“I shall not comment further. I shall merely repeat what I learned that evening from Miss Elizabeth, who provided some rather unexpected details for a light dinner conversation.”
“Well?”
“Well…it appears that Bingley, that great fool Bingley, finally decided to discover whether he had made a mistake in leaving Hertfordshire.”
“Yes, I imagined he would do so after receiving the letter in which I apologised for my interference. I was not certain he would act, but it is hardly surprising.”
“Miss Elizabeth had received letters from Meryton each day for the past week, long delighted letters from every lady in the family all telling the same happy story, each in her own fashion. Bingley returned to Netherfield alone, reopened the house, and appears determined to remain there.”
“Good for him,” said Darcy sincerely. “It is curious how some people always require advice and encouragement before making a decision.”
“Not nearly so curious as those who never follow advice because they believe themselves the sole possessors of wisdom.”
“I know your opinion. Continue.”
“Bingley called upon the ladies. There were condolences, much sadness, and then he announced that he intended to remain at Netherfield because he had serious reasons for staying in the neighbourhood. He looked at Miss Bennet, and she looked at him. Everyone present noticed and reported the exchange.”
The colonel took another sip of cognac.
“My opinion is that Bingley will propose very soon, once he judges that sufficient time has passed since offering his condolences. Miss Bennet will become mistress of Netherfield. Thus, less than four months after the tragedy, two of the Bennet sisters will be more than secure in affluent marriages, whilst the remaining three will undoubtedly be invited to reside with their sisters. A far more comfortable arrangement than depending upon other relations.”
“They are not yet married; for now, there are only plans…possibly made by Mrs Bennet. This is precisely what happened in November, when Mrs Bennet was already planning an engagement that existed only in her imagination.”
“No. What I have told you is merely my conclusion. The ladies described only Jane’s happiness.”
“Because she is certain of marriage.”
“Would you kindly cease using that sarcastic tone? I wish to ask you something. Why do you assume that the only truly accomplished sister among the five is Miss Elizabeth?”
“Because I have seen the others. Miss Lydia flirted shamelessly with officers, whilst another admired her for it. Then Miss Mary spoke of nothing but platitudes.”
“That is hardly a fault. I understand Miss Mary has read more than any of them. And Miss Bennet is the sister closest to Miss Elizabeth. Do you truly believe a friendship of such depth can exist between two ladies who are complete opposites? One determined to marry for love, the other eager only for wealth? Remember that Miss Elizabeth’s principal reproach was your interference between Bingley and her sister. If Miss Bennet is indeed as Miss Elizabeth describes her, shy and rather compliant—”
“Richard.”
“I am silent. I merely tell you that matters in Meryton have improved beyond recognition.”
“Well, let us say that I knew,” recognised Darcy. “I received a letter from Bingley, an express showing his hurry to give me this news.
“You knew, and you let me speak with all details?”
“I wanted to see the other side of the story.
“And what did Bingley write?”
Darcy took a letter from the table near him and immediately began reading aloud, ignoring his cousin’s grin.
“I write to you before informing anyone else. A few days ago, I returned to Netherfield and renewed the lease for a further two years after Miss Bennet accepted my offer of marriage. We shall wait until Miss Kitty is married first, and then we shall follow. You cannot imagine my happiness. I remain grateful for your letter and wish you were here to share in this happy event. I shall write again as soon as a date is fixed. Given the mourning,the wedding will naturally be a quiet one, limited to family, though you and Miss Darcy will be most welcome.”
Darcy lowered the letter, suddenly deep in thought, as if it were the first time he read those words.
The colonel, however, was satisfied. His own story and Bingley’s unexpected letter had clearly given his cousin something to consider. The gift of the cameo had been noble, and Darcy had wished it to appear final, yet the struggle within him plainly continued.
“Well, my father was not delighted. You know him. Nevertheless, he behaved with considerable civility. Agnes’s beauty and warmth softened him.”
“Or perhaps your mother’s arguments, which no doubt included several threats should he refuse.”
“I do not know whether she threatened him, but my father has always worried that he must leave me something substantial, lest I be entirely disadvantaged or obliged to live beneath the standard of our family. Now, thanks to Agnes, matters may be arranged differently. He will probably leave me something, though largely symbolic. That happy resolution was reflected in a very pleasant dinner.”