Page 73 of A Different Impression

“And the challenge of making it prosper?”

“That as well.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Although I suspect the company I brought with me made the greatest difference.”

Elizabeth’s answering smile remained with him as the carriage carried them towards London. Rosings no longer felt as though it were merely an obligation to be endured. Under Anne’s ownership and better management, it might become an estate worthy of its people—and a place to which Darcy would not mind returning.

CHAPTER 31

Bingley Reappears

Lord Matlock returned to London from depositing Lady Catherine in Ireland in time for the ball at Matlock House, which was to honour Anne and Elizabeth and celebrate Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage. Although Elizabeth had met many members of society during her calls with Lady Matlock and at various entertainments, the ball would introduce her to a considerably larger portion of the ton.

Darcy dreaded the prospect. He had never enjoyed balls, and marriage had only made society’s restrictions upon dancing more aggravating. He intended to flout convention by claiming both the first and supper sets with his wife, and he hoped to persuade her to grant him the last as well. He had also requested sets with Anne, Charlotte and Jane, ensuring that he could fulfil his obligations without seeking partners beyond the ladies residing beneath his roof.

Richard had claimed the first set with Anne, a courtesy Darcy considered appropriate when the ball was partly in her honour. His cousin had reserved both the supper and final sets with Miss Lucas, however. Combined with his nearly daily calls during the Darcys’ absence, the choice left Darcy with little doubt regarding the strength of Richard’s preference, even if his cousin had yet to declare his intentions.

“You look stunning, my dear,” Darcy said when Elizabeth entered his study that evening. “I have never looked forward to a ball, but I find myself anticipating this one. I fully intend to scandalise the ton by dancing frequently with my wife.”

She leant forward and kissed him. “And I look forward to dancing with my husband, William.”

They entered the hall just as Anne, Charlotte, and Jane descended the stairs.

“You all look lovely,” Darcy told them.

Once the ladies had donned their cloaks, the party boarded the carriage for the short journey to Matlock House. Upon their arrival, Darcy descended first and assisted the three unmarried ladies before handing Elizabeth down. They met the Gardiners outside, and the entire party proceeded indoors to greet Lord and Lady Matlock and their sons in the receiving line.

As they approached the ballroom, Darcy was startled to see Charles Bingley standing near the entrance.

“Darcy!” Bingley exclaimed. “I am very glad to see you. I have only just returned to Town and found the invitation awaiting me. I must speak with you tomorrow, if I may.”

Darcy studied his friend. “I am surprised to see you, Bingley. You left Netherfield expecting to return within days. Then your aunt closed the house, and I received only one brief letter saying that family business had delayed you. I have heard nothing from you in months.”

Bingley grimaced. “I know. My leaving became unavoidable, but my silence was not. I have a great deal to explain, although I cannot do so here. May I call upon you tomorrow morning?”

“You may,” Darcy said, his tone serious, “but you have much for which to account. Neither the Bennets nor I knew what to think when your absence continued without explanation.”

“I am sorry, Darcy. I shall tell you everything tomorrow.”

Darcy nodded, but when Bingley turned towards Jane, Darcy made no attempt to move on. He had no intention of leaving his new sister to face Bingley alone.

“Miss Bennet, might I have the honour of standing up with you this evening?” Bingley asked. “Will you grant me a dance?”

Jane’s expression hardened.

“You know as well as I that if I refuse you, I cannot honourably accept another partner for the same set,” she said in a low voice. “You are taking advantage of that restriction to compel me to dance with you. You disappeared for months without saying farewell to my family or sending any explanation to any of us.”

“I apologise, Miss Bennet,” Bingley answered, appearing thoroughly chastened. “I shall withdraw my request rather than force my company upon you. But I hope you will eventually allow me to explain. However poorly I acted, the circumstances that kept me away were unavoidable. I should not have attended tonight, but I desperately wished to see you.”

Jane remained silent for several moments before releasing a slow breath.

“No, Mr Bingley. I shall accept one dance, since I know few of the gentlemen present. You must account for your disappearance very soon, however.”

“I have arranged to speak with Darcy tomorrow,” he told her. “I had good reason to remain away, but none for failing to send word. I should have written to your father and to Darcy, and I am deeply sorry that I did not. If you permit it, I shall explain everything then.”

Jane gave a slight nod. Their conversation remained strained as they awaited the first set, and Darcy observed several uncomfortable silences between them. They completed the dance with perfect civility but little pleasure. Afterwards, Jane remained amongst her sisters and friends, and as her remaining dances were soon claimed, Bingley found no further opportunity to speak with her privately.

Jane followed Charlotte into her bedchamber after the ball, and the two settled before the fire to discuss the evening. Charlotte had danced twice with Colonel Fitzwilliam, whilst Jane had stood up only once with Mr Bingley. He had remained near her whenever propriety permitted, apparently intending to resume the attentions he had shown before departing Netherfield.

Charlotte’s animation whenever she spoke of the colonel suggested that her feelings were becoming serious. Jane wished that her own emotions were as easily understood. She had been falling in love with Mr Bingley in the autumn—or at least she had believed so—but then he had disappeared. She had not forgotten him during his absence, yet she no longer knew whether seeing him again had brought pleasure, anger or merely confusion.