Chapter 2

In his quest to deliver Elizabeth the truth, Darcy thought that it would be wise to persuade Bingley to open Netherfield again. It would have been very strange for him to be seen visiting the neighbourhood alone, and further peculiar to be seen calling on Elizabeth. In the likely, sad case that her opinions of a marriage to him were unchanged, he did not wish upon her scrutiny. Bingley's presence also meant that Elizabeth would be able to observe how her sister behaved towards the man of her supposed affections, and Darcy would be able to see that his friend would reach a necessary resolution after months of needless yearning for an inappropriate match. Bingley was of the nature in which understanding came more easily when the objects were in front of him; to see Miss Bennet again might convince him, once and for all, that she did not return his feelings and was unlikely to do so in the future.

"Do you think my neighbours will welcome the sight of me?" asked Bingley, frowning even as he made his target in their game of billiards. "I left with scarcely a word. It would be in their rights to be resentful, and you know how I prefer to keep peace. If they are happier without me, it might be better for me to keep a distance."

"A solicitous consideration," replied Darcy, "but rather backwards. If you indeed caused offense, it would be best to return and attempt to make amends."

"I suppose I ought to do that. Even if Miss Bennet did not love me, we were friends. I should have explained my absence to her myself."

"That is fair. However, I know you well enough to caution you about the feelings you might have upon seeing her again."

"I know. I fear the same as you—that my heart may delude my mind. Even now, a tiny part of it questions whether or not you, my sisters, and I were wrong about Miss Bennet."

Darcy contemplated about confiding in Bingley. Surely, he would receive the valuable support of a good friend, who was unlikely to betray him and write an inappropriate letter to Elizabeth. However, to present him with the tangible knowledge that existed would inflict upon him a pain he did not deserve in his fragile state. Whereas Elizabeth's fortitude could handle the truth—needed it, even—Bingley was not as strong.

He was startled out of his thoughts as Bingley asked, "Why do you suggest going to Hertfordshire anyhow?"

Darcy supposed that there were some details that would not cause his friend to lose his entire spirit.

"I assure you, we were not wrong about Miss Bennet," he said. "I confess I saw Miss Elizabeth when I was in Kent. We argued, and I wish to recover her opinion of me."

"You saw Miss Elizabeth!" cried Bingley. "Did she have news of her family? But what was she doing in Kent? Do tell me she is Miss Elizabeth, and not Mrs. Collins. What news did she have of her sisters? Did you have the decency to ask after them, or did you only renew your heated debates? Of course you would argue with her instead of delighting in her charming conversation."

Alarmed, Darcy spoke, "Miss Elizabeth as Mrs. Collins? Whatever do you mean?"

"It is preposterous, I know. Forgive my disparagement of Mr. Collins, but the lady is too remarkable for him. When my sisters told me that a match was to be made, I did not believe them. Was Miss Elizabeth's family visiting their cousin in Kent? Did you see her sisters?"

"Your sisters were wrong. Miss Elizabeth was visiting her friend. Mrs. Collins is the former Miss Lucas."

"I am relieved for her!"

"It seems as if your sisters have twisted many truths. They also asked me to keep from you the information that they had seen Miss Jane Bennet in London last winter."

Bingley's eyes widen. "What—"

"However, it still stands that she does not love you. I was trying to protect your heart," said Darcy. Sincerely, he continued, "I apologise for not telling you until now."

Bingley was unusually quiet when he asked if there was hope for him.

"I do not believe so, and it might be for the best."

"Perhaps my heart will finally let go when I see her," said Bingley. "Netherfield Park is a nice estate, and I should not ignore it out of cowardice. There is fishing to be done, and you must apologise for whatever dreadful thing you said to Miss Elizabeth."

If Bingley had not been so correct, Darcy would have taken offense at the implication that he was all at fault. He really did only like it when it was Elizabeth teasing him.

He was diligent and Bingley was spontaneous. Plans were made to travel to Hertfordshire the next morning. The quickness of it all meant that Bingley's usual party, consisting of his sisters and brother, would not be joining them. As far as Darcy knew, the dastardly George Wickham was still a lieutenant of the militia in Meryton; therefore his own sister, Georgiana, was not to accompany them either. Though her presence would have completed their trio of suffering hearts, she was too delicate and young to be made to face the man who would provide her nothing but misery and the reminder of her past foolishness.

"Are you well, brother?" Georgiana asked when he told her of his upcoming departure.

Darcy knew he had been exceedingly sullen, but had hoped to hide the worst of it from his sister.

"No," he admitted. "However, I shall return from Hertfordshire a better man."

For Elizabeth, for Georgiana, and for himself—he would listen to Elizabeth's censure and act to improve himself, no matter what would happen in Hertfordshire.

"Will Miss Elizabeth be there?"

Darcy's heart stuttered. "Yes."

"From your letters last autumn, and recently while you were at Rosings, I feel as if I know her already." Georgiana blushed as she added, "I am sure she will help with whatever is making you upset."

Darcy could only hope that it would be the case.

The journey to Netherfield was uneventful. Both men cared not for conversation when their minds were troubled. Still, the ride was more enjoyable than it had been months before. Darcy was sure it had to do with the lack of Bingley's sisters in the carriage. They arrived safely at the house, were satisfied to see that it had not been ransacked during Bingley's absence, rested briefly, and afterwards went to the dining room to eat a meal that was much more succulent than it tasted.

