Page 20 of Her Brother's Keeper
“I suppose that is natural,” Bingley nodded. “I do my bestnotto think of Caroline’s, but you are the better man.”
I have the better sister, Darcy thought, but did not say. “Georgiana is vulnerable, I admit. I fear that when she comes out, she will be the object of fortune hunters.”
“It has not happened to Caroline yet,” Bingley said, with only a touch of sarcasm.
“Your sister is slightly more worldly-wise than mine.”
“And a bit less, hm, encumbered by fortune and connexion,” Bingley remarked, lifting his water goblet to his lips.
There was no way around a direct approach—Bingley would never think of such a match on his own, and although his sisters might, he was liable to dismiss out of hand any suggestions from the relations who annoyed him so often. “My deliberations have brought me to a conclusion that seems wise to mention now, despite my sister’s relative youth. In my view, once Georgiana is older, ifyouwere to pursue a connexion, I should not object.”
Bingley actually snorted his water out his nose in surprise, spraying the tablecloth in front of him. Red-faced, he began mopping up the mess with his napkin. It was not an auspicious beginning. “Oh, why…Darcy, it is flattering, truly, that you should even regard the possibility of such a suit,” he said awkwardly.
Darcy sighed. “I know you have never thought of her in such a manner; she is very young. But she will not always be so. In a few short years, she will be ready to wed. I ask only that you consider the idea; a connexion between our two families would be highly useful to you, and to call you my brother would be highly pleasing to me. It is not as though you are ready to marry any time soon, are you?”
Bingley, still bright red, hesitated for longer than Darcy could like. But at last he said, “Um, no, not yet. And, as you say, this bears, um, further consideration. I do feel the honour of it, Darcy, I do. To know that I have earned your trust in a matter so important…well, it means much to me.”
Darcy knew that this response was about the best he couldhope for from a man whose affections were currently fixed upon the ailing young woman upstairs. Even so, it was a little disheartening.
“I would like to invite Georgiana to join me at Netherfield for a few weeks, if you would not mind. You may rest easy—I have no intention of encouraging her to think of wedding plans toanyone, or permitting any betrothal for a period of years. However, she is alone in town now that my aunt and uncle have returned to Matlock, and I know she would appreciate your sisters’ companionship.”And as long as Georgiana is here, right in front of me, I will be in no danger of forgetting or brushing aside what is best for her, and giving way to impossible feelings.
Bingley turned even redder, if that were possible. “No, um, I mean, yes, of course, she would be quite welcome.” He stood. “In fact, I had better tell Caroline immediately, if you will excuse me. She and Louisa will be thrilled, I am certain, and will wish to make every preparation for her comfort.”
Darcy nodded. “Thank you.”
Bingley fled from the room as if he feared that if he stayed much longer, Darcy would begin pulling out settlement papers.
Darcy sighed once more.
Eighteen
TO HINT OR NOT TO HINT
Elizabeth was not certain what she had expected. The previous day, when Mr Darcy had come to inform her of Jane’s illness, he had appeared about eleven in the morning. It was now three o’clock in the afternoon according to the old mantel clock, and there had been no sign of him.
She was torn between worrying that Jane had worsened or that others in the house—Mr Darcy especially—might have taken ill as well. He had certainly seemed hale and hearty yesterday. Too hale, really. Impossible that he should be felled so easily!
Mrs Finch’s advice haunted her.
There had been that moment, two different moments really, when she had thought that perhaps…maybe…he had meant to kiss her. She had, even, thought—hoped, if she were being honest—that the drive was not for Neddy’s sake alone, but that it might be for the purpose of extending their time together. She had to admit, however, that on that drive, he hadbeen mostly silent; except for promising to come today, he had given her little encouragement to think such thoughts.
But hadsheencouragedhim? She had been embarrassed and uncertain; she had hidden her discomfort under an excessively spirited monologue on the passing buildings and scenery. In her recollection she had droned on and on, scarcely allowing Mr Darcy to speak had he wished to do so. Heavens, she had even mooed at the cows. Her cheeks heated at the memory.
How does one go about ‘encouraging’?
There was no way to do so, it seemed, without leaving oneself vulnerable and exposed. Had it just been herself, she might have—wouldhave—shied away from anything close to an overt admission. A young lady ought to be reserved, genteelly awaiting the gentleman to make any overtures if an overture was going to be made. For Neddy’s sake, however, could she afford to miss the chance that he was looking for some sort of admission from her, a clue to her feelings? Could she even afford to make that clue a subtle one?
Had she still resided at Longbourn, he would know exactly what to do—morning calls, and perhaps, even, a visit with Uncle Philips. The usual indications were closed to her. If he was attracted to her, he might not be certain what the proper course of action ought to be.
He does not strike me as the type who would irresolutely waver between strategies.
Neddy had found his shoes, and was shoving them at her with real intent—he, at least, did not have any trouble making his feelings known. She had kept him indoors all day long, hoping and waiting for Mr Darcy.
“Very well, my biggest boy. You have been patient.” Perhaps they could walk over to Longbourn and speak to MrsHill to discover what was known of the situation at Netherfield. A heavy disappointment settled upon her as she readied him to go.
I was being foolish. It is clear he needs no hints from me, now that I have received an obvious one from him.
But as she and Neddy exited the building, a tall man on horseback appeared on the lane. Mr Darcy! He had come! He tethered his horse on the gatepost and joined them where they stood.
