Page 179 of The Governess of My Heart
“Mr. Bingley would be surprised to see us suddenly,” Elizabeth exclaimed.
“He will, but he will be delighted to host us all, nonetheless.”
“Is Miss Bingley with him?” Georgiana asked with worry.
“I assume so, and the Hursts as well,” Darcy replied.
Judging by the look on Georgiana’s face, Elizabeth could sense that she did not prefer Miss Bingley’s company.
“Miss Bingley and Miss Anderson are alike,” Georgiana whispered lowly to Elizabeth. Elizabeth looked at Darcy and wondered how many women had tried to impress him in the past.
Once they reached Netherfield, as expected, Mr. Bingley was surprised to see them all but warmly welcomed them. The same could not be said about his sisters, especially Miss Bingley.
The wave of excitement she experienced the moment she set eyes on Darcy evaporated within seconds when her brother introduced Elizabeth to them.
Good Heavens! He is engaged, and who is she?
The Bingley sisters were not impressed with the unexpected arrival of the guests at their house, especially those they were notacquainted with, but Mr. Bingley ensured that the guests were well cared for and they had an early supper. The women retired soon after, and Darcy had a deep discussion with Mr. Bingley.
“Darcy, I cannot believe they are capable of such deceit. To have done that to her sister and later raise her child with such hate. Mary related to me how that parson behaved with her, and her parents were planning a compromise just to save their property,” Mr. Bingley cried with disgust.
“I cannot tell you how worried I am for Mary’s welfare,” he added.
“Is she aware of everything?”
“Yes, and she is impatient to see her sister. As you requested previously, I have been in touch with the magistrate here, and we are well prepared to handle whatever transpires tomorrow.”
Darcy nodded.
“Have you decided on a date for your wedding yet?” Darcy asked.
“We are looking for a date within three weeks, but after tomorrow, I am not certain whether Mary would feel the same.”
“The Bennets have gone too long without punishment, deceiving family and society and taking everyone for granted. Imagine the kind of spite one must possess to ruin both mother and daughter in different ways. If not for Mary, that man would have harmed her for life. Every day, I think about it, and I cannot control the rage building within me. Her father feels the same way.”
“He seems to be an honorable man, but I wonder how he made such a big blunder.”
“He had his reasons, Bingley, until last week when he was confident in his actions. But now, he has nothing to defend himself, but I can certainly say he loves his daughter.”
They spoke for a long time, and before he retired, Darcy met Elizabeth in Georgiana’s room. He expected Georgiana to givethem some privacy, but to his surprise, she stayed in the room without leaving them alone.
“I have a feeling Lady Martha sent her an express asking her to be more vigilant as a chaperone,” she said teasingly, looking at Darcy's frown.
“Pray, tell me, what have I done so far to make her feel so?” he asked with irritation.
“I do not know; you must ask her.”
“You enjoy teasing me, don’t you? You certainly make up for Lady Martha.”
“I miss her, and honestly, I miss Derbyshire.”
“Do not worry, we can return soon. I was discussing his wedding plans with Bingley; he wants to marry your sister in a couple of weeks.”
“I am so happy for them, but on the other hand, I am worried about what will happen to the rest of my sisters after tomorrow.”
“Elizabeth, you need to trust me. I will handle everything without causing you distress, and I have discussed this with Mr. Gardiner. You look tired and I hope you can give yourself the rest you need to have strength for tomorrow.”
“I trust you,” she said, and Darcy finally left them. Elizabeth retired, feeling strange spending the night in Netherfield. She had never been in the house before, and her thoughts circled around her life in a home just a few miles away.
