by Leenie Brown
“So this Mr. Bingley is special?”
“I believe he may become my brother at some point, Aunt,” Elizabeth replied with a grin. “His father was Uncle’s business partner?”
“Yes, Edward bought Mr. Bingley out a few years ago before he passed away. Mr. Bingley’s father used the money to move his children out of the trade business and into the realm of landed gentlemen. I understand he also used it to top off his daughters’ dowries.”
“But, Aunt, Uncle is not rich, and the Bingleys are,” said Elizabeth.
“Who said he is not rich? Your uncle is very successful. His income, if he chose to take it, would rival the Bingleys’.”
Elizabeth gasped. “In truth?”
“In truth,” assured her Aunt. “Although his income is sufficient for a very comfortable life, it could be much higher. Your uncle does not choose to live on all the profits from his business. He instead has tucked much of it away to assist people and to grow his business. Your mother does not know it, but if Mr. Collins does ask her to leave Longbourn after your father’s passing, your uncle, along with your father, have arranged to give her a manageable living and home. He and I did not want you or Jane or any of the other girls to have to marry out of necessity. We planned to tell you when you were old enough. In fact, after what happened with Mr. Collins, your uncle was going to speak to you about it while you were here.”
“So, my refusing Mr. Collins is not the tragedy Mama thinks it to be.” Elizabeth chuckled and then dissolved into a fit of laughter.
“What is so funny, Lizzy?” asked Jane.
“Can you imagine the shock on Miss Bingley’s face if she knew that part of her dowry and the leasing of Netherfield could be credited to our family?”
“Miss Bingley does not like you, Jane?”
“No, she thinks she is above us. But it is Lizzy she truly despises.”
“Why does she hate Lizzy?”
“Because Miss Bingley has set her cap for Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy likes Lizzy. Therefore, Lizzy and all of her relations are targets of Miss Bingley’s ridicule.”
“Ah, and we come back to Mr. Darcy and Lizzy. Something must be done about those two, do you not think?”
“Yes, Aunt. Something must be done.” Mrs. Gardiner and Jane laughed at the scowl on Elizabeth’s face.
~*~*~*~*~*~
“So, my Mr. Bingley is already Jane’s admirer?” asked Mr. Gardiner of his wife when they met in their private sitting area before going down for dinner.
“Apparently so,” replied his wife. “And your Mr. Darcy seems to admire our other favourite niece. We met Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam today at the tea shop. The man could not take his eyes off of Lizzy to be sure, but Lizzy is set against him at present. Has to do with a slighting remark he made when being pushed by Mr. Bingley to do something he did not want to do.”
“That sounds like Darcy. So, you say he admires Lizzy?” Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “Seems that gentleman likes to be surrounded by trying people.”
“Now, dear, it is Lizzy of whom we speak,” admonished his wife.
“You and I both know that she can be trying. Knowing Mr. Darcy as I do—always in charge, ordered and serious—and knowing Lizzy as I do—never wishing to be told what to do and given to impulse—it would be a fun relationship to watch. And a very good one, too, I should think. Both girls would pair equally as well with those two gentlemen.”
“I have not yet seen Mr. Bingley in company with Jane, but from what I saw of Mr. Darcy, he would be perfect for our Lizzy. I think she finds him interesting. She was entertained by the Colonel, and they fell into conversation quite readily, but there is something about Mr. Darcy she finds compelling. You could see it in her eyes and hear it in her challenging tone. She may have looked like she was flirting with the Colonel, but I believe she was really flirting with Mr. Darcy. She just does not realize it yet,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “You know how she has strong reactions to most people, but this…”
“More intense? Is that possible?” asked Mr. Gardiner in surprise. “This I would love to see, indeed—perhaps another dinner with more guests than Mr. Bingley next week?”
“Perfectly fine with me, my love. But tonight’s dinner may be just as interesting. It seems Mr. Bingley’s sister told Jane that Mr. Bingley was not returning to Netherfield. Since Mr. Bingley had departed suddenly for a business meeting, Jane thought that he had jilted her. It could be a bit awkward tonight, my dear, and if it is not, I am afraid you may have lost your conversation partner.”
