Page 100 of What Change Entails

The expression on Bingley’s face morphed gradually. Confusion first. Then disbelief.

“No one told me.”

Darcy did not soften the answer. “I know.”

Bingley set his glass down with more force than intended. Brandy sloshed against the rim. “Caroline knew?”

“Yes.”

“And Louisa?”

“I believe so.”

For a moment Bingley said nothing at all. He crossed toward the hearth instead, then stopped halfway there and came back again with visible agitation.

“I heard them speaking of it on the journey here,” he said abruptly. “Not directly. They did not mean me to hear.” His laugh came harsh and brief. “I thought at first I misunderstood.”

Darcy did not look pleased.

“Caroline said Miss Bennet had been in London nearly all the season and had not attempted to see me.” Bingley lowered his head, studying his hands. “Louisa answered that it was fortunate, because any renewal of the acquaintance would have encouraged false expectations.”

Darcy closed his eyes.

“I asked Caroline afterward why she had not mentioned it.” Bingley gave another short laugh that was devoid of humor. “She claimed she believed it insignificant.”

“That was impossible.”

“Yes.” Bingley met Darcy’s eyes directly then. “It was. Caroline is not merely uncomfortable, is she? She means to make Miss Elizabeth uncomfortable as well.”

Darcy nodded. “I fear you have understood her correctly.”

Silence settled between them for several seconds.

At length, Bingley exhaled heavily and rubbed one hand across the back of his neck. “I am disappointed in you.”

Darcy inclined his head once. “You ought to be.”

“But I cannot place all the blame there.” Bingley acted frustrated with himself now more than angry. “You advised. I chose to listen. I could have returned to Netherfield whenever I pleased. I could have written. I could have sought certainty instead of accepting comfort.” He shook his head. “I think some part of me feared discovering she truly did not care.”

Darcy understood that fear far too well to dismiss it.

Bingley sat down rather abruptly in the nearest chair.

Darcy found anger to be a more desirable emotion. The stunned look upon his friend’s face proved far more uncomfortable to witness.

“When?” Bingley asked slowly.

“At Rosings this spring.”

“You discussed Jane?”

“We discussed many things.”

Bingley stared at him another moment before an abrupt understanding entered his expression.

“Ah.”

Darcy frowned slightly. “What does that mean?”