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D arcy read Bingley’s note, and smiled wryly. It seemed his friend had made a decision of his own for once.

Not all his sisters’ efforts nor Darcy’s own strictures were enough to prevent Bingley from deciding to return to Netherfield and reopen the house.

If you have the time, my friend, and wish to join me, I shall be delighted — but you must realise I intend to pay my addresses to Miss Bennet, and I will hear nothing more about her lack of affection!

I do not think it to be true, but even if it is, I believe my own feelings would be enough for both of us, and therefore, even should she accept because of her mother’s wishes, I will be happy just for that acceptance.

I have asked my aunt to stay and keep house for me, and my sisters will stay in town. So you will not have to suffer sleepless nights with your servant in the room!

Darcy shook his head. Netherfield and Bingley, without Miss Bingley’s uncomfortable presence. It would be very agreeable.

But he would be thrown into the company of Miss Elizabeth Bennet again. He frowned; did he want that?

He rose to his feet and rang the bell to order coffee, and crossed to the window to gaze unseeingly out at the gardens.

There was a large amount of correspondence, and the work was pressing. He also ought to allow more time with Georgiana; his sister deserved his full attention. And Richard was good company here in town — he might soon be posted abroad to the war.

Darcy ought to stay in town. There were many reasons for it.

He sighed and dropped into his chair, rubbing his temples. And yet … this opportunity?

The work had piled up because he could not concentrate on it as he had before. Georgiana had not been able to receive his full attention because his mind was always back in Hertfordshire. Richard had complained that he was quiet and taciturn because of that, too.

And Darcy had been able to do nothing about it. Miss Elizabeth Bennet was in London, at the home of relations he did not know, and could not claim an introduction to.

After his uncle’s warning, he had tried to stay away, had forced himself not to ride past in the hope of seeing her walk out in the nearby park. He had mostly succeeded, and on the few occasions he had succumbed to riding there, he had not seen her delicate figure.

But it was different at night. He hadn’t slept well since she had arrived at Netherfield to care for her sister. When he did sleep, his dreams were of her. When he couldn’t sleep, his mind took him back to when she was near. Now he found it difficult to disentangle the real from the dream.

He sighed and curled his hands around his coffee cup to gain what warmth he could.

If he went to Netherfield he might hear when Miss Elizabeth was returning to Longbourn. He might even be there when she arrived.

He groaned; he had been quite determined to banish Miss Elizabeth from his thoughts. But he had failed. Going to Netherfield would not help his determination, although he doubted he could stay away for long.

He glanced at the pile of papers on his desk. If he could clear most of it, then perhaps he would consider joining his friend.

Darcy had stayed away for a week, although the pull of Hertfordshire was strong. But he had doggedly worked at clearing his desk, provided Georgiana with company and attention, and forced himself to push Miss Elizabeth’s laughing, joyous features from his mind every time they intruded.

He was not so successful at night, of course, and exhaustion had sent him to a restless sleep as the coach rocked along the less well-kept roads drawing him closer to Meryton.

The next morning saw him out for an early morning gallop on one of Bingley’s horses. He felt better for a night’s sleep, and Bingley’s aunt was all that was gracious.

He was smiling as he slowed the animal to climb through the woods to Oakham Mount. The best news had been when Bingley mentioned that Miss Bennet had been pleased to see him return three days earlier, and Miss Elizabeth seemed relieved, too.

“She was able to come home from her aunt’s, then?” Darcy had asked as casually as possible.

He ducked under a branch that threatened to unseat him. He wished he’d known that she’d been here for at least a week. No, it was better that he’d stayed to do the work.

But Oakham Mount was a favourite haunt of hers, he knew. And she walked out early. Perhaps he’d catch a glimpse of her.

As he turned onto the main path, he saw her. She was walking precipitately and her expression thunderous. He drew to a halt.

“Miss Bennet! You look — are you in need of assistance?”

She suddenly appeared to notice him, her surprise absolute. She hesitated and glanced behind her. Darcy noticed a footman and a maid were following, and he hesitated, too.

“You appear uncomfortable, madam. I would be glad to assist if I may.” He kept his voice even. Why had he come here?

There was a loud panting and puffing as a heavy-set young man in clergymen’s attire came hurrying up the hill. He didn’t seem to notice Darcy.

“Cousin Elizabeth! You must not walk with such unladylike haste. Why, we must have some conversation!”

Miss Elizabeth looked resigned, although Darcy noticed her apparent revulsion when the man enclosed her wrist with pudgy fingers and placed her hand upon his arm.

Darcy’s lips twitched as she determinedly removed her arm and took a step away.

“I told you I like to walk fast, as exercise is beneficial, Mr. Collins.” She looked down her nose at him. “And I have already told you I do not appreciate your attention. Now, if you will excuse me, I shall return home, as I am not enjoying this morning.”

She turned to Darcy. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Good morning.” She turned down the hill.

“Mr. Darcy? Mr. Darcy!” The clergyman’s voice was disbelieving. The man stared at her.

“Cousin Elizabeth, why did you not say you were meeting him?”

She whirled round. “You mistake me, sir! I did not even know Mr. Darcy was in the country! And he is, at least, a gentleman!” She turned and hastened off down the hill, the footman and maid following behind her. Why did she have them with her?

He gazed after her — she was magnificent. He prepared to mount, but the clergyman addressed him.

“Mr. Darcy, this is an amazing coincidence, sir! You must be the nephew of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.” He approached, and Darcy jerked the horse’s bridle so it skittishly stepped sideways, and the man retreated, his eyes bulging.

Darcy’s lip curled, and he sprang into the saddle, looking haughtily down at him. “We have not been introduced.” He turned away and spurred the animal into a trot, leaving the pasty-faced clergyman staring after him, open-mouthed.

Darcy needed to get back to Netherfield. He must find out from Bingley what was happening at Longbourn.