“I do not think I could be sad to lose out on conversation for such a lovely reason as Jane’s happiness, Madeline.” Mr. Gardiner pulled his wife into his embrace for a quick kiss. “Shall we go down and prepare for the entertainment?”
Jane and Elizabeth were sitting in the parlour amusing the children when the Gardiners entered the room.
“Mama,” cried three-year-old Michael hopping out of Jane’s lap and racing to his mother. She scooped him up and gave him a kiss on his plump cheek. Then, wiggling and giggling, he squirmed his way free and ran back to sit with Jane.
“Good evening, children,” said Mr. Gardiner. He took a moment to address each one with a hug and kiss and a question about their day. They told him about their lessons and the games that they played.
“Lizzy and Jane have a treat for us after dinner, Papa,” said Amelia. “They stopped at the sweets shop, and after supper, if we are good, we might have it.” Her almost eight-year-old eyes were full of excited anticipation.
“And tomorrow, Jane has some ribbons she thinks will match my dress,” said twelve-year-old Margaret.
“And, I get to go to the park,” said Andrew. “And Lizzy has some friends that are going to come to meet me, Papa. She says they are friends of yours just like Mr. Bingley is.”
“Friends?” asked Mr. Gardiner with a raised eyebrow and a mischievous look at his niece. “Gentleman friends?”
“Yes, Uncle, friends—nothing more,” Elizabeth gave her uncle a peck on the cheek.
“At least nothing more for now,” whispered Jane as she too greeted her uncle with a kiss.
Mr. Gardiner threw his head back in laughter and gave Jane an approving pat on the back. When he finally stopped laughing, he said to Jane, “I believe we have a gentleman friend of yours coming over this evening. Your aunt has been filling me in on your excursions and conversations from today. But, I must say, Madeline, you did not mention gentlemen friends joining my nieces and children at the park. Who might these gentlemen be? The ones you met at the tea shop?” He winked at Lizzy.
“Yes, Edward, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
“Mr. Bingley,” announced Roberts, the Gardiner’s butler.
“Good evening, Mr. Bingley,” said Mr. Gardiner. “Our party is larger than normal tonight. We have our nieces visiting with us from Hertfordshire, but they tell me they already know you, so I will forego the introductions.”
“Indeed, we have met. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, it is a pleasure to see you again. I had not thought I would see you until the day after tomorrow as I was to return to Netherfield in the morning.”
“It is good to see you again, too, Mr. Bingley,” said Elizabeth. “We had not thought we would see you again until at least spring.”
Bingley smiled. “Ah, my sister must have told you that.” Elizabeth nodded. “Country life does not suit her as well as it suits me.” He laughed softly. “I could never abandon any of my friends either here or in the country. So, my plans have had to change. Darcy cannot get away at present, and since he was to accompany me, I will be waiting to return to Netherfield until he is available. I had been disappointed in the disruptions of my plans, but perhaps I can call on you ladies while I wait for him to finish up his business? It would make waiting so much more tolerable.”
“Of course, you must call on us,” said Elizabeth. “It is always pleasant to spend time with friends.”
“Indeed it is,” agreed Jane, a slight bl
ush colouring her cheeks.
Mr. Gardiner winked at his wife, and she responded with a knowing smile.
“But tomorrow we are going to the park,” said Andrew grabbing Elizabeth’s hand and standing just a bit between her and Mr. Bingley.
“Yes, Andrew, tomorrow, we will go to the park. I gave you my promise, did I not?” Elizabeth smiled down at the youngster.
“Yes, Lizzy, and a lady or gentleman never goes back on a promise.” He nodded his head gravely.
“Exactly. Now, would you, kind sir, do me the honour of walking me into dinner before returning to the nursery?” Elizabeth asked with a curtsey.
A smile suffused Andrew’s face as he made an awkward bow and extended his arm to Elizabeth.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner led the way, followed by Andrew and Elizabeth while Mr. Bingley offered his arm to Jane.
