A little bit of awkward dinner conversation and promises not quite made.
Thursday dawned and the Bennet household was all abustle. Vince put the final details on Jane's gown, Kitty shrieked that she could not find her favourite ribbon anywhere and that her hair would be a disaster without it. Mary and Mr Bennet both hid until it was time to enter the carriage, which was by far the most sensible thing to do. Mrs Bennet could not be satisfied with any thing the entire day. She gave Jane constant instructions as to her behaviour toward Mr Bingley and gave Vince constant warnings that he was not to interfere with his sister's courting in any way. Vince happily agreed to leave Bingley and Jane to themselves.
"And one more thing, dear," she said as he helped her into the carriage. "No sneaking off to go stargazing with that dreadful Mr Darcy. It makes you look quite odd."
The dinner at Mr Bingley's passed with surprising ease. The food was well prepared, the company jolly and no entertainment was deemed necessary for most of the evening because nearly every guest was engrossed by the display of modest affection between Miss Bennet and Mr Bingley. They made an exceedingly pretty couple and Vince found himself very much hoping that Christopher would not waste time in proposing. He would make an excellent brother-in-law.
The preoccupation with the young lovers also ensured that very few paid attention to the fact that Vince had been seated next to Mr Darcy. There was, by some design, an uneven number of ladies and men and so they found themselves side by side at the far end of the table from Bingley, Jane and Vince's parents.
Vince felt immediately anxious and he could see the tension both in Mr Darcy's body and the way his eyes darted about. It was not until the second course was nearly complete that they finally spoke and when they did, Vince began to wonder what had come over his friend.
"Did you like what you saw of Yorkshire, Mr Bennet?"
"I suppose so, Mr Darcy."
"Was it an enjoyable holiday?"
Vince blinked. Surely Howard - Mr Darcy, he corrected himself - could remember the several unpleasant instances which had marred his trip north.
"There were enjoyable parts, I suppose. I very much enjoyed meeting your brother."
"And he enjoyed meeting you," Mr Darcy said with enthusiasm. "He spoke sadly of your having to leave our company so abruptly."
Vince could think of no answer to that. His exit from Pemberley had been humiliating in his mind and he did not like to dwell too long on the fact that his emotional outburst had been witnessed by Mr Darcy's brother and cousins.
"I- I meant of course your sudden departure home to care for your family."
"Oh, yes, of course," Vince replied, ducking his head and biting his lip. "I believe we owe you a debt of gratitude in that matter, sir."
"Not at all," Mr Darcy said too quickly and Vince couldn't help but smile. "Unless you would be willing to venture north again. My brother feels he did not hear you play the piano nearly enough for his liking."
"Oh," Vince said for the second time, wondering how he could proceed.
"You would be most welcome."
"Would I?"
"Yes."
"Oh."
Mr Darcy seemed to deflate a little where he sat but Vince's mind remained stubbornly blank.
"I know it is a substantial journey," Howard offered and Vince could hear the sadness in his voice.
"No, not at all." He began to twirl a lock of hair around his finger and saw Howard smile at the familiar gesture. Howard looked decidedly more attractive when he smiled, Vince thought, and then scolded himself for thinking of him as Howard again, rather than Mr Darcy.
"How long..." he wondered how to proceed with the question without causing himself embarrassment. "How long would such a welcome extend?"
It was Howard's turn to bite his lip and Vince found his eyes drawn to the man's mouth and the way his moustache twitched so delightfully.
His question did not receive an answer at that moment, however, because the meal came to a close and they were bid to stand and retire to another room for coffee. Sir William wished to reintroduce himself to Mr Darcy and enquire as to the health of Lady Catherine and Jane pulled Vince to one side to pour forth her delight at finding Mr Bingley so attentive and so dashing and so very much to her liking.
Coffee followed but Howard could not seem to find a moment alone with Vince until just as they were all saying their goodbyes and making preparations for the shooting the following day.
"Are you to join us, Mr Bennet?" Howard asked, and for the first time that night he looked directly into Vince's face. The younger man seemed to grow in beauty every time he saw him and it was almost unbearable to refer to him only as Mr Bennet. He enquired as to whether he would be shooting even though he knew it was not something Vince was inclined to do. He understood his reticence. Vince was a lover of animals and the idea of shooting them would necessarily cause him pain. He only asked so that he might have an excuse to speak to him but was greatly surprised by the answer he received.
"Indeed I am, Mr Darcy."
"What?"
"I shall be joining you and Mr Bingley, and the other gentlemen, in the field tomorrow. I have been convinced to try the sport, though I do not anticipate any talent for it."
"Oh."
"I believe that is my line, Mr Darcy."
They were both smiling now, if a little sheepishly and Howard looked forward to the next day with both apprehension and excitement. Finally, he would have a chance to make known his new plan. So long as he did not lose his nerve.
