Miss Bingley immediately paled and sat back down. “Of course, sir. Please sit with me so we can converse. I hope your ankle will feel better quickly.”
“I am sure I will be fully recovered soon. I seem to limp sometimes and not at other times. It comes and goes.” William observed her face becoming paler. “But of course, I speak of my ankle. I am glad to see yours completely healed.”
“Yes, of course. I am a fast-healer.” Miss Bingley replied faintly.
William huffed, “I am glad to hear it, madam. One quick question, Miss Bingley. Did you know about Pemberley and my father’s wealth before or after you found out about my mother being a daughter of an earl?”
“Well, bef...” Caroline spluttered, “I mean to say, I knew nothing about Pemberley, sir. I was only recently told about it from Miss Grantley, of course, but Miss Carter was the one that shared with me of your mother’s connections.”
“And how is it that you spoke of Pemberley to your brother as soon as you entered my home?” William shook his head. “It was not your brother but another witness who overheard your conversation about my father’s estate and his 10,000 a year. And I only recalled just now that you introduced me to your sister as Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. I believe you have known about my family and fortune and have attempted to trick me into believing that you are someone that you are not. I only have a dear friend to thank for opening my eyes and I will have to beg for absolution. I admire your father and brother very much and would like to continue the association but I would ask you to not approach me again. Enjoy the rest of the ball, Miss Bingley.” He stood and left without a bow.
William returned to the punch table and grabbed another glass. He did not know how much he would need to grovel at Lizzy’s feet the next day for his bitter words and hoped she would forgive him. He had been blinded by a woman’s outward beauty and nearly tricked into believing himself in love with Miss Bingley, but he quickly noted the sour look on her face and how very few gentlemen approached her. He was grateful that Lizzy’s observation helped him from being hoodwinked into courtship with such an unworthy woman and sighed in relief from his narrow escape.
He vowed to himself that he would guard his heart more carefully, and although speaking more jovially with his friends, he approached no other ladies during the ball and danced with no one for the entire night.
Chapter 16
William groaned in pain as he opened his eyes to the bright sunlight. He covered his eyes with his forearm and took a deep breath. He was exhausted and wished he could sleep all day but he lifted himself out of bed and looked at the clock to see that it was after two o'clock in the afternoon. He sighed and headed to the dressing room to prepare for the day.
After his valet shaved and dressed him, he walked to his father’s study to find him working with his solicitor. When the business completed and the solicitor left, William asked, “How do you do it, father? We went to the ball at the same time and returned together. You appear to have been awake for hours and I can hardly keep my eyes open. What is your secret?”
Mr. Darcy chuckled, “Old age and habit, son. I have always risen early in my youth and now that I am getting older, my days seem numbered and my body will not allow me to rest. I suppose when your mother was very ill, I did not have a reason to awaken from my pleasant dreams so I wished to sleep more, but when one is excited for a new day, when there is something to look forward to, one is eager to get out of bed and begin the day as early as possible. And coffee, Fitzwilliam, lots of coffee.”
They both laughed heartily. “I understand, father. I do find waking up drearier when I am at school, but when I return home and I am looking forward to spending the day with Lizz...” He stopped his speech. After being silent for several moments, he continued. “Father, I am afraid I behaved like an idiot with Lizzy yesterday. I called her a hoyden and accused her of sabotaging my... my... I do not even know what to call it, sir. I yelled at her because she was trying to protect me for Miss Bingley’s machinations and I told her that she was nothing to me to tell me what to do and that she was being cruel to a woman I loved. I thought I loved Miss Bingley because she was beautiful and flattering but I was finally able to see through her last night at the ball and I do not know how I was so deceived. Perhaps the carriage knocked my head as well as my shoulder.”
“I wondered why you appeared to be in a foul mood last night. I did not see you dance with anyone and you only spoke with your friends.” Mr. Darcy commented. “And you do not love her? You no longer think highly of Miss Bingley?”
“No, not at all, father. I did not love her. Not really at all; I barely knew her. I found her pretty and I was fooled into believing her to be good and honest. I should have seen it earlier. I only heard and saw what I wished to see and I was a fool. The fault lies with me entirely and although I am glad to have gained Mr. Bingley and Charles’ acquaintance, I hope I never see Miss Bingley again. How do I make it up to Lizzy?
