“Are we still on for a game of billiards before dinner?” Bingley asked.
“Certainly. Shall we say half an hour?”
Bingley agreed, and Darcy returned upstairs. He wanted to speak with Georgiana before dinner.
When she joined him in their shared sitting room, he turned to her with a smile. “I just wanted to make sure you are comfortable and still enjoying our visit.”
“Oh, yes, brother! I am quite comfortable. It has been an enjoyable visit thus far. Meeting the Miss Bennets and Miss Lucas has made it even more so.”
“I am glad you enjoyed our outing today. The young ladies we met all seem to be very amiable.”
“Yes, I agree. I hope they think so of me as well,” Georgiana said, twisting the fringe of her shawl.
“I am sure they do. Is there a reason they would not?” Darcy asked, his eyes drawn to her busy fingers.
“Well, while we were at the tea shop, Miss Elizabeth asked if they could call on Friday. I assured her it would be convenient and that I looked forward to it. However, it seemed she wanted to confirm I had a companion here at Netherfield first. Do you think . . . could it be she doubts my ability to serve as hostess on my own?”
“No, dearest,” Darcy said, shaking his head. “I heard your conversation with Miss Elizabeth. She inquired of Mrs. Annesley because Netherfield Park is currently being occupied by two single gentlemen. It would therefore be inappropriate for a young lady to visit without a married woman present or an older woman such as Mrs. Annesley.”
“Oh, I see! She was simply observing propriety,” Georgiana said as understanding dawned.
“Yes, and it speaks well of her. There are many young ladies who would insist there is no need to observe the proprieties because they are visiting the sister, not the brother. Of course, more often than not, the young womandoessecretly wish to secure the gentleman. She is simply waiting for an opportunity to do so, and observing the proprieties would defeat the object. She visits the sister in hopes of gaining access to the brother or learning useful information about him, as you have seen with Miss Bingley.”
Georgiana nodded.
Darcy knew Miss Bingley visited his sister at Darcy House often. The majority of her conversation, however, centered on him. It was clear to Georgiana that Miss Bingley had no real interest in her. Understandably, then, his sister was hesitant at first about coming to Netherfield Park. She did not want tospend many weeks in the same house with Caroline Bingley. Darcy had assured her that Miss Bingley would not be at Netherfield for the first few weeks of their visit. By the time she arrived, they would not have many more days left before their planned departure.
“Thank you, William,” Georgiana said, squeezing her brother’s hand. “I am relieved to know the reason for her inquiry was not that she found me lacking.”
“I am sure that she is as impressed with you as you are with her,” Darcy said, smiling encouragingly at his sister.
Miss Elizabeth made an impression on him as well. It certainly surprised him to find a young woman reading Malcolm Dean. It made him curious about her. However, it was pointless to be curious, and it would not do to raise her expectations by expressing interest in her.
Around mid-afternoon the next day, Darcy and Bingley found themselves playing billiards again. After the third game, they decided to go relax in the study.
Darcy stood at the window, looking out at the view.
“Here you are, Darcy,” Bingley said, handing him a glass of brandy.
“Thank you.”
Bingley sipped his drink, then took a seat.
“It has been good to get away from town . . . and from my sisters!” Bingley said.
Darcy turned from the window, smiling. “Is that so?” he asked, taking a seat across from Bingley.
“Yes, especially Caroline! I do not know what to do about her, Darcy. She has wasted multiple seasons and turned down morethan one suitor all with the purpose of remaining available for you!”
Darcy looked at Bingley with eyes wide in astonishment.
Bingley held both hands up. “I know, I know! You have given her no reason to believe you are interested. Louisa thinks Caroline feels she has an advantage over other young ladies where you are concerned.”
As Darcy stared, his mouth slightly agape, his brows knit together in confusion.
“Our friendship has allowed her more time in your company than other young ladies can claim. She frequently boasts to other women about having been a guest at Pemberley.” Bingley looked at Darcy and sighed. “I have told Caroline myself that you will never offer for her. Louisa has told her she is wasting her time waiting around for you, and that one day she may find herself without any suitors at all! Caroline simply refuses to see reason.”
Darcy shook his head. “I am sorry, Bingley. Knowing all this, I am even more appreciative of you waiting to inform them about leasing Netherfield.”
