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Bingley jumped from his chair in excitement after the butler announced Darcy, who then entered the parlour. The younger man quickly approached his friend, extending a welcoming hand.

“I’m happy to see you, Darcy. When you did not show yesterday, I was worried you had decided to decline my offer.”

“Sorry Bingley. That was my intention, but I was delayed by legal papers that arrived as I was about to leave.”

“Well, no matter. What is one day? I for one am glad you are here. Are you all settled in?” He held up his hand to pause the answer. “Probably best not to answer, as Caroline will ask you the same question and you will have to repeat yourself. I see her giving me a look, so we should go sit and say hello.”

Darcy greeted the Hurst’s and Miss Bingley, who did ask the same question.

“I was beginning to worry something had happened to you in your travels, Mr Darcy,” Miss Bingley said.

Bingley colored as Darcy’s face darkened at her ill remark.

“Caroline.” Bingley scolded. “Must you be so insensitive?”

“I beg your pardon?” She said, gazing at her brother in feigned confusion. Bingley looked at the strip of black cloth on Darcy’s arm to remind her.

“Oh, Mr. Darcy, I am terrible sorry. I did not think before I spoke. Please forgive me,” she said, putting her hand on his arm.

“You are forgiven, Miss Bingley,” he replied. The cynical part of him thought she deliberately said those words so she could touch him while apologizing.

Having been in London since the death of his uncle, aunt, and cousin. The willingness of women to throw themselves at him had become worse than ever. Before the accident, they had been after his fortune. Now, with a potential Earldom added to his already considerable fortune, they circled like sharks with the smell of blood in the water.

Darcy would have preferred to retreat to Pemberley to await his cousin’s return. In Richard’s absence, he was not only guardian to his young cousin, but executor of his uncle’s will. The latter of which was best performed in London. As Bingley had recently leased an estate close to town, he hoped would give him a brief respite.

“Bingley, I have a favour to ask of you.”

“Ask away, old boy. Anytime I can do you a favour is rare indeed.”

“I was thinking of bringing Georgiana and Anne here.”

“Of course you can, Mr Darcy,” Miss Bingley cried joyfully. “You should have brought them with you.”

“I would not presume to impose on you without your consent, and I still have not decided if it is the best option for them at the moment,” Darcy said, ignoring Miss Bingley.

Bingley waved his hand to dismiss his friend’s notion. “It is no imposition on me, none at all,” he said cheerily. “We would be happy to have them here if you think it best.”

“I appreciate that. Once I decide I will let you know.”

“It was such a tragic accident,” Miss Bingley said sadly. Her sister Louis clucked along with the statement in sympathy.

Darcy turned Bingley’s sister. “Please do not take this the wrong way, but I would ask that you not mention it again. If I bring Anne here, it is so she does not constantly hear of her loss. She cannot go outside without being reminded by those who mean well or accosted by those desiring a closer connection to her brother once he returns.”

“I understand perfectly,” she replied, nodding slowly, thinking what Lady Anne’s stay could mean in the eyes of the ton. If she could convince Mr Darcy to invite his cousin the new earl to stay as well, her standing in society could increase.

Bingley cleared his throat apprehensively. “Darcy, I know you have practically been ensconced in your house for the last few months. I thought...um. Well, I was hoping you would consent to attend the local assembly with us tonight.”

Bingley was especially eager to attend, having heard the rumors of the beauty of some of the local ladies. Darcy was about to shake his head and decline.

“Charles, I’m surprised at you for asking. I told you he would not want to attend a country dance as he has only just arrived,” she scolded her brother. “As I have no desire to go, I can keep you company, Mr Darcy.”

“You are right Bingley. I have been cooped up for too long. I think perhaps getting out would be a welcome change for me.”

Bingley grinned excitedly while his sister pouted in disappointment.