“Hmm, yes, I believe we have heard something of your dealings with Elizabeth.”
It was apparent that Mr. Darcy did not like the sound of that, and Elizabeth suspected he would like it even less when he learned the truth. Before he could reply, Mr. Bennet shrugged.
“I thank you for your sentiments, Darcy, but as you can see, we have the matter in hand, though it was uncertain for a moment.”
“Mr. Darcy,” said one merchant, the owner of the linen-draper, “I beg your pardon, sir, but you mentioned your willingness to settle Mr. Wickham’s debts.”
“Yes, I shall do it, but only because I failed to speak of my experiences with him,” said Mr. Darcy. “I shall say to you what I said to the merchants in Lambton near my home—this should be a lesson to you of the dangers of extending credit.”
“Trust me, sir,” said the man, “I will inspect my ledgers to ensure they are in order, and will hesitate before being so misled again.”
“Please inform me if you hold any receipts from anyone else in the regiment,” said Colonel Forster. “I will ensure prompt payment.”
It took no great insight to see that one or two of the remaining officers did not appreciate this directive, but Elizabeth knew they were all sons of gentlemen. With the support of their families, Elizabeth knew the merchants would receive what was owed to them.
The colonel then excused himself and walked away to see to his officer. Mr. Thompson returned, and Mr. Darcy set him to the task of conferring with the merchants and the remaining officers to obtain all Mr. Wickham’s debt receipts and arrange payment. While all this was happening, Elizabeth noticed that Mr. Bingley, after speaking to support Miss Darcy, was now standing next to Jane in conversation. Elizabeth was not the only one who noticed this.
“Mr. Bingley,” said Mr. Bennet, stepping toward the genial man, lowering his voice so it would not be overheard, “I am not a man who holds grudges, nor do I interfere in my children’s concerns unless I must. Let me inform you, however, that if you mean to make love to my daughter and then withdraw again without explanation, you may as well retreat from the field now. I shall not allow her peace of mind to be tested again.”
It appeared Mr. Bingley had expected this, for he nodded, not a trace of a smile on his face. “I understand, Mr. Bennet. Let me declare here and now that I have returned to Hertfordshire withevery intention to stay and come to know your daughter for the purpose of determining if we wish to bind our lives closer. You have my solemn promise that I shall not depart again unless I must. I have no wish to hurt Miss Bennet.”
While Mr. Bennet eyed him, he appeared impressed with Mr. Bingley’s earnest answer. When he responded, Elizabeth knew it was as much because of Jane’s approving nod as any confidence in Mr. Bingley’s declaration.
“Very well,” said Mr. Bennet. “So long as Jane welcomes your presence, you are permitted to visit Longbourn at any time.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bennet,” replied Mr. Bingley, as serious as Elizabeth had ever seen him. “I have given you no reason to trust me, but I appreciate your forbearance all the same.”
Mr. Bennet’s eyes crinkled in amusement. “Do right by my daughter, and all is forgiven.”
As Mr. Bennet settled in next to Jane and Mr. Bingley to speak, Elizabeth noticed that Miss Darcy was regarding her with apparent interest, Mr. Darcy standing by her side. When they saw her glance, they moved toward her.
“Miss Elizabeth,” said Mr. Darcy, bowing. “Thank you for your quick defense of my sister. It is most appreciated.”
“It was no trouble,” said Elizabeth. No one was near enough to overhear, but Elizabeth leaned forward, nonetheless. “The best way to discredit anything he said was to do so before he tried to defame you. My neighbors might gossip for a time, but they will not think it is anything other than the desperate attempt of a worthless man.”
“Brother,” said Miss Darcy, her expression unreadable, “will you do me the honor of introducing your friend?”
Mr. Darcy turned to Elizabeth, and when she nodded, he performed the introductions. When the ladies curtseyed to each other, Elizabeth looked on the younger girl with interest.
“Excuse me, Miss Darcy, but do I err in assuming you already know something of me?”
Miss Darcy exchanged a glance with her brother and offered a little laugh. “I told you she was perceptive,” said Mr. Darcy.
“Yes, Miss Elizabeth, and I have been eager to make your acquaintance.
“I see you are curious,” added Miss Darcy. “When he was here in the autumn, my brother mentioned you in his letters to me, though most of what I have learned has been in the past few days.”
Surprised, Elizabeth turned to Mr. Darcy. “You spoke of me to your sister?”
“If you recall,” said Mr. Darcy, appearing a little uncomfortable, “you stayed at Netherfield for a few days. The night Miss Bingley praised me for my even lines, I related some anecdotes about your exchanges with her.”
Though Elizabeth could not be certain, she suspected that Mr. Darcy had not related the scene in Hunsford’s parlor to his sister, nor did he wish her to know of it. That secrecy might not last much longer, considering Elizabeth’s incautious revelation only the previous evening. For the moment, however, avoidance of the subject seemed the best course.
“Then perhaps you have come to Hertfordshire to castigate me for my treatment of your dear friend,” jested Elizabeth.
Her tone proved inspired, as Miss Darcy covered her mouth with her hand to stifle a giggle. “While I hesitate to contradict Miss Bingley, her claims of intimacy with me are exaggerated.”
“I never would have guessed,” said Elizabeth, which again provoked Miss Darcy’s laughter. Even Mr. Darcy’s lips curved into a smile.
