Page 80 of The Shades of Pemberley
“As the earl said,” added William, “it is a possibility we cannot ignore.”
Soon, the report came of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s visit with Mrs. Younge.
“I do not think she was conspiring with Lady Catherine,” said he when he came to Darcy’s house to report his findings. “In truth, the woman was more than a little disparaging of my estimable aunt, such that I believe her when she denies any connection.”
“That is a novel opinion for a woman in Mrs. Younge’s position to hold for the daughter of an earl,” said William, showing not a little amusement.
“Mrs. Younge is an odd sort of woman,” agreed the colonel.
By this time, preparations were taking up most of the family’s days, though they attended to some visits with friends to take their leave.
The sentiment they most often encountered appeared to suggest others thought they were fatigued by their first season, for Elizabeth heard several comments to the effect that it would become easier in subsequent years.
Far from correcting their perceptions, the Darcys allowed them to infer what they wished and kept the true reason for their decampment to themselves.
Two days before they were to depart, they received a surprising application. Mr. Bingley arrived with his sister in tow, the former eager, given their imminent departure, while the latter appeared nervous.
“Darcy,” said Bingley when they had visited for perhaps five minutes, “I have a request of you, though I suppose I should make it of your excellent wife.”
“Of course, Mr. Bingley,” said Elizabeth with a smile. “How can I assist?’
“Caroline was to travel with the Hursts to Norfolk for the summer, but the situation there is not pleasant, as Hurst’s father is a cantankerous old man who makes her life miserable. As I am to go to Pemberley, we wondered you would extend my invitation to include her.”
Taken aback by the entreaty, Elizabeth glanced at Miss Bingley, noting her rosy cheeks, her understanding of propriety showing that she understood one rarely made such an application.
All this indicated that Miss Bingley was a hesitant participant in this, and that Mr. Bingley had convinced her to approach them.
The Darcys had seen something of Miss Bingley during the season, for the family had gained more acceptance on Lady Susan’s recommendation, and she had been nothing but pleasant in all that time.
As such, Elizabeth did not hesitate to agree.
“That is no trouble at all, Mr. Bingley.” She turned a smile on Miss Bingley, who returned it with no small measure of uncertainty.
“We should be pleased to have you, Miss Bingley, for one cannot have too many friends. You will need to endure a house teeming with activity, for my family is to come, and later in the summer, my aunt and uncle will join us. But we are happy to have you if you are willing.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy,” said Miss Bingley, a sense of relief falling over her. “Though my immediate family comprises only Charles, Louisa, Hurst, and me, the Bingley clan is large. I do not suppose a house full of close relations will defeat us.”
“Not at all,” grinned Mr. Bingley, inclining his head to Elizabeth. “I understand it is an impertinence to ask, Mrs. Darcy, so I thank you for your indulgence.”
“Not at all, Mr. Bingley,” said Elizabeth warmly. “Such things are nothing between close friends, and you will soon be family, unless I have misjudged you altogether.”
Mr. Bingley released his characteristic laugh and agreed. “If I have anything to say on the matter, it will not be long at all.”
Thereafter, Mr. Bingley spoke with William and Mr. Bennet, and while conversations continued around them, Elizabeth spoke to Miss Bingley.
“I had not heard of this business of your sister’s father-in-law. Is he any kinder to your sister than he is to you?”
Miss Bingley’s grimace told the story of her feelings.
“A little, though he has never appreciated his son’s marriage to my sister.
Louisa must endure him as he is now family, but I try to stay away.
Hurst also has little interest in visiting his father, but he considers it a duty.
He speaks of how much he is anticipating being his own master. ”
“That is curious, indeed!” exclaimed Elizabeth, her gaze finding her father across the room. “My connection with my father is so warm that I cannot imagine wishing for his demise.”
“I adored my father,” said Miss Bingley. “His passing was difficult. Mr. Hurst’s feelings are beyond my understanding, too.”
They changed the subject and spoke on other matters for some time.
Miss Bingley, it seemed, had no serious suitors, and she stated that it was for the best. Though Elizabeth did not ask, she thought she understood Miss Bingley’s meaning, that it was better to know the character of a man before she agreed to receive any calls that might lead to a closer connection.
The Miss Bingley of the past, a woman who had aspired to the highest match she could find, appeared replaced by one who now allowed for merit in other considerations.
Now that she had a reasonable expectation of making a good match, Elizabeth supposed it was to her credit that she now put greater stock in such things.
The day before the departure, Jane and Mary removed from the earl’s house amid exclamations of pleasure at their company and an invitation to join them again whenever convenient.
The following morning, they all arose and departed the house, a train of carriages conveying the family, servants, luggage, and all the other items that needed transportation to their home in the north.
Elizabeth rode in the carriage with her husband and Mr. and Miss Bingley, conversation flowing between them to pass the time.
William, it appeared, had done his homework, for the journey was planned to the last detail, including two stops for the night at equal distances between London and Pemberley, rest stops during the day, baskets of provisions to keep them satisfied while on the road, and other such necessities.
As the spring was giving way to the glories of summer, the weather was warm, relieving them of any clothing heavier than a light spenser for the ladies or the summer jackets for the men.
The journey was long and tedious, and Elizabeth did not enjoy it, but she knew she would need to become accustomed to it.
When they sighted Pemberley on the afternoon of the third day, she was not the only one to express her gratitude for the end of the road. To Pemberley they had come, and there they would stay for the foreseeable future.