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The notion of how merriness would give way to petulance, jealousy, and open disparagement provoked in Darcy a grim sort of amusement.

He welcomed the Bingleys, paying no particular attention to Miss Bingley, though her certainty that the invitation was a compliment to her did not escape his attention.

Within moments, he put his guests’ care into Mrs. Reynolds’s capable hands and took himself to his study to meet his steward.

Darcy knew he would need to speak to Georgiana about the proposed introduction to Miss Bennet the following morning, but he decided it was best deferred until that evening when he had a moment in Georgiana’s sole company.

The other problem was, of course, Bingley’s situation and Darcy’s suspicion that his friend still harbored affection for Miss Bennet’s elder sister.

What he could do on that score remained elusive, though he had some notion of raising the subject with Miss Bennet when visiting Lambton.

It would be no less than hypocritical if he were to object to Bingley’s interest in Miss Bennet when Darcy was courting Miss Elizabeth.

More of the same ensued that evening when they gathered to dine.

Miss Bingley, Darcy noted, was determined to stop at nothing to provoke a proposal during their stay; had she any inkling of Darcy’s opinion of her and his continued warm thoughts of Miss Bennet, she might reconsider her doomed quest. Then again, Darcy did not suppose she cared three straws for such things, so the knowledge of them would only incite her to greater heights of folly.

That they were at Pemberley and not Netherfield, where she had control over the house, was a relief, for Darcy did not know how far she would go in her lust to realize her ambitions.

“What shall we do while we are here?” asked Bingley later that evening as they were all contemplating retiring. “As I recall, you have spoken of many wonders in the neighborhood, yet I do not believe we sampled them at all when we were here last.”

“Perhaps we could arrange that,” said Darcy, contemplating whether a few outings in which Miss Bennet and the Gardiners could take part before they departed for the lakes was also possible. “There are a few locations that might be of special interest.”

“If you recommend them, I cannot but suppose they are well worth seeing.” Miss Bingley appeared to believe she had said something of superior insight. “Yet I cannot but suppose you would prefer to remain at Pemberley. After all, you have been away for some time.”

“That is true, Miss Bingley. I am not unwilling to visit some places of interest to your company.”

It was clear the moment the words left Darcy’s lips that they were a mistake, for Miss Bingley gave the impression of a peahen preening her feathers. “If you insist, I shall not object.”

Thereafter, Darcy gave the greater measure of his attention to the company, not wishing to give Miss Bingley any notion that he paid her any notice out of the common way.

The woman was already adept at seeing that in everything he did, no matter how innocuous.

It was not long before the company retired, allowing Darcy to hold his sister back a few moments for the significant communication.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet?” asked Georgiana, frowning with concentration. “Did you not meet a Miss Bennet in Hertfordshire when you stayed with Mr. Bingley?”

“That is correct,” replied Darcy. “I included some mention of her in my letters.”

Georgiana agreed, but it was clear uncertainty beset her. “You say that she is now in Lambton?”

“She is on a northern tour with her relations. They will stay in Lambton for four or five days, then they will proceed to the lakes.”

“And you wish me to make her acquaintance?”

“Do you have any objection?”

“You have never introduced me to ladies of your acquaintance.”

Darcy fixed her with a grin. “Except for Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, of course. Given the results of that introduction, I can understand if you are hesitant.”

“ Does she resemble the two aforementioned ladies?” asked Georgiana, her responding humor informing Darcy, if he had not already known, about her opinion of Bingley’s sisters.

“Not in the slightest,” said Darcy. “Miss Bennet is lively, her peculiar power over others transcendent enough to render them easy in her company. I cannot imagine Miss Bennet would not charm you into being her firmest friend at once.”

The way Georgiana regarded him, Darcy was certain she had seen something of his admiration for Miss Bennet; Darcy had not hidden it—he could not imagine anything more comfortable than his sister understanding the state of his heart. Georgiana assented, though with evident curiosity.

“Very well, William. I hope you will tell me the truth of what is happening here; everything I see before me suggests you like Miss Bennet.”

“There is nothing not to like, Georgiana. When you make her acquaintance, you will understand.”

With that, they retired, Darcy eager for the next morning and the chance to introduce the most important woman in the world to him to another he hoped would soon assume a position of equal prominence.