Hurst’s response was a derisive snort. “No, I do not suppose you do. But her behavior will amuse you all the same.”
“Then what did she say?”
“I shall not sport with your intelligence by repeating it,” said Hurst with a feral grin. “What I shall say is her displeasure was nothing compared with the utter horror she displayed when she pulled your engagement from Bingley’s unwilling lips.”
That provoked Darcy’s grin. “That bad, was it?”
“I am still shocked the house did not collapse on her from all the shrieking.”
Darcy shook his head with disgust. “Her disappointment is her own doing. I never gave her any sign that I was considering her as a prospective bride.”
“No, you did not,” replied Hurst, sipping from his glass. “Caroline has long been adept at seeing what she wished—what she wished to see in this instance was a man who was only waiting for the best time to fulfill all her wishes in a husband.”
“All her wishes for advancement and wealth,” retorted Darcy.
Hurst nodded, not denying it at all. “Now, she has no more choice but to accept that she willnothave you for a husband, and that her brother will not have your sister. It will do her good—if ever she accepts it. Caroline is not devoid of charms, and several other men have expressed interest in her.”
“Then I wish her the best,” said Darcy, magnanimous despite his distaste for Miss Bingley.
Though he fell silent for a moment, Hurst soon spoke again. “I dare say this business will also do Bingley good.”
Curious, Darcy asked: “What do you mean?”
With a shrug, Hurst lifted his glass to his lips again. “Bingley needs to make the right match to establish his place in society. While a marriage to your wife’s sistermighthave been enough, a direct connection to an established family is better.”
“I was not aware that you considered such things, Hurst,” said Darcy, studying the man before him.
Hurst again appeared uncaring. “In truth, I do not, though I understand the benefits of connections. You did not know Bingley’sfather, Darcy, but I was acquainted with him as he did business with my father—that was how Louisa came to my attention. The elder Bingley was not so foolish as to suppose that his children could ascend to the heights of society, unlike Caroline. Yet he wanted them to strive to rise as far as they could.”
“Do you not suppose that Bingley requires affection in his wife?”
“Yes, I understand his character,” replied Hurst. “If he chooses correctly, he can have both. Had he married Miss Bennet, his sister would have forever ruled them—a wife who knows her worth and will not bow to Caroline’s excesses is much better for him.”
“Elizabeth made that point herself,” said Darcy, thoughtful.
Hurst grunted. “I always saw her intelligence. She’s a fine woman, Darcy—I commend you for seeing it.”
Darcy again eyed him. “I was not aware you approved of her.”
“To say so openly would have been to provoke Caroline.” Hurst grinned. “I care for my hearing far too much to make the same mistake you made. Though I am well aware Miss Elizabeth and I don’t suit, if I had been single, I might have tried my hand.”
Darcy did not want to think about that at all. Hurst was correct—he and Elizabeth did not suit at all, and she would not even have given him a second glance. Now that he had her commitment, coupled with a firm understanding of how miserable he would have been had he made a society marriage, any reminder of the possibility of not having her was not palatable.
“Well, this has been a most amusing conversation, Darcy,” said Hurst, rising to his feet. “I know Bingley was your friend, but I hope you will continue to associate with me—I enjoy your company.”
“I do not object,” said Darcy, surprising himself.
With a nod, Hurst walked away, Darcy watching him go. The business with Miss Bingley was about as far from a surprise as it could be, but he had not known about Bingley’s father and his wishes. Though Bingley was angry about what had happened and would not see it now, perhaps itwasfor the best that he had not courted Miss Bennet. That his future sister was happy with his cousin was an additional benefit, tying them to the Bennets forever.
“WELL, ELIZABETH,” SAIDWilliam, seated beside her in the countess’s sitting-room. “Now that the interrogation is over, what do you think of Fitzwilliam’s mother?”
Elizabeth grinned, that saucy expression she knew he enjoyed. “I will only say that I am pleased that Jane must deal with her as adaughter. My greater distance will allow me to retain my impertinence and allow her sweetness to recommend her to your aunt.”
“My hearing must be faulty,” jested William. “Are you telling me that you doubt your ability to withstand my aunt?”
“Not at all,” said Elizabeth. “Yet I am grateful that responsibility falls to Jane—she may just be her sweet self, and your aunt will accept her.Iam not so complying.”
“I believe you underestimate yourself, Elizabeth.”
