Miss Bingley’s brows rose, though her expression remained composed.
“She is a gentleman’s daughter,” Darcy continued. “Her conduct reflects it. Her son will inherit her family’s estate, which secures her position. She has managed a large household under difficult circumstances, and she has done so with judgment.”
Bingley’s face brightened at once. “Exactly.”
Darcy did not add what remained unspoken. That any connection to the Bennet family would not be unwelcome in his estimation. That his own interests lay not where Miss Bingley supposed. That while Bingley might consider Mrs. Collins, Darcy himself thought rather more of her sister.
Miss Bingley regarded him coolly. “You are very ready to defend her.”
“I state what I observe.”
Before she could reply, Mrs. Nicholls appeared in the doorway, her presence quiet but effective. “The carriage is ready, sir.”
“Excellent,” Bingley said, turning at once toward the door.
Miss Bingley adjusted her gloves with precise movements. “Let us have this rustic entertainment concluded.”
Darcy offered no comment.
The journey to Longbourn passed in uneven conversation.
Miss Bingley positioned herself beside Darcy with rigorous precision, as though the arrangement were entirely accidental.The carriage moved steadily along the road, the wheels softened by the damp ground, and the light filtering through the windows shifted with each turn.
“One hopes,” she began, “that the novelty of dining outdoors will suffice.”
“It is a country picnic,” he said. “The weather alone recommends it.”
Georgiana glanced up from her seat opposite. “I have always found such gatherings very agreeable.”
Miss Bingley smiled faintly. “At Pemberley, no doubt, they are conducted with refinement.”
“At Pemberley,” Georgiana said, her voice soft but clear, “we enjoy ourselves.”
Darcy turned his head slightly, not concealing his approval.
Bingley laughed. “Well said.”
Miss Bingley’s attention returned to Darcy. “You cannot truly approve of the influence these ladies have upon your sister.”
“On the contrary,” he replied, “I am pleased to see her spirits improved.”
Georgiana’s expression brightened, though she said nothing further.
Miss Bingley’s lips pressed together. “If you say so.”
They were received at Longbourn with warmth.
Mrs. Bennet greeted them with evident satisfaction, her voice rising with each word of welcome. Mrs. Collins stood beside her, composed as ever, her manner calm though her eyes brightened at the sight of Bingley. Elizabeth stood to her left.
Darcy felt the now familiar shift in his awareness as his gaze settled upon her.
“Mr. Darcy.”
“Miss Bennet.”
Before more could be said, Mr. Collins approached with solemn enthusiasm.
“My dear Mr. Bingley, it is a pleasure to observe the growing attachment between you and my daughter by marriage. Such a connection must prove advantageous to all concerned.”
