by Jann Rowland
“Now, get out of my house, for I do not wish to see you. When Jane and I return from Pemberley, if you wish to join us at Netherfield I shall allow it, but I will insist upon your respectful behavior.”
Miss Bingley’s lip curled, her eyes blazed, and she spat: “You have betrayed me, Brother. Do not suppose I shall ever forget it.”
Then she spun about and marched from the room. Mrs. Hurst, though she watched her sister go, did not follow her at once.
“She will be impossible to live with now, Charles, though I understand why you spoke to her as you did. It was high time you put her in her place.”
Mr. Bingley nodded and approached his sister, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Do not endure Caroline’s abuse, Louisa. Speak to Hurst, for he will not put up with it. If she becomes too much of a burden, we can install her in her own situation, funded by her dowry.”
“I would not wish to throw my sister off, Charles,” said Mrs. Hurst, seeming undecided.
“Nor do I. But she has become unmanageable. If you do not present a determined front, she will continue to believe she can do whatever she wishes.”
With a nod, Mrs. Hurst kissed his cheek, then turned to Jane. “I apologize for Caroline’s behavior, Jane. Even more, I apologize for my failure to stop it.”
“There is nothing for which to apologize, Louisa,” replied Jane, grasping Mrs. Hurst’s hands. “Please do as Charles suggested. The sooner you assert yourself, the better the situation will be.”
A nod of understanding was Mrs. Hurst’s response before she said a few words of apology to Elizabeth, excused herself, and hurried from the room. They all understood that Miss Bingley would be doubly intractable if Mrs. Hurst kept her waiting. Elizabeth hoped Mrs. Hurst would not have too difficult a time of it, even while she suspected Miss Bingley would do her worst. Being free of Miss Bingley was a relief, however, and while Elizabeth could not applaud the apparent break between siblings, she could not repine Miss Bingley’s absence.
“You should have seen it, Darcy,” said Bingley, pacing about the study as he was. “Such a spectacle my sister created! I have always known she was a selfish shrew, but I did not think she would walk into my house and abuse my wife, never expecting me to respond.”
Darcy watched his friend pace, satisfaction welling up within him. For years Darcy had been urging his friend to take Miss Bingley in hand and control her, for he was certain she would ruin him in society if he did not. That it took Bingley’s marriage to provoke him to action was something Darcy had not expected, though Darcy supposed he should have seen it. Even had she succeeded in persuading him to marry one of her friends, Miss Bingley’s nature was such that she would try to keep a tight rein on her brother. Now he had disabused her of that, perhaps she would be more governable. Stranger things had happened.
“How do you think Hurst will deal with her?” asked Darcy.
The snort with which Bingley responded spoke with eloquence of his opinion on the matter. “Caroline little respects Hurst, considering him to be a drunkard and a glutton. While he may be those things, he is also not in the habit of allowing her to misbehave. I suspect she will rant and rail, and when she says something derogatory about Louisa, he will step in.”
“Good for Hurst,” replied Darcy. “Then you may hope that Miss Bingley returns from Norfolk with her behavior muted.”
“Yes, we all hope for that,” muttered Bingley. “At the very least, if she ever speaks to Jane in such a way again, I will cast her off, sister or no.”
“A wife must always have a man’s first allegiance. It is astonishing that Miss Bingley thought you would support her over your wife.”
With a grimace, Bingley threw himself into a chair, placing his chin in his hand and glowering. “You were correct, Darcy. For years you have been telling me to control her, and like a fool I continued to indulge her. Well, I shall do so no longer. Even now, I have half a mind to release her dowry and tell her to find her own situation. At the very least, I intend to approach Hurst and inform him I will not accept responsibility for her expenses as long as she is not living in my home.”
“That would be for the best,” agreed Darcy.
While Bingley sat and brooded, Darcy considered his friend and the sister who had been a thorn in the side of their friendship for so long. Darcy had been relieved when Bingley had informed him of Miss Bingley’s departure for Hurst’s house, for it allowed him to exclude her from the invitation. It had been the only weakness in his plan to come to know Miss Bennet away from the wagging tongues of society, for he knew Miss Bingley would not have allowed him the space he needed to become better acquainted without interference.
