The Gardiners and their nieces headed outside. Lord Rutherford bid Fitz and Georgiana farewell, and they walked out soon after.
“Another exceptional exhibit,” Darcy said to Lord Rutherford.
“Thank you, Darcy. It has turned out rather well.”
“Indeed. I must also thank you, sir. I know our friends appreciated your warm welcome.”
“If I do not miss my mark, you are quite taken with Miss Elizabeth,” Lord Rutherford said with a knowing smile.
“Your aim is true, sir. I am indeed quite taken with her.”
“Well, son, she seems a very bright and lovely young woman. I wish you success.”
“Thank you.”
Lord Rutherford squeezed Darcy’s shoulder, then accompanied him outside.
Chapter 22
When Darcy joined his cousin and the ladies in the carriage, they began discussing the exhibit with great enthusiasm. Darcy was pleased everyone had enjoyed it so well. It was certainly one of the best exhibits he had seen.
When they reached Berkeley Square, they visited a sportsman's shop as well as an establishment that sold instruments. Gunter's was to be their next destination, and afterwards a nearby bookshop would be their last stop before heading home. For half an hour they enjoyed tea and pastries and good company.
As they left Gunter’s, Darcy offered an arm to both Miss Elizabeth and his sister. Fitz did likewise to Miss Bennet and Miss Mary. Following the Gardiners, they came to a crowd of people who were watching a pantomime with a violin accompaniment. After watching for several minutes, it was decided that Darcy would escort his sister and Miss Elizabeth to the bookshop while the rest of their party would remain to watch the pantomime.
They were a few feet away from the door of the bookshop when Bingley and his sister crossed their path.
“Darcy!” Bingley said. “Miss Elizabeth, Miss Darcy, a pleasure to see you!”
Miss Elizabeth and Georgiana returned his greeting.
“Hello, Mr. Darcy! And, Miss Darcy, how lovely to see you!” Miss Bingley exclaimed. “It has been far too long since Louisa and I have had the pleasure of your company!”
Darcy could see that Miss Bingley was attempting to snub Miss Elizabeth by ignoring her presence.
Bingley turned to his sister with a frown.
“Georgiana,” Miss Elizabeth said, “shall we go in?”
“Yes, Elizabeth,” Georgiana replied, looking at Miss Bingley with disdain. “Something smells decidedly unpleasant out here.”
Miss Bingley’s shock was apparent.
“Excuse us, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley,” Miss Elizabeth said.
Darcy watched them walk into the bookshop. He was sure Caroline Bingley had not anticipated she would be the one snubbed in this scenario, but she had been—times two. Darcy could not keep the slight smile from his lips, nor did he want to.
“How do you do, Bingley?” Darcy asked, ignoring Miss Bingley the way she ignored Miss Elizabeth.
“Darcy, please apologize to—”
“Come, now, Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley interrupted, “I know how careful you are with who is allowed to keep company with your dear sister. Surely, this . . . Miss Eliza Bennet is not suitable. As for Miss Bennet, I see your interest in her, Charles. Do not suppose that I do not. And who is she? A nobody! Mr. Darcy, she and her sister are trying to ensnare you and Charles! Do you not see?”
Darcy refused to acknowledge her, his gaze never leaving Bingley.
“Caroline! Enough! Neither Darcy nor I are pursuing the Bennet ladies. You are making an issue of nothing!”
“It is not nothing, Charles! I am merely concerned for you and for our dear friends. Mr. Darcy and his sister are so good and willing to assume the best in others. I do not want them to be the victims of such devious persons.”
