Page 111 of The Governess of My Heart
The news about Darcy’s departure disturbed Miss Bingley, as he was still indifferent towards her. Common acquaintances extended dinner invitations to Mr. Bingley and Darcy, and they also had an invite from Longbourn. Darcy did not want to attend, and Mr. Bingley did not press him; however, he agreed to attend the social gathering at Lucas Lodge the day before his departure.
“How could he deny our invite, Mr. Bennet? How could he? Lady Lucas says he will be part of the gathering this evening at Lucas Lodge,” Mrs. Bennet cried to her husband.
“I do not know. We invited only Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy for dinner; maybe he felt uncomfortable.”
“Oh! What is there to feel uncomfortable about when Jane is here? He could have spent time with her; now he is returning to town; how do we even make them meet after this?”
Mr. Bennet was annoyed and tired of his wife’s matchmaking skills. Mrs. Bennet was extremely disappointed that Darcy was not interested in Jane.
“Jane dear, maybe you need to forget him and focus on Mr. Bingley,” her mother told Jane.
“But I have avoided him for a while now, and I don’t know how to befriend him again.”
“Of course, you can. He was smitten by you, and I am certain he still is. Forget about Mr. Darcy tonight. Mr. Bingley is setto stay in Netherfield, and I am certain he will not waste time securing your hand once he knows you are on the market again.”
Mary was disgusted by her mother’s scheme and hoped Mr. Bingley would not fall for her sister again. She was also worried about what was in store for Elizabeth if Darcy returned to Pemberley.
She prepared for the evening with apprehension. Every time she saw Darcy, she was pained by Elizabeth’s situation as the answer to all her sorrows stood before him. But Mary did not know how to help. At Netherfield, Darcy readied himself for one last social gathering in Hertfordshire.
He respected Sir William and wanted to say goodbye to all the acquaintances he had made in a short time. However, Miss Bingley had no interest in the evening, especially as her sister declined to join them. But she did not want to miss the evening, aware that Jane would be present, so she accompanied her brother and Darcy. The Bennets arrived first, followed by other guests. The Netherfield party was the last to arrive, and much to Mr. Bingley’s annoyance, Jane immediately chose to engage with him. Miss Bingley was relieved to see Jane give up on enticing Darcy.
However, it became evident to Darcy that she had resumed her pursuit of Mr. Bingley. From the expression on Mr. Bingley’s face, it was evident that his friend felt disgusted in the same way.
“It was wonderful to have you be a part of our humble society, Mr. Darcy. Could we expect you to return to Hertfordshire?” Sir William asked.
“I imagine not in the near future, sir.”
“Oh! Why would you say so, considering your friend is comfortably settled here?”
“I assure you, Sir William, Darcy will definitely return,” Mr. Bingley said with certainty.
Darcy did not engage in any conversation with Mr. Bennet, and he could also sense some animosity from him. However, he sought out Mary’s company.
“It was nice knowing you, Miss Mary. I plan to return to town tomorrow.”
“I hope you have a safe journey back, sir.”
Mary struggled to stay composed; Darcy noticed her discomfort and felt unsettled. On the other hand, Mr. Bingley noticed Darcy and Mary standing together and, for the first time, felt jealous. Even when Jane had avoided him on previous occasions, he had never felt jealous. Now, he understood that his feelings for Mary had gradually developed into something more sincere.
“Miss Bennet, please excuse me,” he said, moving away from Jane and joining Mary. Darcy could not suppress his smile.
So, I made you jealous, Bingley.
“You must wish me good luck, Miss Mary; I shall be in terrible spirits after my friend leaves,” he said.
“Well, I believe you can be well entertained in the society here in evenings as these. But I do understand that certain friendships cannot be replaced by any entertainment the society may offer.”
“I assume your friendship with Miss Lucas is of the same kind,” Mr. Bingley said with admiration.
“Yes, sir. We grew up together, and her elder sister has been a good friend, too.”
“The one who lives in town?”
“Yes.”
Darcy did not interrupt their conversation and was happy for his friend. Though he did not have a favorable opinion of the Bennets, he had a good impression of Mary. He constantly thought about their family’s mystery and the daughter who disappeared.
After dinner, the women displayed their talents at the pianoforte, and Mr. Bingley was very impressed to hear Mary’s music. Sir William led Darcy to show his library, wanting to show him around the house.
