Page 1 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Alternative 1
See No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Chapter 1
Darcy and His Sister Arrive at the Netherfield Park Manor
“Welcome, Miss Darcy, Miss Annesley, and you, Darcy,” Mr. Charles Bingley said with his natural enthusiasm, one that often made others smile.
“It is good of you to invite us. Do you still find the area to your liking?” Darcy stepped forward to shake his friend’s hand.
“Remarkably so. Miss Darcy, you are even more welcome than your brother.”
“Mr. Bingley, I thank you for including me in the invitation.”
“You are quite mistaken. I invited you. Your brother’s presence is the price. Having not seen you in an age, I was certain he was hiding you in the attic and feeding you but scraps. Seeing for myself that you are well, I shall allow him within.”
“If my brother ever locks me in the attic, for you are ever claiming he might, I promise to put a blue ribbon in the window so you will know I need to be rescued,” Georgiana said in the same lightness of spirit as she had engaged in banter with Mr. Bingley these last six years.
“And a red one if there are ghosts, so I know to send someone in my stead? Quite afraid of spirits, I am.” Bingleyextended his arm to her. “But here at Netherfield, never fear. You shall have far more than the scraps he demands you be allowed. Even if we serve fish, my cook will prepare something else for you. There is to be gooseberry pie for dessert once a week, as that is your favorite. And of course, you will have your morning chocolate to start your day.”
“You do not like fish?” Darcy asked, walking into the house behind them.
“You never noticed how she tucks it under something else every time it is served?” Bingley was affronted on Georgiana’s behalf.
“So rare is he at home to dine in the evenings, I make certain we have dishes my brother prefers. I do thank you, Mr. Bingley, for your consideration. I look forward to discovering how your cook prepares chocolate. My aunt’s cook adds orange. At Darcy House, Cook adds vanilla.”
“I have no idea. I shall also try it tomorrow. You know that when you come out, you must call me ‘Charles.’ I intend to stand guard alongside Darcy and scowl at all the young men.”
“Do you know how to scowl, Mr. Bingley?”
“I have an excellent teacher in your brother. And here we are. Mrs. Nicholls will show you to your rooms.”
“I hope you think dear Georgiana in terms above that of a sister,” said Miss Bingley, and came forward to greet them.
Her fawning mannerisms as she presumed to claim his arm caused Darcy’s jaw to clench. Miss Bingley’s affected smile was as wide as Darcy’s frown was deep. Her persistence in forwarding a match between Bingley and Georgiana, his sister, a full decade junior to her brother, rankled him.
“I could think of her in no dearer terms. The gentleman she marries will require Darcy’s approval. Worse, he requires the good colonel’s approval. Can any man be so worthy? I suppose,for protection, it is off to the attics with you, after all, Miss Darcy.” Bingley waved toward the grand staircase.
When Georgiana’s uninhibited laugh filled the hall, Darcy’s lips pressed into a tight line. He had been certain she had needed time alone after escaping George Wickham. Her interactions with Bingley forced him to comprehend how much they both missed their cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam.
“I do hope my room is near William’s. We intend to spend evenings reading together a new book,” Georgiana said, providing her brother an excuse to avoid Miss Bingley.
At Miss Bingley’s pinched expression, Darcy wondered,Had she intended my rooms to be nearer her own than my sister’s?Darcy was beginning to think Georgiana’s decision to come with him was turning out to be the best decision he hadnevermade.
“Darce, there is an assembly in Meryton this evening. We are expected. Louisa and her husband have said they will attend. It is the quickest way to see us introduced to my neighbors,” Bingley said, nearly prancing in anticipation.
“True, and I intend to meet them. But I just traveled from London and would see my sister is settled, Bingley.”
Miss Bingley simpered, “I was certain you would wish to avoid such company, Darcy. I told my brother I will stay with you and dear Georgiana.”
Were that not nauseating enough, the ingratiating flutter of her lashes made Darcy ill.
“I insist you both go,” Georgiana said. Her doing so put an end to the discussion, as she rarely made decisions for anyone, not even herself. “Having received a letter from Cousin Anne before we departed London, I intend to write her.”
“If you are certain?” Darcy assessed his sister, only now aware of how little she enjoyed Miss Bingley’s company.
Yes, Darcy knew he owed his sister recompense for enduring Miss Bingley’s visits, having been surprised when he learned how often they occurred. Alas, standing up with Miss Bingley would be a torturous experience for him.