Bingley sighed as he pushed around the contents of his ragout. "Did you know that Miss Bennet was fond of ragout?"

"No," replied Darcy. "Though I knew Miss Elizabeth to prefer a plain dish."

"Ah, yes. I remember Hurst being aghast at that. I believe they might have been friends if she had said otherwise."

"He also thought it singular that she would decline an invitation to play cards for reading."

"My brother does take his cards, food, and drink most seriously. I cannot disparage him for living his life in a way which grants him his utmost happiness. He has the means to play cards, eat, and drink all day. He has a wife. What more is there for him to do?" Bingley sighed again. "How nice it would be to have a wife."

Darcy thought of Elizabeth, and found himself nodding.

Bingley continued, "So many of our friends are marrying, or on a path to engagement. All men in possession of a good fortune are in want of a wife. Yet here we are, men by ourselves. If I were to fall off my horse tomorrow, no lady would cry for me, or tend for me as Miss Elizabeth did for Miss Bennet when she was here with a mere cold. I declare that the men who will wed the two eldest Miss Bennets will be most fortunate to receive their devotion."

It pained Darcy to think of Elizabeth marrying another. Repressing the upsetting thought, he said, "I do not recall Miss Bennet walking three miles to nurse Miss Elizabeth."

"No, but their sisterly affection cannot be more apparent."

"I am not so sure. Miss Elizabeth has proven herself a loving sister, but I have not seen her devotion reciprocated."

"You are too critical! They have always looked so affectionate together. It was endearing to observe," said Bingley. He added, "Miss Bennet was always smiling at her sister."

"Miss Bennet smiled at everyone."

"You cannot disapprove of that!"

"I do."

"She has a handsome smile."

"She smiles too much."

"You have said that before, but I do not agree. There can be no harm in being happy."

"There is harm in flirting with my friend and raising his expectations when no genuine interest existed."

Bingley faltered at that. After a moment, he asked, "How much of it was my own doing? How much of it was her responding to my efforts to charm?"

"I am not sure."

"You have always advised me to be cautious of raising expectations. I suppose I have the opportunity to be conscious of it all tomorrow, if Longbourn will be open to us."

Fortunately, they were indeed permitted entry into Longbourn the next day. Mrs. Bennet fawned over Bingley. Miss Mary's nose was stuck in a book. Miss Catherine moped over something, while Miss Lydia gloated. Miss Bennet smiled; the rest of the room might have thought that she was eager to see Bingley, but Darcy knew that was not the case. Almost pointedly, he ignored her. He only cared to see Elizabeth, but nowhere did his eyes find her. Mr. Bennet was missing as well, though that was to be expected.

Bingley, always a keen helper, glanced away from Miss Bennet and asked, "Is Miss Elizabeth not at home?"

"She is speaking with Mr. Bennet. He really is a doting father. His two eldest daughters are his particular favourites," answered Mrs. Bennet, gesturing to Miss Bennet and glancing knowingly at Bingley.

As Bingley gave some amiable response, Darcy was trying to keep his composure. Did Elizabeth spy their approach? Was she hiding from him? It all felt awful, and his dismay grew as he saw that the only open seats were next to Miss Bennet. Bingley easily sat down on her right; resigned, Darcy sat on her left, leaving a sizeable space between them and little room between himself and the arm of the seat. She smiled at him. He eyed the chair near the window, hoping that someone might clear the needlework strewn over it. With fondness, he noticed that it was the design Elizabeth had been working on at the Parsonage.

"I am pleased to see you again," Miss Bennet said to him after she acknowledged Bingley. "I have heard from my sister that you were in Kent visiting your aunt. I hope that the frequent travelling did not tire you."

"No more than it tired your sister, I am sure," replied Darcy. It seemed as if Miss Bennet's presence only increased his scorn. Even without her abominable letter, he really did not like her smiles. He moved his gaze from Elizabeth's needlework to the door, desiring to see the lady enter through it.

His wish was granted five minutes later, and he was the first to stand. How beautiful Elizabeth looked as she wandered into the room! Yet she was visibly upset. Her fine eyes were downcast, and her pretty lips formed a subtle pout. It took her a second to notice that there were callers. Her eyes widened, accentuating her lovely eyelashes, when she looked up and saw him.

"Mr. Darcy!" she exclaimed.

"Miss Elizabeth," he greeted, bowing to her. He wanted to say more, but did not know how.

Fortunately, Bingley was able to ease the tension and contrive, with Mrs. Bennet's eager assistance, a walk between himself and Miss Bennet, and Darcy and Elizabeth. Darcy feared that Elizabeth would run away, and she did hesitate to take his arm. Yet the sensation of her hand alone produced within him such strong, ardent feelings, that he could not help but be pleased, and further happy for every second that she did not let go. Then, as they began to walk, she bestowed upon him a look so favourable that it surprised him as much as it took his breath away. Despite his confusion, he was thrilled to receive her smile—until he saw her shifting her head to look warmly at the pair her sister and Bingley made a distance away from them. He comprehended then that she believed that he came to reunite Bingley and Miss Bennet, and that the expression she had shown him was of a gratitude he would have to disappoint with the letter in his pocket.

Up next: Revelations