Mr. Bingley forbore to say that it was too late to keep Miss Darcy out of trouble; instead, he enquired about the social life he might expect in Meryton.
“There are card parties enough, if you like that sort of thing,” was the unenthusiastic reply. “Oh, and there is an assembly in a fortnight’s time; my wife would not allow me back into the house were I not to invite you to it at once.”
“I very much enjoy dancing!” was the young man’s enthusiastic reply. “Sir William Lucas visited me this very morning and gave me tickets for my entire party.”
“I expected as much,” Mr. Bennet said. “I am certain that I speak for the whole neighbourhood when I say that we all hope to seeyour entire party there. Also, Mr. Bingley, do not be surprised if you receive an invitation to dinner at Longbourn; my wife very much enjoys her dinner parties, and I think it not at all overly preferential on my part to inform you that she is a famous hostess; you would be wise to accept at once.”
He was assured that nothing would give Mr. Bingley greater pleasure than to attend a dinner at Longbourn.
***
Upon arriving home, Mr. Bennet was accosted at once by his wife and every one of his daughters, and was required to give a detailed accounting of his entire time at Netherfield Park, from his arrival to his adieu. He did his best, and was rewarded with a smile from his wife and a kiss on the cheek from his eldest, Jane.
Chapter Thirteen
Pemberley
Mr. Darcy planned his trip to Meryton carefully, writing out the names of the inns they should stop at. He had first decided to take the shortest possible route, but then he paused to reconsider as a sudden thought bloomed in his admittedly weary mind.
Perhaps the article inThe Morning Posthad not been noticed? Perhaps they were all making a mountain out of a molehill? He loved his aunt dearly, but he knew that she was extremely sensitive – perhaps over-sensitive? – when it came to her social position.
Tapping the quill against his lips, he decided that he and Georgiana would stop for a day or two at Darcy House in London. It was rather out of the way, as they would pass through Hertfordshire on their way to London and then have to retrace their steps to return to Hertfordshire, but it would be good to know the worst – or the best – of the situation first-hand, rather than taking the Countess’ word for the extent of the damage.
He would let Mrs. Hilden, the housekeeper at Darcy House, know of his plans at once.
***
“Brother, I do not want to go to London! Everyone knows what happened, and they will stare and laugh, and –”
Mr. Darcy interrupted her. “Georgiana, we have to know how things stand with us. Perhaps Aunt Ellen has managed to contain the damage.”
“And if not?” Georgiana’s lower lip was trembling.
Mr. Darcy sighed. “Then we will leave for Meryton immediately. But we have to know, Georgiana, how far and how wide the tale has spread. Also, it may be that our presence in London will be seen as refuting the gossip, for only guilty people hide away.”
“Then I should hide away, for I am guilty,” Georgiana whispered.
Mr. Darcy shook his head. “No more than I, Georgiana, but hiding accomplishes nothing.”
***
The journey to London was long, and made longer still by Georgiana’s unwillingness to discuss the subject that hung in the air between them. Mr. Darcy had tried, on the first day, to broach the forbidden topic.
“Georgiana, can we not – finally – speak about Ramsgate?”
She turned to face a window. “You already know what happened.”
“I do not know, not really.” How could he ask her what he desperately wanted to know? Surely, if she was with child, it would show by now, would it not? Why was there no one to ask?
“What is it you want to know? He pretended to be in love with me and, of course, all he wanted all along was my dowry. I wasa complete fool to believe that anyone could be in love with me, that much I have learned.”
“No, no, Georgiana! You are very lovable, and someday you will meet a man who is worthy of you!” Mr. Darcy’s voice was desperate.
“I shall never marry.” Her voice was small and tremulous.
“You tear my heart apart when you say such things, Georgiana.” Mr. Darcy’s voice, normally so sure and commanding, was now trembling.
“Shall you mind having me with you always, William?”
