Page 69 of Bitterness of Spirit

“It is not much of a secret,” the colonel added with obvious amusement. “I think you are wise to propose soon. Miss Bennet seems to be partial to you too, but once she is out in society, you might have strong competition. I have rarely seen a woman more beautiful and with a sweeter disposition. And being a gentleman’s daughter, even with a dowry that I suspect to be modest, she would be the perfect wife for any man with the means and willingness to marry.”

Bingley stared at him, dumbstruck, blinking several times. “What do you mean competition? This is not a challenge. Miss Bennet returns my affection; I have no doubt about that.”

“But can she be certain of your affection and—even more—of your intentions? You left unexpectedly last year, did you not? If she were my sister, I would warn her to be cautious and to choose what is best for her,” the colonel declared.

Bingley stood, perplexed. “Colonel Fitzwilliam, have you made a pact with Mr. Wilson for the purpose of tormenting me?”

“Not at all, Bingley, I only speak my mind. And yes, I know you were badly advised by your sisters and even by Darcy here present; but truly, what made you believe that any of them is an expert in matters of the heart?”

“Richard, you are not an expert in matters of the heart, either,” Darcy interjected. “We should all stop giving Bingley opinions he neither needs nor has requested. And if you ask me, he and Miss Bennet are a perfect match. If you were Miss Bennet’s brother, you would have encouraged her to enter into a marriage that will offer her the love, the respect, and the security she deserves.”

“I drink to that,” the colonel agreed and sealed it by filling his glass with brandy.

“Is it not a little early for that?” Darcy inquired, raising his eyebrow in challenge.

“Not at all. I am on my way to visit Anne and Aunt Catherine. And you should join me, so you might need a drink too.”

“No, but I thank you for your care.” Darcy smiled.

“So, I shall see you both tomorrow evening?” Bingley asked one more time.

“You may count on us,” his companions assured him.

“Just make sure to have enough food and drink,” the colonel added before Bingley left in a rush.

***

The evening was warm, but a welcoming breeze chilled their faces when they stepped from the carriage on Grosvenor Street.

Jane held Elizabeth’s arm tightly. “I cannot believe I am here again, Lizzy,” she whispered.

“This time you have no reason for distress, dearest,” Elizabeth replied. “I am sure Mr. Bingley is hosting this dinner for you only.”

“Do not tease me, Lizzy. Mr. Bingley is hosting this dinner to repay Mr. Wilson’s kindness.”

“Of course, he is.” Elizabeth laughed. “Surely, it is for Mr. Wilson. Come Jane—admit it and enjoy it as you deserve, my darling.”

There was no time for more debate as the door opened and Mr. Bingley appeared. Behind him were Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Their host welcomed them and offered his arm to Miss Bennet while the colonel did the same for Elizabeth.

Once inside, they met the Hursts and Miss Bingley in the main hall, waiting. Their welcome was polite but distant as they invited their guests into the drawing room. However, Mr. Bingley was already leading the party inside, arm in arm with Miss Bennet.

“Mr. Wilson’s house is bigger and more elegant,” Lydia whispered to Kitty and Mary, loud enough to be heard. Mr. Bingley ignored the statement, but Miss Bingley’s face turned crimson with anger.

“I hope dinner is ready soon; I am already hungry,” Lydia continued, much to Bingley’s sisters’ repugnance.

Elizabeth had only two points of interest that evening: Jane’s interaction with Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy. About the first one, she was quickly content; the second, however, remained far from her, speaking to her relatives and barely looking at her once or twice. She was pleased to see him so friendly with her father and uncle, but it was not enough. Their eyes met across the room several times, and finally, when they all expected to be invited to the dinner table, he walked towards her.

“Miss Elizabeth, I am happy to see all of you again. Sadly, I have had some engagements that kept me away these past days.”

Sadly. Elizabeth blushed. “Yes, I heard you were busy with Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh. You were missed, and we discussed you quite a lot,” she daringly declared.

He looked pleasantly surprised, and a smile lit his face. “I missed your company too. I became accustomed to spending time with your family, and I hope to have more opportunities in the future.”

She held his gaze and wondered whether he could notice her nervousness. “I hope Miss de Bourgh is not ill. Colonel Fitzwilliam told me she is being seen by several doctors.”

“She is not ill, but we hope to find a way to improve her health permanently,” Darcy confessed. “In fact, I have a message from her.”

Elizabeth was puzzled and frowned, but he continued to smile. She missed Bingley’s invitation to the dining room, but Darcy heard it and offered her his arm. She took it and they walked slower than the others, remaining a little behind as they continued to speak.