Page 139 of Twice Chosen

"It is your money."

Bingley laughed. "This is more frightening."

He declined the investment the next day.

Years later it failed spectacularly.

Bingley told Darcy, who said, "I would have advised against it."

"I know."

"For once I would have been right."

Bingley smiled. "Perhaps. But now I know why I was right too."

Darcy had no answer to that.

Elizabeth did.

She kissed Jane when she heard the story.

Jane looked bewildered. "What was that for?"

"Nothing."

Jane smiled. "You are becoming sentimental."

"Age."

"You have used that excuse since you were twenty."

Elizabeth stared.

Then both sisters laughed.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Bingley's Confidence

Marriage did not make Charles Bingley less amiable.

Jane made him less afraid of displeasing.

Darcy watched the change with satisfaction and, occasionally, embarrassment at how long he had once mistaken Bingley's openness for weakness.

The proof came over drainage.

Bingley had purchased a neighboring parcel of land adjoining Netherfield, and Darcy advised against one proposed improvement because he believed the eastern field too wet to justify the expense.

Bingley disagreed.

Firmly.

They sat in Darcy's study at Pemberley with maps spread across the table. Jane and Elizabeth were nearby, ostensibly reading letters while actually listening.

Darcy pointed to the lower field. "You have not accounted for spring flooding."

Bingley leaned over the map. "I have."