“It went very well. I assuaged her concerns and resolved the misunderstandings,” Darcy replied.
“Good. Now, from what I understand, your friend Mr. Bingley was arguing with his sister regarding his interest in Jane. He then announced that neither he nor you were pursuing my nieces. You did not contradict him, and Lizzy was witness to it all.”
Darcy nodded.
“Tell me, Mr. Darcy, why did you not contradict your friend’s words?”
“It was mainly because I had not yet spoken to Miss Elizabeth of my feelings, so I did not feel at liberty to contradict Bingley.”
“You say mainly. Was there another reason?”
Darcy explained his disinclination to speak of such matters in front of Miss Bingley.
Mr. Gardiner nodded in understanding. “And what are your feelings for my niece?”
“I care for her. I think she is a remarkable young woman, and I have not met her equal. Not only is she beautiful, she is clever, vivacious, and kind. I asked Miss Elizabeth for a courtship, and she said 'yes.'” Mr. Darcy smiled. “May I have your consent to court her?”
Mr. Gardiner smiled and looked at Darcy for a moment. Finally, with a nod, he said, “You have it.”
Darcy grinned and shook his hand. “Thank you!”
“I think, under the circumstances, you should call me Gardiner.”
“Please call me Darcy.”
Gardiner nodded in acknowledgement.
“There are some things I should make you aware of,” Darcy said.
“Oh?”
“Yes. Though Bingley and I have been friends since my last year at Cambridge, it was only a few years ago that I was introduced to his sisters. Miss Bingley has always been rather obvious about her interest in me. At the same time, I have always made it quite clear that I do not reciprocate her interest and never shall. Recently, Bingley expressed to me his frustration that, for some time, his sister has been rejecting suitors because she hopes to marry me. You can imagine how shocked I was.”
“Indeed,” Gardiner replied, a slight frown on his face.
“He and his elder sister have not been able to get her to see reason. Bingley tries to avoid confrontation as much as possible, and his sister is extremely . . . quarrelsome when things are not exactly to her liking. Needless to say, he is eager to marry her off. He may issue her an ultimatum very soon. Regardless, after the scene she made yesterday, I feel it would be best if both Miss Elizabeth and I were on our guard with her. I believe that scene was also very much about my interest in Miss Elizabeth. Of course, she would never dare presume to say so to me.”
Gardiner considered Darcy’s words, then asked, “What do you have in mind?”
“I intend to drop the acquaintance. I do not trust Miss Bingley, and I think it best to limit her access to us. I shall ask Bingley to impress upon her the absolute certainty that she will receive the cut direct if she dares to speak to me, Miss Elizabeth, or any member of my family.”
“Considering her obsession with you, I believe these measures are indeed prudent. I will make sure that Madeleine and the girls take care to avoid her as well.”
Now that he and Gardiner had discussed everything, Darcy was eager to return to Elizabeth. “May I remain to spend time with Miss Elizabeth?”
“Of course! You have an open invitation to visit or dine as often as you like,” Gardiner said with a smile.
“Thank you! I appreciate that.”
Gardiner nodded. “Shall we join the ladies?”
Darcy agreed and followed him from the room.
Not long after Fitzwilliam took his leave, they had another visitor—Mr. Hadley! Mary was quite encouraged by the fact that he did not wait long to call on her. He was friendly and polite to them all while at the same time very attentive to Mary. When they asked after Mr. Lindsey Hadley, he said his brother was currently visiting friends in the country. After Mr. Hadley’s visit, Aunt Madeleine confessed that she and Uncle Edward had been planning to introduce the twins to them. She also expressed what an amazing coincidence it was they had already met them. Elizabeth liked Mr. Hadley very well, and she hoped things would progress smoothly between her sister and him. Being so well acquainted with the gentleman and his family, Aunt Madeleine was delighted to learn there was a budding interest between the two. She said it was an excellent prospect for Mary because Mr. Whitney Hadley was the elder twin and therefore master of his family’s prosperous estate. This meant he had the freedom to choose a wife to suit himself. Elizabeth and Jane both turned to Mary, who was clearly surprised by this news. Lookingat her with sisterly affection, they each took one of her hands and squeezed it in excitement.
As soon as Darcy entered the music room, Georgiana jumped up and ran to him.
“Brother! Your note said all was well. You were able to reassure Elizabeth?”
