Page 21 of Darcy's Guarded Heart
Darcy derived some satisfaction from the knowledge that a spot he had sworn would be prime for deer had proven fruitless; however, they soon discovered partridges, which Bingley declared preferable.
In addition to his talent for finding game, Thomas had proven himself an adept shot. This was no surprise, for he had been raised by Mr Bennet, who turned out to be the most skilled hunter Darcy had encountered in these parts. Which was not saying much, given the hunting in this area was lacking.
“We had quite the day. I daresay Thomas knows every nook and cranny of this estate. I had no idea how bountiful the hunting was around here. Another reason to consider purchasing the estate,” Bingley said. “And this weekend we shall go fishing. What say you, Darcy? Will you join us? You did not commit when we spoke of it earlier today.”
Darcy swallowed, for he had indeed evaded the enquiry. He enjoyed fishing; what English gentleman did not? Yet he was reluctant to spend another afternoon in the company of Thomas Bennet and witness him as the centre of attention. It seemed that whenever the gentleman spoke, all eyes were upon him.
“I shall contemplate it,” he responded noncommittally.
“I thought you adored fishing,” Georgiana remarked, raising her gaze.
“It is rather cool outside, and I must consider my health,” he replied.
“Hear, hear,” Mr Hurst agreed. “It is much too cold for fishing. I shall remain indoors, thank you very much.” Given thathe had not been invited, this was a rather peculiar statement, but none chose to comment upon it.
“Ah, you are both such dullards. I do hope you will be more entertaining when Miss Bennet arrives for tea this afternoon, I should hate for her to think my entire family tiresome.”
“She is coming for tea?” Darcy asked, and Bingley beamed.
“Indeed, Caroline has issued her an invitation. She should arrive within the hour. In fact, I ought to prepare myself.” He then rose and exited the room.
“I wish to change before tea as well,” Georgiana announced. “Please excuse me.”
She headed to her chamber, leaving behind Darcy and the three individuals he had come to think of as his confederacy of four. Almost as soon as Georgiana had departed, Caroline rose and closed the door, ensuring it was securely shut, as was the one leading to the adjacent music room.
Then she turned, but before she could say anything, her sister shook her head.
“Why did you issue such an invitation? We must attempt to separate Charles from Anne Bennet, not bring them closer together.”
“I had no choice. He requested that I invite her. What was I to say? No?” Caroline replied, sinking back into her chair.
“You could have dissuaded him; the last thing we need is more of the Bennets here,” Louisa said, and Darcy nodded.
“Indeed, it is bad enough that the ward is a frequent guest.”
“You certainly would think so, Mr Darcy,” Caroline replied with a snide tone.
“And pray, what does that mean to imply?”
“Simply that you are accustomed to having my brother’s full attention, and now you must share it—with a commoner, at that,” Caroline said.
Darcy inhaled sharply through his nose. Caroline was not entirely wrong. He was used to being Bingley’s closest confidant, and it troubled him that someone as simple as Thomas Bennet might have taken his place. Of course, they had met perhaps thrice, but the manner in which Bingley spoke of him made it abundantly clear that he held fondness for the man, and they would be seeing much of him, particularly if Bingley’s courtship with Jane Bennet— for that was what it was developing into— proceeded further.
“I am merely concerned with ensuring Bingley keeps proper company.”
“I believe we can all agree on that,” Louisa stated, while Caroline and Mr Hurst nodded in agreement. “It is a pity that Thomas Bennet is not a true brother to the sisters. It would greatly elevate their standing if he was the heir to Longbourn and their futures were secure.”
“Indeed, I would not object so much to Miss Bennet if we could be certain her interest in Charles was not merely for financial gain. Alas, with the estate entailed away from the family, I fear she is an unfavourable match. We simply must make Charles see it,” Caroline said.
“The question is how,” Darcy spoke. “He is quite fond of her and the family as a whole.”
“Perhaps not the entire family,” Caroline remarked with a smirk. “Mrs Bennet is a dreadful chatterbox, and the younger sisters are brash and loud. Indeed, Darcy, I worry for Georgiana in such company.”
Darcy swallowed hard. It had occurred to him as well that the Bennet sisters were not the most suitable companions for Georgiana. He would need to ensure she did not spend time with them again. As he considered the sisters, he thought of his dance with Elizabeth. She possessed a fire within her, a wit that made it difficult to banish her from his thoughts entirely.
Indeed, it was a great pity that she had no brother who would one day inherit the estate, for it would have greatly improved all of the sisters’ prospects. Not that it should matter. She had no prospects; she possessed no bright future— and neither did Jane.
“Well, it is what it is. They have no brother, and their future is bleak,” Mr Hurst stated. “The question is, what shall we do? Shall we broach the subject with Charles?”
