“Georgiana will come tomorrow,” replied Mr. Darcy, though he appeared disinclined to respond at all.
“That is perfect,” said Mrs. Bennet. “Unless you are otherwise engaged, we should be pleased to host you tomorrow evening. We anticipate making your sister’s acquaintance.”
For a moment, Elizabeth thought Mr. Darcy might offer some excuse about why they could not accept. Before he could open his mouth, however, his friend seized the right of response.
“Thank you for your kindness, Mrs. Bennet. If it is no trouble, it will please us to accept.”
“No trouble at all, Mr. Bingley,” replied Mrs. Bennet, with an air of unmistakable triumph. “We are eager to host you.”
While the visit continued around him, Mr. Darcy appeared most discontented. Elizabeth knew that she should leave well enough alone, that it would be best not to poke at the bear in their midst. The inclination to needle him proved irresistible.
“How excellent it will be to make your sister’s acquaintance, Mr. Darcy,” said Elizabeth, the first time she had addressed him that day. “We shall endeavor to welcome her and make her feel at home.”
Mr. Darcy regarded her but revealed nothing of his feelings. “That is all a loving brother could ever want for his sister, Miss Elizabeth.”
“Aye, it is,” agreed Elizabeth. “Just as a lovingsisterwould wish forhersister.”
The gentleman got the point at once, but Elizabeth was not finished.
“It appears this moment, at least, goes to Jane. I could not be happier for my sister, for she is the gentlest, mostdeservingsoul I know.”
Mr. Darcy did not respond, leaving Elizabeth with the satisfaction of the last word. For some time, he watched the room, discontent seething, wondering what he could do to alter the score, or Elizabeth was no judge of him at all. Then Kitty and Lydia, who had walked to Meryton, returned and altered the atmosphere.
“Oh, Mama!” exclaimed Lydia in a loud voice as she entered the room. “You will never guess what happened today!”
“It was such a farce!” cried Kitty, determined to have her part of the conversation.
Elizabeth never learned what had happened, and she did not care to know—it was something about Mr. Denny and Mr. Sanderson, the latter of whom had suffered some embarrassment about which the girls went on at length. Mrs. Bennet, proving her lack of sense, tittered and jested along with her youngest daughters, creating quite a spectacle in their sitting-room. The three were so loud that not only did Mr. Darcy glare at them in disapproval, but Mr. Bingley noticed, watching with a measure of concern.
When the gentlemen rose to depart, Mr. Darcy did not do so without stepping close to Elizabeth and whispering in her ear.
“It appears Miss Elizabeth, that the score is once again even.”
Then, with an insufferably self-satisfied expression, he followed Mr. Bingley from the room, leaving a fuming Elizabeth behind.
“MISS DARCY!” WAS BINGLEY’Senthusiastic greeting the moment Georgiana alighted from the carriage. “Welcome toNetherfield Park. I cannot tell you how pleased I am that you have joined us here.”
The way Georgiana regarded him, Darcy knew that she was a little confused. “You are happy for my coming, Mr. Bingley?” asked Georgiana, a hint of timidity entering her voice. Darcy had not heard that tone in some time, since she had begun to recover from Wickham’s actions.
“I am,” replied Bingley, seeing nothing of her hesitation. “For you see, I have no mistress at Netherfield, and consequently no ability to host. Though I would not tax your abilities, knowing your tender age, should you consent to act as my hostess for a dinner one evening, I would be most obliged.”
It was clear that Georgiana did not know what to say—Darcy stepped in. “Perhaps now is not the time to discuss such things, Bingley. Georgiana has not been here for five minutes.”
“Of course, of course,” said Bingley, appearing not at all chastened. “If you follow Mrs. Nichols, she will see you to your room.”
“That will not be necessary, Bingley,” replied Darcy. “I shall take my sister to her room.”
“Then I shall await your arrival in the sitting-room.”
As they were walking upstairs, Georgiana, who had remained quiet, turned her attention to Darcy. “What was that about, Brother?”
Though Darcy was loath to mention Bingley’s infatuation with Miss Bennet, he decided an oblique reference was good enough for now. Georgiana, he knew, would learn of the matter before long, but he did not wish to appear supportive, even to his sister.
“Bingley was speaking of his neighbors to the west, the Bennets. Since our arrival, they have hosted Bingley at least twice—he wishes to repay their kindness.”
“Oh!” cried Georgiana, relieved. “I had thought...” Georgiana paused and swallowed. “Well... it seemed like Mr. Bingley was happy to seeme.”
Darcy regarded her with interest. “Is the notion of Bingley’s esteem onerous to you?”
