Page 10 of An Interrupted Proposal
“No, she is in Kent.”
“Where you just were?”
“Yes.”
Bingley sat back in his seat, composed himself, and then waved his hand in Darcy’s direction. “I fear you must tell me all, as I am beyond confused by what has been said thus far.”
With a great sigh, Darcy sat back in his seat and told Bingley of the agreement that had been made between himself and his friend’s sisters before leaving Netherfield; the arrival of Miss Bennet’s letters, followed by the lady herself; his discovery of Miss Elizabeth in Kent; and the revelation that Miss Bennet remained in London and held Bingley in some regard.
“She admired me before we left Netherfield?”
“That is my understanding.”
The smile which raced across Bingley’s features retreated just as quickly. “But then I did not return. What must she think of me?” He cradled his head in his hands.
“There is only one way to know.” Darcy patted his friend’s shoulder. “Miss Elizabeth has entrusted me with letters for her family and I intend to deliver them this morning. Will you accompany me?”
“Should I?” Bingley raised his head. “Will it not be awkward for Miss Bennet to see me so suddenly after all this time?”
“I am not expected either, but I have business I must address with Mr. Gardiner. I would appreciate your presence as you are much better when meeting strangers.” He tugged at his cuffs. “I believe it would appear odd if I arrived at the Gardiners’ residence without you. It is only because you leased Netherfield Park that I am acquainted with the Bennet sisters.”
Bingley stared at him, his eyes moving back and forth over Darcy’s countenance as though searching for some clue to how they might be received in Cheapside. Finally, he nodded. “You are correct. I have wished to see Miss Bennet, and now I shall.” He rose from his seat and made for the door. “I must change. I had not anticipated visiting . . .”
When his friend did not continue, Darcy offered, “It is early. Shall we take breakfast at White’s and then journey to Gracechurch?”
Bingley nodded. “I will return shortly.” He paused at the door, a wicked gleam appearing in his eye. “You may wish to lock the door behind me. Should Caroline learn of your presence, we do not want her to find you alone.” He chuckled at his joke but stopped before leaving. “Shall I have coffee sent in?”
“And alert the household to my presence?” Darcy asked with a grin.
“Quite right, quite right.” Bingley chuckled as he closed the door behind him.
Darcy shook his head, laughing at his friend’s discomposure, but upon hearing movement in the hall, he quickly locked the door until Bingley knocked a short time later.
***********
Darcy checked his timepiece for the tenth time. They were frightfully early but could think of no other activity in which to engage. White’s had not disappointed, but neither of the gentlemen truly experienced the excellent cuisine as their minds were focused on the coming visit. Anxious to reach Gracechurch Street, but not before normal visiting hours, both Darcy and Bingley finished their breakfast much faster than they normally might have. They even returned to their homes to secure their mounts for a brisk ride through Hyde Park but still were unable to fill the remaining time.
A sharp inhale from his friend drew Darcy from his thoughts. Bingley had stopped his horse in the middle of the street and was staring off to his left. Darcy followed his gaze and saw Miss Bennet walking towards them with a child on either side of her. His friend was already moving in her direction before Darcy could say a word, so he followed.
“Miss Bennet,” Bingley said in a voice filled with awe. He quickly dismounted and bowed before her. “How fortuitous. My friend and I were on our way to your uncle’s home.”
“Mr. Bingley.” The lady’s countenance had paled upon their approach, but her cheeks were now rapidly colouring. “I had promised my cousins a walk yesterday, but the weather did not allow it. We are on our way to the nearest park before they must begin their lessons.”
When Bingley did not immediately respond, Darcy, who had also dismounted, bowed to the lady. “Miss Bennet, it is good to see you. May my friend and I join your party?”
Reluctantly, the lady pulled her gaze from Bingley and curtseyed to Darcy. In that moment, he wondered how he had previously missed the obvious affection in her countenance and recognized his foolishness more fully. The fear of his own feelings for her sister had completely blinded him to what must have been plain to everyone else. Indeed, Miss Bingley would not have been so determined to separate the couple if Miss Bennet had not been as enamoured as her brother. Though, in truth, her motivation may have been as much to removeDarcyfrom Hertfordshire as Bingley.
A gentle smile graced the lady’s lips. “Thank you for the suggestion, sir.” She turned to the children. “Shall we allow the gentlemen to join us?”
The girl blushed and lowered her head but nodded, while the boy’s response was more enthusiastic. “Oh, yes! Will the horses come as well?”
Finally finding his voice, Bingley smiled at the lad. “Miss Bennet, may we have the honour of an introduction?”
“Certainly.” She returned his smile. “These are my cousins, Master Thomas Gardiner and Miss Rose Gardiner. Cousins, these are my friends, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley.”
The children bowed and curtseyed admirably, and the gentlemen responded in turn. “It is a pleasure to meet you both,” Bingley replied. “Do you ride, Master Gardiner?”
“Only a pony, but Papa says he shall buy me a horse once I can pick the fruit off the tree with my feet on the ground.” The boy’s cheeks pinked. “It doesn’t count if you climb the tree.”
