Page 65 of Compromise & Consequence
“As you know, I spoke with Bingley the other morning. I told him we had married and apologized for not telling him that was my intention from the start. If I had, he might not have left Hertfordshire so precipitously and Miss Bingley would not have accosted you so grievously. I should tell him of her behavior.”
“Why?”
“Why?” he parroted back.
“Yes, why would you worry about what Miss Bingley says or does? She is not your sister. She is not even remotely related to you, so why is it your duty to tell Mr. Bingley of her outrageous conduct in public?”
“Because he should be made aware of how she insulted you.”
“And do you not think all the other times she insulted me and my family, in your company I might add, was not an obvious clue to her true nature?” Elizabeth placed her nearly empty wine glass down on the side table and heaved a heavy sigh. “You are not Mr. Bingley’s keeper. He makes his own decisions and has to learn to abide by them. I thank you that you took the time to advise him of our marriage and will gladly host him for dinner any time you choose. However, if you spoke with him over a misguided attempt to steer him in the direction of my cousin, please stop. She deserves better than a man who would abandon her over a matter which did not affect his family in any way shape or form, other than their desire to stay within the parameters of your friendship and social circle.”
“He intimated that he might return to Netherfield after Twelfth Night.”
“Mr. Bingley may go wherever he chooses. Jane will not be at Longbourn, she will be in London, at her aunt and uncle’s house.” She dared to look at him directly. “The ones who live near Cheapside.”
He held her gaze for almost a minute complete before saying, “I must get their direction from you. When your cousin is here, we will have them for dinner.”
“You also said my family would be coming to town.”
“Ah… yes. I have yet to write them, but I will welcome your family any time in the new year and we can visit VauxhallGardens and maybe tempt your uncle to an afternoon of shopping at Hatchard’s”
“Well played, Mr. Darcy. You have already discovered the way to my uncle’s heart.” She rose to her feet and Darcy followed suit. “While we are making nice, may I request permission to attend Miss Lucas’s wedding in Meryton?”
“What is the date?”
“The tenth of January.”
“I see no reason, other than intemperate weather, for you not to attend.”
“And would you come with me, or shall I go alone?”
“Do you wish for me to attend?”
“Yes, I would.”
He could do this. He could bear Mrs. Bennet and her two youngest daughters for a few short days if it made Elizabeth happy.
“Have you no desire to know who Miss Lucas is marrying?”
“I am sure he is a gentleman with refined tastes. Miss Lucas, if I recall correctly, is a pleasant, sensible woman.”
“She is marrying my cousin, Mr. Collins. The one who will inherit Longbourn and currently holds the living at Hunsford.”
The ticking of the grandfather clock filled the silence that fell between them.
“I will start making plans tomorrow,” he said with what he hoped was a pleased smile.
The corner of Elizabeth’s mouth lifted slightly and he knew she was not fooled but allowed him a reprieve.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I bid you goodnight and will see you tomorrow.”
“Good night, Elizabeth.”
He watched her leave yet another room where he did not escort her, but this time his heart was not heavy. Indeed, it raced a little faster and if it had legs, would have danced a merry jig.
***
The mystery as to the exact nature of her husband continued, Elizabeth thought as she made her way to her chambers. Tonight, he had stood before his closest family members and declared that he loved her. At the time, she’d forgotten how to breathe, her surprise was so great.
