“I asked her just this morning.”
“And what about Fitzwilliam?”
“What about him?” Darcy asked.
“He clearly has his eye on Miss Bennet,” Bingley said, irritation in his voice.
“He does. They have been getting to know one another.”
Bingley drank the rest of his port and set the glass down.
“Would you like another?”
“Yes,” Bingley said tersely.
Darcy grabbed the glass and refilled it. He set it back in front of Bingley, then seated himself in his chair.
“Bingley, I am sure you remember the conversation we had with Miss Elizabeth and her sister in the garden at Longbourn. Their aunt has many things planned for their stay in town. They will be attending numerous events. The Bennet sisters are lovely young ladies. If not Fitz, some other gentleman would soon be showing an interest in Miss Bennet. You know this.”
Bingley continued to look away.
“It is one of the reasons I did not hesitate to ask Miss Elizabeth for a courtship. I did not want to be in the position of having to compete for her. Especially since I already knew I wanted her.”
Bingley blew out a frustrated breath. “Yes, Darcy, logically I know this. That does not mean I am at peace with it. It is also irritatingly ironic that my family, whose background is in trade, looks down on the daughter of a gentleman as if she is nothing, yet the son of an earl does not find her lacking at all! A fact that only further confirms her worth, but they would not see it because they do not wish to see it.”
“The way you measure worth and the way your sisters do is as far apart as east and west,” Darcy added.
His friend only grunted in response.
“Bingley, your family’s desire to advance socially is understandable. But perhaps you should ask yourself, how much advancement is necessary, and to what end? Will it be worth giving up the things that are important to you? For instance, will a marriage of convenience be worth forever losing outon having a loving relationship with a woman and a fulfilling marriage? Of course, you must decide whether you will follow your father’s wishes to the letter or not, because you must live with the decision you make. Just do not disregard all that you have done and continue to do in carrying out his wishes. Did you not support your eldest sister in making a match? Have you not done your best to influence your younger sister to make a wise choice, even though she refuses to comply? You have also taken steps towards preparing yourself to enter the ranks of the landed gentry. You have more than proven yourself to be a dutiful son, Bingley.”
“I appreciate you saying so, Darcy. I have tried to do as I ought. You are correct that I do need to think seriously about what I want. When we left you yesterday, I told Caroline that she had until the end of this coming season to find a husband, or I will be setting her up in her own establishment. She proceeded to speak to me as if I am an idiot, like she normally does, but I simply looked her in the eye and said, ‘you have been warned’. Who knows if she will take me seriously or not. For her sake, I hope she does.”
Darcy nodded. “Speaking of your sister, Bingley, there is something I must tell you. I need you to make clear to her that all association between us is at an end. She is not welcome here, nor is she to contact my sister. If she attempts to speak to me, to Miss Elizabeth, or to any member of my family, she will be publicly humiliated.”
At first, Bingley appeared shocked, then resigned. Finally, he nodded.
“I understand, Darcy. She brought it all on herself. I know you have tolerated her for years because of our friendship. I will make sure she is clear where she stands with you,” Bingley said.
“Thank you, Bingley.”
Bingley wished Darcy well in his courtship, finished his drink, then took his leave.
After seeing his friend out, he wondered if Bingley would continue to hold his ground with his sister. Darcy certainly hoped he would.
Chapter 25
After having dinner with Georgiana, Darcy departed for Matlock House. When he arrived, he found everyone enjoying drinks in the parlor.
“Darcy! Come, join us!” Uncle Byron invited him.
“How are you, William?” Aunt Sophia asked. “Richard told us of the misunderstanding caused by the Bingleys’ interference.”
“I am well, thank you, Aunt.”
“I gathered from your note that you were able to undo the damage with Miss Elizabeth,” Fitz said.
“Yes, I was, and I am happy to say we are now courting,” Darcy said.
