Page 143 of Bitterness of Spirit & The Painting

“I have no intention of arguing with you, but offering you my apologies and the truth you deserve,” Darcy uttered.

Bingley looked perplexed and lost. He frowned, “What could you possibly mean?”

“I see no other way of telling you this other than directly. I was hasty and probably wrong and unfair in judging Miss Jane Bennet’s feelings. And I have certainly been disloyal and disrespectful to you by imposing my opinion on you and interfering in a situation that needed much more consideration.”

Bingley’s frown deepened, matched by the redness that covered his face.

“You said you would speak directly but everything is a puzzle and a very disturbing one. You will need to explain it to me more clearly. You said you were wrong in your judgment? How could you know that?”

Darcy paced a little, then stopped by the fireplace. “During my visit to my aunt, Lady Catherine, I met Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She was visiting her friend, the former Miss Charlotte Lucas, who married Mr Collins.”

“And? Speak up!” Bingley’s impatience grew, as well as his irritation.

“I had the chance to talk to Miss Bennet on several occasions. She led me to believe that her sister’s feelings, although not apparent, were strong and deep. And she even accused me of separating you from her.”

Bingley blinked repeatedly, then he hurried to fill his glass again. He took another sip, then walked around for a moment, before replying.

“And did you believe her?”

“I had no reason to doubt her. Her accusations were quite harsh and seemed heartfelt. If she was right—which is very likely—then I was utterly wrong. And if I hurt you and Miss Bennet with my arrogant assumption, I betrayed our friendship too.”

“Nonsense! You betrayed nothing, simply expressed your opinion. But…This is…Are you sure? But why…”

“I am afraid there is much more. Miss Jane Bennet was in London last spring. She called at your house and your sisters returned the call. I was aware of the situation but wrongly decided to keep you in the dark.”

“She was in town? In my house? And you lied to me?”

“Yes. I purposely did not tell you, so there is nothing else to call it but a lie. I have no excuse, other than my arrogance and conceit and lack of consideration for your feelings.”

“But…How is this possible? You said Louisa and Caroline knew? They visited her? Why did they not tell me?”

“I cannot comment on their actions; I take the blame entirely, as it was I who proved unworthy of your trust.”

Bingley moved to a chair and collapsed into it like he had lost all his strength. He was silent for a long time.

Outside, the storm had begun, the rain hitting the roof and the wind rattling the windows, while thunder and lightning crossed the sky.

“And why are you telling me this now, Darcy?”

“I had to. To be honest, I planned to tell you this summer at Pemberley, but I had no right to prolong this deception. I felt you must know, so you can decide how to proceed further. Was I wrong?”

“No… I am not certain. This is so unexpected…Everything seems to have changed now… I must think about it…”

“Yes… And…”

“And? Is there more?”

“Until today, I believed that was all. But earlier I happened upon Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It was a shock for me too, so we did not speak much. You see, we are not quite on friendly terms. But I believe Miss Jane Bennet might be here too.”

Bingley almost jumped to his feet. “Here? What do you mean here? Do you know where? What are they doing here?”

“To all these questions, I have only one answer. I was told they are staying at Crawford Cottage. It is the fifth house from this one, to the left.”

“Here? The fifth house? How did you meet Miss Bennet? Never mind… So you are not certain if the eldest Miss Bennet is here too?”

“No, I am not.”

“Well, then…”