Page 97 of The Governess of My Heart
“I need your assistance. The steward is here and needs me to look into some accounts from the past.”
Darcy and Mr. Bingley left for his study to attend to the business. They were interrupted by the arrival of Sir William and a few other acquaintances, and Mr. Bingley was excited to see them.
“I apologize for intruding without prior notice, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. We wanted to invite you to the Meryton assembly this Friday. I hope you can grace the evening with your presence.”
“Of course, we shall be delighted,” Mr. Bingley said.
Seeing Darcy’s skeptical look, Sir William was worried.
“Mr. Darcy, it may not be as grand as your gatherings in town, but I shall assure you, you will not forget this evening.”
“Of course, he will come. Will you not, Darcy?” Mr. Bingley asked.
“Yes, sir. I will,” Darcy said, unable to decline the invitation as he did not want to offend Sir William.
“Excellent, we will be honored by your presence.”
Once the men left, Darcy looked at Bingley with irritation.
“You know I have no interest in these gatherings.”
“I know, Darcy. But you must attend. How could we leave you behind? I sense you want to head back soon but look at me; I have no idea how to run this estate. I need you here.”
“At some point in time, you will have to run it by yourself. You must be able to make these decisions on your accord.”
“I will. Please spare a few more weeks here with me.”
Darcy did not want to, but he was skeptical about returning to town. He had to face Richard, who read his mind like no other. Also, he knew that he would have to decide to return to Pemberley the moment he reached town. Hence, he decided to stay as Mr. Bingley requested.
In Longbourn, the household was buzzing with excitement for the Meryton assembly. Mrs. Bennet was very anxious for Jane to look her best.
“Oh! Mr. Bennet, I am certain Jane can secure him.”
“I do not think so,” Mr. Bennet replied dryly.
“Why would you say that?” his wife asked him with irritation.
“I don’t know about that man. He seems to be too proud to even converse with me.”
“Well, you are not Jane. No man can resist her beauty; he has ten thousand a year. Could you believe it, Mr. Bennet? If she marries him, all our woes will be gone?”
Mr. Bennet somehow detested Darcy from the initial meeting and was not as confident as his wife.
He often wondered what happened to Elizabeth and had given up searching for her. But in his heart, he was worried that she would return someday and demand answers about her past.
Finally, the day arrived for the Meryton assembly.
Mary was not excited about it as it was the first assembly without Elizabeth.
She also felt anxious about meeting Darcy and Mr. Bingley and hoped Darcy would return to Derbyshire soon.
At the assembly, people anticipated the arrival of the Bingleys. Even though most knew Mr. Bingley, they were excited to see his wealthy friend.
When Darcy entered, he could feel all eyes on him and was used to the feeling.
Miss Bingley walked with an air of superiority beside him, and her only intention for the evening was to gain Darcy’s attention. She had known him for a year and was irritated that he was indifferent towards her.
What more can he want from a woman? I am the sister of his best friend. I am wealthy. What is still stopping him from forming an attachment with me?she thought with irritation.
