"Mr Darcy,"

Miss Bingley spoke. Mr Darcy gave no hint of his surprise at her presence, but only closed the book he had been reading this hour. He had not been aware of her entrance.

"We must talk."

Mr Darcy gave neither response nor reaction to this statement. After a hesitant pause, Miss Bingley considered this sufficient encouragement. Her purpose was of too urgent a nature to be put off.

She seated herself on the sofa opposite Mr Darcy and met his gaze intently.

"It concerns Charles."

Still, Mr Darcy said nothing. He only blinked. She continued.

"I am rather concerned about his future prospects, as is natural for his sister to be. I have become uneasy about his attachment to Miss Bennet."

Her intense study of his features had not ceased during her speech. At the end of this last declaration, she detected a glint of empathetic comprehension.

"It is not unusual, of course, for such rumours to be bandied about small country towns. However, I fear that Charles is seriously contemplating marrying the girl."

Mr Darcy adjusted his position slightly, before replying with much deliberation.

"What do you propose to do about it?"

Assured by eliciting some kind of response that could be construed as positive, Miss Bingley continued in a more confident tone.

"I know Charles' disposition. A few months in town will make him forget her soon enough. I'm sure it would be no great thing to convince him to stay for the season, particularly if we all quit here and join him before he returns."

Mr Darcy considered this.

"Your plan is a good one; if we can be assured that his regard is not that strong. Indeed, it is rather a discredit to him if it isn't."

"Possibly, but any doubt from us as to the sincerity of her affection is sure to conquer any arguments he has on that front."

"Do you doubt it?"

"I do not doubt that she has Charles set in her sights. Her motivations, however, I am quite sure are of a different nature," on reflection, she added "or those of her mother anyway."

Mr Darcy shifted his posture to one of satisfaction. "I had come to such conclusions myself. I shall inform my man that I shall leave for town tomorrow, if that is agreeable."

"Quite," replied Miss Bingley graciously "now if you excuse me, I must speak with Louisa. Until dinner, Mr Darcy."

She rose, as did Mr Darcy who merely answered with a bow. The lady went off to complete her professed task, and the gentleman in search of his manservant.