Page 66 of Saving Jane
When the parsonage came into view, Elizabeth asked, “Does Mr Bingley intend to return to Rosings while you are here?”
“I imagine not. It will take several days to reach Bath and then he must settle his sister in some establishment or with reputable friends.”
“He has a challenge then.”
“He will arrange a marriage for his sister this spring,” Darcy explained. “And I apologize for imposing Miss Bingley upon your family.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “We attempted to offer company, but Miss Bingley only offered insult.”
Mr Darcy looked concern for a moment, but Elizabeth squeezed his arm before continuing, “My aunt threatened to box her ears and Miss Bingley retreated in her room, took each meal above stairs and waited for Mr Bingley’s carriage to carry her away from the country ruffians she had fallen among. Tell me, is she truly like the other ladies in town who pursue you?”
“Indeed, Elizabeth. Have you noticed that I travel with two valets where most gentlemen travel with a single servant?”
“I have noticed and thought it eccentric,” she admitted. “But it was not worth commenting.”
“When I travel, even to my aunt’s home, one of my valets is in my rooms at all times. I did not want any woman to force an incident or compromising situation upon me.”
“Can it be that bad?” she asked.
He sighed and explained, “Last summer, I invited Mr Bingley to Pemberley for the harvest. The third day, we returned to the house to find that Miss Bingley had arrived with her sister and brother-in-law. Charles was embarrassed but was cajoled by his sisters into soliciting a request that they be allowed to stay.”
“Georgiana told me the tale. She said that after two or three nights, Mr Bingley left with his family.”
“My sister does not know the whole of the story,” Mr Darcy explained. “The second night, Miss Bingley attempted to enter my bedroom in the dark. When discovered, she claimed to be lost.”
“She attempted to...” Elizabeth asked the shock obvious in her voice.
“Mrs Hurst was up and about as well, most likely to act as the witness to a compromising situation Miss Bingley hoped to arrange in my bedchamber. My valets were both present and very quickly Mr Bingley and Mr Hurst were summoned to escort the ladiesback to their rooms.”
“Oh Mr Darcy, I do not know if I should laugh or be appalled. I am sorry that any woman should attempt to compromise you in such a manner.”
“Bingley left with his sisters and brother-in-law the next morning. Charles and I have met regularly at our club, but we do not socialize in public any longer because I could not avoid Miss Bingley in such circumstances.”
“And still she persists,” Elizabeth teased. “Such determination is to be admired in a feeble woman, is it not?”
“My dear, there is nothing feebleabout the fair gender!” Darcy insisted.
~~}{~~
Chapter 30.Lady Catherine’s Trip to Town
Mrs Gardiner celebrated Elizabeth’s news and much to Mr Darcy’s surprise, he was embraced by both Jane and Mrs Gardiner.
“Bring Georgiana to tea this afternoon,” Elizabeth said. “We can begin to make plans then.”
There was no word from Mr Collins regarding his return to the parsonage, but the maids scurried to make the future mistress happy. With the clean sheets on the beds and the house set to rights, Jane and Aunt Gardiner sat with Elizabeth in her bedroom as she dressed for tea with her future husband and his sister.
At teatime, the Darcy carriage arrived, and Mr Darcy escorted his sister inside where there were more smiles and hugs amid a few tears of happiness.
“Elizabeth! You will be my sister! Jane, will you be my sister as well? I should so like to have all these wonderful sisters!” Georgiana said as Mrs Gardiner smiled indulgently in the background.
During tea, Mr Darcy told Elizabeth, “I shall go to town tomorrow morning and then travel to Longbourn in the afternoon to see your father. Lady Catherine announced this morning that she must go into town to consult with her solicitors, and she insisted that I accompany her.”
Georgiana leaned over and explained, “Aunt Catherine is being sued by the artisans who created the stain-glass windows in the church. She ordered three extra windows and refused to pay the price, but she signed the papers, and they will take her into the courts if she does not remit the amount due.”
“My aunt hoped that I would provide her with the monies, but I refuse to rescue her from her spending.”
“Then I... we shall not have your company tomorrow,” Elizabeth said. “I do not...”
