Page 9 of An Interrupted Proposal
“No, I believe it would be best if you went ahead. I can write a letter of introduction to my uncle, or you could deliver letters to my aunt and sister.” Her expression turned hopeful.
He smiled. “And I could request Bingley accompany me on my errand.”
A smile spread across her features, lighting her eyes and countenance with such brilliance that he was sorely challenged not to pull her into his embrace and kiss her thoroughly. Instead, he squeezed the hand he still held and raised it to his lips yet again. If it were within his power, he would endeavour to be the recipient of such a look every day for the remainder of his life.
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The Darcy carriage made its way from Brook Street to Grosvenor Square, the lone passenger lost in thought. Darcy and the Colonel had left Rosings Park early Saturday morning, and he had sent a note to Bingley upon his arrival in London requesting a meeting with him the following Monday morning, setting the hour early enough that he hoped to avoid Miss Bingley. Of course, if she were made aware of his impending visit, he did not doubt she would order her maid to awaken her well before the normal time.
The house appeared silent as the carriage pulled to a stop and the step was placed. Darcy ascended the stairs and waited for the butler to answer his knock. To his surprise, Bingley opened the door.
“Darcy,” his friend said in a friendly albeit soft voice. “How good it is to see you.”
He motioned for Darcy to follow him to Hurst’s study. Once they were inside with the door closed and locked, Bingley indicated the chairs by the hearth, and they sat.
“Forgive me, Bingley, but is now a good time? It appears something is amiss.”
His friend chuckled. “No, no. I am simply avoiding my sisters. When I received your note and saw the time you requested to meet, I was certain you had no desire to encounter them. I took great pains not to make anyone aware of your expected arrival so Caroline and Louisa would not learn of it.”
Darcy smiled. “I thank you for the consideration.”
Bingley waved away the sentiment. “Now, what is it you wished to discuss so soon after your return to town?”
Before speaking, Darcy studied his friend. Bingley smiled, but unrestrained joy did not seem to fill his eyes as it once had. His hair was mussed, lacklustre, and there were lines about his mouth which Darcy had not noted before. Bingley appeared to have aged since they had last been in company.
“How are you, my friend?” he asked.
“Me?” Bingley drew back, his eyes widening at the unexpected, heartfelt question. There was a moment when it appeared he would give the normal platitudes, but then his shoulders slouched, and he leaned his head back in the chair. “I miss her. I know you and my sisters are certain that Miss Bennet does not return my regards, but I cannot stop thinking of her.” He sat forwards. “Should I not make some effort to court her? I do not have to propose to her until I am certain of her sentiments, but I couldcourther.”
“It appears we are of one mind.” Darcy nearly laughed at the startled expression which overran his friend’s countenance.
“We are? You believe I should return to Netherfield Park and woo Miss Bennet?”
“No, you should accompany me to Gracechurch Street this morning. Miss Bennet is visiting her aunt and uncle, and I have letters to be delivered there.”
“Miss Bennet is in London?” Bingley’s brows drew together in utter perplexment. “How do you know this to be so?”
At this question, Darcy paused. He could easily say Miss Elizabeth had told him, but the truth of the matter was that he had known Miss Bennet was there several months ago. If he respected his friend, he would tell him the entire truth.
“Bingley, I am sorry to say that Miss Bennet has been visiting her aunt and uncle since shortly after the festive season.”
His friend’s eyes grew larger. “Jane? Has been in London since January?”
Darcy nodded.
“Why did she not contact Caroline?”
“She did.” Darcy's pulse increased until he felt as though he were running. “Your sisters sought my advice, and it was decided it would be best if you did not know.”
Bingley tipped his head to the side, his brow furrowed. When he spoke, his voice was deeper than normal and extremely controlled. “I beg your pardon?”
Leaning forwards and clasping his hands together, Darcy took a deep breath. “I apologize. It was beneath me to interfere in your affairs and poorly done. I could say that I was attempting to protect you, but in truth, I believe I was thinking only of myself.”
“Yourself?” His friend’s expression became darker, but confusion still ruled. “How could separating me from Miss Bennet . . .” Bingley’s eyes widened once more. “You have feelings for my Jane?”
“No!” Darcy ran a hand through his hair. “I was attempting to avoid her sister.”
“Sister? Miss Elizabeth? She is in town as well?”
