Darcy and Elizabeth by Ginny Stevens

Author:Ginny Stevens [Stevens, Ginny]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: smut jaff
Published: 2015-08-12T04:00:00+00:00

*~*~*~*

Chapter Five

Dinner passed in strained conversation. Once Mrs. Gardiner explained she had already met Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, Darcy noticed Bingley’s mood darken. Darcy thought about avoiding the separation of the sexes after the meal. He worried about what Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst might say to Elizabeth but felt in the presence of Mrs. Annesley, Mrs. Gardiner and Georgiana they could not be too rude to her. He only wished he could think of a way to speak to Bingley alone. Luck would have it that Mr. Gardiner seemed to understand. As he launched into a discussion about the finest brandies and ports with Mr. Hurst, Darcy took the time to have a quiet conversation with Bingley.

“Bingley, I must speak with you.” His friend only nodded his head. “I am engaged to Miss Elizabeth,” he blurted out.

“Engaged!” Bingley cried and briefly drew the notice of the other men, but Mr. Gardiner pulled Mr. Hurst back into conversation.

“It has been a very secret matter, but I proposed to Miss Elizabeth some time ago.” It was not a lie, he told himself.

“I do not understand. You were engaged to Miss Elizabeth all the while you argued that I should not marry her sister?” His tone was more accusatory than questioning.

“No, we met again while I was in Kent.”

“You never said a thing!”

“As I said, the situation had to remain a secret.” Bingley did not speak, and Darcy chose to have mercy. “I hoped you might wish to return to Netherfield so I may be near Elizabeth until the wedding.”

“I do not know that I can…”

“My understanding is that your presence has been missed.”

Bingley’s eyes lit up. “When did you wish to arrive?”

Darcy chuckled as his friend looked ready to leave that very moment. “She is to continue traveling with her relations and it might be a pleasanter visit if your sisters are settled elsewhere.”

“They had talked about going to Scarborough in mid-August.”

“Splendid.”

“Did you know that Caroline and Louisa had seen Miss Bennet?” Bingley asked but did not meet Darcy’s eyes, as though afraid of the answer.

“No.” He saw his friend’s shoulders sag in relief. “I did know she was in London, though. Miss Bingley mentioned it to me. She neglected to say that Miss Bennet had called upon her. Such a visit is hardly a sign of indifference to you.”

“Do you really think so? A visit to her friends is hardly proof of admiration.”

“For a lady as genteel and reserved as Miss Bennet, I think that is quite a bit of encouragement.” Not that he found Elizabeth improper, but he was very glad she did not have her sister’s reserve. His thoughts drifting to her again made him suggest it was time to return to the ladies.

In the drawing room, Elizabeth was dealing with impertinent remarks from Miss Bingley.

“I believe the Militia has left Mertyon, has it not?” Miss Bingley asked.

“Indeed, many weeks ago.”

A look passed between Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. “They have gone to Brighton? What a shame for your family.

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