Page 96 of Master of Himself

Charles sincerely hoped Sir William would change his mind and accept the Bennets. “I had some success with the merchants this morning, but I believe they’re motivated by my continued patronage, rather than any sense of friendship,” he said, now thinking more clearly about the matter. “However, that only addresses part of the problem. I might try calling on a few gentlemen in the neighbourhood to announce my good fortune. Do you suppose Mr Harrington, Mr Goulding, and Mr Robinson would receive me?”

“I can’t fathom why they would refuse you,” Mr Bennet said. “I agree that a few well-chosen private conversations would be more beneficial, especially since you plan to reside in the community. The neighbours can’t easily ignore a man with your effervescent charm.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Darcy said with a confident smile, and a wink. “You have a way about you that no one can resist.”

Charles flashed a sidelong warning to his friend. If Darcy meant to accuse him of having magic again, he might be forced to resort to fisticuffs.

Chapter 29

Wednesday 4 December

After breaking their fasts at Longbourn, Darcy saw Charles off as he set out to visit the neighbours, then he joined the family in the drawing room. Mr Bennet read the newspaper, while Darcy skimmed a book from his host’s library. Mrs Bennet occupied her time by writing her lists, and occasionally sniffing her salts. Jane and Elizabeth worked on their stitching projects, and Mary silently studied her sheet music. Still in confinement, Kitty had returned to her chamber. Except for the ticking of the mantle clock, the house was quiet, and the mood was sombre.

When the doorbell rang, Mrs Bennet gasped in astonishment. “No one has called on Longbourn in nearly a fortnight.”

Moments later, Sir William was announced to the drawing room, and the family rose to receive him. He entered with his usual jovial reserve, bowed to the room, and greeted everyone by name. In Darcy’s opinion, this was an excellent start.

“Oh, Sir William, how good of you to call,” Mrs Bennet said in breathless accents. “I hope you and your family are well.”

“Yes, everyone enjoys the best of health.”

Once they were seated, the conversation centred on the changing weather and the excellent condition of the roads.

Mrs Bennet gestured to her eldest daughter. “Our Jane is now betrothed to Mr Bingley.”

“What delightful news, Miss Bennet. I offer my most sincere wishes for a lifetime of happiness.”

Jane blushed rosily. “Thank you, Sir William. I’m certain Mr Bingley will call at Lucas Lodge as soon as he is able.”

Sir William inquired after Miss Kitty and listened intently to a brief report of her fictional malady. “And what of your sister, Mr Darcy? Is she yet out?”

“Not yet, sir,” Darcy said. “She’s still in the schoolroom, and studies with a music master. I’m extraordinarily proud of her progress on the pianoforte.”

“Nothing is more important to a young lady’s success than an excellent education,” Sir William said. “Do you not agree, Mr Bennet?”

Mr Bennet nodded his understanding. “Indeed, Sir William. My youngest daughter is enrolled in Miss Huntington’s Seminary for Young Ladies in London, and we hope to see a great improvement of her skills.”

Despite being fully aware of Lydia’s present situation, Sir William raised his brows and nodded eagerly at this announcement. “Capital! What could be better for our dear Miss Lydia than a prestigious seminary in town? She is a gifted girl and needs only a town bronze to give her a finishing touch. I have every confidence that she will thrive there.”

Darcy couldn’t have asked for a better endorsement of the delinquent girl. Hopefully, Sir William would repeat those same sentiments to his neighbours, and Lydia’s sisters would suffer no further scorn in the community.

After he had gone, the mood in the room had considerably lightened.

“Oh, Mr Bennet, now that Sir William has called, we shan’t have long to wait for our other neighbours to call,” Mrs Bennet said, vigorously employing her fan.

“Perhaps, my dear, but I believe we have Mr Darcy to thank for this civility,” Mr Bennet said, casting an appreciative grin at Darcy. “Sir William wouldn’t have troubled himself to come otherwise.”

Mrs Bennet released a contented sigh. “How lucky we are to have such excellent friends. I don’t know what would have become of us without them.”

“I agree, my dear,” he said, patting his wife’s hand. “We are indeed blessed.”

With Charles Bingley now calling on Haye Park, Stoke House, and Purvis Lodge, Darcy firmly believed that the Bennets would soon hear from those august families, and order would be restored.

***

When Charles returned to Longbourn, eager to share his news, he found the family in far better spirits than when he’d left them. Mrs Bennet fairly glowed with happiness, and even Mr Bennet had regained his relaxed air. Jane greeted him with a blissful smile, and led him to a sofa near the window.

“Has Darcy gone out?” he inquired, noticing his friend’s absence.