by Jann Rowland
The physical ache at Anne’s passing was still present, a wound which had never healed with time, longing, as she did, for her absent friend’s presence. When Anne passed away, Susan had promised herself that she would care for her friend’s children as well as she could. The pair were much like their father in temperament, reserved and uncomfortable among those not well known to them. Thus, this waterfall of words from Georgiana’s mouth was shocking, for Susan had not thought she would warm to a new acquaintance as quickly as this.
When Georgiana left that day, Susan sat for some time in pensive thought on the subject. It was clear this Miss Bennet, whoever she was, had made quite an impression upon Georgiana, and while Susan was grateful for the effect it had on her niece, it was important to be certain she was a suitable friend. After some thought, she decided there was a way to get answers without appearing to disapprove of Georgiana’s new friend.
“Your sister visited me yesterday, Darcy,” said Susan when her nephew visited at her request the next day.
“Yes, I am aware of it,” was his succinct reply.
“It was striking,” said Susan, having thought in advance how to introduce the subject, “that the name ‘Miss Elizabeth Bennet’ was on Georgiana’s lips so much that she could devote no time for any other subject.”
The slight smile which graced Darcy’s features told Susan more than she thought he wished to betray. Or perhaps it was more than he even knew. Whatever the truth of the matter, Darcy did not hesitate to respond.
“I trust you remember Bingley?”
“That friend of yours from trade, is he not?” When Darcy would have spoken, Susan waved him off. “Yes, I remember Mr. Bingley well enough. If he did not have a harpy for a sister, we might have more to do with him.”
Darcy chuckled and shook his head. “It would mortify Miss Bingley to hear you say that.”
“Miss Bennet?” prompted Susan.
“Bingley married early this year, as I am certain I informed you.” At Susan’s nod, Darcy said: “Bingley’s bride is Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s elder sister.”
“And here for the season visiting with her sister,” said Susan with a nod. “I believe you said Mr. Bingley’s bride was a gentleman’s daughter?”
“She is,” confirmed Darcy. “Mr. Bennet is deceased, and his heir is a distant cousin married to Miss Bennet’s eldest sister. The other curious connection is that the man in question is Mr. William Collins, Lady Catherine’s former parson.”
Susan wrinkled her nose at the news. “Mr. Collins is difficult to forget. Of all the toadying sycophants Catherine has gathered to herself over the years, Mr. Collins is the oddest. While I cannot think well of a woman who would marry such an odious man, I assume that the fact that he is now the master of the estate means it came to him through an entail?”
“And as you suspect,” replied Darcy with a nod, “the ladies do not have much dowry between them. Thus, the eldest Miss Bennet saved the family by marrying him.”
With a sharp nod, Susan pushed the conversation back to the original subject. “Then this Miss Bennet is sister to a man none can respect, but she is a gentleman’s daughter, her connections now including your friend, Mr. Bingley. What of her other connections?”
“She has two more sisters,” said Darcy. “One lives here in London with an uncle, while the other is married and lives abroad, from what I understand. There is another uncle in Meryton in the law, I believe. The uncle in London is in trade. Of him, I know little.”
“With such connections as these,” observed Susan, “Miss Bennet cannot expect to marry high. It is quite the coup that her sister caught your friend, though, by definition, he was marrying up to her.”
“Bingley does not care for such things,” replied Darcy. “Though I cannot say I would have made the same choice, he married his wife for no other reason than unalloyed inclination. Your words of the ‘coup’ her sister managed echo with near exactness Miss Bingley’s caustic comments on the subject, for she did not appreciate his choice.”
“Then we have established this Miss Bennet’s connections are not lofty,” said Susan. “Some might consider the tradesman uncle to be objectionable, but considering her sister’s marriage to Mr. Bingley, it hardly seems worth it to make such a protest.”
“You wish to know if she is suitable,” said Darcy.
Susan smiled, knowing he had likely understood the thrust of her questioning as soon as she began to speak. “It is a concern. Nothing you have told me thus far induces me to warn you away from her as an acquaintance for your sister. But what of Miss Bennet herself? Is she all that Georgiana says?”
