Darcy paced the library as he waited for Bingley. He mulled Elizabeth’s words over in his mind. Not at all proud and exceedingly kind. She had seemed surprised to find him so.
“Am I proud?” he blurted as Bingley entered the room.
“Not improperly so.” Bingley removed his jacket and unbuttoned his waistcoat before lowering himself into a chair with a sigh. “Of course, people have to get to know you before they realize it.”
“What do you mean?” Darcy stopped in front of Bingley’s chair and looked down at him.
“Your serious expression and reserve can be misunderstood as being aloof and disdainful.”
Darcy pondered that for a moment. He could see how that could be. Not that being able to agree with a negative description of oneself made the description any more enjoyable to hear.
“Did you think I did not approve of Miss Elizabeth?”
Bingley laughed. “You did tell me she was not handsome enough to tempt you, a fact that, Miss Bennet assures me, her sister knows.”
“I may have been wrong about her.”
Bingley laughed again. “Well, I should hope so. One does not wish to find himself married to a lady who is merely tolerable and not tempting.”
“No,” said Darcy, shaking his head. “Miss Bennet. She quite possibly likes you.” He sat in a chair and leaned his head back looking up at the ceiling. “I was wrong about Miss Elizabeth as well. She is quite handsome.” He scrubbed his face. “However, she finds me proud and was surprised that I could be kind.”
“That does not bode well for a marriage,” said Bingley, studying his friend. It was rare to see Darcy so distraught. “So, there was no secret assignation as implied?”
Darcy groaned. “No. I read a book, and Miss Elizabeth read a book. I sat here, and she was across the room. There was nothing worthy of scandal that happened in here tonight.”
“But her aunt saw you together.”
“I was just leaving the room when Mrs. Philips came in in search of Miss Elizabeth. She pushed past me into the room and saw Miss Elizabeth putting on her slippers and smoothing her skirt…as any lady would do after sitting for an extended period of time.” He sighed. “Before I could stop her, she was off calling for Mr. Bennet, as I am sure you and all your guests heard.” He rested an arm across his eyes. “A brief discussion followed between myself and Mr. Bennet and then between Mr. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.” He drew a deep breath. “She wept at the thought of marrying me, Bingley. She wept.”
Bingley could feel the pain in his friend’s voice. “Do you love her?”
“I did not realize it until this evening, but yes, I believe I do love her.”
“Then show her the man who is my friend. If you displayed him more often, I would not be able to claim so many angels, for they would be tripping over their slippers to be with you.”
Darcy laughed lightly. Bingley always knew how best to distill a complex situation down to something dashed simple. “Are you saying you find me irresistible, Bingley?”
Bingley laughed loudly. “No! No! I am merely suggesting you could be irresistible to women if you would show your true self to them.” He continued laughing. “Of course, you really only need one lady to find you irresistible.”
“Yes, one lady who must marry me, but presently, I fear, does not even like me very much.”
Bingley rose. “You need sleep; though, I doubt you will get much.”
Darcy stood with him. “I believe you are right.” He followed Bingley to the door. “I am to meet tomorrow afternoon with Mr. Bennet to discuss particulars of the marriage agreement. I have asked Miss Elizabeth to take a walk with me, and she has consented. I told her I would bring you with me so that you could keep Miss Bennet company.”
Bingley turned to look at Darcy. “You agree Miss Bennet likes me?”
“I believe you could be right, but my opinion on matters feminine seems to be sadly lacking, so I would put more confidence in your own feelings than in mine.”
“But you believe it is possible?”
“Yes, Bingley, I do.”
“So,” Bingley said as they entered the hall, “I was right, and you, the great counselor and guide, were wrong?”
“Bingley,” Darcy growled, “have a care. I have had a rather trying night.”
“Not as trying as mine is about to be,” Bingley said as he saw his sister Caroline approaching.
“Good night. You will understand if I leave you now,” Darcy said as he nodded to Caroline and took the stairs to his room two at a time before either Bingley could say anything to him.
