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“Will you tell her before we leave?”
“No, there is no point in borrowing trouble forward.”
“You seem very calm about this Darcy?”
“I talked with Georgiana on the journey south from Pemberley. We talked of family and my trouble with the expectations upon me, finding a bride and producing an heir. This season has been more pleasant than any since I joined society. My mother was a Fitzwilliam, I am a member of the extended family, but I find myself focusing on my responsibilities to the Darcy name. Dealing with Lady Catherine about this estate is a distraction. And that is before considering the lie that is her contention there was a childhood engagement between myself and Anne. She only started spreading this falsehood when both by parents had passed on and were no longer able to counter it. If things do not change this will be my last visit to Rosings.”
The Colonel was struck by the lack of drama in Darcy’s voice. He expressed his thoughts as though they were obvious, and that there was no room for an alternate version.
--
“Mr. Darcy!”
“Good morning Miss Bennet, my apologies for startling you.”
“My mind was distracted, I was not aware of the sound of your horse’s hooves until you were upon me.”
They were in sight, just, of the parsonage and with a generous interpretation, sufficiently chaperoned. Darcy dismounted but maintained a respectable distance.
“How are you finding your time here in Kent?”
“I have enjoyed it, especially spending time with Charlotte. We grew close over the last five years and it warms my heart to see her settling into her new home. She had dreamed of her own establishment for so many years.”
Jane’s sincerity was clear for everyone to see.
“I had not visited the parsonage until this trip so I have nothing to compare it against, but from my one visit it appeared to be immaculate, with a warm and cosy air to it.”
Jane was nodding in agreement.
“How long are you staying with the Reverend and Mrs. Collins?”
“I am scheduled to leave the Saturday following Easter. My uncle has generously agreed to send his coach to collect me and I will stay with his family for several days before returning to Hertfordshire. It has been several years since I have seen my cousins and I am pleased to have the chance to see him, and my cousins again. Have you met Sir Edward Gardiner?”
Darcy smiled at the pride in his niece’s question.
“I have, several times. I bought ‘blood brandy’ from him before his elevation and have met him on two other occasions.”
Darcy watched as Jane bit at her bottom lip, a trait he had noticed in his sister. It normally meant she was working up the courage to ask him something. He did not want to presume so waited to see what Miss Bennet would say.
“I do not wish to appear inappropriately inquisitive but how are your sister and Mr. Bingley?”
Something about the question set alarm bells ringing in Darcy’s mind.
“My sister is well and staying with my aunt, the Colonel’s mother, while we are here in Kent. As for Bingley, I have seen at my club several times this winter, we often dine together.”
Jane looked confused, which in turn made Darcy confused. They must have looked an odd pair.
“Oh.”
They would be there all day if Darcy did not cast some light on the matter.
“Why would you think my sister is spending time with Mr. Bingley?”
Jane flushed, realising far too late that all was not as Miss Bingley had written. Jane was many things but a liar was not one of them.
“I was led to understand that Mr. Bingley was courting Miss Darcy.”
“What! Who on earth is propagating such a vile rumour? She is not 16 until May and will not be out in society for at least two more years, probably three.”