Pausing, Darcy thought on the matter for a moment. “I believe, Aunt, that against Miss Bennet there is little to criticize. She is warm and kind, induces all within the range of her voice to easiness, and is intelligent, bright, and personable besides. Had I any reservations about her suitability, I would have acted to remove Georgiana from her influence.”
“That you have not speaks volumes.”
As does your praise of the girl, thought Susan to herself.
“As it should,” said Darcy. “If you are concerned for her suitability to be a beneficial influence on Georgiana, her likely behavior when she was here should put those reservations to rest, for her influence has already been profound. Miss Bennet is, to put it bluntly, one of the best young ladies I have ever known. She is genuine, a veritable treasure—compared with Miss Bingley, she is a gem of the first order.”
All this talk of Miss Bennet interested Susan, for she saw something in Darcy’s response she had not expected to see. To own the truth, it reminded her of how Georgiana had behaved. This woman of whom Susan had not known only yesterday had affected her niece and nephew profoundly. With that realization, it became important for Susan to judge for herself.
“I believe I should like to meet Miss Bennet. Would it be possible to bring her around?”
“If you would like,” said Darcy. “I will note, however, that an invitation for Miss Bennet and her sister to attend you will of necessity include Miss Bingley.”
Again, Susan frowned with distaste. “Which will become a feather in her cap. Miss Bingley has been angling for an introduction for many months now.”
Darcy nodded, but he did not speak. There was little choice if she wished to make this Miss Bennet’s acquaintance, so Susan gave him a terse nod.
“If that is the way it must be, then so be it. Approach Mr. Bingley and let me know when you wish to bring them around.”
When Darcy nodded, Susan regarded him, wondering if she might provoke him to reveal something to her, a suspicion that appeared in her mind. After a moment’s thought, Susan decided to see where it led.
“The other matter is the fact of your persistent single state. Will this be the year you finally find a woman you can tolerate?”
Whereas in the past Darcy might have demurred or groaned in his distaste, this time he did not reply at once, seeming deep in thought. Of what those thoughts consisted, Susan could not determine, but she would wager the young woman of whom he and his sister had spoken figured with prominence. It seemed he had not even considered it himself.
“I have no objection to marrying,” replied he at length. “But I do not wish to choose without due thought.”
“You have told me that many times,” reminded Susan. “Do not worry, dear boy, for I shall assist.”
The look Darcy gave showed his alarm, but Susan laughed and mollified him. “No, I will not push any woman you cannot tolerate on you. But a little encouragement cannot go amiss.”
A few moments later, Darcy departed, leaving Susan to her thoughts. Though it was far too early to become excited at the prospect, Susan was all but certain that Darcy was interested in this Miss Bennet. It was ironic, for he had turned his nose up to the highest ladies in society and was on the verge of being captured by a young lady of no prominence and little lineage. It promised to be an interesting spectacle.
&nb
sp; Chapter XIII
Perhaps it was what his aunt had intended. Darcy would not have put it past her, for Lady Susan was both subtle and observant, well able to provoke a response when she wished it. Darcy’s thought dwelt so much on the subject that he wished his aunt had stayed silent.
It was not as if he thought the woman undeserving, for their acquaintance had informed Darcy that few were more so than she. The mere thought that he might consider her unworthy prompted a shake of Darcy’s head—it was not as if he were an earl or a duke, regardless of his plethora of titled relations and connections. If Miss Bennet, Bingley, or his relations knew that even the thought of a woman of gentle stock was not worthy in her own right, they would abuse him for his stupidity.
As he considered her, Darcy forced himself to remember that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was a recent acquaintance by every measurement. Despite how she had impressed him, his experience with her comprised a few hours at a wedding breakfast and a few visits between houses since her arrival in London. If that was so, why had the notion of the woman being an eligible bride entered his heart with the force of a hurricane, igniting his very blood in anticipation of coming to know her better?
