Pleasantries were exchanged and an introduction to Mr Gardiner performed, then their host invited them to sit.
Unlike the previous day, Bingley returned to his usual self, amiable and voluble, talking all the time. Mr and Mrs Gardiner proved to be excellent companions, with a great openness for conversation and knowledge in many areas, just as Lady Matlock had claimed. Elizabeth was mostly as he remembered her from Hertfordshire, and, although he did not speak to her directly, her nearness warmed Darcy until the heat inside him became disturbing.
They talked about Pemberley and Lambton, about Mr Gardiner’s business, and they debated the extraordinary coincidence that had caused their paths to cross with Lady Matlock’s.
Despite the fact that Elizabeth’s company was delightfully tormenting, Darcy enjoyed his time more than he had expected.
“Mrs Gardiner, did you happen to visit my sisters yesterday?” Bingley suddenly enquired.
“Yes, we did. Jane wrote to your sister and informed her that we would come.”
“Unfortunately, I was not aware of it, as I was not aware of your presence in town until yesterday, when Darcy told me,” Bingley confessed, causing general astonishment.
“Your sisters told us you were busy with Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy, which caused your absence during our call,” Elizabeth answered. Darcy did not miss her sharp tone, nor Mrs Gardiner’s reproachful glance. Elizabeth’s statement irritated Darcy exceedingly. What did Miss Bingley mean by claiming Bingley was busy with his sister? Did she suggest there was some sort of arrangement between Bingley and Georgiana? Surely, she would not dare to intimate something so outrageous.
“Despite my close friendship with Bingley, we have only seen each other a few times since we returned from Hertfordshire,” Darcy answered. “As for my sister, she and Bingley have always been friends, but they rarely meet, as they share only a few interests.”
Bingley seemed to have missed the meaning of his sister’s words, but Jane Bennet’s expression of relief was obvious. From her, Darcy looked to Elizabeth, whose eyes wore a glimpse of something he had never seen before.
“I am sure it was some sort of misunderstanding,” Mrs Gardiner offered. “We are happy and honoured to have you both here, gentlemen.”
“And it is good that you have such an honest and loyal friend as Mr Darcy, who tells you the truth, Mr Bingley,” Elizabeth said. There was a smile in her eyes and on her lips, which confused Darcy. Was she was being serious or teasing him again?
Boldly, and perhaps even improperly, he replied, “I am glad I have your approval, Miss Elizabeth, although you consider us to be more enemies than friends. This makes your opinion even more valuable.”
The answer evidently disconcerted Elizabeth, and she looked at him, puzzled. Then, Bingley asked a question, and theconversation took another turn. An hour later, the guests took their leave with mutual hopes to meet again but without any fixed plans.
Bingley chatted all the way back to Mayfair, expressing his delight in seeing Jane Bennet, his anger towards his sisters, and the confrontation he planned to have with them. Again, Darcy took his share of the blame; he admitted the short visit had given him enough reason to assume his estimation of Miss Bennet’s feelings had been hasty and inaccurate. Bingley, however, seemed determined to quarrel with his sisters, and no argument seemed to calm him.
“I am considering hosting a dinner and inviting the Gardiners. And Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. I shall send both Caroline and Louisa away if they do not behave. Would you come, Darcy? And perhaps Miss Darcy too?”
No, I should not be close to Elizabeth again so soon, Darcy’s reason screamed in his mind.
“If you wish it, I shall, Bingley. I would only ask that you take slower steps and consider the effect of your actions on yourself and Miss Bennet.”
“I am considering everything very carefully, Darcy. So I shall count on you to come to dinner,” Bingley said hastily, proving he had hardly listened to Darcy’s advice.
