Bingley finished his note and gave it to Miss Bennet. She summoned a servant, handed the note over, and gave instructions for its delivery to Netherfield.
Darcy noticed Miss Lydia and Miss Catherine suddenly walk over to the doorway of the adjacent room, giggling.
"Miss Darcy!" Miss Lydia called out loudly over the sound of the pianoforte. Miss Mary stopped playing. She and Georgiana both looked up at Miss Lydia. "How do you spend your time in London?"
Georgiana looked at her uncertainly. "Well . . . I have my studies and I also work with my music master."
"But what do you do for enjoyment?" Miss Lydia pressed.
"I find the pianoforte enjoyable, as well as private musicales and the theatre."
"I am sure there are so many handsome gentlemen in town!" Miss Catherine said. "Do you have very many admirers?"
"I cannot think she does when she is not even out!" Miss Lydia said. "Miss Darcy, how can you stand to not go about in society? I know there must be balls and parties every night! I would wish to attend as many as possible. How you must suffer it!"
"Lydia, Kitty, that is enough!" Miss Bennet said, giving her sisters a look that spoke volumes. Miss Elizabeth had a similar look on her face.
Thankfully, the girls returned to their seats and found occupation with the items strewn about the table.
Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet apologized to Georgiana for their sisters' behavior. Though her color was a little high, she assured them she was fine, then she communicated the same to him with a look.
"I apologize, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley," Miss Bennet said, obviously embarrassed. "Would you gentlemen like to take a walk in the garden?”
He and Bingley agreed, so the four of them headed outside.
Miss Elizabeth linked arms with her sister as the two ladies led the way into the garden. Darcy considered the notable differences in their behavior and that of other, more forward ladies of the ton. Such ladies displayed bold and coquettish behavior in order to flatter a gentleman or even entrap him. Darcy learned long ago to be wary of such women—women like his friend’s sister.
From what Darcy had observed, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth never played such games to garner male attention. Even now, in this garden, they had him and Bingley to themselves, and still their behavior continued to be abovereproach. Although he was now quite sure Miss Elizabeth did not much care for him, he suspected that Miss Bennet would be receptive to Bingley were he to show serious interest in her. Yet, she did not put herself forward or try to cling to Bingley when his attention was not on her.
“Mr. Darcy, has it been some time since you were at Pemberley?” Miss Bennet asked.
Darcy recognized her attempt at polite conversation and obliged her. “It has been about two months.”
“Do you have other family in Derbyshire?”
“Yes, of the Darcy family there is my father’s sister and her children, and I also have a great-uncle. My mother’s brother and his family live in Derbyshire as well.”
“How nice to have so much family nearby,” Miss Bennet said.
Miss Elizabeth turned to Bingley. “I understand you hail from Yorkshire. Do you spend much time there during the year?”
“I spend only a few months of the year in Yorkshire. My younger sister, Caroline, prefers London. She loves the endless social whirl of balls and parties that are to be found there. I also enjoy the social scene in town, but I have a love of the country as well,” Bingley replied.
"I share your sentiments. There is always so much to do in London. I especially enjoy the theatre and the exhibitions. Jane and I will be leaving for town next week, and I am looking forward to it, but I shall miss my long walks through the countryside,” Miss Elizabeth said.
“I was not aware you are soon to travel to London. Shall you be away long?” Bingley asked.
“Yes, in fact, we will probably not return until sometime in January.”
Darcy watched as his own astonishment at the news was mirrored in his friend’s face. Bingley turned a surprised expression first on Miss Elizabeth and then on Miss Bennet.
“I see! You ladies will indeed be away for quite some time. Will your entire family make the trip?”
“No, just us. Jane and I go to visit our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner a few times a year. We are very close to them.”
“Ah . . . well, you two will be greatly missed, but I am sure you will have a marvelous time,” Bingley said congenially.
The ladies smiled their thanks to Bingley.
