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Bingley’s eyes widened, and Miss Elizabeth laughed.

“She volunteered.”

That was unexpected.

Miss Bingley had been somewhat improved since the night of Bingley’s engagement, though she had not become a different woman. She still disliked the noise. She still expected the proper preparation of her pillows, her entertainments, and her tea. But she had also thanked Cora for her help when the maid was withdrawing.

Cora had nearly walked into the door.

She had also asked Mrs. Gardiner, twice, whether Mr. Pye was still expected on Christmas Day and was visibly pleased when their hostess assured her that he was.

“I promised Henry I would find the string. It should be in the hall cupboard,” Miss Elizabeth said.

“I shall come with you.”

“You shall not. If we both abandon Mr. Bingley, he will eat the oranges.”

Darcy carried the oranges through to the parlour. Miss Bingley was there, sitting near the fire, more upright than he had seen her since her accident.

Bingley made a show of slipping an orange into his coat. Master Henry stuck a sticky hand into Bingley’s pocket to remove it.

Master Henry was sitting upon the carpet, attempting to tie the recovered doll’s button to a wooden horse. Miss Margaret and Miss Eleanor were reading beside Miss Bingley.

Master Henry looked up. “I am glad you came.”

Miss Bingley appeared pleased. “Thank you.”

“Mamma and Papa were supposed to be at Longbourn, but now they are staying here with us.”

Darcy’s attention sharpened.

Miss Bingley frowned. “What do you mean?”

Master Edward removed an orange and began to peel it. “Nothing.”

Miss Eleanor continued, “They were meant to go to Longbourn for Christmas.”

Miss Bingley looked towards the door, as did Darcy, but Miss Elizabeth had not returned.

“Why do they not go?” Miss Bingley asked.

Master Henry shrugged. “Because you cannot travel.”

Darcy heard very little of what followed, for his mind raced ahead.

The Gardiners had intended to spend Christmas at Longbourn, and their nieces would have travelled home with them. That was why the eminently capable Mrs. Gardiner was so behind her time with her preparations. She had expected to be decorating and dining at Longbourn.

Miss Bingley’s face had lost colour. “Charles?”

Bingley looked as stunned as Darcy felt. “I did not know they had plans. Jane did not tell me.”

Miss Bingley looked at the boys.

Darcy had seen his friend’s sister imperious, angry, and occasionally miserable, but before this moment he had never seen her ashamed.

“Your mother cancelled her Christmas plans because of me?”

Master Edward frowned. “Christmas is still coming.”