Page 65 of Bitterness of Spirit

“Very well, sir.”

Bingley’s presence was as fresh and joyful as the previous night. He looked rested and serene, a large grin spread over his face.

“You are early,” Darcy said as they walked together to the library. “Will you have breakfast with me?”

“Yes! I am early, and I shall have breakfast! I have not eaten today, and I am starving. I left home before Caroline woke up. I had a terrible fight with her last night, and I am still angry with her. She has been rude to the Bennets since she first met them. Then she did everything in her power to separate me from Jane and still does so. She lied to me and to Jane! She has behaved horribly! I cannot accept that!”

“I was no better. I also did everything I could to separate you from Miss Bennet.”

“Yes, but you were never impolite to her. And you admitted your error and tried to correct it. And even if you had not, your errors do not make hers less reprehensible. I blame you too, you know! But at least you do not persist in a despicable attempt to impose your will!”

“You must not allow anyone to change your mind, Bingley. You should trust your judgement and feelings and do what is best for you.”

“I shall do just that! Now, let us eat. I am going to open Netherfield. Do you approve?”

Darcy laughed. “Do I approve? Have we not just said that you should trust your own opinion? And if I do not approve, would you stay away from Netherfield?”

Bingley hesitated a moment, then laughed too.

“Well, it is hard to change old habits. I intend to open Netherfield, but that means I shall not come to Pemberley this summer.”

“As you please, Bingley. Or, you may open Netherfield and then convince Miss Bennet to join Miss Elizabeth on her trip.”

Bingley filled his plate then stared at Darcy. His face suddenly brightened.

“That is an excellent suggestion. It seems I still need to ask your opinion from time to time. Your ideas are much better than mine most of the time; I admit that.”

“Well, you must use your charm to convince both Miss Bennet and her father.”

“Or, I can convince Mrs. Bennet as soon as I arrive in Hertfordshire.” Bingley grinned mischievously.

“I am pleased that you have your own excellent ideas,” Darcy mocked him, and Bingley laughed.

“And I am pleased that you are in such good humour, Darcy. It was a relief to see you get along with the Bennets and the Gardiners, including Mr. Wilson. You have improved your manners considerably since we last met. This friendlier approach suits you very well. Not even Miss Elizabeth seems to hate you anymore.”

“You know she hated me?” Darcy raised his eyebrow in challenge.

“Really, Darcy? The entire county knew she hated you—and probably half of London too.”

“That is very comforting to know.” Darcy rolled his eyes as he drank some coffee.

“I wonder: did any other woman ever hate you as much, Darcy?” Bingley asked with his mouth full.

“I am sure they did, but nobody ever told me so clearly,” Darcy admitted stoically.

“You are brave enough to take it reasonably well. You even invited her to Pemberley; that is very generous of you. Now, shall we go and call on Mr. Wilson?”

“Call? At this hour? What on earth for, Bingley?”

“Not at this hour. A little later. Perhaps we can thank him for dinner?’

“For that, we should write a note, Bingley.”

“Well, you may write one, and I shall deliver it.”

Darcy emitted a mocking laughter. “You have lots of good ideas lately, Bingley. Let us finish breakfast and then we shall see. We must be careful not to breach propriety. Do not forget Mr. Bennet is there too.”

“I know. But perhaps the Miss Bennets would like a walk in the park, and we may keep them company? All of them, I mean.”