Page 25 of Miss Bingley’s Return

“Yes.”

“And he will be happy.”

Gerald grinned and shrugged. “Happiness is a state that comes naturally to your brother. There are few situations in which he cannot find contentment. Something he chooses for himself is not one of those situations.”

“Very well. I shall resist all Caroline’s attempts to recruit me.”

“Excellent. When this is all over, your sister might learn something.”

That seemed too much to ask, though Louisa agreed with her husband in a general sense. Caroline was nothing if not pig-headed. In that moment, Louisa determined to keep herself aloof, but not to allow her vigilance to lapse.

Elizabeth could confess to some curiosity. During a morning visit the day after her walk in Hyde Park, they welcomed the Bingleys to Gracechurch Street, and Elizabeth watched as Miss Bingley inspected her brother and Jane with a peculiar intensity, trying to determine whether she needed to adjust her plans unless Elizabeth was no judge at all. What she saw was less certain—on the surface, they appeared much as they ever were, but Elizabeth could see more hesitation in Jane’s manner after the previous day’s revelation.

At first, Elizabeth had thought to avoid mention of what she had seen, but the longer she observed Miss Bingley, the more her suspicions whispered, and she wondered what she would say. When the curiosity became unbearable, Elizabeth decided she had nothing to lose should she test Miss Bingley.

“Miss Eliza,” said Miss Bingley when Elizabeth approached.

It was necessary to suppress a smile. Though Miss Bingley made a valiant attempt to behave with the utmost civility, Elizabeth could see how forced it was, and at times she noticed a hint of impatience in Miss Bingley’s manner. Most often, she directed it at Elizabeth, though Mrs. Gardiner was also the recipient when Miss Bingley was not paying attention to her behavior.

For a time, they spoke of inconsequential matters, Miss Bingley’s attention more than half diverted from Elizabeth. Though Elizabeth wondered how best to bring up the subject about which she wished to speak, in the end she opted to just say it. Miss Bingley might reveal something if Elizabeth surprised her.

“My aunt and I were walking in Hyde Park yesterday when we happened to see your brother.”

That caught Miss Bingley’s attention as Elizabeth had known it would. She frowned, clearly not having known about her brother’s excursion.

“Charles was at home during the fashionable hour,” said she, her gaze searching.

“It was not during the fashionable hour,” replied Elizabeth. She grinned to put the woman at ease. “You must recall my predilection for walking—do you suppose I concern myself for fashion?”

Miss Bingley considered this, then shook her head. “No, I cannot suppose that you do. When did you see Charles?”

“It was perhaps late morning,” replied Elizabeth. “Mrs. Gardiner and I had gone shopping, then we walked in Hyde Park for a short time before returning home. As we walked, we saw Mr. Bingley ahead of us on a crossing path. The distance was such that we did not have an opportunity to speak to him.”

“My brother was from home yesterday morning,” said Miss Bingley, “but I had no notion he was at Hyde Park.”

“He was walking with a young lady.”

Miss Bingley stiffened. “A lady?”

“They appeared well acquainted,” said Elizabeth, watching yet trying to appear nonchalant. “She is not anyone with whom I am acquainted. Perhaps you know her—she was of average height, dressed well but not ostentatious, had brown hair several shades lighter than mine.”

It was clear at once that Miss Bingley knew who Elizabeth described and was not happy because of it. Though her jaw tightened, she gained control over herself sufficient to offer a response.

“I suspect I know of whom you speak,” said she, though the words came out clipped.

“Oh?” asked Elizabeth, feigning mild interest. “Perhaps you will introduce us sometime.”

“That is not likely,” replied Caroline, her tone even shorter. “She is of no consequence—beneath our notice, to own the truth. Charles feels some responsibility toward her family, but it is not a matter of concern.”

Thereafter, Caroline became uncommunicative, enough that Elizabeth could interest her no more in anything she said. It was the first time Elizabeth had seen Miss Bingley’s composure collapse, even for an instant. Her dismissal was too quick, too forceful, something closer to urgency than she had yet revealed. Though it was impossible to say how, Elizabeth was now certain that the woman Miss Bingley dismissed was an integral part of the mystery she was unraveling. She did not doubt that Miss Bingley would redouble her efforts. For the first time, however, Elizabeth was sensing that whatever she tried, it would backfire.

Mr. Darcy was no more a source of intelligence than Miss Bingley had been. Though Elizabeth now thought better of the gentleman and even enjoyed his company, he could be maddeningly vague. Elizabeth was certain he did it of a purpose, though she could not yet understand if it was caprice or caution. Much as she had with Miss Bingley, Elizabeth decided there would be little benefit in dancing about the subject, though she tried for a measure of circumspection.

“It was a surprise to see Mr. Bingley in company we had not expected.”

The gentleman regarded her, eyes searching as if trying to understand. “Unexpected company? Pardon me, Miss Elizabeth, but I do not understand your meaning.”

“In Hyde Park,” said Elizabeth. “My aunt and I were walking when we saw Mr. Bingley with someone unknown to us both.”