Chapter Nine

Darcy

“I truly do not understand why we were forced to leave so suddenly, Fitz,” Georgiana said, gazing at him from the opposite side of the carriage, her large eyes reflecting the softening light of the winter afternoon.

Darcy exhaled heavily, his eyes fixed on the passing landscape. He ran his hands along the smooth material of his black breeches, fingers curling as though to release some of the tension that had gathered there. It was not the first time she had asked.

“I have already explained,” he replied, his tone clipped but not unkind. “Bingley had pressing business to attend to in Town, and it would have been most improper for us to remain at Netherfield in his absence.”

“Yes, Fitz, I am well aware of the dictates of propriety,” Georgiana replied impatiently. “But I still do not comprehend why he departed so abruptly, nor why he does not intend to return. Town is scarcely more than a four-hour journey! Could he not attend to his affairs and then return to Netherfield, as was originally planned? I thought it his intention to remain until the summer—perhaps even longer.”

Darcy shifted uncomfortably and avoided his sister’s searching gaze. “Bingley’s—and thus our arrangements have shifted, Georgiana,” he answered, attempting to sound resolute.

She looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and concern. “I had so looked forward to spending more time with the Bennets,” she confessed. “Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet were most amiable at the ball, and the younger sisters seemed so cheerful, so lively. I had begun to think we might form a true acquaintance.”

Darcy turned his gaze back to the window, unwilling to let his expression betray the tumult of emotions her words had stirred within him. How could he explain to Georgiana what he himself found difficult to accept? He knew she had grown fond of the Bennets—particularly Elizabeth—and that made his actions all the more distressing. It was precisely this fondness, however, that had compelled him to act with such urgency, to persuade Bingley to abandon Netherfield before his friend became hopelessly ensnared.

“It is not as simple as that,” he said at last, though there was a noticeable lack of conviction in his voice.

The truth, as always, was far more complex. He had observed Miss Bennet closely during their time at Netherfield and had been struck by her reserve. Though sensible and charming, she exhibited none of the ardent attachment he had expected in a woman who was truly in love. Her calm, composed manner—though commendable in many respects—suggested a heart that was, at best, merely interested. Bingley, meanwhile, wore his heart upon his sleeve. Darcy could not stand idly by and allow his friend to be drawn into a match that might lead to heartbreak and disillusionment.

Furthermore, there was the matter of the Bennet family. Mrs Bennet’s lack of decorum was glaringly apparent from the moment of their introduction, and the incident at the Netherfield ball had only confirmed Darcy’s worst fears. At the height of the evening, Mrs Bennet had engaged in an unseemly quarrel with Caroline Bingley—though Darcy had not caught the particulars, he strongly suspected that it had been provoked by some ungenerous remark from Miss Bingley. Nevertheless, such behaviour could not be excused, especially in such a public setting.

And then, there were the younger Bennet sisters, Miss Lydia and Miss Kitty had shown an unrestrained exuberance bordering on the ungovernable, while Miss Mary, though earnest, had subjected the assembly to one pianoforte performance too many. Even Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet, though commendable in their manners, could not entirely escape the shadow of their family’s impropriety.

It was not just Mrs Bennet’s ambition that had come to his attention—her expressed hope that Bingley would marry her daughter, and that advantageous matches would follow for the others, had reached his ears through the relentless tattle of Meryton. Such blatant scheming could not be overlooked, and in that moment, Darcy’s resolve had hardened beyond all doubt.

Thus he and Bingley’s sisters had united in persuading Bingley of the unsuitability of an alliance with the Bennets the morning after the ball. Caroline had not hesitated to enumerate their shortcomings. Darcy could still hear her words echoing in his mind. “They are without fortune, Charles,” she had declared, her voice laced with disdain. “It is no secret that Mrs Bennet has designs on you for Jane. And to be related to such connections as Mr Collins—can you imagine?”

Mrs Hurst had added her voice in agreement, while even the usually indolent Mr Hurst had roused himself sufficiently to discuss the financial details of the Bennet estate, pointing out the entailment that would leave the sisters penniless upon their father’s death.

Darcy had been more restrained but no less blunt. Thus, Bingley, though pained, had yielded to their arguments. Darcy had watched with a heavy heart as his friend agreed to return to London, knowing full well the wound he had inflicted.

Now, seated in the carriage with Georgiana’s eyes still upon him, Darcy felt the faint stirrings of doubt. Yet it was too late for second thoughts. The decision had been made, and whatever might have been between Bingley and Miss Bennet was now a matter of the past.

“Georgiana, we must accept that our plans have altered,” Darcy said at last, hoping to divert her thoughts. “We shall return to Pemberley. Surely you have missed it as much as I?”

A smile touched Georgiana’s lips. “Indeed, I have.”

As they spoke, the carriage rolled steadily forward, the light snow drifting down in delicate flakes. Darcy was about to lose himself in contemplation when something caught his eye. There, through the trees, he saw a movement—two figures, one of whom he recognised with a sudden jolt, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, running with her skirts lifted, and a small child stumbling alongside her, struggling to keep pace.

“Stop!” Darcy commanded, rapping sharply on the carriage roof. “Stop at once!”

The carriage halted abruptly, and Darcy quickly glanced back to assess the situation before leaping out, leaving Georgiana to call after him in bewilderment.