That he had not even considered such possibilities before his aunt’s comments made Darcy wonder what he had been thinking. His marital prospects was a subject to which his relations returned ad nauseum; Darcy knew the comment from his aunt had not been accidental. Lady Susan wished him to marry and have children for his benefit, thinking he would be happier. In this, Darcy suspected she was not incorrect. His uncle’s reasons were more pragmatic, though he knew Lord Matlock was not insensible to his personal needs. Given his oft-stated wish for a political marriage, to shore up some alliance or another, Darcy wondered how his uncle would react to learn Darcy was considering a young woman of little importance, not connected to one of his allies.
Uncle Hugh would accept it, though it might be some time before he warmed to the woman. Then again, knowing Miss Elizabeth’s ability to charm—other than Miss Bingley, who considered her a threat to her designs—it might not be long before she had even his proud uncle eating from the palm of her hand.
With these thoughts in mind, Darcy stood with his sister as the Bingley carriage arrived, those riding within disembarking to greet their hosts. As Darcy might have expected, Georgiana, though she offered her compliments to all their guests—including the Hursts, whose carriage arrived on the heels of the Bingley carriage—soon fixed her attention on Miss Bennet.
“Elizabeth!” exclaimed she. “How happy I am to see you! Let us go inside.”
Then looping her arm though Miss Bennet’s she dragged their guest into the house, who went along in what seemed like a bemused state. As Darcy might also have predicted, Miss Bingley, who had never had a greeting from his sister as warm as Miss Bennet received, attached herself to Darcy’s arm and proceeded to denigrate her.
“What has come over your sister, Mr. Darcy?” asked she. The woman then answered her own question: “It appears Eliza’s impertinent manners have infected her. Perhaps it would be best if you limited her exposure to such a poor influence.”
It was pointless to remind Miss Bingley that denigrating one who lived in her brother’s home and sister to his wife was not only unwise but might redound to the detriment of all those associated with her. Miss Bingley would not listen even if he made the attempt. As Darcy was not in even a hint of agreement with Miss Bingley’s opinion of Miss Bennet, he dismissed her criticisms without thought, even as he determined she would not draw him into a conversation where she attempted to induce him to see her point.
“On the contrary, Miss Bennet has affected Georgiana’s manners for the best. Her shyness is absent in Miss Bennet’s presence, and that is something I cannot but applaud.”
Miss Bingley turned a frown on Darcy, as she often did when he contradicted her. “Do you approve of such unfashionable manners?”
“I apologize, Miss Bingley, but I have no notion of what you deem ‘unfashionable.’ She is playful and open, but her behavior is not improper.”
“I do not think your lady aunt would approve of her.”
Darcy would dearly have loved to indulge in a chuckle at that moment. “I think, Miss Bingley, you should not attempt to presume of what my aunt would approve.”
Then with a bow, Darcy left her, moving to where Bingley and Hurst stood near the mantle. When he reached his friends, Darcy noted Miss Bingley had used his departure to move to Georgiana and ply her with her brand of flattery. It was clear she considered Miss Bennet to be a hindrance and an annoyance; it heartened Darcy to note that Miss Bennet did not give any ground to an aggressive Miss Bingley.
“Need I ask what my sister said to you?” asked Bingley, dragging Darcy’s attention back to him.
Hurst snorted before Darcy could speak and interjected: “If you do not know, you are a simpleton, Bingley.”
Darcy nodded to acknowledge Hurst’s point. “No, I should think you have no need to ask me.” Considering his thoughts as Miss Bingley was speaking, Darcy added: “At some time or another, she will say the wrong thing to the wrong person, and it will reflect poorly on your family. Including you, Hurst.”
Another grunt was Hurst’s response, even as Bingley shook his head. “It is not only about Elizabeth, Darcy, and I have informed her many times. It seems she cannot control herself, especially when it pertains to Elizabeth.”
“You must insist she gain that control, Bingley.” Darcy hesitated, wondering if this was the best time to bring up the subject, before deciding did not much matter. “Bingley, I bear a message from my aunt, Lady Susan, who has expressed a desire to meet your wife and sister.”
Bingley turned astonished eyes on Darcy, as Hurst looked on with interest. “That is surprising, for I did not think she knew much about my wife, and she has always refused the opportunity to meet Caroline.”
