“Bingley is usually considerate, even when his sister is at her worst. I do not know what was at the root of his thoughtless words today. Though not long after I arrived in Hertfordshire, he did admit to a growing frustration with his sister. Apparently, she has been rejecting suitors with the intent of staying available for me!”
Fitz's mouth dropped open in shock. “What?”
Darcy nodded. “I could not believe it either. To think that all this time she has not married or even courted because of some ridiculous notion she has that I will choose her to be my wife.”
Fitz slowly shook his head.
“Oh, and I neglected to tell you what she attempted in Hertfordshire.”
“Caroline Bingley? She was in Hertfordshire?” Fitz asked.
Darcy explained how Miss Bingley discovered their location and then proceeded to travel there with the Hursts, uninvited.
“Bingley threatened her with my disapproval to convince her to leave. Knowing they were to depart the next morning, I had a feeling she might try something, and she did. She came to my room in the middle of the night. When she found both the bedchamber door and the sitting room door locked, she tried to pick the lock!”
Fitz stared, incredulous. “She actually had tools with her to pick the lock?”
"Jones opened the door and caught her with them.”
“Unbelievable! What did she do next? Pretend she was walking in her sleep?”
“She claimed to believe she was at her sister’s door.”
“Of course she did,” Fitz said with disgust.
Darcy looked at his cousin. “I need to be on my guard with her, and Miss Elizabeth needs to be as well.”
Fitz nodded. “Indeed, it would be prudent, cousin. There is no telling what that woman may do next if given the chance.”
“I suppose I am getting ahead of myself. I speak as if Miss Elizabeth agreeing to a courtship is a foregone conclusion.”
“We are simply choosing to think positively,” Fitz said with a grin. "Shall we forgo dressing for dinner?"
"Georgiana suggested we forgo dinner altogether. I have informed Brandon that you and I will take trays here in the study."
“Is Georgiana well?” Fitz asked.
“She might be a bit tired, but she is mainly concerned for my state of mind and knows I have matters to deal with.”
“Yes, some brandy would not go amiss. Before we can partake, however, you must write this letter to Mr. Gardiner,” Fitz reminded him.
Darcy took out a sheet of paper, opened the inkwell, and dipped his pen.
Mr. Gardiner,
When I escorted Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth to the bookshop, we happened to meet with the Bingleys. My friend’s sister has a very high opinion of herself and was extremely rude to your niece. Georgiana and Miss Elizabeth went inside the bookshop while I remained outside. My sister has just informed me that she and Miss Elizabeth overheard Miss Bingley making disparaging remarks about both Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. Bingley attempted to control his sister with little success. In the course of their argument, assumptions were made that I did not correct because I was not at liberty to do so. I fear your niece may have gotten the wrong impressionof me as a result. Her good opinion means a great deal to me, and therefore, I intend to resolve any misunderstanding as soon as possible. I would like to request a private audience with Miss Elizabeth tomorrow. After I speak with her, I would appreciate a moment of your time as well.
I am truly sorry for any discomfort Miss Elizabeth experienced due to Miss Bingley’s atrocious behavior.
Regards,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Darcy folded and sealed the letter while Fitz sent for Brandon. Leaving the door open, Fitz walked over to the liquor decanter. As he poured them each a brandy, the butler appeared.
“Yes, sir?”
“Brandon, please see that Mr. Gardiner receives this letter right away. Instruct the servant to wait for a response.”
