Page 81 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
“That is the formation of just such a plan to make this suitor insane. If I could, I would whisk you to Town and marry you by license. It is unfortunate, but I must be in London to attend Wickham’s court proceedings.”
“So soon?”
“Given the nature of his crimes, he is in the gravest of situations. I know with certainty that theft was involved. But there is also suspicion that he murdered a dowager countess, last seen with him. He pawned off at least two of her familyheirlooms. I am to bear witness to his character. But if you agree, I will return with a special license. Do you object to the scheme?”
“I cannot think any would object to our marrying by license. How soon can I convince you to take my sisters and me to Town? Father is deep into his research on the entail, seeking anything that might preclude Mr. Collins from inheriting. I suspect Mary would prefer to stay home with our mother.”
“Then she will have to come when we throw a ball at Darcy House with the Bingleys. Your sister Mary can name the day.”
Georgiana Again Takes Up Her Needle
Two days later, the ladies of Longbourn, Lucas Lodge, and Netherfield Park sat in a circle, busy with their sewing.
“Miss Bingley, the dinner you held last night made for a very pleasant evening,” Miss Lucas said while threading her needle.
“I agree. It was delightful, Miss Bingley. And Mary, I must commend your performance at the pianoforte afterward. Colonel Forster and the officers certainly appreciated it,” Miss Bennet said, affection for her sister shining from her eyes.
“You played the piece beautifully,” Miss Bingley agreed, selecting a man’s shirt to collar.
“It is only because of Miss Darcy I have made such progress,” Miss Mary said, demure in her pleasure for the compliment.
“Oh, what nonsense. You were technically perfect, Miss Mary. I simply helped you adjust your approach. Small adjustments that took you no time to master. Watching everyonein attendance fall silent for your performance gave me great pleasure.” Georgiana said to her friend.
“I do not believe another dinner will have so many betrothal announcements,” Elizabeth said, casting a conspiratorial glance at others in the circle.
“Poor Charles. He had but three minutes to put together an announcement for Colonel Forster and me. We are both anxious to begin a life together. He has known too much loneliness, and I intend that he knows it no more,” Miss Bingley said, blushing at the repeat of the congratulations.
“I thought my brother would choke on his wine when you asked Colonel Forster if he wished to travel north and have a ceremony over the anvil,” Georgiana said, her eyes brightened by the humor the memory brought back to her.
“I should have allowed him to swallow first.”
“Do try to refrain from killing my soon-husband before the settlement papers are drawn up, Miss Bingley,” Miss Elizabeth admonished.
“You are the least mercenary woman I have ever encountered, Miss Elizabeth.” Miss Bingley rolled her eyes.
“I am quite certain I am mercenary. I believe I will have more carriages than Jane, and, oh, thepin money,” Miss Elizabeth said with great exaggeration, winking at Mrs. Bennet.
“Yes, quite the mercenary.” Miss Lydia rolled her eyes.
“Your betrothal was announced moments after Jane’s,” Miss Kitty tittered. “Before all could speak their words of congratulations to her and Mr. Bingley, Father added that Mr. Darcy and Lizzy are betrothed.”
“Jane, whatever possessed you tokissMr. Bingley during the first course?” Mrs. Bennet asked.
“Someone, I will not name them, gave me the sage advice that he might not do more if I did not help him along. I had nowish to remain in a courtship for weeks, mayhap months,” Miss Bennet said, looking at Miss Lucas in particular.
“I am certain the oneadvisingyou did not mean you should shock all his guests at a dinner,” Miss Lucas said drolly.
“I thought your advice excellent, Miss Lucas,” Mrs. Hurst said without looking up from the small stockings she knitted.
“I asked him what he hoped his future might be. He said it was that I might one day love him and join my future to his. I confessed my love, but he did not comprehend the depth of my hopes, so I…helped him along, Mother.”
“You both will be very happy, and so solicitous your servants will cheat you,” Miss Bingley said with a touch of satire in her tone.
“I shall depend on you to ensure they do not, Miss Bingley, especially when you and the colonel come to stay,” Jane said, her playful tone melding into an earnest entreaty.
“It shall be as you ask, Miss Bennet. I daresay I can teach any nieces and nephews how to draw with equal lack of skill as does Miss Elizabeth. I will leave the instruction of playing instruments to those who are proficient.” Miss Bingley indicated Miss Mary and Georgiana.
“You play quite well,” Miss Lydia said.
