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Bingley greeted his friend with warmth and enthusiasm, but uncharacteristically wasted little time with pleasantries, preferring instead to get straight to the point.

The drink orders had not been placed when he asked, “How in the world did Mrs. Elizabeth Carlton become a guest in your sister’s home? If my memory serves me correctly, you two were not the best of friends whilst in Hertfordshire. How is she now rumoured to be regularly in your company about town?”

Darcy responded, “The answer is simple—I am in love with her. I believe I have been in love with her since the day I first laid eyes upon her. She is indeed a guest in Georgiana’s home. In but a few days, we shall all travel to Pemberley. There, I hope to persuade her to accept my hand in marriage.”

“What of your objections to her family, or does your intolerance of the Bennets and their lack of connections only apply to my situation?”

“Bingley, if this indeed has anything to do with your regard for Miss Bennet, I shall not accept the blame for your decision to leave Netherfield Park in such a precipitous manner. Certainly, I am not responsible for your decision not to act upon your regard for the lady.”

“Yet, you hardly encouraged me to stay. You even suggested Miss Bennet was indifferent towards me—you said her smiles were as likely to be bestowed upon me as any other man.”

“You asked for my opinion and I offered it in good conscience. I neither encouraged nor discouraged your decision to pursue Miss Bennet.”

“I will grant you that, Darcy. With such being the case, is there anything you might tell me of Miss Bennet? Seeing as how her sister is residing in your own sister’s home, surely you must have knowledge of the particulars of her situation.”

Darcy had always enjoyed an easy manner of directing his friend. This time would prove no different. Perhaps if Bingley should arrive in Cheapside in time to interrupt Collins’s pursuit, then so much the better. Indeed, Elizabeth would be pleased, Darcy considered.

“She resides in Cheapside with her Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. However, I must forewarn you, my friend; I have it on good authority she is admired by another man.”

“In Cheapside—and admired by another,” Bingley pondered aloud. “I appreciate this information, my friend. Indeed, I shall seek out Miss Bennet and determine what I must as regards this other man.”

“May the better man win,” Darcy said.

“Indeed, may the better man win,” Bingley reiterated with confidence.