Darcy shook his head. “Unbelievable.”
They heard the doorknob stop rattling. For a few minutes there was nothing, then there was a sound at the bedchamber door again. It was quieter than before, but still focused on thedoorknob. What was she doing? She was no longer turning the doorknob back and forth . . .
“She is trying to pick the lock!” Darcy said, incredulous.
Jones lit a candle and walked quietly to the door. He quickly unlocked it and flung it open. Miss Bingley stood there, frozen in shock.
“Is . . . this not my sister’s room?” she asked lamely.
Jones stared at her in silent condemnation.
“I must have gotten . . . turned around,” she added without meeting his eyes.
Jones then looked down to the floor where the tools she had been using on the lock fell when he threw open the door. Miss Bingley looked down at them as well and quickly bent to pick them up. She then turned and hurried away.
Darcy could not believe what had just transpired—Miss Bingley skulking through the night and attempting to break into his bedchamber! She was caught red-handed, and she still tried to act as if she had not meant to be there! Darcy had remained hidden in the shadows, but the candlelight had illuminated the sheer nightgown she wore. Dressed as she was, there was no doubt of her intentions. She had come to his bedchamber, hoping to seduce him. Caroline Bingley was indeed delusional if she thought Darcy considered her a temptation!
“The nerve of that woman!” Darcy said angrily.
“Indeed,” Jones said as he double-checked all the locks. “We are locked down tight, sir."
Darcy nodded.
Jones had slept in the dressing room just in case Miss Bingley attempted something like this and was able to get in. With Jones there, she would not be able to claim she had been alone with Darcy. Not that he would marry her even if she did manage it.
The next morning, Darcy was pleased to learn Bingley’s sisters and brother-in-law had left Netherfield quite early. CarolineBingley had shown exactly how far she would go to get what she wanted. Of course, since she had not succeeded, she would simply claim she had done nothing wrong and that it was all a misunderstanding. Darcy resolved that he would simply treat her as an indifferent acquaintance in public. However, she would never again be invited to his homes. And if Bingley asked why future invitations excluded his sister, Darcy would be sure to enlighten him.
Darcy had been a bit distracted by the knowledge that Miss Elizabeth and her sisters were to call on Georgiana today. He had also found himself looking forward to seeing her again.
His sister had been visiting with the Miss Bennets for a little while when he and Bingley decided to intrude. Darcy’s eyes did a sweep of the drawing room as he entered behind Bingley.
“Good day, ladies!” Bingley greeted the Bennet ladies, who responded pleasantly. "May we join you?"
“Please do,” Georgiana replied. “I will ring for more tea.”
Bingley sat near Miss Elizabeth and immediately engaged her in conversation. To Darcy's right, Georgiana and the other ladies spoke among themselves. He tried to seem interested in the ladies’ conversation, but his attention kept returning to Bingley and Miss Elizabeth. His friend appeared resolved to refrain from showing Miss Bennet so much attention. He and Miss Elizabeth were having a lively discussion, and Darcy could see Bingley was enjoying every minute of it.
The tea arrived, and Georgiana served everyone.
Realizing he had barely spoken, Darcy said, “I hope you ladies do not mind that we interrupted your visit.” He looked around at them, smiling politely.
“Not at all, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bennet said.
“I understand you ladies have more sisters at home,” Bingley said.
“Yes, we have two younger sisters, Catherine and Lydia,” Miss Mary replied.
“I say, your father is quite surrounded!” Bingley teased.
Miss Elizabeth chuckled. “Indeed, he is, and he is known to seek the sanctuary of his bookroom when the talk of lace becomes too much.”
Chuckles were heard around the room. After several more minutes of conversation, the Miss Bennets rose to take their leave, thanking Georgiana for her hospitality.
“Miss Darcy, may I ask how long you plan to be in the neighborhood?” Miss Mary inquired.
“A few weeks, I believe.”
“Perhaps one day we might work on our music together,” Miss Mary suggested.
