Darcy hesitated. “It would take too long to wait for them to gather the things they need,” he said at last. “Besides, if they accompany us, it may place them in danger.”
“But returning for them later could cost precious time,” Richard said.
Bingley suddenly straightened. “I have it.”
They turned to him.
“The Hursts’ carriage can take Lady Anne and Georgiana to a coaching inn,” he said. “Send them with the maids, Darcy’s valet, and two footmen.”
“They will be safe there,” Richard said slowly.
“And,” Bingley continued with growing confidence, “I shall remain here.”
Darcy frowned.“You?”
“Yes. If anyone questions me, I can truthfully say I never left Netherfield and know nothing of your current whereabouts.”
Richard snorted. “Bingley, no offense, but your ability to lie is as nonexistent as dignity in a pig wallow.”
“And what would you know about pig wallows?” retorted Bingley, looking pleased with himself for his bit of wit.
Darcy hesitated, ignoring the squabble. “I dislike deceit.”
Bingley lifted his chin. “In this case Mr. Bennet began the deception,” he said. “This is defense, not dishonesty. I have no qualms in stating half-truths about this matter.”
Darcy nodded slowly. “Very well.”
He began to make his way to the door once again, but he was stopped—yet again—with the voice of reason, this time in the form of Lady Anne.
“But what about your wedding tomorrow, Mr. Bingley?”
All three men froze and stared at one another with wide eyes.
In the chaos, they had forgotten entirely.
Bingley blinked. “Jane… I imagine she will wish to delay it, as her sister will not be present.”
Darcy shook his head. “No. The wedding must proceed.”
Bingley stared at him. “What?”
“It will buy us time,” Darcy said firmly. “Mrs. Bennet would never allow Mr. Bennet to miss his daughter’s wedding. Appearances must be preserved.”
Richard nodded. “And gossip would destroy the other Bennet girls if the wedding collapsed.”
Bingley frowned. “But what if Mr. Bennet forbids it?”
“The banns have been read,” Darcy reminded him, “and Miss Bennet is of age.”
Bingley ran a hand through his hair. “Jane will not wish to disobey her father.”
Lady Anne spoke quietly. “If I may be so bold… as a woman who once found herself in a difficult position.”
They looked at her, and Darcy gave her a nod of encouragement.
“A gentle woman like Miss Bennet,” she continued, “will find courage when she believes she is protecting someone she loves.”
Darcy nodded. “I will attempt to tell her,” he said, “but you might wish to entrust a servant with a note to only be put into her hands.”
