Page 53 of Mr. Darcy's Runaway Bride
“It was rather a whirlwind courtship,” Elizabeth acknowledged, refusing to be discomposed by the veiled implication. “Though sometimes the heart recognises its match with startling clarity.”
Miss Bingley’s smile remained fixed, though something flickered in her eyes—a hardening, perhaps, or a momentary narrowing. “How romantic,” she said.
“I would say it is,” Darcy replied with a smile that silenced the woman at once.
“Now, I dare say our guests will be hungry, shall we allow them to change and then take luncheon?” Bingley offered.
Miss Bingley’s manner shifted instantly, her attention transferring wholly to Darcy with a warmth that had been conspicuously absent when addressing Elizabeth. “Of course, Mr Darcy. I have had the blue parlour prepared, knowing it is a favourite of yours. The view of the park is particularly fine today.”
They were shown to handsome chambers on the first floor, where Elizabeth’s trunks had already been brought up. Sarah, the lady’s maid assigned to her at Pemberley, was unpacking her gowns with efficient care. After washing away, the dust of travel and changing into a fresh muslin dress, Elizabeth rejoined the party in the blue parlour, where she found Miss Bingley leaning close to Darcy, ostensibly directing his attention to some feature of the landscape visible through the window.
“Ah, Mrs Darcy,” Bingley said as she entered. “I was just telling your husband that I have taken the liberty of sending word to Longbourn that you have arrived safely. Miss Bennet expressed particular concern for your journey when last we spoke.”
“That is most thoughtful, Mr Bingley,” Elizabeth said, taking a seat on the sofa. “Jane is ever considerate of others’ comfort.”
“Indeed, she is,” Bingley agreed, his expression softening at the mention of Jane’s name. “In fact, she has promised to join us for tea this afternoon, if that would not overtax you after your travels.”
Elizabeth beamed at the prospect of seeing her sister so soon. “Not at all. I have longed to see Jane these many weeks.”
“Excellent!” Bingley exclaimed. “I shall send the carriage for her directly after luncheon.”
Miss Bingley, who had returned to her seat when Elizabeth entered, raised a delicate eyebrow. “Really, Charles, you are becoming quite the devoted courier for the Bennet family. One might think Longbourn incapable of providing its own transport.”
“Their carriage was undergoing repairs when last I called,” Bingley said, his tone suggesting this was not the first time they had had such an exchange. “Besides, what good is a fine carriage if not to convey one’s friends in comfort?”
“True Christian charity,” Miss Bingley agreed, though her smile did not reach her eyes. “Now, shall we go through to luncheon?”
The meal passed pleasantly enough, with Bingley carrying much of the conversation. Elizabeth warmed to him further; his amiable nature and genuine interest in others made him an excellent host. He spoke of the local society, of recent improvements to Netherfield, and of his hope that Darcy might join him in some fishing excursions during their stay.
“Though I fear I cannot promise sport equal to Pemberley’s,” he added with a laugh. “The stream here is modest compared to your lakes.”
“Any fishing in good company is preferable to the finest waters alone,” Darcy replied, Elizabeth had not often seen him so at ease with anyone besides herself.
***
When Jane arrived, Elizabeth rushed to meet her in the entrance hall, propriety momentarily forgotten as she embraced her sister with frank affection.
“Oh, Jane,” she whispered, holding her close. “How I have missed you.”
“Lizzy,” Jane replied, her voice tight with emotion. “Let me look at you.”
They drew apart, each studying the other with careful eyes. Jane appeared thinner than Elizabeth remembered, with faint shadows beneath her eyes suggesting recent fatigue or worry. Yet she remained beautiful, her golden hair and serene features as lovely as ever.
“You look well,” Jane said, squeezing Elizabeth’s hands. “Marriage seems to agree with you.”
“And you?” Elizabeth asked, searching her sister’s face. “Your letters have been cheerful, but there is something in your visage that suggests all is not entirely well.”
Jane’s smile faltered slightly. “It has been a difficult time at Longbourn since your departure. But we shall speak of that later, in private. For now, let us rejoin your hosts. Mr Bingley has been most kind in arranging this visit.”
The mention of Bingley brought a subtle blush to Jane’s cheeks, and Elizabeth noted with interest how her sister’s eyes sought him out as they entered the drawing room. The gentleman himself appeared equally affected by Jane’s presence, rising with particular alacrity to greet her.
“Miss Bennet,” he said, his face alight with pleasure. “How good of you to join us. I trust the carriage was comfortable?”
“Perfectly so, Mr Bingley. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.”
Miss Bingley observed this exchange with a pinched expression, then turned to Elizabeth. “Mrs Darcy, shall we have tea served here or would you prefer to take advantage of the fine weather and walk in the gardens? The roses are particularly lovely at present.”
“A walk would be delightful,” Elizabeth replied, sensing an opportunity for private conversation with Jane. “Perhaps you might show us your roses?”