“It is not your sister who Darcy’s aunt wishes to meet,” said Hurst. The man fixed Darcy with an appraising look and added: “Unless I miss my guess, I suspect it is more your wife’s sister who has provoked this request.”
“How can that be?” asked Bingley, confused.
“Because Georgiana visited my aunt,” replied Darcy, to Hurst’s nod, confirming his suspicions. “As her friendship has grown with such speed, Georgiana had little to speak which did not concern Miss Bennet. Lady Susan was intrigued and asked for an introduction.”
Understanding flooded Bingley’s countenance and he regarded Darcy with interest. “I should not have thought a woman of Elizabeth’s background would be of much consequence to your aunt.”
“That consequence comes from seeing her shy niece turned into a girl who will not stop speaking of a recent acquaintance to even take a breath, Bingley.”
“Elizabeth has that effect on others,” replied Bingley. Then he shook his head in exasperation. “Another matter for which I shall have to contend with Caroline, for it will not please her to learn it was Elizabeth who provoked your aunt’s civility.”
When Darcy opened his mouth to speak, Bingley waved him off. “Yes, Darcy, I know you do not concern yourself with Caroline’s ill humors. You, however, do not have to endure them, for she does not live with you.”
“Then do not inform her of the reason,” said Hurst with a shrug. “Let Caroline assume Lady Susan’s civility is provoked by whatever fantasy she cares to imagine.”
“Though I do not think you need to be explicit,” said Darcy, nodding at Hurst, “you know how your sister would behave if she believes my aunt’s request is a compliment to her. Instead, you might say she has requested an invitation to your family and insinuate it is because of your recent marriage.”
“Yes, that might be for the best,” said Bingley. “That way Caroline will not crow to her cronies that Lady Susan favored her or turn her vitriol on Elizabeth.”
“However you wish to handle your sister, that is your affair,” replied Darcy. “You should let her know that Lady Susa
n will not take kindly if your sister boasts all over town or voices some other absurdity.”
Bingley nodded, his eyes finding his brother. “What of Hurst and Louisa?”
“I think we will decline,” replied Hurst. “Louisa is not as eager as Caroline to mingle with the highest of society and will not repine her exclusion. Should Lady Susan wish to make our acquaintance at a later date, we will, of course, accept.”
“Lady Susan did not mention you and Mrs. Hurst anyway,” replied Darcy, “so that would be for the best.”
Hurst nodded and allowed the subject to drop. As for Bingley, he stood watching the ladies for a few moments, his manner more thoughtful than Darcy could ever remember from his friend. Then he turned to Darcy.
“I have always known that Elizabeth is a bright light, but I am curious about her impression on your sister.”
“It is something I cannot account for myself, Bingley,” said Darcy. “It may be that Georgiana needed someone her own age to look up to, someone to whom she could relate who was open and friendly. Though she has cousins, even Lady Charity, Lady Susan’s daughter who is closest to her in age, is one and twenty. As Miss Bennet is only a year older than Georgiana, it must be easier than to speak with her older cousins.”
“Then it is well she has come to London. I will tell you one thing I know about Elizabeth: now that she has made your sister’s acquaintance, she will consider her a friend forever, as long as Miss Darcy continues to welcome her. There is no firmer or more loyal friend than Elizabeth.”
“That is my hope,” murmured Darcy.
When dinner was served, it pleased Darcy to escort Mrs. Hurst to dinner—she being Mrs. Bingley’s superior in society due to Hurst’s position as a gentleman, while Bingley was only a prospective gentleman. Miss Bingley did not appreciate being relegated to the middle of the table and sat there across from Miss Elizabeth in a similar position as if she considered herself head and shoulders above the other woman. Mrs. Hurst was not a scintillating companion nor an interesting conversationalist, but as she was not Miss Bingley, Darcy focused on small blessings. At the other end of the table, Hurst sat in a similar position with Georgiana, and though he concentrated on his dinner as much as he ever did, it was clear he attempted to be personable, though he had little in common with Darcy’s sister.