Page 13 of Count the Cost (The Secrets of Elizabeth Bennet #2)

D arcy rode thoughtfully back to Netherfield, wondering what had happened to him that morning.

The previous day, they had taken their leave of each other as usual at the end of a daily visit, but today … Although it was an unexpected encounter, Miss Elizabeth had said goodbye to him with a complete finality that he felt had almost stopped his heart beating. Why was that?

Longbourn was her home; she would not stay away, would she? How long ought he to wait in Hertfordshire for her return?

He shook his head and gathered the reins up; he had better take the longer route back to Netherfield and have a good gallop to drive Miss Elizabeth from his mind completely.

Within ten minutes of sitting down to breakfast, Darcy thought he might be better going to town himself that very day. Miss Bingley was relentless.

He and Bingley exchanged disbelieving glances across the table as she leaned provocatively towards him, smiling up at him wide-eyed beneath her lashes as she admired his energy, his skill at riding, the perfection of his family and his estate, and his generosity in assisting Bingley to learn to manage an estate.

Darcy was appalled, but he dared not leave the table alone for fear she would follow him. He leaned away from her and began planning that his servant would always be in company with him unless Miss Bingley was out of the building.

Finally, Bingley finished eating. He patted his lips with his napkin. “Darcy, perhaps we could meet in the estate office this morning, and plan the day’s work.”

“Oh, I am sure it is a lovely day for our party to take a walk.” Miss Bingley pouted at her brother. “I could arrange a picnic to be provided at our destination and it would make for a wonderful memory.” She gazed hungrily at Darcy. “I am sure Louisa and Mr. Hurst will join us.”

Bingley looked at her doubtfully. “It is rather cold for a walk, and certainly too cold to sit around having a picnic, Caroline!” He rose to his feet. “I will discuss it with Darcy. We may have too much in the way of estate repairs to deal with.”

Darcy followed his friend towards the office. Once there, he closed the door behind him, and leaned against it, closing his eyes.

But it was only a few minutes before he opened them again at Bingley’s chortle.

“I am sorry, Darcy.” Bingley tried to look properly apologetic, but his amusement showed through. “Caroline is persistent, is she not?”

Darcy nodded ruefully. “I think I will have to go back to town, Bingley. We are caught up with estate matters and you can work at those repairs we identified while I speak to my London steward and deal with outstanding business.” He gave his friend a meaningful glance.

“I might return for the festive season, but only if you believe your sister has accepted that she will never be Mrs. Darcy.”

Bingley sighed. “I will miss you, my friend.” He sat up straighter. “I will speak to Caroline and tell her that I will send her to our aunt in Scarborough if she cannot convince me she has given up her belief that she can win you. Louisa can take on the duties of the mistress.”

Darcy raised his eyebrows. “I wondered why she did not do that from the beginning? She is the elder, after all.”

Bingley shook his head. “Caroline demanded to do it. She was — is — convinced that she can make you understand that she would be the perfect mistress of Pemberley.”

Darcy snorted. “That will never happen.” He drew a deep breath. “Bingley, you are one of my closest friends, and I value that friendship. But if your sister continues with her pursuit of me, it may sour our friendship beyond repair.”

He dropped into the chair opposite Bingley. “And are you enjoying learning the duties of the master of an estate? I have to admit that I always thought of you as more at home in town.”

Bingley bounced upright again. “I am happy here. I admit I was rather intimidated by the apparent complexity of everything that needed attention, but you have assisted me to know that everything can be taken one step at a time and with a competent steward, I will be able to manage.”

Darcy raised an eyebrow. “And you will stay diligent by post even when you are in London for the season?”

Bingley shook his head. “Town seems to be less appealing the more I see of the easier manners here in the country.” He looked up. “I tell you, Darcy, there is nothing I want more than to marry Miss Bennet and settle here with her.”

Darcy was startled. “Bingley, you cannot do that so soon after meeting the lady. You must take more time to …”

But he could not finish. There was an outraged shriek from outside the door and Miss Bingley rushed in. “Charles! You cannot! It would be far too demeaning for you to wed such a low-born country miss. How would I ever step up in society if you marry so low?”

Darcy had risen to his feet when his nemesis had burst through the door, and Bingley followed suit.

“Caroline! How dare you enter?”

Darcy headed for the door. “I will go to my chambers and pack, Bingley. I will speak to you before I go.”

As he took the stairs two at a time, he could hear Miss Bingley demanding that her brother close the house and take them all back to London.

He shook his head. If Bingley didn’t send his sister to the north, he was in danger of allowing her to ruin his life completely.

As for himself, he was quite ready to spend a few weeks in town.

But he did want to return here for Christmas.

Miss Elizabeth was certain to be home for the holidays.

Not that he was concerned about that. Not at all.

He smiled to himself. He and Miss Elizabeth would be on the road at the same time; she in her uncle’s coach and he in his.

Perhaps he might pass her on the road. It was amusing to think of themselves in convoy.