Page 57 of Mr. Darcy's Runaway Bride
“No, but I would not have you think her views represent my own.” Bingley took a deep breath. “The truth is, I have formed a decided attachment to Miss Bennet. I find her the most beautiful, gentle creature of my acquaintance. In fact, I hope—that is, I dare to believe—that my sentiments may not be entirely unwelcome to her.”
Darcy studied his friend’s earnest face. “You are contemplating marriage.”
“I am,” Bingley confirmed, his expression brightening. “Though I have not yet spoken to Miss Bennet directly. Her father has been most cordial in receiving my visits, and Miss Bennet herself seems to welcome my attentions.”
Darcy sipped his brandy, considering his response. Despite his irritation at Miss Bingley’s allegations, some of her observations had troubled him. He was not concerned about the family’s financial standing as much; he had known from thestart it was precarious. But he hadn’t considered that they might otherwise be questionable.
The news about the gambling heir was concerning, especially as Elizabeth had never mentioned much about this. The younger sisters’ behaviour also did not sound as though it were suitable, especially not as company for Georgiana. But then, Caroline had a habit of making things sound worse than they were. Besides, he and Elizabeth lived far away, even if the family were as peculiar as Caroline implied, it would not influence their lives much at all.
Although he was of course established already. Bingley, on the other hand, wished to rise in society.
“Pray, what is it you wished to speak to me about?” he asked.
“What is your opinion of Miss Bennet? You have observed her today with Mrs Darcy. Do you think she could be happy with a man like me?”
“Miss Bennet seems a most amiable young woman,” Darcy said. “I noticed her particular attention to you, which suggests your sentiments may indeed be reciprocated. Though I would caution you to proceed with care—not because of any deficiency in Miss Bennet’s character, but because marriage is a step that should never be taken lightly.”
“Of course,” Bingley agreed readily. “I have learned from past disappointments to be more circumspect. But I believe Miss Bennet to be everything sincere and genuine. Her gentle manners are not put on for show, but reflect her true nature.”
“Then you are fortunate indeed,” Darcy said, finishing his brandy and rising. “I wish you every happiness, whatever you decide.”
They parted in the hallway, Bingley returning to the drawing room while Darcy continued towards his chamber.
As he entered his chamber, Darcy resolved to judge the Bennet family by his own observations, not Miss Bingley’s prejudiced account. Tomorrow they would call at Longbourn, and he would form his impressions firsthand.
Whatever they might be, he knew with certainty that his regard for Elizabeth remained unaltered. The challenge lay not in reconciling himself to her family, but in finding a way to incorporate them into his life without compromising the peace and harmony he had discovered with Elizabeth at Pemberley.
As he prepared for bed, he contemplated the visit ahead with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. How would the Bennets receive their daughter who had fled one marriage only to enter another with a stranger? How would Elizabeth navigate the complex currents between her old life and her new one?
He glanced at the door separating his dressing room from the bed chamber. She was there, on the other side awaiting him. Or perhaps already asleep.
Darcy opened the door and saw her resting, eyes closed and her form hidden under a blanket. They had not discussed sleeping arrangements and suddenly, he paused. Should he simply enter and sleep with her? What if this was not what she wanted?
He did not want to be discourse or assume.
Looking back, he saw the little bed had been made up in the dressing room. He bit his lip. Perhaps it was better to spend the night here.
As he settled himself, the events of the day impressed themselves upon him again and one particular piece of conversation troubled him.
What had Caroline meant when she spoke of some connections were best forgotten rather than cultivated when it came to the militia? Had that been some kind of veiled insult aimed in his direction due to his connection with Wickham? Or had here been an incident related to the Bennets and the militia? Her tone had carried something mischievous. As if she knew something she had not wanted to share.
Darcy frowned into the darkness. The thought left him unsettled as he drifted towards sleep. Tomorrow would bring answers, he hoped—not only regarding the Bennets but perhaps to this odd comment from Bingley’s sister.
Whatever revelations awaited; Darcy determined to face them with an open mind. For Elizabeth’s sake, if not his own, he would approach her family with the same generosity of spirit she had shown in accepting his own difficult relations.
After all, was that not the essence of their newly acknowledged love—to accept each other wholly, family connections and all?
Chapter 20
Elizabeth
The sparrow perched on the Netherfield garden wall paid no mind to Elizabeth’s approach, continuing its morning song with cheerful indifference to human concerns.
She envied the creature its freedom, and its uncomplicated existence.
Today she would face her family as Mrs Darcy for the first time—a prospect that had robbed her of sleep and settled like lead in her stomach. She’d hoped a morning walk would bring her peace of mind, but thus far it eluded her.
Gravel crunched nearby and she looked up to find Darcy standing there.
