Kitty owned that she had rather stay at home.Darcy professed a great curiosity to see the view from the Mount,and Elizabeth silently consented.As she went upstairs to get ready,Mrs.Bennet followed her,saying:
“What do you mean?”
“You are joking,Lizzy.This cannot be!―engaged to Mr.Darcy! No,no,you shall not deceive me.I know it to be impossible.”
Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy. She had been unwilling to mention Bingley;and the unsettled state of her own feelings had made her equally avoid the name of his friend.But now she would no longer conceal from her his share in Lydia's marriage. All was acknowledged, and half the night spent in conversation.
“It may do very well for the others,”replied Mr.Bingley;“but I am sure it will be too much for Kitty.Won't it,Kitty?”
“Now I am quite happy,”said she,“for you will be as happy as myself.I always had a value for him.Were it for nothing but his love of you, I must always have esteemed him; but now, as Bingley's friend and your husband,there can be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me.But Lizzy,you have been very sly,very reserved with me. How little did you tell me of what passed at Pemberley and Lambton!I owe all that I know of it to another, not to you.”
“Why,I must confess that I love him better than I do Bingley.I am afraid you will be angry.”