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Undeterred by the ineffectiveness of her criticisms, Miss Bingley was again hovering about the Bennets the next time they went out.

“Mrs. Bennet made an absurd boast about Miss Lydia’s skill at flirting,” she said afterwards. “And don’t try to tell me that she was talking about birds flitting, or her mind was addled, or I misunderstood. I know what I heard.”

“So do I,” Mr. Bingley said, startling Mr. Darcy with a voice which sounded like his father’s had in moments of sternness. “I was standing nearby, and I heard an older lady say something a bit silly. And then I heard you mock her. It was unkind of you.”

“She is ridiculous.”

“She is nothing worse than a little foolish. And she is my friend. You knew that I was hoping for you to like the Bennet family. But you are determined to think badly of them.”

“I have good reasons for being concerned that it is an unsuitable friendship.”

“I cannot agree. You talk about Miss Lydia, but I was ashamed of your behaviour tonight.”

“I am not like her.”

“No, you are worse. She is heedless, but your cruelty was deliberate.”

“You must not be angry with Caroline,” Mrs. Hurst said. “She only wants what is best for you, as do I. I have to agree that there are great concerns.”

“And I have to make it clear that I am the judge of what is best for me. I am sorry for us to be in such disagreement, but I intend to marry Miss Bennet regardless of your opinions. I would appreciate it if the two of you could bring yourselves to be friendly to her and her family.”

“But—”

“No, Caroline. No buts. I don’t want to hear any tales about her, and I do not care what you think of her family.

I will not be persuaded to change my mind.

So be friendly to her if you can, or at least civil if that is the best you can manage, or go back to London and leave me to manage my own life as I see fit. ”

“We can be friendly,” Mrs. Hurst said. “If this is what you want, then naturally we must be welcoming to the girl. You can count on us to do what is right.”

Mr. Bingley looked at his other sister, who was scowling.

“Very well, then,” she said. “I will be civil, but I still think you are making a grave mistake, Charles.”

“Well I don’t, and that is that.”

Once they reached Netherfield, Miss Bingley stormed out of the carriage with Mrs. Hurst rushing after her.

“I feel much better for having spoken my mind so bluntly,” Mr. Bingley said to Mr. Darcy as they walked toward the house. “And I hope it has good effect. Indeed, Louisa seems to be taking my point already. Perhaps she might influence Caroline to be more reasonable.”

Dubious about that, Mr. Darcy felt that this was a moment for speaking up. “I fear that Miss Bingley is too strongly set against Miss Bennet to be reasonable. I know you are keen upon holding a ball, but perhaps it would be better to end her time at Netherfield earlier than planned.”

“But then the Hursts would have to go as well since Caroline stays with them in London. That seems unfair to Louisa. She hasn’t been half as critical as Caroline.

And her husband hasn’t done anything worse than being rather a dull guest. Not that I mind him tiring after an hour or two of shooting.

That does leave us free to spend the rest of the morning in more interesting pursuits. ”

“He does have an astonishing lack of stamina. But it has been convenient.”

“You do seem to prefer our walks to sport,” Mr. Bingley observed with a speculative glance at his friend. “And Miss Elizabeth’s company.”

“She is very diverting.” The second those words were out of his mouth, Mr. Darcy regretted them. It sounded as though he only thought of her as a form of entertainment.

“She does have an excellent sense of humour,” Mr. Bingley agreed.

“And her conversation is always interesting.” That didn’t sound any better. Wanting to do her justice, Mr. Darcy ventured to say, “She is a splendid lady altogether. Well worth knowing. I am exceedingly pleased to have made her acquaintance.”

This barely touched upon the truth of his feelings, but Mr. Bingley nodded as though he understood all. He probably did. Mr. Darcy momentarily wavered on an impulse to reveal the full extent of his feelings for Elizabeth, but he was not accustomed to sharing his most intimate thoughts.

Besides, there would be plenty of time for openness on the subject.

Although certain of what he wanted, Mr. Darcy had a notion of avoiding being thought foolish by turning a love born in haste into an attachment of many months standing before committing himself.

And informing his family of the unusual choice he had made.

***

“I cannot believe you gave into him,” Miss Bingley said to Mrs. Hurst.

“I didn’t think we had any other choice. You must see, Caroline, that this plan of yours isn’t working. Charles doesn’t care what the Bennets are like, and he isn’t going to.”

“He ought to care. But I suppose you are right. We shall have to find another way of keeping him from marrying Miss Bennet. In the meantime, I can pretend to be civil. Indeed, it could be useful to make a friend of her.”

“That would be a good precaution in case he does marry her. We don’t want to be unwelcome at Netherfield or whatever estate Charles purchases.”

“I was thinking more of the usefulness of knowing one’s enemy.”

“What about the usefulness of knowing when to accept defeat?”

“I do know that,” Miss Bingley cried. “Never!”