Page 66 of Bitterness of Spirit

“Perhaps, but did Miss Lydia not mention something about a modiste coming today?”

“Did she? I forgot.”

“You paid attention to little else except Miss Bennet, so your lack of memory is not surprising.”

“I shall not even contradict you, Darcy. But she deserves all my attention, especially after I abandoned her last November.”

“I agree. But the matter remains, so I suggest we should send a note and see what Mr. Wilson says.”

Bingley hesitated and then reluctantly agreed as he filled his plate again.

“Very well. Let us do as you suggest. So, Darcy, do you think Miss Bennet will be convinced to travel to the north with her uncle and aunt? I wonder whether her father would approve. This could be an excellent opportunity.”

“Of course, there is also the possibility that her father will have little to say on the matter,” Darcy mentioned with apparent carelessness.

Bingley looked at him puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“Nothing special. But the journey is two months away. Many things might occur before then.”

“I still don’t understand,” Bingley insisted. He continued to eat and then suddenly stopped.

“Oh, you mean…? You think I might? So soon?”

“Bingley, what I think and I mean should be of little importance to you. It depends on what you think and want. “

“Yes, yes…” Bingley filled his coffee cup again. “Should we send the note now?”

“It is too early even for a proper breakfast, and even less so for notes or calls. You look impatient. Should we take a stroll in the park after we finish breakfast? It might calm your nerves. And some exercise would do for me too.”

“A stroll in the park sounds like an excellent idea. Some exercise would help indeed,” Bingley replied eagerly while Darcy watched him with friendly affection. Bingley’s entire being emanated joyful anticipation, and he certainly knew what he wished to accomplish.

“Darcy, I was wondering…I only returned a few days ago, and I have seen Miss Bennet two times—rather, in two different circumstances. Do you think she would agree to speak to me…privately? Soon? What if she refuses to even listen to me? How long should I wait?”

“You should wait until you are certain she would welcome your addresses. But you can only know if you try. Is she worth the risk of being rejected?”

“She is worthy of all that is best in the world.”

“Then go for it, man, and bear whatever the final result might be. When the perfect time arrives, you will know.”

Darcy’s heart ached at those words. He was in no position to give advice on the matter since no other man had ever been so wrong in estimating his reception and the perfect time for his addresses. But, from what he had observed in the last days, Bingley was no in such danger. Miss Bennet’s affection for him was obvious once Darcy’s eyes had been opened by Elizabeth’s rebuke.

An hour later, they left the house to walk towards Hyde Park. It was not a great distance, but they took a turn so they could study Mr. Wilson’s house. Neither one spoke about it, but their curiosity was mutual. They did not notice much at the house, but to their surprise from the opposite side, they saw Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bennet preparing to enter a carriage. As their presence was also noticed, they crossed the street to properly greet the gentlemen.

“Are you leaving already? I hope the ladies are well this morning?” Bingley asked.

“They are very well—in the full process of ordering new gowns. Despite the fact that the house is large, we do not feel safe hearing such conversations,” Mr. Bennet said with apparent distress. “My brother Gardiner pretended he had some business, so we are looking for someplace to spend the morning too, away from lace and bonnets and satin.”

Wilson laughed, and Darcy smiled.

“It sounds like a delicate situation,” Mr. Darcy concurred. “I have been saved from such torment since my sister usually performs this activity with her companion.”

“I know it only too well,” Bingley admitted.

“So, you have no specific engagement this morning?” Darcy inquired.

“No; only hopes for a peaceful time,” Mr. Bennet declared, and Wilson laughed again.

“Then, I would be delighted to invite you for a drink. I am alone at home, and I can promise little noise and plenty of good brandy,” Darcy offered.