Page 72

Darcy looked at his friend.

“I do not mean that you ought not,” Charles added. “Only that Lizzy need never hesitate to ask us. She gives Jane a great deal of her time.”

“Would she ask?”

Bingley considered. “Not for herself, perhaps. She would have no difficulty telling me I had neglected Jane.”

That was credible enough to require no answer.

Charles glanced at the sheets beside the inkstand, then looked away with a discretion Darcy appreciated.

“Mr. Bennet will understand you. He may make a joke, but you need not suppose it means he is offended.”

“I had not supposed anything.”

“Then you are admirably prepared. I spent a week trying to discover whether he liked me.”

“And did you discover it?”

“Jane says so.”

“You married her without any better assurance?”

“I thought hers the more important opinion.”

Charles rose, his good humour restored. Darcy watched him move toward the door and envied the simplicity with which he could speak of his wife. Jane’s wishes were something he might openly consider. He could buy a shawl, choose a room, or confess that he wanted her beside him without having first to devise another explanation.

“I shall order the horses for tomorrow,” Charles said. “You will have finished by then.”

“I intend to finish this morning.”

“Then I wish Mr. Bennet joy of a very carefully considered letter.”

Darcy waited until the door had shut before uncovering the paper.

He wanted Miss Bennet comfortable. He wanted her to continue walking in the grounds when the weather turned cold, to come indoors with colour in her cheeks, and to take her place beside Jane as though the length of the visit were a pleasure to her.

He wanted her to stay because she wished to be near him. He could not put that into a letter to her father.

Instead he wrote plainly about the winter.

Pemberley, September 22, 1813

Dear Sir,

Mr. Bingley’s inquiries concerning Alderbrook have disclosed work which must be completed before he can take his wife there. The house appears likely to suit them, but they cannot expect to enter it before the winter is considerably advanced. I have asked them to remain at Pemberley, with Miss Bennet, for as long as their convenience requires.

I hope you will be satisfied that your daughters are comfortable here. Mrs. Bingley has the rooms she prefers, and we shall make every preparation necessary before the birth of her child. Her sister’s company is a great comfort to her. I should be sorry if either lady felt obliged to undertake an inconvenient journey from any uncertainty about the welcome awaiting her here.

Mrs. Reynolds tells me that Miss Bennet has written for warmer clothes. As the extension of the visit follows my invitation, I hope you will permit me to provide the few additions our winter may require. A respectable woman in the neighbourhood can attend her, and Mrs. Reynolds will arrange the business entirely according to Miss Bennet’s wishes. No order will be placed unless the arrangement meets with your approval and hers.

I do not mean to interfere with anything you have already directed. If there are articles at Longbourn which Miss Bennet particularly wishes to have, Mrs. Reynolds will gladly make inquiries concerning their conveyance. I wished only to prevent the length of the journey, or an expense occasioned by our colder weather, from becoming a difficulty.

Mr. Bingley joins me in presenting our respects to Mrs. Bennet. Should you wish to visit your daughters, you would be very welcome at Pemberley.

I remain, dear Sir,

Your obedient servant,