Page 29

Darcy left the room, equal parts relieved and irritated. He had no doubt Miss Bingley would not let the matter rest any time soon.

“Charles, what are you thinking?” Miss Bingley’s shrill voice echoed about the breakfast room.

Bingley had just informed Darcy of his desire to speak to Miss Bennet that day.

“You cannot mean ask her to marry you? What of a courtship?”

“What do you suppose I have been doing the last months, Caro?” Bingley asked. “It might not be an official courtship, but I have been courting her.”

“It is too soon, brother. I assumed your fascination would diminish as all the others. She is far less worthy than the other ladies you professed to love. I must conclude you are either blinded by her beauty or a complete fool.”

Darcy disliked being subject to family arguments, but he needed to be here to support Bingley. Miss Bingley used the same reasons she had with Darcy. They did not work any better.

“Miss Bennet is all that is good. I love her, Caroline. That ought to be enough for you.”

“But what of her mother and sisters? They are all uncouth, vulgar women. And they have family in trade! I met the Gardiners at Haye Park. They are dreadful.”

“I met them as well. And Darcy has a prior acquaintance with them.” Bingley shrugged. “He has voiced no complaints.”

Miss Bingley floundered for something more to say, but her brother’s patience was at an end. “No, Caroline, I will not hear another word against Miss Bennet. She will be my wife if she will have me. Your future in my household depends entirely on your behavior from now on.”

Bingley stood. “Darcy will you ride out with me?”

Darcy nodded and stood from his chair. “Thirty minutes?” He would be thrilled to be far away from Miss Bingley and her disappointment.

“Indeed. I shall meet you by the front doors.” They left the room together, going their separate ways to prepare for their ride to Longbourn.

Darcy paused just before he reached the front doors. He could hear Miss Bingley speaking to someone—her brother, perhaps.

“I have heard from the servants that Mr. Darcy knew Miss Bennet before he came to Hertfordshire.”

“Yes.” Bingley’s reply was terse and impatient.

“Miss Bennet had designs on him. I have heard it from the most reliable of sources. It is clear she sets her sights on wealthy men. Brother, can you not see?”

“Who is your source?”

“Why, Darcy, of course.”

Darcy bristled.

“What?” Bingley sounded cold and furious.

“He told me the nature of their acquaintance almost immediately.”

She is a lying harpy. Darcy’s fury knew no bounds. Was the woman to destroy his friendship with her brother? Could she not see how the consequences of that would fall on her as well?

“Miss Bennet still prefers Darcy, but she knows he will not have her. So, she has settled on you.”

Bingley’s laugh was loud and amused.

“You are wrong, sister.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because Jane told me she loves me. You have hardly been in her company except in public. Jane has not spared Darcy a glance and will not ever. I know her. Now, you must cease these paltry attempts to separate us. It will not work. You had best see to Louisa. Her stomach is upset again, and I know she would like company while she rests.”

Miss Bingley sniffed loudly. “I cannot abide a sick room.”