Darcy had had enough. He knew what Miss Bingley had left unsaid—that she could also see his interest in Miss Elizabeth. However, she knew better than to come at him in the way she did her brother and presume to direct Darcy’s life.
“Bingley, we will speak later.”
“Yes, of course. I apologize, Darcy. Please give my apologies to Miss Elizabeth and Miss Darcy.”
Darcy nodded to his friend and heard him speak again as he walked to the door of the bookshop.
“Come, Caroline, and not another word!”
Before he could enter, however, the ladies walked out. Darcy tried and failed to catch Miss Elizabeth’s eye, so he reached for her hand and held it until her eyes met his.
“Miss Elizabeth, I apologize for Miss Bingley’s behavior and for not finding a way to avoid that scene. At least you and Georgiana had gone inside before it escalated. Bingley also sends his apologies to you both.”
“No one is responsible for Miss Bingley’s behavior but Miss Bingley,” Miss Elizabeth said calmly. “I thank you, though, and I thank Mr. Bingley as well.”
“Lizzy?”
They turned to see Miss Mary approaching them.
“If you are finished shopping, we are ready to head home,” Miss Mary said.
Miss Elizabeth glanced back to Georgiana, but she did not quite bring her eyes to Darcy’s.
“Yes, we are finished,” she told her sister and began walking with her.
Darcy followed them as he tried to puzzle out the change in Miss Elizabeth. He would not have thought Bingley’s sister could discompose her, but she did not seem herself.What is wrong?
Georgiana put her hand on his arm to slow his pace. He looked at her as he began to walk more slowly. He could see that she was trying to allow more distance between them and Miss Elizabeth.
“Brother, if you are planning on suggesting we all ride together back to Gracechurch Street, I beg you, do not.”
“Why?”
“We cannot speak of it now, but I will explain everything on the way home.”
Darcy looked back to Miss Elizabeth walking ahead of them and sighed. “Very well.”
After seeing Miss Elizabeth and her family off, Darcy climbed into the carriage and turned to his sister. “You indicated that you have something to tell me that could not be overheard by the rest of our party.”
Georgiana nodded, but before she could begin, Darcy interrupted her.
“Just a moment,” he said. “Fitz, do we need to take you home, or are you staying with us?”
Fitz looked at them curiously. “It sounds like I need to come with you.”
Darcy nodded, then turned back to his sister. “Go on.”
“I know you said that you have not yet spoken to Elizabeth of your feelings for her, but do you think she has had reason to suspect your partiality? Perhaps the attentions you have been paying her?” Georgiana asked.
“Did she say something?” he asked anxiously.
“No, William, I am simply trying to lay out some facts the way I understand them, and then you can determine if my thinking is correct or if you have a different interpretation.”
He sighed. “Very well . . . yes, she has reason to suspect my partiality. I showed her marked attentions at the ball, and I continued to do so today. Even before we left Hertfordshire, I hinted at my interest.”
She nodded. “With that in mind, think back to what just played out with the Bingleys.”
“The Bingleys?” Fitz asked, surprised. “When did you encounter them?”
