Page 47 of See, Hear, Speak No Evil, Mr. Darcy
Georgiana’s words caught Darcy’s attention and caused him to look at his friend. His sister was correct, though he would not have noticed had she not said something. Bingley exuded happiness, or, at the least, contentment, no matter the situation, often to a degree he found annoying. Perhaps it was because his friend owned the lease and could claim to have a home? He recognized in Bingley a pleasure comparable to those momentswhen his friend achieved unqualified successes in their business ventures.
“It gives me great satisfaction to at last return the offer of hospitality.”
“I feel I must apologize for welcoming you to so modest an estate. It pales in comparison to Pemberley. And there is little or naught to say of the provincial neighborhood around it,” Miss Bingley said, wheedling herself between Darcy and his sister.
“Lambton is very much like Meryton. Had we known of your aversion to estates near market towns, we would not have made the mistake of asking you to visit such a provincial situation as Pemberley. We will not make the mistake again. You, of course, are always welcome to visit Pemberley, Mr. Bingley,” Georgiana said, picking up her glass of wine.
“I understand many men seeking wives this Season prefer Town, Miss Bingley. That should see your preferences satisfied. We will not again plan for your accompanying your brother when he visits,” Darcy said.
“That is not what I meant,” Miss Bingley said hastily, grasping Darcy’s arm.
“I am pleased to leave you in Town, Caroline, as your every remark since your arrival is your preference to Town and wishing we were there,” Bingley said.
Darcy had to turn his head to hide his hope that he would never again have Miss Bingley at Pemberley. But it did bring to mind that one should be careful. Careless wishes often came true in the way one would least want. He was content to be the means of their being so granted on this score.
“I am all anticipation to meet your neighbors, Mr. Bingley,” Georgiana said, ignoring Miss Bingley’s efforts to rewrite her own words in the minds of those present.
Mr. Bingley said, “I will make certain you have the opportunity, Miss Darcy. I am assured there are many youngladies near your age in the neighborhood. I will seek those particular families this evening at the assembly in—”
“Hush, Charles. I told you not to mention it again. I am certain Mr. Darcy has no wish to attend. If you feel you must go, do not expect anything to be like those in London,” Miss Bingley said, chiding her brother as if he were an errant child.
“Oh, but he does. This very morning, he assured me he would dance with ladies who are not coy or put on airs, did you not, Brother? I hope you will find thosehereboth kind and sincere.”
“Meryton and Lambton are quite similar. I speculate the society will be equal in their welcoming of all newcomers,” Darcy said dryly when he noted Georgiana’s pert expression.
“I am certain you will know not a bit of contentment. And I imagine there will be enough matchmaking mothers to make you perfectly uncomfortable,” Bingley posited, winking at Georgiana when she laughed behind her hand.
“I do rather think I might be uncomfortable ifnomothers attempted to attach their daughters to me.”
“Oh, ho, was that a joke, Darce? You are a very good influence on him, Miss Darcy. I have not seen him in so good a humor these many months. Perhaps years,” Bingley said, raising his glass to Miss Darcy.
“Oh, do not exaggerate, Charles. Mr. Darcy is ever generous when we are with him. I do so look forward to seeing Pemberley again,” Miss Bingley interjected.
Darcy knew Miss Bingley watched him to see if he had taken her comment lightly. He had never issued her an invitation to his home, but as Bingley’s sister, Miss Bingley was always assumed to be one of the party. Darcy intended to take greater care in issuing his invitations when she was otherwise occupied. For Georgiana’s sake, of course. But to know herplans, he would have to listen to her. A less thrilling prospect than this he could not imagine.
To make certain his sister knew he approved of her playfulness, Darcy leant to whisper, “Good show.”
“I would have to turn down an invitation to Pemberley if you asked us to go tomorrow, my friend,” said Bingley. “This estate is perfect for my needs.”
“I believe it. And you will have less snowfall here than those of us in the north.”
“Mr. Darcy, I beg you not encourage Charles. Fathers of the young ladies he mentioned have come to introduce themselves in droves. It has been quite the invasion,” Miss Bingley said, shaking her head.
“I am glad to know the neighborhood is so welcoming. I often visit the houses of new neighbors in the first two weeks of their arrival. Do you anticipate meeting any daughters of a particular family this evening?” Darcy asked.
“Ah, yes, the Bennets. They have five daughters, Ana. We will make certain you meet them. Can you imagine having so many sisters?” Mr. Bingley said, joining them on the settee.
“Five daughters?”
“By all accounts, they are genteel and well-respected girls, Miss Darcy. Their father quite brought your brother to my mind. Found him a man of dry wit, Darce. He said nothing of his daughters other than our being in the neighborhood is causing quite a stir at Longbourn.”
“Of course, we are, Charles,” Miss Bingley said, coming to stand at Darcy’s side.
“It seems every man and woman who seeks someone with whom they suit are fortune hunters, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Hurst said, nursing a drink.
“Louisa, please silence him,” Miss Bingley said over her shoulder, narrowing her eyes on her brother-in-law.
“From the Lucas heir, their neighbor, I heard the youngest Bennets are a bit exuberant. The middle daughter, he calls a quiet sort who enjoys the pianoforte and the study of theology. He exalted the eldest two. But that is all I will say on that matter, that you might make your own judgment, Darcy.” Bingley also ignored his sister’s glaring at him.
