Page 99 of What Change Entails

Bingley blinked. “That sounds ominous.”

“It is overdue.”

“Even worse.”

Darcy ignored this and continued toward the study.

Behind them Miss Bingley called, “Charles, do not disappear. Louisa wishes to discuss tomorrow’s arrangements.” All pretense of a sprained ankle had vanished.

“I shall return shortly,” Bingley answered.

Darcy caught the look that passed across Miss Bingley’s face before the door closed behind them. Suspicion already sharpened her attention whenever he and Bingley spoke privately.

Another complication added itself to the growing list.

The study stood happily cool after the warmth outdoors. Late morning light slanted across the desk and shelves in long golden bars. Darcy crossed directly toward the sideboard.

“Brandy?”

Bingley stared at him. “Goodness, it truly is serious.”

“Do you wish for any?”

“Yes.”

Darcy poured two glasses.

Bingley accepted his but did not drink. He remained standing near the hearth, watching Darcy with increasingly wary curiosity.

“Well?”

Darcy set his own glass aside untouched.

“You were deceived.”

Bingley’s expression changed, not to confusion. Hope… which somehow made this worse.

Darcy forced himself onward before hesitation interfered. “I believed Miss Bennet indifferent to you and I acted upon that belief. I was mistaken.”

Bingley did not move.

The silence stretched long enough that Darcy wished to continue speaking simply to break it.

Then Bingley said, “What changed your opinion?”

“Reliable testimony.”

“From whom?”

Darcy hesitated. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

“Miss Bennet was in town for months,” Darcy admitted.

Bingley stared at him blankly.

“In London?”

“Yes.”