Page 56 of Succession

E lizabeth’s arrival at Darcy House did not go unnoticed. Perhaps one of the neighbours had something to do with the snippet of gossip that appeared in The Morning Post .

The as-yet-unknown Mrs. D from Derbyshire recently arrived in London, unaccompanied by her new husband. We are given to understand that the Earl and Countess of M attended their nephew’s wedding and are on good terms with the bride. We look forward to seeing Mrs. D about Town!

This tidbit was seen by Miss Bingley, who hastened to write to her sister at Netherfield. The letter, comprised mainly of complaints against a variety of people, not excluding their brother, included this paragraph.

Eliza is here in London on her own! Doubtless Mr. Darcy came to his senses – far too late, it must be said – and has sent her on her way! How I would love to hear him express his regrets! If she is to be squired about London by Lady Matlock, then this is the perfect opportunity for me to meet the Countess, for Eliza is my sister by marriage, so what could be more natural than for me to approach them!

Mrs. Hurst wrote back immediately, saying:

Caroline, I think it would be a very poor idea for you to intrude yourself upon the notice of Mrs. Darcy and the Countess. Surely the Countess has no reason to think well of you; have you forgotten that you attempted to compromise her nephew? She doubtless knows of that situation!

Miss Bingley threw the letter into the fire. How could her sister, who had settled for that nobody, Harold Hurst, possibly think to school Miss Bingley on her behaviour?

And so Miss Bingley made it a point to haunt the shops on Bond Street, certain that Eliza and the Countess must eventually go shopping! For nothing Eliza owned could be considered good enough for Town.