Page 24 of An Accidental Meeting
Georgiana nodded. “I would be pleased to assist you, Aunt Nora.”
Aunt Nora said something in Georgiana’s ear, and his sister’s eyes sought his. She lifted her eyebrows, nodded, and then guided Bingley’s sisters up the stairs.
His aunt turned to Bingley, who was watching his sisters with a resigned air.
“Mr. Bingley, would you care for a bit of fishing? My husband is already down at the stream.”
“I certainly would, Mrs. Darcy.” Bingley turned to Darcy. “It will be a relief. If Miss Darcy had not been with us, I would have been tempted to join you yesterday and leave my sisters to Hurst’s care. It is good of you to put up with them.”
The morning must have been exceedingly unpleasant, for it was unlike Bingley to display his irritation.
“I will change and be down right away. You will join us, Darcy?”
Darcy nodded and Bingley disappeared upstairs. He turned to his aunt. “You know Mr. Gardiner is fishing with Uncle Hugh.”
“I am aware.”
“He does not hold Bingley in high regard.”
“He does not.”
“Then why would you suggest he join them?”
“Because Mr. Gardiner said he would not have words with Mr. Bingley in your house, Fitzwilliam. He said nothing about near your stream.”
“You would have them quarrel?”
“I would have them air out their differences and return to the house as friends.”
“Or they might return to the house at odds with one another and make everyone less comfortable.”
She smiled. “It is better, I think, than allowing Mr. Gardiner to glare silently at Mr. Bingley for the entirety of his stay. He would remain angry, and Mr. Bingley would only be confused.”
“It is the English way,” Darcy said drily.
Aunt Nora tutted at him. “I asked Georgiana to dress and come to the saloon right away as you had other guests you would like her to meet.”
“I would indeed, thank you.”
“And until Georgiana arrives, would you not prefer to return to the saloon? Once the introductions have been made, you can make your escape with Mr. Bingley.”
It was his own fault, this looming scene between Mr. Gardiner and Bingley, and his aunt had rightly assigned him to oversee it. Though he had given no evidence of being a man, Mr. Gardinerwas protective, especially of his nieces. At least the man would be holding a fishing pole and not a foil.
“Give me your arm, dear, as a gentleman should.”
He was jolted back to awareness, and immediately complied. “Forgive me, Aunt.”
She patted his arm. “You are a good boy, Fitzwilliam. You deserve a good wife. Miss Bennet is a lovely girl, but are you quite sure she is right for you?”
“Aunt, please.”
“Fitzwilliam, she is witty and intelligent, not to mention quite pretty. But you might do a great deal better. The Gardiners, while delightful, are placed rather low, and I assume she has little fortune?”
“You are not wrong.”
“But?”
Darcy halted and took both of his aunt’s hands in his own. He met her gaze steadily, willing her to understand. “It is Elizabeth, Aunt Nora. It will always be her.”
