Mr. Bingley Plans a Ball by Leenie Brown

Author:Leenie Brown [Brown, Leenie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-989410-73-8
Publisher: Leenie B Books

Chapter 5

A half an hour later, Bingley and Darcy had finished their coffee and their discussion with Mr. Bennet. The man was quite knowledgeable on several topics. Bingley had done more listening to his friend and Mr. Bennet discuss books and the struggles that come with estate stewardship than he had talking. That had been an excellent thing since his mind had been occupied with trying to figure out a way to get rid of Wickham or to keep Darcy in the area if ridding it of Wickham was not a possibility.

“I wish you well in your quest, Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet said when Bingley stood and Darcy followed suit. “Elizabeth’s opinion is not always easily swayed.” He leaned to the side as he looked up from his place behind his desk at Bingley and Darcy. “You may have to prove to her that you are the opposite of what Mr. Wickham said.”

Darcy nodded slowly. “I know.”

“Especially since her opinion of your sister is based on her opinion of you.”

“I am aware of that, as well.”

“You know…” Mr. Bennet suddenly found several papers on his desk that needed attention. “There is something you could do which might guarantee, at least, a small reversal of her displeasure.”

Darcy’s head cocked to one side. “What is that?”

Mr. Bennet peeked up at Darcy with a cunning smile. “Attend a ball.”

“I –” Darcy began to refute but Mr. Bennet kept speaking.

“Bring your sister so that Elizabeth can see for herself that Miss Darcy is not what Mr. Wickham says. And make sure you secure the first and supper dances with Elizabeth.”

Oh, the man was brilliant! How had he come to that conclusion while he was carrying on a discussion with Darcy? Bingley smiled broadly. Approaching Mr. Bennet for assistance had been a capital idea. He would have to congratulate himself properly for his decision with a glass of port later.

“Two sets?” Darcy looked from the man behind the desk to Bingley and back. “That would be raising expectations.”

Mr. Bennet shrugged. “My expectations are already high since you have just today admitted that you find my daughter beautiful and that you admire her mind.”

Darcy shook his head. “I cannot attend Bingley’s ball.”

“I am afraid it might be the only way to clear your name.”

“Indeed,” Bingley agreed eagerly. This was a fabulous plan! “You did say Miss Elizabeth was not pretty enough to tempt you into dancing.”

“I danced with her at your last ball,” Darcy growled.

“Yes, you did, which raises my expectations higher,” Mr. Bennet said.

Darcy dropped back down into the chair from which he had only moments before risen. “I cannot bring Georgiana to Netherfield. Wickham is still in the area.”

Mr. Bennet leaned forward and shook his head. “That matters not. Consider what we know about his recent behaviour.”

Bingley gasped as full understanding dawned on him. Mr. Bennet’s scheme kept getting better and better. “Wickham would not want to do anything to offend Mr. King.”

“Precisely.”

“We cannot play to his deceit,” Darcy said emphatically. “Mr. King should

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