It had been a calculated risk to do so, for Darcy had known that Miss Bingley would learn of it, and he also suspected what her response would be. Had Bingley allowed his sister to insinuate herself into their plans, Darcy was not certain what he would have done. He might have refused to extend the invitation, thereby allowing Bingley to place the burden of that refusal on Darcy’s shoulders. It was better this way, for while it had created a chasm between the siblings, Bingley’s sister would not weigh him down any longer. That was as much a victory as keeping Miss Bingley away from Pemberley.
“Have I acted in accordance with your desires regarding my sister?”
Pulled from his thoughts, Darcy beheld a grinning Bingley; his friend already knew what his answer would be, and well he should. It had always amazed Darcy how quickly Bingley could recover from dark thoughts and anger and return to his naturally sunny disposition. In fact, Darcy envied it, for his tendency was toward brooding.
“You know you have, Bingley. I might have refused her if you had asked, but it is better that you took her in hand yourself.”
“Yes, yes, that much is true, and I own to it without disguise.” Bingley waved the matter off as if it were of no consequence, and Darcy knew that now that he had thrown it off, it was not. “Then should Hurst ask—and I suspect he will not—I will inform him both that I refuse to ask you to include her, and that you would not extend an invitation anyway.”
“That is for the best,” said Darcy with a nod.
“Now, the other matter of which I wished to speak concerns your aunt.”
“Oh?”
“Perhaps you are not aware,” replied Bingley, “but Lady Susan, when she invited Elizabeth to Snowlock, offered to include Jane and me in her offer.”
Surprised, Darcy said: “No, I had no idea of it, though I have not spoken to Lady Susan for several days. It seems Georgiana failed to mention it, for she only informed me that my aunt had invited Miss Bennet.”
With a chuckle and a shake of his head, Bingley said: “Given your sister’s esteem for Elizabeth, I suspect her only attention was for the invitation Elizabeth received.”
“That is likely correct.” Darcy paused and peered at his friend. “What do you mean to do?”
“What do you think the chances are of finding an estate this summer?” asked Bingley.
“I cannot say,” replied Darcy. “I have asked my man of business to make a list, but I do not expect to see it until we are already at Pemberley.”
Bingley nodded. “Though I am flattered your aunt thought to include us, in this instance, it would be best to decline. It is my hope we shall find an estate, but even if we do not, we must prepare to leave Netherfield by Michaelmas. The time we would stay at Snowlock would be better spent in Hertfordshire.”
“Then I shall inform Lady Susan if you like,” replied Darcy. “I know your incivility will not offend her.” Darcy paused and added, considering the matter with care: “There may be opportunities in the future to revisit an invitation.”
“Because of your intentions toward Elizabeth?” asked Bingley with a significant look.
Pausing, uncertain if he should acknowledge the matter, Darcy searched for something to say. His failure to speak allowed Bingley to fill the void.
“Do not consider me witless, Darcy. I have not
ed your interest in Elizabeth, and to be honest, I applaud you. She is a wonderful woman, one I could see gracing your home for many years to come.”
“I do find myself intrigued by her,” said Darcy. Given Bingley’s observations and his status as protector of his wife’s sister while she was in his home, he deserved to know of Darcy’s intentions. “At present, I will note that I have not yet decided. The opportunity to have Miss Bennet away from the prying eyes of society is a godsend, for there are many who would not take kindly to my attention to a woman of little standing.”
“Including my sister,” added Bingley with a nod.
“I cannot dispute that.”
“Then let us proceed. We shall join you in Derbyshire when we leave London, and when Elizabeth and Georgiana go to Snowlock, Jane and I will return to Netherfield, whether or not we have secured an estate.” Bingley turned a speculative eye on Darcy. “Do you expect to go to Snowlock when Elizabeth quits Pemberley?”
