Hurst gave him a grin. “Not at all, Bingley. I am fond of your sister, though Caroline’s absence would be a boon for our marriage. Perhaps you might think of ensuring she finds a husband next season.”
“I would,” said Bingley, his expression sour, “if she would have any man other than Darcy.”
A slow nod was Hurst’s response. “It may be time to insist she open her mind to other possibilities, since we both know that Darcy is not an option. You control her dowry, her living situation, and provide her with an allowance, so you hold some sway over her.”
“Do you think she will accept reality?” asked Bingley.
“Perhaps not,” replied Hurst. “If you present her with the option of finding a husband or returning to Scarborough with her dowry released to her, that may make her think better of her determination to elicit a proposal from Darcy.”
“Yes, that may work,” agreed Bingley slowly. “Removing Caroline from my direct oversight would be welcome.”
“Then let her know what you expect, and do not allow her to argue. Else, you may never be rid of her.”
Darcy, who had been listening to this exchange with growing astonishment, found his ability to speak. “To the best of my knowledge, we have never spoken of Miss Bingley, yet you understand I do not mean to offer for her?”
Again, both men regarded Darcy as if he were deficient. “If you meant to make her an offer,” said Hurst, “you could have done so at any time in the past three years.”
“Caroline alone does not see this,” added Bingley. “To her, you are being careful—or coy—whichever delusion holds that day.”
Darcy was having difficulty crediting what he was hearing. “This is a singular way of talking about your sister, Bingley. I might have thought you were eager to claim a connection to me through her.”
Bingley shrugged. “If you had any affinity at all for her, I would welcome you as a brother without a second thought. You have always been most proper in her company, but I am well enough acquainted with you to know your feelings. Besides, I understand your position in society, and Caroline would most definitelynotsuit your requirements in a wife.”
“As for your ‘singular’ comment,” said Hurst, “Bingley and I are both wise enough to take our amusement where we can. Caroline is enough to drive more patient men than either of us to drink.”
“This is a shock and no mistake,” said Darcy.
“One you should have expected,” replied Hurst. “Though I give the impression of focusing on my food and brandy—and Bingley on Miss Bennet—neither of us is blind, Darcy. Bingley might have approached you months ago to learn your intentions toward his sister if you displayed any hint of interest.”
“It would have been awkward,” acknowledged Bingley, “but I would have done it had I deemed it necessary.”
“The salient point,” said Hurst, “is what you mean to do about Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I understand she is not what you had expected, but she is a gentleman’s daughter and is not unsuitable. If I am honest, I consider her superior to most other women in society, regardless of rank.”
“Your praise of her is quite beyond anything I might have expected.”
Hurst offered an insouciant shrug. “Just because I see a fine filly does not mean I wish to purchase her. Miss Elizabeth considers me a bore, and she may have a point, but she is as pretty and vibrant a young woman as I have ever seen. If you reject her as unsuitable, I must consider you far less intelligent than I thought. What need have you of more wealth or connections? Few men can afford to follow their hearts and set aside fortune or standing, but I declare you are one.”
“Perhaps you are correct,” said Darcy, not having considered it that way.
“Iamcorrect, Darcy. But let me tell you something—remaining silent in her company will give her no reason to think well of you. If that is how you mean to woo her, I might have saved the paper and ink and not written to you.”
“For that, I have no concern at all,” said Darcy, his mind only half on the conversation. “Should I offer for her, I doubt she will reject me. Her family’s situation—if nothing else—will ensure her compliance.”
This time, Darcy noticed their stunned expressions and the incredulous glances they directed at each other. Darcy frowned, uncertain what had provoked them.
“Did I just hear you correctly, Darcy?” demanded Hurst. “Did you, without disguise, state that you expect Miss ElizabethBennet to accept you for your fortune after stating you have no interest in Caroline for the same reason?”
Darcy blanched at the way Hurst had put it. “Those are not the only reasons—I have no interest in Miss Bingley,” muttered he.
Hurst stared at him, then shook his head. “It has never been my policy to involve myself in the affairs of others, Darcy, but in this instance I must make an exception. The first point you have not considered is that Miss Elizabeth has already refused one offer of marriage from a man who would offer her a comfortable situation.”
That caught Darcy’s attention. “She had a proposal of marriage?”
“From that clergyman Collins,” confirmed Hurst. “If you think about it, his attentions were those of a suitor, though itissingular for a man to propose after such a brief acquaintance. I do not know the details, but her mother has lamented her refusal enough for it to have come to my attention.”
Darcy felt the fog lift from his mind. Of course, Collins meant to propose to her. The first sets, his refusal to move away from her when she wished for his absence, the compliments, and her mother’s boasting about havingtwodaughters married now all made sense. Darcy’s only defense was that he had never expected Miss Elizabeth to be moved by the pathetic overtures of a man whose affection must be imaginary.
“I see you are now awake,” said Hurst.
