Miss Bingley stood and held William’s arm with a smile. She began to limp her way out of the drawing room when William stopped their steps and asked his sister, “Georgie, where is Lizzy? I thought she was here with you. I would like for her to make Miss Bingley’s acquaintance.”
Georgiana stood and gasped loudly, “Oh, no! I was playing hide-and-seek with her and then I was distracted with your guests. I completely forgot!”
William nodded to Mr. Bingley, “If you would please go with your sister, Mr. Mason will show you the room. I will wait for the doctor to see Miss Bingley first before my own examination, Mason.” He turned to Georgiana, “Come, let us go find that silly girl. She probably fell asleep in the library by now.” He smiled tenderly and held her sister’s hand to look for Lizzy.
After everyone emptied out from the drawing room, the little girl who had been hiding quietly peeked her head out from behind the drapes and sighed deeply. Lizzy had heard everything and wondered what kind of woman Miss Bingley truly was, and how she could protect Will from the woman who sounded mercenary.
Chapter 13
“I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Bingley.” William greeted the elderly gentleman at Darcy House. “Your son is a bit shaken up from the incident but he is faring well and your daughter is resting in one of the guest rooms.”
“I cannot thank you enough, sir. It was most irresponsible of Charles to take the carriage without my driver, and in this area, too. He is fifteen, sir, and has been eager to be more independent but the busy city is not an ideal location to learn to drive a carriage.” Mr. Bingley looked at his son and smiled, “He has been begging me for a curricle and I suppose this will mean it will be delayed.” He laughed as he watched his son’s disappointed face. “I have begun to look for an estate to lease and perhaps when we are in the country, he may have his wish then.”
William asked in surprise, “You are looking for a place to lease? May I ask where you wish to reside?”
“Anywhere within thirty miles or so from London would be ideal. I have been a tradesman all my life but my business has been very successful and I am attempting to become a gentleman. I still have some ties here to oversee but I wish to be a landowner someday. Since I have no experience of it, I know I will need to lease first to learn the skills, and I am hoping my son will also learn much and become a good landowner later. He has been attending Eton and my daughter is coming out this season. My eldest daughter, Louisa, is recently betrothed to a gentleman, whose father has an estate in Shropshire and will be married this summer.” Mr. Bingley sighed, “I wish my wife were still with me to guide me but I must believe that good will come with the blessings I have now.”
“What a coincidence that my father is looking for a tenant in Kent. It is not far and might meet your needs, Mr. Bingley.” William was pleased to share. “I have been speaking with your son for the past half hour and I have found him a very jovial young man. We spoke of my former professors at Eton and was shocked that Professor Snipe is still teaching there. I thought he was nearly a hundred years old when I attended!”
The younger men laughed together while the elder smiled at their easy manners. Young Mr. Darcy had been most forgiving and very patient with his dear son. “Thank you again.” He stood up to take his leave. “I will send a note of apology to your father and I insist that you take this as a recompense for your injury.” He handed the young man an envelope. It contained £200 in banknotes inside and Mr. Bingley hoped it was enough to appease Mr. Darcy for the inconvenience.
William held the elder man’s hand as he returned the envelope. “I assure you, I have not the need nor the desire to accept anything in payment, sir. My shoulder will be fine in a day or two and I am most pleased to have met Charles today. I did not have a chance to speak with Miss Bingley much but it was imperative that she recover from her injury so she can enjoy the Grantley Ball this week. If you will call on my father tomorrow, Mr. Bingley, I am sure he will enjoy meeting you and you can also speak with him about the possibility of leasing my cousin’s estate.” William walked him to the foyer as they waited for Miss Bingley to come downstairs.
Charles Bingley enthusiastically shook his new friend’s hand. “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Darcy. I hope to see you again soon. I look forward to learning from you and getting myself to Cambridge. You have already been a great mentor to me today!”
William smiled, “You will see me again soon. I am off on my Grand Tour this summer but we will have time to converse after I complete university. I would not mind calling on you in a few days. After...” he turned around to see Miss Bingley approaching with a maid’s help, “after your sister recovers and can accept visitors.” He smiled at the pretty woman who was beaming.
“Of course, you can call on us anytime, Mr. Darcy,” Caroline grinned. “My ankle will be fine and if you will call on us tomorrow, so long as I am allowed to sit, you can come and see me anytime, sir.” She fluttered her lashes flirtatiously.
Mr. Bingley assisted his daughter after bowing to William. “Let us