“I am uncertain,” replied Darcy. “It depends on the situation at Pemberley. I also do not believe it would be advisable to give any attention to Miss Bennet in front of my uncle.”
Bingley grinned. “I presume he wishes you to make a political match?”
“You are not incorrect, though he has never been explicit.”
“Then do you mean to be engaged before she departs Pemberley?”
A grimace stretched Darcy’s lips and he said: “I know you have the capacity to fall in and out of love with ease, Bingley, but I do not know if that is enough time for me to accomplish it.”
“Given Elizabeth’s charms,” replied his friend, “it would not surprise me if you did.” Bingley paused and said: “I hope you do not intend to stop in Hertfordshire on the way north. If we stop at Netherfield, that will involve at least a visit with the Collinses, which is something I prefer to avoid.”
Darcy chuckled and nodded his agreement. “By all means, any plan which avoids Collins is a worthy one. You know he is the largest drawback to any interest in Miss Bennet, correct? A connection to Mr. Collins is not a point in Miss Bennet’s favor.”
“Just remember, Darcy,” said Bingley, “Derbyshire is three days’ journey from Hertfordshire, and Collins is not in a position where he can undertake it at his leisure. moreover, his wife would discourage it, as she controls the purse strings. Though I would not wish to shun them forever—especially Mrs. Collins, who is a good sort of woman—we may keep Mr. Collins at arms’ length.”
“Trust me, Bingley,” said Darcy, “if I continue to hear Collins spout my aunt’s ridiculous nonsense, it might provoke me to strangle him.”
Bingley barked with laughter. “If you can get to him before I do, or Mr. Gardiner takes his turn, you are welcome to administer some well-deserved chastisement. Collins has that effect on everyone, Darcy—you are not alone.”
“Then let us call it settled. I usually stop in Bedfordshire my first night on the road. If you will allow me, I shall make the arrangements at my usual stops.”
“Excellent!” exclaimed Bingley.
Rising, Bingley grasped Darcy’s hand and pumped it with vigor, his usual cheery grin etched over his countenance.
“Then I shall leave you for today, Darcy. The next time we meet, we should drink a toast to Derbyshire, the Bennet sisters, and most of all, avoiding Collins and Caroline.”
“I shall hold you to it,” replied Darcy.
With a final grin and a squeeze of his hand, Bingley let himself from the room, leaving Darcy alone with his thoughts. Darcy could not agree more—any day in which he could avoid Miss Bingley could not be all unpleasant.
Chapter XXI
As the season wore down and events grew sparse, the family took thought of their departure from London to Mr. Darcy’s estate. There had been some news of Miss Bingley’s continued displeasure with them all, but as she had not appeared at Mr. Bingley’s house, Elizabeth shunted thoughts of her to the back of her mind, eager to consider other, more pleasant matters.
Part of the preparations for their departure involved informing Mrs. Bennet and the Collinses of their plans for the summer. Not in the habit of corresponding with the master of the estate, Elizabeth wrote of her plans to both her mother and Mary by letter, trusting their auspices to inform Mr. Collins. From Mary she received nothing more than a brief note of acknowledgment and congratulations. From Mrs. Bennet, the response was altogether longer.
“Oh, Mama,” said Elizabeth with a heavy sigh as she sat to break her fast with her sister and brother-in-law. “Can you never think of anything else?”
“What does she say, Lizzy?” asked Jane, though her knowing look suggested she already deduced its likely contents.
“Nothing more than Mama’s usual brand of silliness,” replied Elizabeth. “She congratulates me on my proposed visit to Derbyshire, gives her permission, and abjures me to take every opportunity to attract a wealthy gentleman while I am there. Further, she suggests that Mr. Darcy, as a friend of Mr. Bingley, might be a likely prospect.”
Elizabeth noted Jane and Mr. Bingley exchanging a glance, though she kept her focus on the matter at hand. That Jane and her husband had perceived Mr. Darcy’s interest she did not doubt. There was a problem, however, with Mama’s speculation concerning Mr. Darcy that she did not think her brother and sister had realized.
