Mr. Darcy's Pledge (The Darcy Novels #1) by Monica Fairview

Author:Monica Fairview
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: classics, regency england, pride and prejudice, austen variation, austen whatif, classics retold, austen romance, austen continuation, austenesque
Publisher: Monica Fairview

Chapter Twelve

Two days later, determined to do what he could to fulfil his agreement with Bingley, Darcy called at the Bingley’s townhouse again. Bingley was out, but both Caroline and Mrs. Hurst, he was informed, were there.

He found Miss Bingley alone in the morning room, occupied in doing a charcoal sketch of Berkeley Square. This would be a good opportunity to ask her for her advice about choosing the right wife, but for some reason he seemed unable to bring himself to do it.

Having complimented her on the accuracy of her sketch and asked a few polite questions, Darcy came quickly to the purpose of his visit.

“Miss Bingley, do you happen to have the direction of Miss Bennet’s relatives? The ones you called on? Their name has slipped my mind.”

“You mean the tradespeople? I do not think so,” said Miss Bingley, in a haughty voice. “Since we no longer required it, I discarded Miss Bennet’s note. Though I cannot imagine why you would wish to know it.”

“I would prefer not to have your brother sink into melancholy. I would like to find out if Miss Bennet is still in residence.”

He thought he saw relief on her face. In any case, some of the arrogance disappeared.

“I wish I could help you, Mr. Darcy. I no longer have the address.”

“Surely you must remember the street name and general direction.”

“Unfortunately, it has slipped my mind.”

“What slipped your mind, Caroline?” said Mrs. Hurst, coming into the room rather suddenly, presumably to act as chaperone to her sister.

“Mr. Darcy requires the address of Miss Bennet’s relations.” Darcy noticed her gesturing to her sister. Was she trying to warn her sister not to reveal the location?

Whatever the case may have been, Mrs. Hurst chose not to heed the warning.

“Oh, I remember it perfectly well. Why, we were recalling it the other day when we debated whether to call on Miss Bennet again. I will write it down for you, Mr. Darcy.”

Caroline turned away with a peevish expression. Darcy could only conclude she wanted to discontinue all connection to the Bennets.

It did not matter if she did. For now, the main thing was that he had the address.

“I am very grateful to you, Mrs. Hurst.”

Caroline, as if realizing that her behavior hardly recommended her to the object of her attentions, suddenly turned and smiled at Darcy.

“Why, yes, now that you mention it, Louisa, I do recall how to go there. I would be happy to accompany you, Mr. Darcy, if you intend to call on the Gardiners.”

The last person he wished to accompany him was Caroline. “Thank you, Miss Bingley, but there is no need. This is not a social call. I merely intend to enquire if Jane Bennet is still in London.”

Miss Bingley was not pleased. However, she consoled herself by inviting him for dinner, an invitation Darcy readily accepted since he had already agreed to dine with Bingley at home.

Though a huge part of him hoped that somehow, miraculously, Elizabeth Bennet would be at her uncle’s house and that he would be invited to dine with the Gardiners instead.

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