Page 60 of Miss Bingley’s Return

“It is on my mind to visit Georgiana Darcy this morning, Louisa.”

Gerald directed an expression of triumph at Louisa, but she paid him no heed. “A visit to Georgiana?”

“Yes, of course. It has been some time since we were in her company—a visit now is good manners.”

“If you wish it, I have no objection,” said Louisa.

“Then I shall leave you to your day,” said Gerald as he rose, though he did not go away until he had directed a sly glance at Louisa. Caroline did not notice, or she affected unconcern—either way, she was silent, and that was all Louisa could hope for.

What Caroline would do when she was forced to confront Mr. Darcy’s interest in Miss Elizabeth was something Louisa thought she had no ability to predict. She hoped her husband was correct—she suspected Caroline would discover it soon.

“Then everything has been settled to your satisfaction.”

Jane met Elizabeth’s eyes and an understanding passed between them. Mrs. Gardiner, who rarely missed anything and had patiently listened to Jane’s account of the previous evening’s events, offered an indulgent smile and waited for a response.

“Satisfaction is perhaps a strong term, Aunt,” replied Jane. “The resolution is, I must suppose, the best outcome for Mr. Bingley, but I still esteem him.”

“You regret the loss of such a promising potential husband.”

“Not that exactly.” Jane pondered everything for a moment. “It makes little sense to mourn a love that never took hold. I suspect that Mr. Bingley would have been an excellent husband, but as it never happened, I cannot grieve what never was.”

Mrs. Gardiner listened, then patted Jane’s hand. “I am pleased at your maturity, Jane. It is understandable to regret what might have been between you and Mr. Bingley, but I would not have you exist in melancholy for weeks mourning what was, after all, nothing more than an idea.”

“I have learned patience, Aunt,” said Jane. “More than that, I have learned that not every story has a happy ending.”

“It also does not hurt that more than two months have passed,” added Lizzy, accompanied by her usual expressive grin. “You spent most of your sorrow before we came to London.”

“It is all for the best, I am sure,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “The question you must answer, however, is how you will tell your mother. Maggie will be most upset to learn that you have been in London for months and still did not catch Mr. Bingley.”

“That is no concern, Aunt,” said Jane, fixing her sister with her own brand of slyness. “If you had seen Lizzy with Mr. Darcy last night, you would know that he will distract Mama the moment he appears at our door.”

“Do not tease, Jane,” said Elizabeth, though she was laughing. “You are not nearly so proficient at it as I am. Besides, Aunt, Mr. Harrington’s behavior gave me a great deal of hope for our dear Jane.”

Before the teasing could increase, there was a knock at the door, signaling Mr. Bingley’s arrival. Mrs. Gardiner understood the significance at once, as she turned and addressed Jane.

“Perhaps Lizzy should stay in the room as a chaperone?” Mrs. Gardiner reached out and touched her hand, filling Jane with the warmth of her affection. “I trust you, of course, but these events suggest we leave nothing to chance.”

“That will be acceptable.”

“Then I shall sit on the far side of the room and leave you to your private conversation.” Elizabeth’s expression grew devilish. “Perhaps you should ensure Mr. Bingley understands that every word of what he tells you will make its way to me.”

“That is enough from you, Lizzy,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

The housekeeper entered the room at that moment, Mr. Bingley following. The gentleman had already doffed his hat, appearing uncertain of his reception, his eyes finding Jane then darting to Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner.

“Mr. Bingley,” said Mrs. Gardiner, speaking at once to put him at ease. “Welcome to my home.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner,” said he, relaxing just a little. “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth.”

For several moments, they sat together exchanging banal conversation that opened any such meeting. Unlike the usual Mr. Bingley, however, he did much more listening than speaking, though to say he listened, given the number of times he appeared miles away, may have been generous. At length, Mrs. Gardiner took pity on him.

“I understand you require a private audience with Jane,” said Mrs. Gardiner.

Mr. Bingley’s attention snapped back to her, and he nodded. “There are some matters I should explain to your niece, Mrs. Gardiner.”

“Of course. I have matters to attend to elsewhere in the house, so Lizzy may stay to satisfy propriety.”

“That would be acceptable,” said Mr. Bingley, nodding to Elizabeth.