Mr Darcy's Secret Engagement by April Floyd & April Floyd

Author:April Floyd & April Floyd
Language: eng
Format: mobi

Thirteen

On the last day of the house party it rained, and at breakfast, over scrambled eggs and kippers, Mr. Bingley bemoaned the bad weather, which meant that he and Jane could not go walking outside together. “I don’t think anyone wants another day of playing cards.”

Mr. Collins agreed. “And in this weather, there is no hunting.”

“We could go for a carriage ride,” Darcy suggested.

Bingley brightened. “But where to?”

“Why not London? I know Georgiana will not want to miss your wedding, and she is currently at Darcy House. We could ride there, have a luncheon, and return, bringing her back with us.”

Mr. Hurst looked up from his toast. “That would be fatiguing. It takes little more than half a day to get there.”

“Six or seven hours in the barouche,” Anne volunteered. Mr. Darcy was not surprised. His aunt’s barouche was the size of a boat.

He suggested something else. “We can take Bingley’s carriage and mine. Who would like to go?”

Mr. Bingley was eager to escape Netherfield Park with the other young people. “Jane, will you come with us?”

Jane blushed and accepted happily.

“Miss Elizabeth?” Darcy asked, trying to keep his voice neutral. She was the one he truly wanted to accompany him to London. He wanted her to see Darcy House and to meet his sister.

“Yes, sir.”

“And you, Anne, are you well enough for the trip?”

“Yes, please, if my mother approves. I would love to go to London and see Georgie.”

“I want to go, too,” Miss Bingley said.

Mr. Bingley frowned. “Someone needs to stay with Lady Catherine. As hostess, it is your duty.”

“Unless she wishes to accompany us,” Mr. Collins said.

Mr. Darcy would rather not have her along, but he could not speak such a rude thing out loud. “It would be ridiculous for all of us to go.”

Anne settled the matter. “My mother will not want to come with us. She hates London. She only goes when the Earl insists. I don’t think she has been in Town for more than changing the horses for years.”

In the end, the excursion consisted of Mr. Bingley and Jane in one carriage, with Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth and Miss de Bourgh in the second. Mr. Collins and Mary stayed behind because Mr. Collins did not want to offend her ladyship by abandoning her.

Mr. Darcy felt some sympathy for Miss Mary, but he supposed that if she did not want to accommodate Lady Catherine, she should choose a different husband.

Miss Bingley was noticeably annoyed to be left in charge. She said Mrs. Hurst would be an excellent hostess for Lady Catherine, but Mrs. Hurst demurred, saying she had a headache and would spend the day in bed. “My wife’s headaches are convenient,” Mr. Hurst murmured.

“Inconvenient for me,” Miss Bingley snapped.

Mr. Bingley tried to soothe her. “I shall make amends, Caroline, I promise. You may ask for anything.”

Miss Bingley did not waste her chance. “I want you to host a ball in London in the new year. With all our friends.”

“Gladly.”

Miss Bingley considered his offer and turned to Mr.

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