Chapter 14

Richard was not unaware of the smile Darcy returned with evident on his face, nor was Miss Bingley for that matter, who had only just arrived less than a quarter of an hour ago. Richard was sensible of every moment as it passed. To the Colonel's credit, he managed to delay her, despite her determination, by commenting on the similarity between his mother's buffet and her own. Richard worked on Miss Bingley again through flattery, but the ground was hard-won, and Richard was well aware he was on the verge of losing the battle, even as the couple began returning towards the house.

Whatever his own discomfort, Richard could be counted upon to guard Darcy's interests, and Darcy sorely needed this time to make an ample apology to Miss Elizabeth. Richard lifted a silent prayer that Darcy would well exhibit the humility he knew his cousin had. From what Richard could deduce, Elizabeth was not unjust. If she received a sincere apology she would accept it. Her approval of his cousin was the cornerstone of his plan, and whether Darcy knew it yet or not, she was the key to his future happiness.

As Darcy finally entered the parlor, Miss Bingley, trusting her advantage, declared, "I see Miss Eliza has again found opportunity to ramble about in the muck. Though I'm answerable for the entertainment of my guests, I'm disturbed, Mr. Darcy, that she has contrived to have you join her. Surely, your sense of decorum could neither consent to a woman walking out alone, nor could it endure an ill breed frolic in a mud puddle. You have handled the conundrum and evidenced your superiority, let me congratulate you on your achievement, sir, proving yourself the gentlemen, in the face of a complete lack of decorum."

She is suffering under the mighty power of a grand delusion, thought Richard.

Darcy, seeing fate supplied good fortune, found his sought-after opportunity to correct her perspective. Intent to establish he was not in agreement with her, thus he stated, in a rather unaffected manner, "I can assure you, Miss Bingley, I was in no way compelled. I'm quite in Miss Elizabeth's debt for allowing me to join her. It's a remarkably fine day after a series of storms. You forget madam, those of us who enjoy the country often find ourselves at the mercy of the weather. I daresay I've suffered far worse seeing to my estate, as it is so far north."

Miss Bingley almost choked, was he defying her and expressing a preference for Miss Eliza? Oh, something had to be done, and seen to it would be, as soon as Miss Bingley determined what was to be done about it. Though jealousy had not yet made her desperate, as she believed Darcy could not be brought to seriously consider such a woman, she did feel the sting, and the threat of his attention directed elsewhere.

She had labored too long and sacrificed too much towards her rise in station, and he was too close to offering for her. Not now, not while she was on the verge of spinsterhood, born of her patience with him. She had been slowly, painstakingly coaxing him towards a proposal all of these years knowing her restraint would yield a bounty of wealth and social consequence.

Darcy was a careful man, he would not contemplate taking a wife without fully assessing her abilities as mistress. However dreadful this county was, Miss Bingley saw the boon of being able to show herself to an advantage by hosting Charles' house party. Why would he have accepted an invitation to this backward community, if he didn't intend to consider her? If Charles truly wished to learn to run an estate, Darcy could have advised him on the proper book to acquire. No, he was here for her, and she wouldn't countenance a country distraction interfering with her aim.

Eliza's purpose in this house was to play nursemaid to her sister, in order that her hostess could busy herself securing an offer. How dare she form her own designs on him? After her kindness and benevolence in hosting both sisters though their society was well below her own. Had Jane not had the nerve to arrive on horseback and become ill, surely meaning to draw Charles notice, Darcy would not be distracted by her sister. She began to seeth against Jane as well, losing all of her previous approval, that never did extend beyond being suitable amusement while absent the better company that could be found in town.

Has she ever even seen Darcy deign to wear such a countenance? Certainly, he had never smiled at her. She began to wonder at it, it was abhorrent, undignified even. For a man so adept at being stoic to stoop to such a thing as to turn insipid. It had to be put to an abrupt end. She would tender necessary interference to save Darcy as well as Charles. The Bennet sisters would not be allowed to prevail so long as Miss Bingley was mistress.

Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam excused themselves while her ire was rising, citing business matters to attend to. Miss Bingley waved them off, failing to recognize 'business matters' were the salvation of every man looking to escape a woman's poor company.

"Did you see that discontent look in her eye" inquired Richard as they stepped into the Library "I dare say she looked positively irate, almost feral?"

"I can not bring myself to care what vexes Miss Bingley, Richard. She has certainly found occasion enough to vex me throughout the years, though I avoid her as often as may be" replied Darcy, barely giving it a thought. He truly did not consider Miss Bingley's comfort his concern. He was suddenly incensed over all the times she had spoken for him, equally angered at himself for allowing it.

Richard was equal parts concerned with both mutually exclusive but disastrous situations developing, as he could not resolve one without inciting the other. He neither wished to further provoke Miss Bingley, least of all for the sake of the ladies up the stairs, nor did he wish to alert Darcy how obvious he was being. He certainly didn't want Darcy to retreat within himself again. He knew his cousin would not countenance it if he believed that sensibilities he wouldn't admit to were being presented to the world. Darcy would likely just become more guarded. God help them. It would not do to have Miss Elizabeth fail to come to know him, while Darcy was busy determining his own direction, that could easily lead to disaster.

Richard may have only just met her, but it was apparent she wouldn't accept him unless she was sure of her own regard, and she was far from it. It was clear upon her return that her opinion had improved, but that was far from affection, or even preference. Richard acknowledged the stalemate and hoped he would not come to regret it. He would do what may be done by himself to thwart Miss Bingley, but he was determined not to alert Darcy to how obvious he was becoming.

"Darcy what thought you of how Miss Elizabeth counseled regarding Georgiana," Richard inquired, luring Darcy into discussing Elizabeth again.

"She has an enticing perspective on things, though it did not occur to me previously, I think she rightly pointed out the similarities between my sister and hers. I should not be disappointed if she took an example from either sister."

"Though the elder smiles too much? Has your care of our ward declined?" jested the colonel.

Darcy shot him a look to silence him, well enough, it worked. Taking a more serious tone, Richard asked, "What think you of inviting her here, I daresay, Miss Elizabeth could draw her out and Miss Bennet could provide an example of that which is achievable for her temperament."

Darcy contemplated it for a moment, then said "It would take her away from her masters, and there is Miss Bingley to consider. I don't suspect she would allow them a moment alone. She may force my sister into further reticence if it becomes obvious she is using Georgianna to get to me."

"Tis a shame, I think Miss Elizabeth could provide a stellar example on how to deal with such women in society, a skill my ward will well need if you are still single when she's presented, but I think you may be right about the timing." said Richard, pointing out still more benefits of marriage, "Let's think on it, or perhaps even ask Georigianna's opinion. In may not disturb her if we warn of her of Miss Bingley's intentions before she arrives."

"Of that, she is well aware, I am sure." conceded Darcy.