Page 135 of Bitterness of Spirit & The Painting

“Nothing bad, I hope? Your letter took me utterly by surprise. I expected you to be at Pemberley and to meet you there next month.”

“Yes, well, it was a sudden change of plans.”

“I never knew you had any affairs in Brighton. Not that I am complaining, there is nothing better than to be at the seaside during a hot summer.”

“True. I hope you will approve of your room. The house is in a poorer condition than I had anticipated, so if you wish to look for another place to stay, you certainly may find something more comfortable.”

“If it is convenient for you, surely it will be for me too! But whose house is this?”

“It is the cottage where my mother used to stay every year. Both before and after her marriage. I came here with her for many years, as a child. Mrs Clarke owns it.”

“Oh, I see.”

“It is the first time I have visited since my mother passed away and it is not what I expected. I am helping Mrs Clarke to improve the place.”

“I dare say the cottage is very well situated close to the sea, although quite far away from the centre of the town and its entertainment.”

“It is indeed far from the animation of the town, which is one of the reasons my mother chose it. Make yourself comfortable and we will talk more later.”

“Excellent!”

After Bingley left, Darcy’s uneasiness increased.

There was no sign of any apparent suffering or lack of spirits in Bingley’s appearance. Whether he was still thinking of Miss Jane Bennet or still pined after her, Darcy could not speculate. Unlike himself, who had never completely recovered after Elizabeth’s rejection, his friend seemed in his usual disposition. For a moment, Darcy pondered if there was any use in stirring up old memories and discussing Miss Bennet with Bingley at all. However, he quickly dismissed such a notion. It was a matter of honour and loyalty to confess the truth to his friend and to admit his presumptuous error of judgment. He only needed to find the right time for such a delicate conversation.

Half an hour later, refreshed and changed, Bingley returned, declaring he was perfectly pleased with the accommodation. They enjoyed some refreshments, exchanging news from the last few months. They were still in Darcy’s room, as the rest of the house was in the middle of alterations and both the old and the new servants were busy with their duties.

“You know, Darcy, my friend Peter Dawson is in Brighton too. I would like to briefly call on him so he knows I have arrived. I hope you do not mind.”

“Of course not. Why would I mind?”

“I know you find him to be shallow and you are not very fond of his company.”

“I have no business to judge your friends. I am sure many others are not fond of my company either,” Darcy replied.

“So, will you join me?”

“I am afraid I cannot. But please be sure it has nothing to do with Dawson; I am afraid I am in no disposition to make any calls.”

Bingley sipped from his glass. “I believe you. I have to say you look rather unwell. Is there anything wrong? Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No. I am only preoccupied, as I have some matters to resolve.”

“I see. Are you troubled by being here? Because of your mother? Forgive me, I know it is a painful subject for you.”

Darcy hesitated and emptied his glass. “Partially.”

“There is more? Will you not tell me? I feel you are reluctant to speak to me—which has never happened before. You have always spoken to me openly about what is bothering you.”

“Yes, well…Perhaps I should have been more guarded in expressing myself,” Darcy said bitterly.

“I am at a loss to what you could possibly mean, Darcy.”

“Do not worry, we have plenty of time to discuss this later. Make your plans as you wish to.”

“Darcy, I have come because you wrote to me, so my wish is to make plans that coincide with yours.”

“Thank you, my friend. Your kindness is much appreciated.”