Page 45 of The Wager
Miss Bingley outright snorted. Not a delicate sniff most ladies affect to show disdain, but an outright snort.
“Your Miss Hamilton is no angel. Did I not tell you how rude she was when her sister took ill? She overstepped her authority and began orderingmyservants about, then dared to say she did not have time to put up with my outrage.” Miss Bingley stood and clenched her fists. “I can no longer remain here in Hertfordshire. Once this ball is over, I demand you take me back to Town.”
“I am not ready to leave at this time. I had plans to remain at Netherfield until Twelfth Night.”
By this time, Bingley had also taken to sulking on the sofa.
“Charles, surely you must realize none of us wish to remain here. All Louisa and I have seen is a collection of people in whom there is little beauty and no fashion, none of which we have even a scintilla of common interest. We receive neither attention nor pleasure from their insipid company. Even Mr. Darcy longs to reunite with his sister, and the viscount’s family will gather together for Christmas.”
“I have no plans to leave until the week before Christmas.” Darcy carefully sanded his finished letter before setting it to one side. He did not like Miss Bingley speaking on his behalf in any manner. “Ashton has business in Town following the ball, but I believe he plans on returning. Did you not say as much the other night, cousin?”
“I did. My plans are not fully formed, as of yet. I will know more the night of the ball.”
Darcy lifted a brow at his cousin, silently questioning if his plans included Jane Hamilton. At Ashton’s slight nod, Darcy turned his face to hide a grin. It seemed both Bingley siblings were about to be thwarted in their plans. Miss Bingley would not become mistress of Pemberley and Bingley would not gain the hand of Lady Jane.
Darcy paused in thought. Although he had partially secured Elizabeth’s hand with a courtship, he realized he should not be too cocky when it came to the affections of his future sister. Jane Hamilton remained very cautious in her dealings with Ashton and Bingley. Darcy was quietly confident she favored his cousin, but Bingley was amiable and when he put his mind to it, he could charm the birds out of trees.
Seemingly fed up with his sister haranguing him about where she placed her head at night, Bingley shot to his feet.
“I say, Darcy. Would you care to wager on a game of billiards?”
Darcy folded and sealed his letter, then stood.
“As long as you do not wager above a guinea, I shall play.” He turned to his cousin. “Ashton, care to join us?”
“I will.”
Hurst roused himself from where he had been pretending to sleep.
“Hey, what? Billiards?” He sat upright. “I shall play the winner.”
Much to the chagrin of the ladies, the gentlemen made themselves scarce and soon had a round-robin set up. The winner between Darcy and Bingley would play the winner between Hurst and Ashton. Darcy took the first match and while Ashton and Hurst prowled around the table, assessing their shots, he and his friend enjoyed a smooth port brandy.
“I plan to ask Miss Hamilton to marry me at the ball.”
Darcy nearly choked on his drink at Bingley’s unexpected segue in the conversation.
“Does she return your affection? I have not seen any evidence for or against.”
“Of course, she has affection for me. I made sure to compliment her appearance every time I saw her.”
“She is more than a pretty face, Bingley. Do you care for her as a person? Do you know everything about her family?”
“I know Caroline derides her low origins, but it matters not that Miss Hamilton has no dowry or poor connections because I am very wealthy and can afford to buy a pretty wife. One who will be so grateful she would do anything for me.”
“You plan on buying her affection?”
“You cannot buy what you already possess,” Bingley scoffed. “Even if she does not fully love me, she would be a fool to turn down my offer. Men with wealth such as mine are not thick on the ground in Hertfordshire and I believe she will say yes before I finish asking the question. I was surprised you did not pursue her. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld.”
“There is something you should know, Bingley. Miss Hamilton is a distant cousin of mine, and I am very concerned – no, disgusted about the way you view her.”
“Sorry, old man. I did not know you were related.” Bingley shifted in his chair. “Are you not pleased with her prospects? I know she will have some adjustments to make and Caroline is more than qualified to instruct her in the intimate nuances of the ton.”
“You believe Jane Hamilton needs instruction on how to navigate society?”
“She must! You said yourself that her step-father eschewed taking her into town and that the majority of her life has been spent in Hertfordshire. It is too bad she has not been presented, as there is no guarantee Her Majesty will hold court this year.”
“She and her sister have been presented at court.”
