Chapter Twenty

W hen Mr. Darcy and the Colonel returned to Netherfield, they found Mr. Bingley waiting for them. Mr. Bingley demanded to speak to Colonel Fitzwilliam privately. "You should come as well, Darcy, to hear what your cousin has to say for himself."

The three men gathered in the billiard room, where they hoped to avoid Miss Bingley's notice. Mr. Hurst enjoyed billiards, so he followed them, eager for a game. Mr. Bingley made certain the door to the room was closed, so they would not be overheard.

Mr. Bingley began immediately. "I was occupied today and so was unable to accompany you to Longbourn. Tell me, Colonel, are you truly interested in Miss Bennet?" His tone was hostile.

"I think the young lady should be given a choice," was the unruffled reply.

"And you do not think this the height of bad manners, given that you are a guest in my home?"

"I do not, no. I think we should both behave like civilised gentlemen and – as Darcy here put it – may the best man win. Though I will certainly remove myself to the local inn, if you prefer, Bingley."

Mr. Bingley's forehead creased. "No, I do not want you to leave. But this all seems very wrong to me; after all, I saw her first."

The Colonel said. "And that is truly the argument that you wish to make? That you saw her first?"

Mr. Darcy had to chuckle at that. "Come, Bingley, we are not children," he said. "The Colonel is right; we can all behave like civilised gentlemen."

Mr. Bingley turned on him. "And thus speaks the man who snapped his wineglass in half because his ladylove was having an enjoyable conversation with the Colonel!"

Mr. Darcy winced as the Colonel laughed. "Oh, you think that is what caused that epic wine spill? You are a sad pair, the both of you. See here, Bingley, if you can convince me that you can control your sister, I will desist from my attentions to Miss Bennet."

"Really! Very well, then, I shall begin directly! I must say, that is very sporting of you, Colonel." With that, he left the room. Mr. Hurst, disgusted that no billiard games were in evidence, stalked out of the room behind him, unremarked.

Mr. Darcy immediately went to the door and closed it. "Still no word from London?" he asked.

The Colonel shook his head. "Nothing. But answer me this. If there were to be word and we had to ride away immediately, what would happen to your interest in Miss Elizabeth?'

Mr. Darcy shook his head. "Honestly, Richard, I do not know what to do. Do I put my life on hold, as I have done since July, hoping to alter the fate that has befallen me? Or do I move forward with my life, adapting to my changed circumstances?"

"And by changed circumstances, you mean…"

"Having a disgraced family name!"

"Darcy, you do realise that the Matlock name is disgraced by extension, do you not?"

"I had not considered that."

"Sometimes you are a self-centered bastard, Darcy," the Colonel said in disgust. "My mother has not gone out in public since that little notice appeared in the newspaper. And you know that her social life and her reputation are of paramount importance to her."

"I am truly sorry, Richard," Mr. Darcy said, regret lacing his voice. "I suppose I have been too wrapped up in my own misery, and the misery I suspect Georgiana is enduring, to think of anyone else."

His cousin sighed. "I understand, I suppose. But this is further evidence of the fact that you have spent enough time wallowing in that misery you just mentioned. Enough! We are doing our best to help Georgiana. In the meantime, get on with your life, Darcy. Propose to the girl, if you care for her that much."

"I thank you for the romantic advice; now you tell me – are you really interested in Miss Bennet? Or are you trying to school Bingley?"

Colonel Fitzwilliam hesitated. "I have never met anyone like her," he answered, at last. "She is beautiful both inside and out. I cannot support her, of course…"

"You know that I have been hoping to give you an estate for years now."

"I cannot possibly accept your charity." The Colonel's voice was firm.

"My charity? Would you listen to yourself? You have been my stalwart companion and supporter these many years, and you would name it charity? Truly, I begin to feel offended."

The Colonel eyed Mr. Darcy. "Are you quite certain, Cousin?"

"Very much so." He did not mention that he had already let slip this tidbit to Miss Elizabeth.

"Then – well, then, I accept with pleasure! If she will have me, then I will gladly take your gift. Thank you, Cousin!"

"You did make a bargain with Bingley, though."

The Colonel threw his head back and laughed merrily. "I have not the slightest worry on that score!"

***

That night at dinner, the two cousins had the pleasure of witnessing Mr. Bingley's first attempts at controlling his younger sister.

"Caroline, I have been thinking…"

"Yes, Charles?"

"I think Louisa should be my hostess, rather than yourself."

"WHAT?"

"Yes; she is a married woman and should have been given precedence in that regard."

"But you promised me, Charles."

"I do not recall that I actually promised anything."

"You promised me most solemnly. As a gentleman, it should be impossible for you to go back on a promise. Particularly one made to a young sister!"

Mr. Bingley was sweating now. "Did I really promise, Caroline? I believe I simply agreed; surely, there was no mention of a promise."

"Oh, it was most definitely a promise. I forgive you, Charles, for bringing this up, as you evidently did not realise that you had made a solemn promise."

Mr. Bingley hesitated and then finally said, "Very well, Caroline; I suppose a promise must be honoured."

And his sister swiftly replied, "Thank you, Charles; I know you to be the most perfect of gentlemen, one who would never renege on a promise."

Mr. Darcy glanced at Colonel Fitzwilliam; his cousin was hiding his face behind a napkin.