Only Exceedingly Shy by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland [Rowland, Jann]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2023-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter IX

Agitated and uncertain, Darcy entered the house in Gracechurch Street the following morning, intent upon pressing Miss Bennet for the meaning of her comments the previous day. Darcy had considered their conversation to excess since separating from her, but other than a sense that she believed he had been part of the reason for Bingley’s failure to return, he could not understand the details of her charge. Given how close he was coming to requesting a full courtship, it was not wise to allow this, or any other matter, to fester between them.

When Darcy saw her that morning waiting with her aunt, the sight reinforced the need for understanding between them. She was a veritable siren; her call had captured him with such effortless efficacy that Darcy found himself eager to ensure she esteemed him in return. Her morning dress was nothing special, a simple gown he had seen her wear before, but like everything else she wore, Darcy approved of it simply because it adorned her graceful figure. Those eyes that had so captivated him in Hertfordshire regarded him with far more warmth, but also with more than a hint of understanding and anticipation. She had considered their exchange as much as he had.

Mrs. Gardiner greeted him cheerfully as was her wont, and for some moments they shared inconsequential conversation of the type often indulged between friendly acquaintances. Fortunately for Darcy’s patience, Mrs. Gardiner seemed to sense something between her companions, and excused herself, allowing them to speak together. Darcy lost no time in raising the subject foremost in his mind.

“Miss Bennet,” said he, looking into her eyes trying to understand her, “I considered our conversation yesterday and believe there was some underlying meaning inherent in what you said. You suggested I would not wish you to meet Bingley while you are here in London, and I would like to know why.”

The way the woman regarded him, she was as engaged in trying to understand him as he was her. She did not leave him in suspense long, though it seemed an age to his heightened senses.

“I was referring to Mr. Bingley’s departure last November, the day after the ball at Netherfield.”

“Yes, Bingley was obliged to return to London that day on a matter of business. I departed with him. It is my understanding that he did not return to Hertfordshire thereafter. My question is what I have to do with Bingley’s lapse.”

“It is clear our perceptions of that event are not in alignment, Mr. Darcy,” said Miss Bennet after she thought on the matter for a time. “If you are agreeable, I shall relate mine to you. Then you can correct me on anything I misapprehended.”

“Please.”

For a moment, Miss Bennet gathered her thoughts. “It started when Jane received a letter from Miss Bingley two days after the ball. To me, Miss Bingley has always been naught but a haughty woman with a high opinion of herself, but Jane thought of her as a friend. I can only

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