Page 43 of Miss Bingley’s Return

Mr. Darcy nodded and turned back to his account. “Please know that I am not criticizing my friend, Miss Bennet, but Bingley has often seemed to have something of a . . . wandering eye, I suppose. He finds a beautiful young woman, focuses on her for a time, then loses interest. The cycle seemed to last no more than a week or two.”

“You suspect now that it was not a wandering eye,” guessed Elizabeth.

“That is correct,” said Mr. Darcy. “After a time of observing him, I noticed his sister directed him toward women of a certain type. Your sister was the last in a long line of such women, but unlike most of the others, Miss Bingley did not approve of her.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “The others of whom you speak—all were society heiresses possessing wealth and standing?”

“To some degree, yes,” said Mr. Darcy. “Some had more wealth or beauty, exceptional standing or some combination of all those virtues. Miss Bingley was not foolish enough to suppose that ladies of the highest standing would find him acceptable, so she chose those of a certain level, women who might choose a man descended from trade aspiring to become a gentleman. Bingley is rather wealthy, after all, and his temperament is most engaging.”

“Then your sister . . .”

“Was another attempt, yes.” Mr. Darcy gave a rueful shake of his head. “I believe her attention to Georgiana was born of desperation, for my sister is yet too young for marriage. Miss Bingley may have hoped to secure a betrothal, one that would remain a secret until Georgiana comes of age.”

“If she did, then she misjudged you,” said Elizabeth. “I knew in Hertfordshire before our acquaintance gained understanding that you would have no part in such a thing.”

“Just so.”

Elizabeth thought about this for several moments. “Mr. Bingley’s attention never lasted long.”

“No. Until recently, I thought he was inconstant—I even advised him on the subject.”

With a grimace, Elizabeth said: “That could not have been comfortable.”

The gentleman did not appear bothered. “It was not so awkward as you suppose. I have often given Bingley advice, and he is good enough to accept it, knowing that I have more experience in the world.”

“What changed your perception, Mr. Darcy?”

“Your sister.” Mr. Darcy paused and added: “It was more than just your sister—Miss Bingley’s eagerness to detach her brother from her was the catalyst.”

The gentleman leaned forward, putting his elbows on his knees, a position that was perhaps not proper posture, but entirely human. Such a simple gesture, but it endeared him to her even more, displaying the side of him that did not always adhere to mores of stance and bearing.

“When we returned to London, I reviewed my memory of the women I had seen Bingley with over the years, and I realized he was not so much inconstant as disinterested. Oh, the women were pretty, well-spoken, fit Miss Bingley’s idea of accomplishment, but they did not hold his interest.”

“Did you suspect then that something was holding him back?”

Mr. Darcy nodded. “I did, though until you mentioned her name, I did not know it was Miss Whitcombe.”

Then Mr. Darcy’s expression became amused. “In this, I suspect Miss Bingley erred. Bingley’s behavior toward your sister was closer to what Miss Bingley always hoped for in the women to whom she introduced him. Had she left matters alone, Bingley might have felt enough for Miss Bennet to offer for her.”

Though he was correct, Elizabeth knew it was for the best that Mr. Bingley had returned to London. “I would not have Jane married to a man with divided loyalties, Mr. Darcy. His esteem for Miss Whitcombe is clear, and perhaps his heart is even engaged.”

“I cannot disagree. My reason for pointing it out is only to savor the irony—matters have undoubtedly fallen the way they should. That is why I advised Bingley not to return to Hertfordshire when I joined him in town.”

“Because you were uncertain of him,” ventured Elizabeth.

“No. Because Bingley himself was uncertain.” Mr. Darcy straightened and regarded her, desiring her belief. “It was because I did not think a man drawn in two directions should marry until he understood himself.”

“Then you did not do so because you disapproved of Jane or my family.”

The gentleman offered a wry grin. “It will not surprise you, I think, to learn that I do not consider your family’s situation exceptional. Your sisters are too lively for their own good, and your mother sometimes speaks out of turn. It is your father’s duty to correct them, yet he has chosen not to.”

Elizabeth grimaced, but she could not ignore the justice of his charge. “And I cannot deny it.”

“That is not germane to the subject,” said Mr. Darcy. “Your sisters are not beyond amendment, and I think your mother is content in the small society in which she enjoys a position of prominence. Regardless, I thought of Bingley and not your family.”

It pleased Darcy to see that Miss Elizabeth accepted his explanation. Though Darcy had not thought to speak of his impression of her family, he had also not expected her to deny it, especially if he took care to avoid overt judgment.

“Then Mr. Bingley prefers Miss Whitcombe,” said Miss Elizabeth with a sigh. A wry smile appeared, and she added: “We have long suspected it, and Jane has accepted with admirable philosophy. She does not pine after Mr. Bingley.”