“That is an impotent threat and completely beneath you, Caroline,” said Bingley. The woman opened her mouth to respond, but Bingley did not allow it. “If you act to sink Miss Bennet’s reputation, it will only redound upon your own head. Whatever you may think of her, she will bemywife and will move with me in society. I doubt you have the power to do anything other than make our family the target of gossip.”
“You should also remember that Bingley is my friend,” said Darcy, drawing her attention back to him. “SinceIsupport your brother and will welcome Miss Bennet into my home, I doubt she will have any trouble finding acceptance. Her character will do the rest, for no one who meets her can fail to approve.”
“Thank you, Darcy. I cannot state my gratitude in warm enough terms.”
For the first time since she had entered the room, Miss Bingley controlled her temper, her gaze on him assessing, though with an edge of dread. Even now, she was likely wondering what had kept him here after the failure to prevent Bingley from offering for Miss Bennet. His comments about Miss Elizabeth and her suspicions about his sentiments must now be giving her pause. Her next words, when she spoke them, were transparent, though not unexpected.
“If I cannot convince you, then so it must be,” said she, though grudging. “But I shall not stay here and watch you ruin our family’s standing by bestowing consequence upon those who are undeserving.”
Then in a move calculated to signal her displeasure, Miss Bingley turned to Darcy. “I apologize for what I said, Mr. Darcy, for I was overwrought.”
“Apology accepted, Miss Bingley,” said Darcy, wondering if she heard the sardonic note in his voice.
It was no surprise that she did not.
“Then we shall return to London, Mr. Darcy. Though I am disappointed in my brother’s choice, I can console myself with your company and that of your dear sister.”
“It appears you misapprehend the situation, Miss Bingley,” replied Darcy. “I have no intention of going to London—indeed, I find myself quite settled for the moment.”
“I cannot conceive why,” exclaimed Miss Bingley, though Darcy could see the sudden tension in her posture. “Since my brother is intent upon his path, there is no more reason for you to stay here.”
“There is a very good reason, Miss Bingley. Georgiana and I are comfortable here and have no wish to return to town. Your brother has invited us, and so we shall stay.”
Bingley, Darcy noted, was now watching with anticipation, though Darcy could say nothing about the merit of expecting a sister’s disappointment. Not that he would blame Bingley—Miss Bingley could try the patience of any saint.
“Let us leave this subject, Miss Bingley. You are, of course, welcome to return to town at any time of your choosing. Georgiana and I will remain at your brother’s invitation.”
“What is so important about remaining here, Mr. Darcy?” challenged she. “Do the locals’ rustic manners amuse you or is there some other reason for your desire to stay?”
“My reasons are my own,” replied Darcy. “I need not explain myself.”
Miss Bingley watched him as if trying to understand the depth of his resolve. She must not have liked what she saw, for she grimaced, though she was all congenial smiles after.
“Very well. It appears that I too must remain, for I shall not have you live in my brother’s house without a mistress of the house.”
“Your civility astounds us, Caroline,” said Mr. Bingley.
She did not deign to respond.
“You know she is suspicious,” said Bingley when they were alone a little later.
“Yes, that much I apprehended,” replied Darcy. “It will become clear the first time she sees me in company with Miss Elizabeth.”
Bingley chuckled, slapping Darcy’s back. “Then I hope you are prepared to endure her intrusion. Caroline will not take kindly to your attentions toward Miss Elizabeth and will do everything in her power to prevent it.”
“Then she would do well to reconsider,” was Darcy’s curt reply. “I will endure no more interference than you will.”
“It would be best to make that clear to her.”
“Trust me, Bingley, I shall. At the first opportunity.”
“IT SOUNDS LIKE IT WASnothing less than a tantrum.”
Mr. Darcy, standing beside her, nodded. “That is a good description of it, Miss Elizabeth.”
Though she knew she should not, Elizabeth risked a glance at Miss Bingley, noting the woman watching them with a determined, unflinching gaze. For once, Elizabeth was grateful for her mother’s exuberant ways; she had waylaid Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst the moment they entered the room and had not allowed them to withdraw. Considering Miss Bingley’s opinionof them all, Elizabeth had not supposed she would allow such minor concerns as civility to keep her in check, but there it was.
“I might not have expected her to visit,” said she to Mr. Darcy, taking care to ensure Miss Bingley could not overhear. “She clearly takes no pleasure in our company and believes Longbourn is beneath her notice.”
