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“Hurst.”

The man glanced behind him, as though something in the hall might explain why one of his acquaintances had appeared in his study without warning. “What are you doing in here?”

“Waiting for Bingley.”

“Here?”

“This is where your wife left me.”

Hurst pondered this, then crossed to the decanter. “Would you like a glass?”

“No, I thank you.”

“I would not wait for Bingley if I were you,” Hurst said, pouring himself some of the port.

“Why not?”

“He never came back.”

Darcy stared at him. “He has not returned since Saturday?” It was now Tuesday. He had not been able to locate his friend but had not expected Bingley to be so resolute.

“Took a set at Albany. Sent his man for his clothes.” Hurst replaced the stopper with a sigh. “He was fortunate there was something available. Wish I could do the same. My wife and her sister have been arguing incessantly.” He sipped his drink. “Bingley did mention at the club today that he meant to go to Jackson’s around two.”

“Gentleman Jackson’s?”

Hurst snorted. “Unless there is another Jackson who teaches gentlemen how to strike one another, yes.”

“Do Bingley’s sisters know where he is?”

“I should think so. Caroline questioned the servant until the fellow quite forgot his own name. Apparently, Louisa asked if Bingley had taken his blue coat. He had, which seemed significant.”

Darcy was amused despite himself. “In what way?”

“I could not say. I was more interested in dinner.”

The door opened again, and Miss Bingley entered. She froze when she saw Hurst but regained her composure with rather impressive speed.

“Mr. Darcy,” she said. “I am sorry Charles is not here to greet you. I expect him at any moment.”

Hurst shook his head.

“Hurst tells me your brother is staying at Albany.”

Her gaze flew to Hurst, who lifted his shoulders.

“He asked,” Hurst said.

Miss Bingley drew in a breath. “Charles is in a bit of a temper, that is all. He will return when he has recovered himself. I truly do expect him back very soon.”

“He sent for all his things,” Hurst observed, taking another drink from his glass. “A man who intends to return does not pack up everything he owns.”

“He left a pair of gloves,” Miss Bingley said.

“Those were mine,” Hurst replied.

Miss Bingley ignored this. “I had every expectation that he would come home by now. He cannot mean to remain at Albany when he has a perfectly comfortable chamber here.”

“A set at Albany is not generally considered a punishment,” Darcy said.