Page 11 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“I regret you will have so tumultuous a day. Miss Darcy, is she old enough to be a hostess?”
“She is sixteen.” Darcy turned solemn while considering the complication of this new situation.
“Then I will invite Charlotte Lucas, too, when Miss Darcy comes to Longbourn. You say you find me to be quick of mind this morning? I feel it is incumbent upon me to caution you that Charlotte is all that is logical and practical. And she is my dearest friend, save my sister Jane. I can assure you Charlotte will enjoy meeting your sister and will likely offer to assist her the same as my aunt might.”
“You have now twice settled a concern for me, and we are not yet twenty-four hours acquainted, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said her name with quiet reverence, causing her to draw back. It was too serious, too intimate. In moments like this, Bingley and his cousin made a lady laugh, so she was not uneasy. He was determined to do the same. “If you can come up with a third, I will be certain you are an angel amongst mankind.”
“Then I must, as I have never before been considered an angel. Jane is often called angelic, and I am certain no man alive might deserve her. I rather think I should enjoy attaining such a status for a single day. I am certain I could not manage it for two.”
“Yet I am certain it is a status you can attain with your next turn of thought. Mine is not yet approaching cohesive whilst I attempt to gain some sort of footing in your austere presence.”
“My next turn of thought, you say? Well, then, Mr. Darcy, let us determine if your complement of compliments is unfounded or if I am worthy of such this day. Though I hear the library at Netherfield is very fine, if you prefer something other than what you can find on its shelves, please ask my father. His are filled with a diverse array of books. He enjoys when a fellow lover of books makes use of his collection.”
“I have heard from Mrs. Gardiner excellent things about this collection! And it is true, the library at Netherfield is indeed a fine room. However, the selection of books amongst theshelves is a tad thin. And so you have addressed a third concern. You must, therefore, be an angel, Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said, both standing to depart.
“I thank you for your company this morning. I shall not bid you good day, for you have promised we will meet again before it is done.”
“I am pleased to know it as well. You are the first woman I have regretted parting company with in many years.” Darcy lifted her hand, his forefinger lowering the cuff of her glove, so he pressed his lips to the skin he had exposed.
“My sister did call you Prince Charming last night, and here you continue to emulate him. There must be a trail of hearts you have left broken behind you from Derbyshire to London,” Miss Elizabeth said with humor.
Darcy appreciated the verbal banter, for such conversation was easier than the disconcerting, nay, intoxicating sensations she caused in him.
“I am certain one should not claim an angel to be incorrect, but the truth is I am the opposite,” Darcy said, his good mood fading with the confession.
“I intend to take this same walk tomorrow and would be glad to hear your opinion of your character, Mr. Darcy.”
Miss Elizabeth curtseyed, then skipped down the hill toward Longbourn.
Darcy watched her until she had disappeared from his sight. He was both displeased at the loss of her companionship and pleased that she had encouraged him to write his aunt, a step he had avoided too long.
Returning to Netherfield, Darcy decided to write the letters to his uncle, Lord Matlock, and aunt Lady Catherine, whilst the conversation with Miss Elizabeth filled him with fortitude. He wished to honor the one lady he had encountered who had asked nothing of him. Instead, Miss Elizabeth askedhim to make an effort toward the future he hoped to gain for himself.
Darcy marveled at this new friendship, and, through her, his sister would do the same. His spirit felt lighter, and he whistled back to Netherfield. Though he could not remember the last time he had done so, this morning, the lessening of his burdens made it impossible for him to refrain.
Chapter 5
Bingley’s Respite is Spoilt
It was expected; Bingley finding himself the first to appear in the breakfast parlor. He had spent the night writing letters to his solicitors, so had not gone to bed. Amongst them were the decisions that his sister Caroline’s dowry be made available to her, and that all further contact with his sisters would occur through the offices of his solicitor and that which his sister and Hurst hired.
Though he felt like he had failed his family, Bingley knew his sisters would still be considered acquaintances by many in society. Their behaviors had been detrimental to all of them, yet a private matter. Still, the loss of trust due to the egregiousness of their betrayals gave him no other choice.
Bingley steadied himself with a cup of coffee. He expected his sisters and Hurst to join him soon. At eight, he would send footmen to their doors. They would appear before the next hour was out, and their trunks would be removed whilst they ate. Bingley poured a second cup of coffee as the clock chimed once, announcing it was half past seven.
Less than five minutes later, Darcy took a seat and lifted the coffee cup, appreciating the rich aroma. Hearing muffledsounds of his sisters’ bickering from somewhere in the house, they both savored the moment of peace before the coming storm.
“What did you discover to be the unexpected addition to the chocolate? I had intended to enjoy a cup with Georgiana this morning, but I was up at sunrise and took my exercise,” said Darcy.
“I should not ruin the surprise, but it was a spice that tingled the tongue and made my nose run. Of course, I cannot name it, but we might ask my cook to divulge the secret.”
“Ha, perhaps I will ask for the receipt and have it made especially for Richard. He claims he has never met a dish he did not like, no matter how many spices are included. I think he would take great pleasure in it.”
“Thank you for the diversion, my friend. You need not stay.” Bingley made the suggestion, knowing any man with sense would accept such an offer. “I had a tray sent to Georgiana so that she might avoid this unpleasantness. I wish every day my sisters were more like yours, or even the Miss Bennets, who showed great affection for one another last evening.”
“This seat is just fine. Perhaps my presence might temper them, and any aid I can provide is yours. I appreciate your consideration of my sister.”
“You are a great friend.” Bingley exhaled, dreading what was to come.
