Page 27

Bingley had a hard time believing that one as fastidious of his reputation as Darcy would do anything to harm his honor or dishonor a lady from a respectable family. Having already decided about his friend’s innocence over servant whispers. He entered the room to ask what the course of action should be for gossiping servants without having to resort to expelling them all from the premises right before dinner.

Bingley flopped himself into the chair in a manner that he knew Darcy strongly disapproved.

“Now that you have my attention. What advice have you come to glean from me?” Darcy asked, eyeing his slouching friend.

“What makes you say that?”

“You are as readable as this book,” he replied, holding up the book in his hand.

“You think you comprehend me so well, do you?”

“I have known you many years, Bingley. I believe I understand you perfectly.”

“I can say the same thing about you. At least regarding why I have come to pay you this visit, as what I have heard cannot possibly be true.”

Darcy closed his book as he had been expecting an interrogation since he had heard Miss Bingley caterwauling through the house. The expectant look he gave was all Bingley needed to continue.

“Look, old boy,” he said cautiously. “There seems to be a bit of talk going around downstairs.”

“When are they not?” Darcy asked rhetorically. “It is an unfortunate fact of life. Judging from your sister’s reaction, she is not pleased.”

Bingley let out a bark of a laugh. “She most definitely is not.” He became serious again. “You see,” he began nervously. “There seems to be gossip going around about you and Miss Elizabeth. At least according to Caroline.”

Darcy was well aware of the beginnings of the whispers among the servants through his valet. He looked directly at his friend as there was no point in hiding the truth.

“I can assure you with absolute certainty Bingley. I did not take advantage of Miss Elizabeth. Her virtue is intact.”

Bingley looked relieved and said as much. “I had no doubt, but I thought you should know. What should I do? Caroline wants them all thrown out this instant.”

“That is one option, but I doubt your sisters are willing to help with the cooking and cleaning.”

Bingley laughed heartily. “I doubt very much they would even know where to begin. I say, you are taking this better than I had thought, with the slanderous nature of what is being said.”

“Since we did spend the night together, the gossip, while not appreciated or helpful, is understandable. Right now, you need to try and limit how far it spreads.”

“I beg your pardon?” His mirth came to a sudden halt as Darcy’s words sunk in.

“Keep it contained. First, you should have your head staff let them know gossiping about guests will not be tolerated.”

“But…”

“Keep them busy and make sure all but the most trustworthy are kept from going into town for a week or so. It will die down soon enough to not present a problem.”

A look of guilt overcame Bingley. “Too late for that. A cartload of them were taken into town for church. If they have the day off and family nearby, they are free to visit.”

“I should have anticipated that sooner, but I have not been thinking clearly of late with all that has happened.”

“Darcy, you still have not explained how or why you spent the night with one of my guests. If her father gets wind of it, I will have to explain it to him.”

“True, but it will be my neck on the wedding gallows. I would be more concerned with that mother of theirs.”

“I am beginning to believe you are obfuscating. As master of this house, I would like an answer. Nay, I demand an answer.”

Darcy was amused at his friend’s faux anger but did not let it show. Instead, he let out a heavy sign.

“Honestly, it was a completely innocent mishap.”

“How can spending the night together be a mishap? In whose room was it spent?”

“Come now, Bingley. It would hardly be an innocent mishap if we were in one or the others bedroom.”

“That makes sense, but do you plan on explaining what this supposed mishap might be?”

Darcy set his book on the table and clasped his hands. “It was the night the letters about Richard arrived. I had been drinking…”

“Please do not tell me in your drunken state you took advantage of her.” He said, putting his hand on his forehead.

“Charles Bingley, if you would let me finish and refrain from jumping to conclusions.”

“Sorry, go on,” he said, rolling his hand for him to continue.

“I had more than I should have trying to drown my sorrow.” Bingley nodded in understanding as Darcy continued. “Elizabeth came down looking for something to read and found me in my dejected and inebriated state.” Bingley looked at him curiously at the familiar use of her name. “Feeling sorry for me, she stayed, and we talked.”

