Mr. Darcy's Diary

He said no more, but I could see where his thoughts were tending.

‘Did I tell you I visited Rosings at Easter?’ I asked. ‘I went to stay with my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.’

‘Yes, I believe I heard something of it,’ said Bingley without interest. ‘I hope Lady Catherine is well?’

‘Yes, thank you. She was in good health and spirits. She had visitors staying with her, a party from Longbourn.’

He changed colour at this.

‘Longbourn? I did not know that. What were they doing in Kent?’ he asked, as we turned into the park.

‘They were visiting the rectory. Perhaps you remember Mr Collins, a heavy young man who was a rector in my aunt’s parish?’

‘No, I cannot think I do.’

‘He was staying at Longbourn before Christmas. He attended the ball at Netherfield, with the Bennets.’

‘Ah, now I remember. There was a rumour he was to marry Elizabeth Bennet.’

‘It was nothing but a rumour. ’ Thank God, I thought.

‘He did find a wife, however, and married Charlotte Lucas.’

‘The charming daughter of Sir William?’ asked Bingley, turning towards me.

‘Yes.’

‘A good match,’ he said, pleased. ‘I know she wanted her own establishment. I am happy for her. Was she in good spirits when you saw her?’

‘Yes. She had reason to be so. Her family were paying her a visit. Her father and sister were staying with her. Sir William stayed only a week, but her sister Maria stayed with her longer. ’ I paused. ‘She had another visitor, Miss Elizabeth Bennet.’

He started, but said only: ‘Yes, I believe they were friends. ’ After a moment he said: ‘Was she well?’

‘She was.’

‘I liked Miss Elizabeth Bennet very much. She was as lively a girl as one could ever wish to meet. And her parents, were they well?’

‘Yes, I believe so.’

‘And her…sisters?’ he asked, studiously ignoring my gaze.

‘They were well, although Miss Bennet I believe was not in spirits.’

‘No?’ he asked, torn between hope and concern.

‘No,’ I said firmly.

‘She missed her sister, perhaps. She was very fond of her, and would not want to be parted from her.’

‘She had been in low spirits before her sister left.’

‘She missed Caroline, then. They saw a great deal of each other when we were all at Netherfield, and were friends.’

‘Perhaps. But it is not usual for a young lady to fall into low spirits because her friend has gone.’

‘No.’

He hesitated, then said: ‘What do you think, Darcy?

Should I give up Netherfield?’

‘Is that what you wish to do?’

‘I am undecided. It is a fine house, and a fine country, and the company was good – though, perhaps, not what you are used to,’ he said with a trace of anxiety.

‘Perhaps not, but there were several people who made the neighbourhood very pleasant.’

‘Indeed. Sir William had been presented at St James’s.’

‘I was not thinking of Sir William.’

Though I was meant to be helping my friend, I could not prevent an image of Elizabeth rising before my eyes.

‘I might perhaps go there for a few weeks towards the end of the summer. What do you say to that idea?’ he asked.

‘I think it an excellent one.’

‘Then I think I will go after my visit to Pemberley.’

I said no more. I do not wish to give him too much hope, lest Jane should have put her hurt aside and become attached to one of the neighbouring young men. But if he returns to the neighbourhood, then a very little time will show them if they are meant to be together, and this time, I will not be so impertinent as to interfere.

August

Sunday 3rd August

Bingley and his sisters joined Georgiana and me soon after breakfast and we set out for Pemberley. To begin with, Caroline talked of her visit to her cousin, but then her conversation turned to flattery.

‘What a fine coach you have, Mr Darcy,’ she said, as it rattled through the streets. ‘Charles has nothing like it. I keep telling him he should buy something in this style.’

‘My dear Caroline, if I bought everything you wanted me to buy I would be bankrupt by the end of the year!’ said Bingley.

‘Nonsense. Every gentleman should have his coach, should he not, Mr Darcy?’ she asked.

‘It is certainly useful,’ I admitted.

‘Darcy! I relied on you to take my part! I was sure you would think it an extravagance.’

‘If you mean to travel a great deal, then it is cheaper than hiring a coach.’

‘There you are,’ said Caroline, directing a smile at me.

‘Mr Darcy agrees with me. How companionable it is when two people have but one mind. You should have squabs in just this colour, Charles,’ she said, looking at the seats.

‘I shall make sure they are in a completely different colour,’ he returned, ‘otherwise I will not know which is my coach and which is Darcy’s.’

‘How comfortable it is,’ said Caroline. ‘Is it not, Georgiana?’ she asked, appealing to my sister.

‘Yes, it is,’ said Georgiana.

‘And how well sprung. Charles, you must make sure your coach uses just these springs.’

‘If I do, Darcy’s coach will be sadly uncomfortable without them.’

‘And you must have a writing desk built into the coach.’

‘I dislike writing letters when I am still, and I have no intention of doing it whilst being jolted over every rut and pothole.’