THREE
Two more days passed without mention of the Bennet name, though Elizabeth’s image was always present in Darcy’s mind. Christmas was only a week away, and Georgiana was busy preparing the gifts for the servants for Boxing Day. Those for Pemberley had been sent the week before. It was a custom inherited from their parents: every year, on Boxing Day, the servants were given some monetary bonus together with a gift. Presents were offered to the tenants’ children too, and the tradition was carried on each year.
On the third day after the fortuitous meeting, Darcy received a note from Miss Bingley that made him roll his eyes.
Mr Darcy,
We desperately need your help. It seems Jane Bennet is in London, and she has informed me she will come to visit today at noon. I cannot allow Charles to meet her and ruin our hard work. Therefore, I told my brother that you called yesterday asking for him and that you are expecting him today at twelve o’clock. I beg you to keep him busy for at least two hours. I intend to keep Miss Bennet’s visit to under half an hour, but I need some additional time in any case.
I am counting on your support, as always.
C.B.
Those few words irritated Darcy exceedingly. Miss Bingley’s audacity was outrageous, and he realised it was his previous actions that had induced that woman to believe they were partners in lies and deceptions.
His first response in anger was to reply and disagree with the scheme. However, that would probably only inspire the woman to conceive another lie.
Darcy was still convinced that marrying Miss Bennet would be a mistake for Bingley. That the young woman’s feelings did not match his friend’s. He would still strongly advise Bingley against such a step. But to create a web of deception behind his back was appalling and dishonourable, and Darcy could not be part of it.
He put the note aside, reflecting on how he would act further.
Later on, Darcy was surprised by an unexpected visit from his aunt Lady Matlock asking for Georgiana.
“I cannot stay long — I am just returning from the dressmaker. She finally finished my gowns for the New Year dinner party. Georgiana dearest, I received the pleasant news that Mrs Gardiner and her nieces will come and call on me today. Apparently, they have other business in the neighbourhood. I intend to keep them for at least a cup of tea and find out more about them. I have reason to believe I might gather some interesting details. Would you like to come?”
“Of course, if Fitzwilliam does not mind.”
“Fitzwilliam might join us too if he is desirous of seeing the ladies. However, I have reason to believe he is not eager about such an encounter. Am I wrong, Nephew?”
“I have another engagement, but of course, I do not mind Georgiana visiting you at any time or for any reason, Aunt,” Darcy answered with no little emotion. It was precisely what he feared. Furthermore, he understood his aunt’s meaning and what sort of interesting details she hoped to discover. If only the colonel did not have such a big mouth.
Lady Matlock rested for a little while, but just as she was ready to leave, the door opened and Bingley entered. Hestopped, bowed to the lady, and apologised for almost bumping into her.
“Mr Bingley — what a lovely surprise, sir! I have not seen you since the spring. How are you, young man? As handsome as ever!”
“Lady Matlock, I am honoured to see you! I am reasonably well.”
“I heard that you rented an estate. You must tell me one of these days how you like being a landlord.”
“Oh…I could not say…I only rented the place in September, and I am not sure whether I shall return there.”
“Really? Such a pity. I assume you were displeased with the property? Or with the neighbourhood?”
“No. Not at all…in fact, it was quite the opposite. But there were some circumstances that altered my plans.”
Bingley looked troubled, and Darcy wondered where his aunt would take the conversation. Surely, she could not simply inform Bingley about the Bennets’ presence in town!
“How intriguing. Unfortunately, I cannot stay as I have an appointment. But I might ask you to come and have a little chat with me sometime soon. That is, if you do not have anything better to do than visit an old lady.”
“Oh no. I shall come at any time you wish. I would be honoured to talk to your ladyship. I just never assumed you would have any interest in discussing anything with me.”
“I am always interested in you. You seem to be a worthy young man, and I know how much my nephew values your friendship, so your happiness is my concern. I hope you do not mind.”
“Oh no, not at all. Quite the opposite.”
“I am glad to hear that. Georgiana dear, I shall expect you in half an hour.”
The strange conversation left Bingley puzzled and speechless, and Darcy could not blame him. Lady Matlock had met him several times previously but had never spoken more than a few polite words to him.
