Page 29 of An Interrupted Proposal
“Sit, sit,” their hostess said. “What brings you to Longbourn, sir?”
The gentlemen were taken aback by her forthright question, though Bingley still murmured that they had business with Mr. Bennet.
“And have you just arrived from London?” she asked.
“We stopped at Netherfield before coming here,” Bingley responded.
The lady’s smile grew. “Will you be staying long? You are quite in my debt for a family dinner, Mr. Bingley. You were to dine with us last autumn, but you stayed away so long.”
“I apologize for that, madam. It was a grave error on my part. Unfortunately, we are only here for the day and will be returning to London––”
“Oh, but you must dine with us this evening. You, too, Mr. Darcy. I am certain Mrs. Nicholls will be unable to supply you with a sufficient meal on such short notice, and there is always plenty at Longbourn. It is a shame that Jane is not at home, but I am certain you already know that as she is in London.” The woman smiled and batted her eyelashes at Bingley.
Darcy, watching the scene, was caught between disgust and amusement at the lady’s antics. Too often in his life, he had been the one attracting such attentions while his friend sat to the side and was entertained by the display. For once, it was his turn to witness another in such a situation, and he realized it did have a humorous side when one was not the target of the solicitations. But Bingley was much more amiable and open to Mrs. Bennet than Darcy had ever been, so he was not as discomforted by insinuations and expectations as Darcy might have been.
“We will discuss it with Mr. Bennet when we speak to him but would appreciate your hospitality if our business is completed in a favourable manner.”
“If?” the lady squealed. She shook out her fan and applied it vigorously. “I am certain Mr. Bennet will gladly grant whatever request you have for him.” Her voice was a bit too high, and the youngest girls whispered and giggled again. “He would not dare refuse you.” The wisps of hair which peeked out from her matron cap were tossed about in a frantic manner by the small gale the lady was creating.
Before anything more could be said, the housekeeper stepped into the room and informed the men that Mr. Bennet was ready to see them.
“Hill, please return after showing Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to Mr. Bennet’s study. I have some directions for you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Mrs. Hill dipped a brief curtsey to her mistress then led the gentlemen down the hall to a room at the back of the house.
After a brief pause following her knock, Mr. Bennet called out for them to enter. As they did, Darcy noted the man marking his place in a book and setting it down upon his desk. He appeared to stand reluctantly, one hand resting upon the obviously treasured tome. Following their greetings and an offer of refreshment which was refused, he took his seat and motioned them into the chairs in front of his desk.
“Well, Mr. Bingley, what can I do for you and your friend today?”
Bingley glanced at Darcy and then back at their host. “Sir, I realize that I left the neighbourhood abruptly in November and wished to apologize to you for not properly taking my leave at that time and for not returning promptly as I had promised.”
Mr. Bennet pursed his lips and studied the gentlemen before finally responding. “I accept your apology, sir, but feel as though I am not the one to whom this is owed.”
Bingley nodded. “I have been blessed to have met with Miss Bennet while in London and she has also accepted my apology.”
“Ah,” the gentleman said as he placed his hand back on the book and lightly tapped his fingers upon it.
With another glance at Darcy, who nodded encouragingly, Bingley swallowed and leant forwards in his seat. “Yes, I have been courting Miss Bennet with her uncle’s permission, as I believe he wrote to you, and, on Saturday, she accepted my marriage proposal. I would like to request your permission and blessing for our engagement and marriage.”
Mr. Bennet remained in a relaxed position, his head resting against the back of the chair and his hands now folded across his stomach. He studied Bingley for a time without speaking.Eventually, at just about the time Bingley began tugging at his neckcloth, the man sighed and turned his gaze on Darcy.
“And you, Mr. Darcy? What is it that brings you to my lowly estate?”
Startled by the question, Darcy blinked twice before stuttering out, “I––I––Miss Elizabeth and I have also been courting, sir, and she accepted my marriage proposal yesterday.”
The man’s brow rose. “Lizzy? But she was in Kent until this past Saturday.”
Darcy nodded. “As was I for the previous weeks. We were in each other’s company quite frequently during that time.”
Mr. Bennet nodded and looked back at Mr. Bingley. “Whydidyou leave Netherfield in November and not return until now?”
Bingley swallowed again, but squared his shoulders before saying, “Initially, I left to attend to necessary business. It was my plan to return in a few days; however, I allowed myself to be persuaded to remain in town for the holidays. It was wrong of me. I realize that my actions at that time had raised expectations, which I intended to fulfil.”
“But you did not return at that time.”
“No.” Bingley lowered his head, and there was a pause long enough to make Darcy feel the need to speak up.
“I fear I was not fully aware of the situation and provided poor advice to my friend.”
