Page 88 of Her Whole Heart
Elizabeth took a very deep breath and slowly released it. “I shall do as you ask.”
Jane smiled brightly. “If you do, I have no doubt that you will find the happiness you so richly deserve. And I shall be here, of course, to support you.”
Elizabeth put her embroidery to the side and embraced her sister. “You always are, Jane. I do not know what I would do without you.”
“Fortunately,” Jane replied, “there is no need to find out.”
“What did you think of that one, Darcy?” Bingley asked as they exited a handsome, three-story brick townhouse. “I told the solicitor to prepare the lease when I saw it yesterday so that unless you saw something I did not, I could move in right away.”
It was the fourth and final home they had toured over the past fortnight. It had been taken by a wealthy family from the south who had been called home by the ill health of the husband’s mother. Darcy recognized the name, though he had never met them. He had been relieved that the agenthad managed to find so many choices, but this was really the only one that was suitable.
“Well maintained and spacious enough. Decent neighbourhood. And the solicitor told you it is available to move in today if you wish?”
“He did. He was attempting to entice me.”
“He knew precisely how to do it. I hope you are not paying too much.”
“One thing I can do entirely on my own is negotiate price, Darcy,” Bingley said with a laugh. He stood on the pavement, hands on hips, staring up at the stone building with a critical eye. “I think it is the only one of the lot I can see myself bringing Miss Bennet home to. And the speed with which I can take possession is indeed a powerful incentive.”
Darcy suppressed a smile. He had been worried that once Bingley sobered up, he might return to his vacillating ways, but Miss Bennet’s sending him away had shocked his younger friend out of his complacency. Of course, Bingley had not yet told his sisters that he was finding himself another place, and that would be the true test of his resolve.
“Shall we repair to the solicitor’s office, then?”
Bingley grinned. “Yes! I can hardly believe I am finally taking this step. It feels like the beginning of new chapter in my life.”
“I am pleased for you, Bingley,” Darcy said, “but recall that you are still in chapter one.”
“Oh, I have not forgotten,” Bingley replied. “I have thought about how I plan to tell my sisters and Hurst that I am leaving and that I shall not be taking Caroline with me.”
“And what have you come up with?” Darcy asked.
“I plan to pack my trunks and have them moved first. Then I will return to Hurst’s and explain what I am doing and why.”
“Do you think you can remove your belongings from the house without being noticed?”
“They never pay any mind to what I do unless they want something from me,” Bingley said. “It vexes me, usually, but now I need only take advantage of their conceit. Besides, this way Caroline cannot break anything that belongs to me.”
This was concerning. “Would Miss Bingley actually go into your chambers and damage your things?”
“I am the youngest,” Bingley reminded him. “She did it when we were children, and she has never stopped.”
Darcy clapped his friend on the back. “I am proud of you, Bingley. You are making yourself a man who is ready to woo a woman in earnest.”
Bingley took a deep breath and rubbed his hands together. “That is the hope. Miss Bennet is special to me, Darcy. I only hope I am not too late.”
“You can only do what you are doing now,” Darcy told him. “The rest is out of your hands.”
It took only a little more than an hour to travel to the agent’s office and sign the lease. As they returned to Darcy’s carriage, Bingley asked, “Do you think Miss Bennet will be at Lady Morgan’s ball tonight?”
Darcy’s heart skipped a beat, and he wondered whether Miss Elizabeth had received the roses. Had she liked them? “I believe the entire Carlisle party will be in attendance.”
“Perhaps she will dance with me.” Bingley’s eyes narrowed. “My things are already packed. I shall have them carried away immediately as Caroline and Louisa are sure to be closeted in their chambers all day, preparing. I cannot ask Miss Bennet to honour me with her hand this evening unless this part is done.”
Darcy swung himself up into the coach behind Bingley, and they began to move, the wheels clattering along the cobblestones.
“You plan to confront your sisters before the ball?” Darcy asked. It hardly seemed propitious timing.
“I do—because they will still wish to attend, and they are doing so on my invitation.” Bingley smiled. “Your invitation, really, but they are only included because I am. And I will make it perfectly clear that any future invitations will depend upon their continued excellent behaviour.” He sighed. “I am looking forward to seeing Miss Bennet again, having accomplished all of this.”
