A Beneficial, If Unwilling, Compromise by Bronwen Chisholm

Author:Bronwen Chisholm [Chisholm, Bronwen]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-09-14T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

An older, but well maintained, carriage stood before the Darcy townhome when Bingley returned from his errands. He barely noted its presence as he dashed up the steps and knocked at the door. Accustomed to being granted access nearly before the knocker came to rest, the unusual delay allowed him to recognize the sound of raised voices coming from within. Uneasily, he turned and studied the equipage more carefully. The de Bourgh coat of arms was prominent upon the side. Before Bingley could retreat, the door opened.

Mr. Grimm, Darcy’s long-time butler, stood before him. Though his countenance was the typical servant’s mask, the stress lines about his mouth revealed his unease. He held out a hand to accept Bingley’s hat and coat, but the gentleman hesitated.

“I fear I returned earlier than necessary, Grimm. Perhaps it would be best if I did not enter just yet. I do not want to interrupt Mr. Darcy’s personal matters.”

A woman’s voice pierced the normally calm atmosphere and Bingley saw a shudder run the length of the servant’s frame.

“I fear you will not have the opportunity to escape, sir.”

The man’s words rang true as the grand Lady herself appeared at the top of the stairs. “Is that him? Is that the man who introduced you to this nobody? Step forward, sir!”

Bingley noted Darcy, just over his aunt’s shoulder, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“You can have nothing to say to Mr. Bingley, Aunt. He did not purposefully place Miss Elizabeth and myself together to arrange an attachment.”

Lady Catherine pointed at Bingley as he divested himself of his outerwear and began his assent. “It may not have appeared thus, but he is the one who profits from this travesty. I have it on good authority that, besides these Bennets,” she fairly spat the word from her lips, “he is the one who would gain the most from such an alliance.”

Bingley’s steps slowed as he stared incredulously at the woman above him. “I fear I do not understand your meaning, Madam. I have never taken any action to jeopardize my friendship with Mr. Darcy; I value his company and wisdom too greatly for such as you suggest.”

“Oh yes, I am certain you would not want to displease my nephew, lest you be thrust from the position you desire to attain.” Her eyes narrowed as she peered at him. “A son of a tradesman reaching for the first circles. You could not marry Miss Darcy as she is too young, so you chose to have Darcy marry the sister to a woman you desire. Either way, you make my nephew your brother and gain entrance to higher society.”

Bingley felt his jaw fall open, but was insensible to stop it. “I do not possess the ambition you suggest, nor am I engaged to Miss Bennet.”

“Yet, but I am certain you will remedy that as soon as you return to that place.”

Feeling his anger replace his dismay, Bingley stood taller and gained the top step to stand face to face with the older woman.

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