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Elizabeth had traveled with Mr. Bingley and his sisters to Derbyshire to visit her sister Jane at Pemberley. After a lovely dinner and hours spent talking, they finally took their leave and went to the guest room.
“Mr. Darcy seemed very quiet after your sister’s question this evening,” Elizabeth said. “Do you know if there is anything the matter?”
“That was a bit odd. Usually at Pemberley he’s much more relaxed and sociable.”
Elizabeth nodded, then her husband continued speaking.
“When the ladies left after dinner, I did try to ask him about things. He had nothing but good things to say about your sister, of course, but I suppose Mr. Hurst did not appear interested in further conversation about other topics, so we joined the rest of you.”
“Mr. Hurst never seems interested in anything beyond cards,” Elizabeth laughed.
“He has many interests beyond that,” Mr. Bingley said. “When he’s interested.”
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. “Well, what do you think?”
“I believe Mr. Darcy may have gotten himself on another quixotic quest to deal with an old friend of his, though I’m not sure if I should call him a friend. He won’t tell me any details, though.”
“Who is this friend?” Elizabeth asked.
“We’ve met him, in fact. He recently joined the regiment that is resident in Meryton.”
“Is it Mr. Wickham?” Elizabeth asked. “He has been a terrible flirt, certainly, but I haven’t spoken to him enough to ascertain his character beyond that.”
“As I said, Mr. Darcy has not told me any details.”
“Well, I shall ask Jane what she knows in the morning.”