Page 35 of Lord Lonbourn's Daughter
The gentlemen shook hands, and Lord Hazard left, mumbling about going to sleep.
Bingley was in a good mood when he arrived. He had won a bet two days ago when Darcy had married a titled lady; the likelihood of which he had put ten guineas towards in the betting book at White’s. He had to stop on the way to see whether there was anything new.
“See, Darcy, oh there is a new bet with your name on it. Beau Brummel has put a hundred guineas on you having fathered a daughter within a twelvemonth,” he called.
Darcy huffed while hoping Bingley had not looked at the next page. Fortunately for him, his friend had become waylaid greeting acquaintances before he finally joined him.
“I have booked a private parlour. Follow me,” Darcy invited his friend.
“That has an ominous ring to it. I wonder what could haul you away from your wife during your honeymoon.”
Honeymoon? Not for a second had he spared one thought towards a bridal trip for himself and his wife. Circumstances would certainly not allow it at the moment, nor in the immediate future. If—no he must think when… When Georgiana was safe at home, he would not leave her side for any reason. Not even a private sojourn with Elizabeth enticed him.
Darcy ordered a bottle of port and closed the door.
“I have a request to make of you, Bingley, but first I shall relate circumstances that I implore you not to repeat to anyone. Not even to your closest family.”
Bingley’s sombre countenance was in stark contrast to his usual mood. He nodded solemnly, allowing Darcy to tell his story from the journey to Ramsgate until this day, when he had challenged a brute to fisticuffs at Gentleman Jackson’s.
“What a horrible situation, Darcy! I hardly know what to say…”
“I have not made my request of you yet. You may withhold your verdict until then,” Darcy warned.
“I am not fighting you!”
“No. The kidnappers demand that Lady Jane marry you to free Georgiana.”
“And you must fight a notorious ruffian?” Bingley exclaimed in disgust.
“Yes,” Darcy confirmed.
“So, that is why you married Mrs Darcy?” Bingley enquired.
“Yes and no. I admit that I would have married Elizabeth regardless of the demands, but I seriously doubt that she would have consented had it not been to save her sister.”
“You sell yourself too short, Darcy. I have yet to meet a female who did not want to marry you.”
“Lady Jane?”
“Very well, Lady Jane does not seem to favour you. But you are a good man. You can change Lady Elizabeth’s mind simply by letting her see the man hidden underneath that forbidding expression of yours. I cannot imagine the strain you are under, Darcy, but you tend to hide it behind a stern countenance.”
“The situation lends little gaiety, Bingley.”
“When all this is over, you will have time to rectify your first impression.”
Would he though? Darcy could not help but think that this would never be over. Even if they managed to bring all the girls home, what horrors had they experienced? Would he ever feel safe again, or would he always be looking over his shoulder, gauging whether anyone was likely to harm one of his loved ones?
“Will you marry Lady Jane?” he enquired because Bingley had not answered him.
“Of course! I had intended to ask her to marry me at my earliest convenience. You know Caroline is in favour of the match. I had never thought that I would find anyone who was good enough for her, but Lady Jane meets her exacting standards. Although her dowry could have been more substantial, no one could fault the lady herself.”
Darcy allowed one uncharitable thought to enter his mind: Lady Jane was above what Miss Bingley could reasonably expect.
“Thank you, Bingley. Lord Longbourn and I shall apply for a licence forthwith. I shall notify you once we have obtained it, but in case it is denied, I ask you to wait until we have a favourable answer before you inform your family. It is to be hoped that the archbishop will be able to see us soon.”
“Of course, Darcy. Anything you say.”
“Thank you, Bingley, you are a true friend.”