“You should expect similar statements in your letter, Jane,” said Elizabeth, gesturing at the paper that sat next to Jane’s plate, “for Mama suggests I speak to you and remind you to put me forward at every opportunity.”
Jane nodded, her mien contorting, but Elizabeth ignored it. “What concerns me more is that discretion is an unknown concept to our mother. Should she speak of her speculation concerning Mr. Darcy, Mr. Collins will hear, and I do not suppose his reaction will be temperate.”
“No, it will not,” said Mr. Bingley. “The fool still considers it his duty to protect Lady Catherine’s interests, as if he knew of what her interests consisted.” Mr. Bingley fell silent, considering the situation, and then ventured: “I shall send a note to Mr. Gardiner informing him of our suspicions. It appears he must deal with Mr. Collins again.”
The sisters agreed and turned back to their breakfasts. The result of their expectations was such that Elizabeth wondered if she should brand herself a prognosticator extraordinaire, for it was the very next day when the letter from Mr. Collins arrived. Mr. Bingley, who was present, asked Elizabeth to open the letter and read it aloud. While the whole letter—more than three sheets written on both sides—was unbearable to read, for Mr. Collins was known for using ten words when two would suffice, the most important passages were as follows:
As it seems you have forgotten, Cousin Elizabeth, I must remind you of my peculiar connection to this situation, and yes, even to Mr. Darcy and Lady Susan Fitzwilliam. If you will turn your attention back to some of the observations I have made since I arrived in Hertfordshire, you might recall that Mr. Darcy is Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s nephew, and, indeed, the gentleman’s closest relation. In addition to this, Lady Susan Fitzwilliam is Mr. Darcy’s aunt, the wife to Lord Matlock, who is brother to Mr. Darcy’s late mother.
How you have induced a woman of Lady Susan Fitzwilliam’s consequence and lofty position in society to invite you to her estate I cannot fathom, though I must suspect some intrigue on your part. As for Mr. Darcy, I know without a hint of a doubt that Lady Catherine would not approve of your intention to stay at his estate. The lady also does not approve of the esteemed Mr. Bingley, though I suspect that is only because she does not know him. To have a young, single woman stay with Mr. Darcy is improper in the extreme, and I am certain her ladyship would not wish her nephew to be subjected to the temptation of a woman so much lower than he in society would represent.
It is clear to me that I must bear some measure of the blame in this instance, for when you departed, I abjured you to search for a husband so you would no longer be a burden upon myself and my wife. When I did so, however, I had n
ot thought a young woman so intimately connected with my dear wife could be so avaricious and grasping. You have set your sights far too high, Cousin, and should you persist in this course, you may climb them, but your proximity to the sun will scorch you as a result. As the fault has been mine, so must the remedy be. There is nothing to be done but to return you to Longbourn, so I may attend to your education in the attempt to correct that unfortunate rapacious grasping which has wormed its way into your character.
Consequently, I hereby deny you permission to accompany Mr. Bingley to Pemberley and command you to return to Longbourn. Perhaps Mr. Bingley can leave you here when he continues on his way north. However it is accomplished, I insist that you return soon. Under no circumstances are you to journey to the north, for I forbid it.
Though the letter continued for a few more paragraphs, it was nothing more than Mr. Collins rewording his previous statements ad nauseum. As she read, Elizabeth kept one eye on Mr. Bingley, noting the darkening of his countenance, until, when she finished reading, the gentleman was all but fuming.
“Does your sister’s husband have any sense at all?” demanded he as he rose to pace the room.
“I believe the answer to your question is a resounding no,” replied Elizabeth. “The most curious part of this is that Mr. Collins could not wait to be free of me, and now he proposes that I return to his house for an extended period.”
“Just another of his absurdities,” muttered Mr. Bingley. “Do not concern yourself, Elizabeth, for I shall speak with Gardiner. You know your uncle well enough to understand he will take great pleasure in piercing your cousin’s puffed-up opinion of himself.”
“Why should I be worried?” asked Elizabeth, fixing her brother with a grateful smile. “I have the best protectors in the world.”