“I do not know what Bingley has done,” Fitzwilliam said when they were clear, “but it could not have been good.”
Darcy lifted his brows. There could be only one reason for such a summary dismissal. “I suspect he is asking for Miss Bennet’s hand.”
“Are you quite serious?” Fitzwilliam asked, bewildered. “They hardly know one another.”
“In the past six weeks, Bingley has taken every opportunity to be in Miss Bennet’s company,” Darcy replied. “They must both feel it is enough.” Darcy was aware that Bingley had been courting Miss Bennet from nearly their first meeting, because he was very attentive to Miss Elizabeth, and she was very attentive to Mr. Bingley and her sister. “I did not think, at first, that Miss Bennet was as interested in Bingley as he was in her, but having known her all these months, I have realised that she is simply reserved.”
“Bingley is pursuing an engagement, you have plans to shackle yourself, and Bennet may as well.” Fitzwilliam appeared horrified. “Am I the only one who sees the need to take one’s time selecting a woman who will be with you until one of you dies?”
Darcy laughed softly. “You are not taking your time. You are waiting for your father’s permission. The rest of us have determined that as we are grown men, we shall choose for ourselves.” He allowed Fitzwilliam a moment to absorb that. “Bingley may have moved quickly, but can you imagine a more suitable pairing? They are both amiable and avoid confrontation, but do you really believe either would shirk from one were it necessary?”
Fitzwilliam did not answer.
“I have only today had the proof of that statement’s accuracy, Mr. Darcy.”
Darcy turned to see a quietly pleased Miss Elizabeth standing before them in the hall. “Miss Elizabeth,” he greeted her. “I did not know you were back from Netherfield.”
“Oh, nearly an hour ago,” she replied impishly. “I was somewhat surprised that Mr. Bingley did not ride over on the back of our carriage, but Mr. Hill tells me he is with Papa now.”
“Your sister must be pleased.”
“She is, as am I, for Mr. Bingley has promised that when they are wed, Miss Bingley shall continue to reside with the Hursts.”
Darcy lifted his eyebrows and smirked at his cousin. “Indeed. That is good news.”
“I am very happy for Jane,” Miss Elizabeth said with a smile that lit up her face. “She deserves this.”
“Please convey our congratulations to your sister, Miss Elizabeth.”
“I shall, Mr. Darcy, though you shall have your opportunity at dinner. I thank you both for your good wishes. I am just on my way to ask Mrs. Hill to set another place at the table.” She nodded and hurried down the hall.
“Cousin,” Darcy said seriously, “I mean to ask you a question, but I do not wish you to answer. Simply consider it. Mr. Bingley shall marry Miss Bennet, and I intend to make Miss Elizabeth my own. Are you absolutely certain that you wish to wait to begin your courting? Write your father a letter, if his consent is all you require.”
“Darcy, it is a conversation I would prefer to hold in person. It is not so long now . . .”
Darcy cut off Fitzwilliam by holding up his hand. “Just ponder it. Silently, if you please.” He clapped Fitzwilliam on the shoulder and walked to the drawing room to wait for Bingley.
Chapter Eighteen
Bingleyblithelyacceptedboththe wager and the good-natured ribbing that came with his engagement to Miss Bennet. The general had been reluctant to agree to the match, Bingley being so new to the neighbourhood, but upon being assured by his eldest daughter that she was set on having the man, he had relented. They would marry in the new year, for he would allow none of his children to leave his home before Christmas.
“You must allow me one final festive season with all my girls,” he had said rather mournfully.
Miss Bennet was twenty-two. Bennet must have known that she would marry soon. Darcy nursed a quiet hope that the general would not refuse his petition for Miss Elizabeth, having so recently relinquished Miss Bennet.
He watched the sun rising, dark clouds in the distance. If they were to go out to shoot today, it would have to be early. It was likely to rain again before the day was through.
An hour after he woke, the men, including a self-satisfied Bingley who had ridden over early, gathered downstairs for coffee and a small breakfast before setting out. They stopped in the gunroom at the back of the house, where Bennet halted suddenly, leaving Fitzwilliam to step quickly around him.
“Where is the cognac?” Bennet asked.
Darcy spied an empty space on the wall and motioned to it. “Bennet, I don’t suppose that gun was sent somewhere to be repaired?”
“No. All my weapons are in good order.”
Fitzwilliam rattled the window, which slid up rather easily. “Not locked?”
The older man sighed. “I do not know. I ask your pardon, gentlemen. It seems we shall have no wager to settle today.”