Page 30 of An Accidental Meeting
“They arestayingat Pemberley?”
“They are.”
Bingley’s expression turned sly. “My sisters are not fond of Miss Elizabeth.”
“I would hope that her position as a guest in my house would ensure civil behaviour on their part. It is the least expected of them.”
“And Miss Bennet’s relations must despise me.”
“Despise might be too harsh.”
“Hardly. So you led me out here to feed me to the wolves?” Bingley was half in jest, but only half.
“No,” Darcy said. Then he admitted, “My aunt thought it better that you two meet each other right away, and out of doors.”
“Doubtless because Miss Bennet’s uncle might otherwise wish to throw a priceless piece of statuary at my head.”
“I think him rather more civilised, Bingley, but he will want a word.”
Darcy watched a sort of calm resolution transform Bingley’s countenance. It was rather remarkable, for he had never seen that precise expression grace his friend’s face.
“I have been miserable all these months, Darcy. Now that I know that Miss Bennet has been suffering too—well, if she still holds any tender feelings for me at all, if she can forgive me for treating her so shabbily, I intend to make her my wife. If thatcosts us our friendship, I will be unhappy. But I cannot let her go again. Not unless she sends me away.” His smile was sickly. “Which she would have every right to do.”
“I think,” Darcy said, “that her uncle is in more need of this information than I am. You need not worry for our friendship, Bingley. I am only hopeful that you will not choose to end it after my abysmal behaviour.”
“As to that,” Bingley said, “I was free to disregard your advice at any time and arrange to return to Netherfield myself. If I had, I would have learned of Miss Bennet’s presence in town.”
It was true, but it did not dispel Darcy’s sense of guilt. It had been unfair to Bingley to withhold the information as though he were a boy in need of protection. He saw that now.
Bingley cleared his throat. “I am displeased that you withheld the knowledge of Miss Bennet’s presence in London, but that is all I can truly blame you for.” He caught Darcy’s gaze and held it. “If Miss Bennet is still willing to have me, you will be forgiven instantly. If not, I will require more time.”
“There is one more thing.”
Bingley glared at him. “More?”
“This I did not know until the Gardiners arrived at Pemberley.” Darcy hesitated.
“Well?” Bingley asked impatiently.
“Miss Bennet called on your sisters in London. They returned the call, but it was delayed and then so very brief as to indicate an end to the acquaintance.”
He had never seen Bingley so angry. Once he had regained some control, Bingley squared his shoulders, took a deep breath, and marched over to meet Mr. Gardiner.
Darcy followed close behind.
His uncle and Mr. Gardiner turned as they drew near, still holding their fishing rods. Mr. Gardiner looked at Bingley with one lifted eyebrow.
“Mr. Darcy, will you do the honours?” Elizabeth’s uncle asked.
It was not the proper order of an introduction, but Darcy could not help but admire Mr. Gardiner for taking the reins where his family was concerned.
Bingley did not appear offended at all, only nodding in acquiescence.
Darcy did as he was asked. “Mr. Gardiner, may I introduce Mr. Bingley? He was my host in Hertfordshire last autumn.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I am aware.”
“Bingley, you recall my uncle, Mr. Darcy.”
