Darcy told Bingley about Wickham’s designs on Miss Darcy, and had granted his permission to tell my father about Wickham.
“Lizzy? Lizzy, you look conscious.”
Elizabeth sighed. Even given the acrimonious nature of her refusal, Darcy encouraged Bingley to pursue Jane and acted to prevent Wickham from injuring anyone she cared for. “I was only thinking of how I would keep my patience if my mother calls today. I hope I put her off until tomorrow, perhaps the day after if it rains again.”
“Yes, well, Mrs Bennet does miss her eldest daughter, and you, as well. She is, of course, welcome any time at Netherfield.” Bingley had been trying to keep his countenance, and now his smile faltered. “Lizzy, do you think that Jane might wish for a little relief from home?”
“You mean would she like to not be forced to entertain my mother, who brings her friends, most days when Jane is still learning how to be a wife and housekeeper?”
Bingley looked terribly embarrassed. “Jane’s spirits are very good! I only wondered if a change of scene might be of service?”
Elizabeth smiled. “I think it a good idea. Where shall you take her?”
“I had thought to take her to Scarborough in August. I would like her to meet some of my friends, and I had planned to travel there this summer before we married. Caroline and Louisa and Hurst will go as well.”
She wondered how reconciled to the match his sisters were, but Jane could be on good terms with anyone, even if they were never truly friends again. “Jane would spend the summer with them, I am sure, and she certainly wants to be known to anyone you hold dear. You shall have a splendid time.”
“What do you mean ‘you’? I intend for you to come as well. You are my sister, too, are you not?”
“Yes, of course. I think of us as brother and sister.”
“As do I! It is decided, then. Jane wants you, and I wantallof my sisters with me in Scarborough. Besides, I know how disappointed you were that the Gardiners had to cancel their trip to the Lakes because of your uncle’s business. I would like you to have a pleasant summer, too.”
Bingley truly was a considerate man. “I would like it very much!” Even with Caroline and Louisa’s company, she would see the Yorkshire coast, check the sand for stones and shells, and take country rides to see the other natural beauties. “I promise when I visit the Scarborough shops, I shall find things that I need, not only things that I fancy that I want.”
“You cannot fool me,” Bingley cried. “You will find a pair of thick shoes and a spyglass, and explore the cliff, regardless if this cold, rainy weather persists all summer.”
Elizabeth laughed at this picture of herself. “You and Jane need not join me.”
“Perhaps some of my other friends shall walk with you, Balfour orUtterson, perhaps. You are inclined to company, so I need not fear for you in meeting anyone new. So, we shall travel north, stay with some of my friends along the way, and go to Scarborough. And you are certain that Jane will enjoy it, even, even if my sisters are amongst the party?”
Her lightness faded, and she felt for him in that moment. Bingley knew that his sisters had not wanted him to marry his beloved wife. “Charles, Jane will want to go for a change of scene and to get to know you better, away from Meryton. She has travelled very little, and I know that your wanting to make her happy, andyourcompany, will conquer any reservations she has about Caroline and Louisa.”
“You truly think so?”
Still relying on others’ judgment.“They will at least grant her the appearance of civility, and Jane will be kind to them for your sake.”
He smiled widely. “I shall propose it to Jane immediately, and then write to my friends to arrange everything. I want everyone to meet her! I know several who can host us as we travel north, and a score who would join us at the seaside.”
Elizabeth nodded, and they parted. Perhaps the rainy weather would improve, and she could leave Meryton and any reminders of the militia behind and pass a pleasant summer after all.She would have the opportunity to meet new people and see new places.