“She is remarkably kind. Taking care of her sister when she was sick. Your sister and cousin when they needed comfort.” Darcy gave his friend a look of annoyance. “Sorry, please continue.”

Darcy cleared his throat. “The only thing left to say is that we talked for most of the night and drifted off at some point. When we awoke early that morning, she went back to her room. I waited a short amount of time and went to mine. That is all there is to it.”

“Except that someone saw you two in the room or saw her, and then you left and came to a logical conclusion, considering the circumstance.”

Darcy nodded, as it was unnecessary to verbalize the obvious.

“And you were still dressed as immaculately as ever?” Bingley asked hopefully.

Darcy shook his head slowly. “In drunken disarray, I’m afraid. Although much better than her in a nightgown.”

“This does present a problem,” he said, biting his lower lip. “Where did both of you fall asleep?”

Darcy looked at the couch his friend was sitting on and pointed. “Right where you are sitting.”

Bingley jumped to his feet. “What? Together? How far apart?”

Darcy held up his hands, one directed to each end of the couch. Bingley looked relieved and sat back down. His relief did not last long as Darcy moved his left hand until the palms met at the right side of the couch. “I was still sitting. She was curled up with her head in my lap.”

“Good god, man,” Bingley cried, jumping back to his feet and began to pace. “No wonder they are gossiping. Frankly, I’m surprised they are not jabbering like monkeys about it if that is how you were discovered.”

“Sit down, Bingley. It is not as bad as you think.”

“How can it not be bad?” he asked before a sudden realization struck him. He stopped and stared at his friend. “Oh, you like her,” he said, pointing a finger of accusation.

“I admit I admire her. She is… she is different.”

“Different! I would not tell her that is the reason for your admiration.”

“She is well favored.”

“Do not forget her fine eyes if what Caroline said the other day was true.”

“Yes, I did mention her eyes to your sister.”

“I must say that despite the circumstance this conversation began with, I am glad you have finally succumbed to the allure of a pretty woman.”

“I have met many that I have taken notice of their beauty. It is when one gets to know them to find out it is only skin deep, or there is nothing there at all.”

“So, when may I congratulate you?”

“We are not there yet. However, if necessary, I am not adverse to her as my wife.”

“If it comes to it, I would advise against wording it that way as well. Shall I pour drinks?”

Caroline burst into her sister’s apartment. Something Louisa had been expecting since she had heard the first howl coming from her sister’s room. What did surprise her was the amount of time that had elapsed since.

“Please do not make such a fuss. Robert is taking a nap.” Louisa said, looking up from her embroidery.

“That bitch planned this, I know it,” she said with slurred words.

“Do not use such vulgar language. It is unbecoming.”

“I don’t care,” she replied, swaying back and forth.

“Good lord, Caroline, are you drunk?”

“Of course not. I only had two glasses.” She held up two fingers to prove it.

“Two glasses of what?” she asked, turning her face away from her sister’s breath.

“Whatever Charlie had in the parlour.”

“Oh, Caroline, you didn’t.”

“I most certainly did. Terrible stuff,” she said, hiccupping several times. “I know she is behind this. Having the local staff spread these absurd rumors to ensnare him. My Earl!”

“Be sensible. Why would they risk their positions for her?”

“The promise of work in his home, what else. Or she bribed them. It would not take much from these peasants or possibly blackmail.”

“Caroline,” Louisa said firmly, taking her sister’s arm. “You are clearly intoxicated, and I think we should get you to your room.”

She began directing her towards the door.

“Am not. I only had two small glasses. This much,” she said, holding her thumb and finger apart.

“All right, dear. We need to get you to your room to sleep this off.”

“Charley is going to fire the entire staff.”

“All right, dear,” Louisa replied, thinking it best to agree with all her sister had to say in her current state.