Page 69 of Master of Netherfield
“Yes,” Darcy replied. “I shall need your support in cajoling Stevens and McMillan to support a bill in Parliament.”
“And I am good at ‘cajoling’ then?” Charles asked to Darcy’s smile and nod. “Then I am at your service.”
Darcy turned toward the table. “May I present my sister and friends?”
“Please,” replied Charles.
“Georgiana, you remember Charles Bingley from visits here in town I believe,” William said as Charles bowed to the seated Miss Darcy.
She bowed her head in return and said, “I do remember meeting Mr Bingley at our home on two separate occasions brother.”
William motioned next to the eldest lady, “This is Mrs Edward Gardner, wife of a close business associate, and her nieces who are our neighbours in Hertfordshire, Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Each of the ladies smiled and bowed their heads from the table.
“It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs Gardner, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth,” replied Charles with a handsome smile on his face for the eldest Miss Bennet who returned the smile. “I believe Mr Gardner has invited me to dinner this evening to discuss some matters of trade. I hope it will not be an imposition.”
“My husband brings many gentlemen to our dinner table, Mr Bingley. You will be most welcome.”
Turning to Jane and Elizabeth, he asked, “Are you ladies visiting in town?”
“Indeed, they are, sir,” Mrs Gardner replied. “My nieces, Jane and Elizabeth visit with us as they wait to be presented to Her Majesty in the next week.”
“Congratulations,” Mr Bingley said. “And are you to attend any of the balls this week?”
Jane spoke out, “On Friday, we shall attend the Musgrove’s ball.”
“I shall be in attendance at the ball as well,” Charles said.
“We should be pleased to see you there,” Jane said and shocked her sister and aunt with her forwardness.
If possible, the grin on the face of Charles Bingley grew even larger to be noticed by such a lovely lady. “I look forward to seeing you then.”
“I must attend to my sisters now,” Charles said. “But I look forward to dining with you this evening. Good day, Miss Darcy, Mrs Gardner, Miss Bennet, and Miss Elizabeth.”
Mr Bingley strode to the table where the two ladies from the dress shop were seated, and an animated conversation ensued. At the Darcy table, Mr Darcy had a peculiar look on his face as he returned to his chair and Georgiana inquired, “Brother, what is the matter?”
“Charles hardly ever remembers everyone’s names,” he explained.
“Perhaps he was captivated by Jane’s lovely blue eyes,” teased Georgiana.
“Oh, I am not certain of that...” Jane replied.
Mrs Gardner smiled at her eldest niece and turned to Mr Darcy, “Would you and Miss Georgiana care to join us for supper tonight, Mr Darcy. It will give Jane and Elizabeth the chance to show Miss Georgie their gowns for the presentation tomorrow night.”
“Oh yes, please brother. I promise to be all that is proper,” Georgiana said.
William smiled indulgently. “There is nothing improper with us attending a private family dinner with well-known friends tonight. Ourperiod of mourning ends next week when I have to entertain the MPs at the house in any case.”
**++**
“Charles, where have you been? Why were you talking to ‘those’ people?” Caroline asked as she launched into a diatribe against her brother.
“Hello Louisa,” Charles said ignoring his younger sister for a moment. “Has your wedding dress been completed? Is all in readiness for the big day next week?”
“Yes, thank you Charles,” Louisa replied. “Mr Hurst returns with his family on Saturday, and we will marry on Monday.”
“They will honeymoon in Bath and Ireland,” Caroline replied smoothly though no one doubted her distain for the locations mentioned.
