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“How intriguing. Unfortunately, I cannot stay as I have an appointment. But I might ask you to come and have a little chat with me sometime soon. That is, if you do not have anything better to do than visit an old lady.”
“Oh no. I shall come at any time you wish. I would be honoured to talk to your ladyship. I just never assumed you would have any interest in discussing anything with me.”
“I am always interested in you. You seem to be a worthy young man, and I know how much my nephew values your friendship, so your happiness is my concern. I hope you do not mind.”
“Oh no, not at all. Quite the opposite.”
“I am glad to hear that. Georgiana dear, I shall expect you in half an hour.”
The strange conversation left Bingley puzzled and speechless, and Darcy could not blame him. Lady Matlock had met him several times previously but had never spoken more than a few polite words to him.
Lady Matlock’s interest was upsetting for Darcy too; his aunt had the same tendency to intrude where it was not her business as Lady Catherine, only she usually did it with more consideration. But the intrusion remained, and the effects could be painful.
Georgiana stayed with them for a little while, talking to Bingley. Then, together with Mrs. Annesley, she left for the Matlocks’ house, and only then could Darcy open a private conversation with his friend. However, he was still undecided about what could and what should be said in the delicate matter that affected them both. Even if he disagreed with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst’s machinations, Darcy did not feel comfortable revealing their plan either.
“Bingley, there is something important I must tell you.”
“Yes, Caroline said as much. What is it?”
“Your sister is not aware of this particular situation.”
“Should I be worried?”
“There is nothing to worry about, but it might be a little disquieting. A few days ago, my aunt and sister had a little accident in Hyde Park. Almost an accident. To cut a long story short, my aunt’s carriage almost hit three young women.”
“Oh? Really? I am very sorry to hear that. Was anyone hurt?”
“No…however, she discovered that the three ladies were Mrs. Gardiner and her two nieces. Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
Darcy watched Bingley attentively, noticing the same response he had when he first heard the story.
“Miss Bennet is in London?” Bingley managed to ask.
“Yes. And there is something else you should know.”
“But, wait…where is she staying? Is this her aunt from Gracechurch Street? Have you spoken to her?”
Bingley’s apparent nervousness caused Darcy anxiety. If he expected that his friend had forgotten Miss Bennet, he was clearly wrong.
“No, I have not spoken to her. My aunt and my sister did and discovered some details, including her address.”
“If she is in town, I must call on her, of course. It is only polite. Could you ask Lady Matlock for the address? The name was Gardiner?”
“My sister knows the address too. But Bingley, try to calm down a moment and speak reasonably.”
“Yes, yes, I assume you disapprove of my intention to call on her.”
“My opinion matters little. I admit politeness alone requires you to call on her.”
“I shall! Tomorrow! In the meantime, please ask Miss Darcy about the address.”
“I shall…and…”
“Yes?”
Darcy hesitated to speak further, but regardless of how much he revealed, Bingley would find out the whole truth as soon as he visited the Gardiners. He had already abused his friend’s confidence enough, and he owed him more honesty.
“Bingley, before you came, my aunt told me that Mrs. Gardiner and the Miss Bennets were expected to call on her imminently. Georgiana has also gone there to see them. Apparently, my aunt and my sister had a favourable first impression of them.”
