Re: The missing eight months

Harvey S wrote:

"I am not sure that we are supposed to trust Miss Bingley's notes to Jane, so for all we know he spent very little time at Darcy's house"

One thing that may give a clue to that; Caroline initially stated they followed Bingley down to London to avoid him having to spend his time alone: "we have determined on following him thither, that he may not be obliged to spend his vacant hours in a comfortless hotel" she said.
This would suggest that if he didn't spend his time in Darcy's house, ( something I'm sure Darcy would insist on) or that of Mr Hurst, then he would be forced to seek residence in a hotel. ( a costly venture for eight months, even for a man of wealth. Did he leave his carriage and horses in Netherfield? ) There is also the fact that if he didn't spend time in Darcy's residence, then neither would Caroline, a situation not to be borne. Jane discloses she visited Caroline at Grosvenor Street, presumably at he sister, Mrs Hurst's house. I think, because Georgiana was also at her brother's house, it a pretty safe assumption that Caroline would wheedle as much time all together as possible. There is one other item that makes me wonder on time passing in London. Darcy declares to Sir William Lucas that he avoids dancing at every possible opportunity, Bingley declares he loves to dance. For best friends they really are an odd pair.