Page 21 of Compromise & Consequence
“Really? They have a beautiful daughter?”
“What makes you say that?”
“Bingley only chases beautiful blonde angels. He settles for nothing else.” His uncle took a sip of his drink. “And if I am not mistaken in my understanding of how new gossip is feastedupon, Bingley’s wealth would have been common knowledge before he had even moved in, whetting the appetite of desperate mothers and fathers.”
“I heard titters of ten thousand a year as soon as we entered the room.”
“Nothing you have not heard before and we all know a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”
“I was most definitely not looking for a wife. It was the furthest thing from my mind.”
“Then, I can only imagine how trapped you felt when these Bennets pushed their daughter beneath your nose every chance they got. You are far wealthier than Bingley and already have an impressive estate. No parent worth their salt would let you escape their notice.”
An uneasy realization settled in his chest. During his time in Meryton, no mother – or father, for that matter – had ever directed his attention to their daughters. And there were plenty of single young ladies, what with most men fighting in France. In fact, the ill-mannered Mrs. Bennet had looked upon him with derision.
“I will admit, they did not focus their attention on me.”
“How singular. A mother of five unwed daughters with an entailed estate, and she did not extol upon their virtues and accomplishments?” The earl carefully placed his drink in front of him and leaned forward on his elbows. “Surely, as it was the first time you were acquainted, she wished for you to dance with one of her daughters.”
“After Bingley requested a set from Miss Bennet, her mother asked if I enjoyed dancing.”
“That is all? She made a polite inquiry of whether you liked dancing?”
“I knew it was a blatant attempt to force me to partner with one of her uncouth daughters. I quit their company and moved to the other side of the room.”
“Where, I am sure, with your cherubic-like demeanor, you conversed with any or all who stood by you.”
“You know I did not. I was quite satisfied with my own company until Bingley intruded and demanded I dance. He attempted to turn my attention to Miss Elizabeth. She is the second eldest Miss Bennet. I stopped him cold by saying she was not handsome enough to tempt me and he would be better served paying compliments to his own partner.”
“I am no longer surprised no one sought your attention for their daughters.”
“During our six weeks there, Mrs. Bennet focused all her energies on Bingley. She was quite vociferous in her hope of my friend offering for her eldest daughter. I am positive her joy was compounded by the compromise Miss Elizabeth successfully executed at Bingley’s ball.”
“A compromise witnessed by many and you still have not answered why Georgiana believes you did not offer marriage to a gentleman’s daughter.”
“I may have allowed the Bingleys to believe I left Hertfordshire without speaking to Miss Elizabeth’s father.”
“Why would you do that? The minute your wife arrives on your arm in town… ah, I see… you intend to squirrel her away at Pemberley.” Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his chair and nodded. “You mentioned the mother thought Bingley would marry her eldest.”
“I am positive if this incident had not occurred, Bingley would have offered for Miss Bennet.”
“And with you making them believe the family’s reputationwas ruined he did not stick around in case the stain spread to his family.”
“Correct.”
“And what of the elder Miss Bennet? Were her feelings engaged?”
“I do not believe they were.”
“But you are not one hundred percent guaranteed of that, are you?”
“I am not.”
“You saidMiss Elizabethcompromisedyou.”
“An opportune stumble on the terrace and she fell into my arms. The lace on her gown conveniently caught my button and tore.”
His uncle stared at the ceiling, seemingly deep in thought.
