Page 13 of Painted with Love

Chapter 5

“Miss Elizabeth? Oh…but…so she said you were wrong? I mean, did she mention Miss Bennet’s feelings for me? What did she say?” Bingley enquired, his anxious look becoming one of trepidation.

“She did not say anything specific about Miss Bennet, but she said so many things to me that I am ashamed to repeat. She blamed me for separating you from her sister, and she accused me of being selfish, arrogant and disdainful. I assume that is enough evidence that I was wrong.”

“This is quite extraordinary,” Bingley said, rubbing his hands restlessly. “So…is Miss Elizabeth still in Kent?”

“No, actually, she is in London now.”

“In London?”

“Yes… Bingley, there is something else you should know. Miss Jane Bennet is in London too. She has been here since January.”

At this, Bingley stilled, his eyes wide, staring at Darcy.

“She is in London? How do you know that? Did Miss Elizabeth tell you?”

“Yes…but in fact…”

“Yes?”

“Your sisters told me first.”

“My sisters? Did they know Miss Bennet was in town? Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“How could they tell you but not me? How is that possible?”

“That, you should ask them. I take the blame for not informing you immediately. It was disrespectful to you and based on a ridiculous assumption that it would be better for you if you did not know. You have every reason to be angry with me. I did not act as a friend or as a gentleman.”

Bingley seemed to be struggling to breathe, and he quickly poured some wine into his glass.

“I cannot believe it! I need time to think about all this. This is so upsetting… So, where is Miss Bennet now? Do you know?”

“Yes. She is in Gracechurch Street, with her uncle and aunt.”

“I shall call on her immediately. Not now — it is already dark. Tomorrow morning. Do you happen to know the direction? It does not matter. I shall find it. I think her uncle’s name is Gardiner. I shall find him.”

“Bingley, I know you are angry, but I beg you to try to calm down a moment. I have already visited Mr Gardiner, and I might escort you there if you like. My cousin wishes to call on Miss Elizabeth too. We may all go tomorrow, if you do not mind. It might be easier—”

“I just want to call on Miss Bennet and apologise. She might believe I knew of her presence but did not even visit her once. I must explain.”

“You will — tomorrow morning. May we join you? We could leave at eleven if you agree.”

“Yes…it does not matter. You may do as you please. I shall go nevertheless.”

“So, tomorrow at eleven. Shall we all meet here?”

“I shall be here. But now I must leave. I need to be alone and to think. I cannot stay any longer,” he said, agitated, standing up from the table.

He bowed his head briefly and strode quickly from the room, his expression dark. Darcy did not attempt to stop him; Bingley would certainly not accept any suggestion from him, and rightfully so.

Once alone, Darcy ate little, but he poured himself two more drinks. He sent a note to his cousin the colonel, informing him about the visit to the Gardiners’ the next day and inviting him to attend, though the call would surely be awkward for some of them.

The entire situation was distressing for both Bingley and Georgiana, and he was to blame in both cases. He had been too indulgent with Wickham and too severe with Miss Jane Bennet and her entire family. In other words, Elizabeth Bennet had saved his sister from a scandal, while he had carelessly ruined her sister’s happiness. He truly had nothing to be proud of.

Bingley’s anguish proved his feelings were still strong. If Miss Bennet’s were similar, she must have suffered deeply, assuming her suitor’s attentions had been nothing but shallow infatuation. And for all that distress, Darcy felt responsible. He was nothing but a spoilt, arrogant rich man. He had been taught good principles, but he had applied them selfishly and hurt people, even if unwittingly.