Page 65 of Through the Eyes of Love

“I am so delighted to meet you, Mr. Bingley. Fitzwilliam has spoken a great deal about you ever since he received word of your visit. Pray have a seat.”

“I am delighted you finally found a lady to put up with your unsociable habits, my friend.”

Darcy turned towards his wife with a smile. “That is all behind me now. When you find true love, it changes you.”

“Thank heaven it changed you in a positive way!”

“I am surprized you knew nothing of Elizabeth and me. Did you not read the announcement of our marriage in the London newspapers?”

“You must have forgotten I have no interest in reading anything but the listing of horses for sale at Tattersall’s. My sister Caroline reads all the social news, and she is usually more than willing to keep us all apprised of who did what to whom.” They all laughed, and Elizabeth rang for tea.

After everyone had been served, Elizabeth said, “Longbourn, my father’s estate, is but three miles from Netherfield Park, the property Fitzwilliam told me you let.”

“My father built a significant fortune in the mills, but his greatest wish was for me, his only son, to buy an estate and become a landed gentleman. I planned to let Netherfield with the intention to one day purchase it. When Mrs. Reynolds wrote to me about the fire, I was wise enough to realize I was not prepared to be master of an estate without my friend’s experience to guide me, so I never signed the lease.”

“I understand. My husband is busy all day getting Pemberley back on its feet. We have started rebuilding the manor house, and groundskeepers have replaced many of the trees and plants that were destroyed by the fire. Most of our tenants have moved back and look forward to the next growing season.”

Bingley laughed lightly. “It appears Mrs. Darcy knows more about running an estate than I do. Now you can understand whyI did not let Netherfield Park. I would have been lost without your husband’s help.”

“Elizabeth helped her father with estate matters when she was younger. By the way, what aboutyou? Have you been struck by cupid’s arrow since we last met?”

His wife would be pleased that Darcy had broached the subject of Bingley’s marital status:heasked whatshewished to know. Darcy did not care for Elizabeth to become like her mother with her fanatical matchmaking efforts but did agree that Jane needed someone in her life like he had Elizabeth.

“Not yet. I keep looking for a lady who makes my heart beat faster when she walks into the room.”

“From what I remember, you met a new angel every week or two.”

“I shall put all that behind me when I meet the right woman.”

“Fitzwilliam told me you met at Cambridge,” said Elizabeth.

“He was two years ahead of me and saved me from being thrashed by several older students. They did not like the idea that someone whose money came from trade lived and studied amongst them. From that day on, Darcy befriended me, and his protection allowed me to finish my studies in one piece. I treasure his friendship more than I can say.”

“As I value yours.” Darcy was sincere in his firm statement.

* * *

Jane Horton stoodoutside Pembrook Cottage and raised her hand to knock on the door. Although her sister had often told her that she was welcome to enter the cottage at any time, she preferred to give the residents warning of her arrival. On one of her earlier visits, she had walked in unannounced and found her sister and Darcy locked in a passionate embrace at the top of thestairs. She had learnt her lesson that day and waited for Mrs. Reynolds to welcome her inside.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Horton. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy are in the drawing room with a visitor.”

“Oh, I had no idea they were expecting anyone. I shall come back another day.”

“Their guest is an old friend of Mr. Darcy’s, and I am certain they would welcome you to join them. Let me take your things and show you in.”

Her sister Elizabeth smiled when Jane entered the drawing room. “Come meet Fitzwilliam’s dear friend, Charles Bingley. Mr. Bingley, my sister Jane Horton who lives nearby at Stockton Hall.” Jane gave Mr. Bingley a wide-eyed look, and he stepped forward and bowed over her hand as she curtsied.

* * *

The newly acquaintedguests could not stop staring at each other while Darcy and his wife exchanged glances. “Jane, come take a seat beside me.” The suggestion would facilitate their guests sitting close to each other. “I shall get you some tea.” Elizabeth poured and offered sweet treats. “Mr. Bingley planned to let Netherfield Park last year. Is that not a coincidence? Longbourn is but three miles away.”

Jane’s face was bright pink, which was matched by the colour of Bingley’s cheeks. Elizabeth leaned forward, clearly trying to get her sister’s attention. “Jane, is that not interesting?”

“Excuse me, Lizzy, I must have been wool-gathering. You would have been a very welcome addition to our neighbourhood, Mr. Bingley. Why did you change your plans?”

“Darcy was supposed to join me there at Michaelmas. My father’s last wish was that I become a landed gentleman, but I have no experience with estate management, and Darcy waskind enough to offer his help. Unfortunately, those plans were cancelled when—well, you know when.”

“It is quite fine to speak so,” said Darcy. “We do not hesitate to talk about the fire. When I first saw the burnt-out shell of Pemberley, I was still in a great deal of pain and could scarcely walk, even with a cane. The way I felt then, I was determinednotto rebuild. In time, and at the urging of a certain Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I realized that I could have a bright future and create a new and better manor house. It took me longer to recognise that there would be no brilliant future without my Lizzy at my side.”