“Andrew is learning to be a gentleman, and is quite in love with Lizzy,” explained Jane. “I am afraid he was a bit jealous of your conversation with her.”
“There is no need for him to fear on that regard, Miss Bennet, but, tell me, has he such feeling for you?” said Mr. Bingley in a low voice. “For if he does, then I may indeed be jealous.”
Chapter 3
“Lizzy, are you ready to go to the park?” Andrew shifted from one foot to the other in eager anticipation of the outing.
Elizabeth ruffled his hair. Truth be told, he was not the only one anxious for the outing ─ and not merely for the sake of the exercise it afforded. “I need my pelisse, and you need your hat and gloves. The air is crisp today.”
“Glubs, glubs, glubs.” Michael waggled his gloves in front of her. She took them and helped him get his fingers in the right places.
Elizabeth smiled with satisfaction as she fastened her pelisse. “I think we are all ready to go. Four children, one governess, one maid, and two visiting cousins. Oh, and a treat for later.” She held up a small parcel causing the children to clap their hands in glee.
“Good luck,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “Give my greetings to the gentlemen, and remind them that I expect them to call. A warm cup of tea will be welcome after an outing in the park.”
As the group of adults and children from Gracechurch Street wove their way through the streets of London in Mr. Gardiner’s carriage, a trio of gentlemen was climbing into Darcy’s carriage in another part of town.
“So, Bingley, the dinner went well?” asked Darcy.
“Very well, my friend, very well. I was invited to join you on your outing to the park, was I not?” asked a beaming Bingley. “I understand you wish to meet Master Andrew, Colonel?”
“‘Twas the excuse,” said Richard. “Though I do hope to find out why Miss Elizabeth said she was here until her mother forgave her. And, it seemed like a good way to throw the unsuspecting couple together.” He winked at Darcy.
“Well, Darcy, you may wish to tread carefully. Master Andrew has laid claim to Miss Elizabeth. Stood between us when I was speaking to her last evening and never left her side until it was time to go back to the nursery,” said Bingley.
“Thank you for the warning. I shall try not to get called out,” said Darcy dryly.
“Uh, Darcy?” Bingley started cautiously.
“Yes.”
“There is something else of which you should be warned. Hmmm. Let me see, how do I put this? Errr. Seeing Miss Elizabeth with the children could be somewhat distracting.”
“Distracting? What are you talking about, Bingley?”
“Well, seeing Jane with little Michael on her lap last night made my mind wander to the possibilities in the future.”
“Oh,” said Darcy.
“Miss Bennet was interacting with the children so sweetly–it was quite a beguiling picture. But Miss Elizabeth, well, she really gets into playing with them, and they follow her around like little ducklings. And they seem to have her colouring as well. I thought you should be prepared.”
Richard chortled. “Oh, this is an even better idea than I thought.”
“Thank you, Bingley. It is good to see I have some friends who care about my well-being.” Darcy glared at his cousin.
“Oh, I have your well-being in mind, too. Pemberley needs a mistress; you need a wife; and I have never, in all my years of going to balls and parties and plays and various other soirees, met a woman more suited to you than Miss Elizabeth,” said Richard in a serious tone.
The carriage had arrived at the park just as the Gardiner party was coming down the street. Elizabeth had Michael on her hip; his curly dark head snuggled into her shoulder. Andrew’s hand was clasped firmly in hers as he occasionally looked up to her, his head tilting slightly, obviously asking a question. Jane and the girls followed behind, Amelia occasionally tugging at Elizabeth’s sleeve to get her attention. Darcy sat frozen, his jaw slack. He had never seen a more beautiful sight. His heart was racing. Richard was right. He did need a wife, a particular wife.
“I told you,” said Bingley with a twinkle in his eye.
Darcy just nodded mutely, and Richard gave him a sound slap on the back and a playful grin. “I shall get out first, Cousin, so you can pull yourself together.” And with that, Richard climbed out of the carriage followed by an eager Bingley and a somewhat shaky Darcy.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Elizabeth greeted them as they approached. “Allow me to introduce you to our group. First, this is Master Michael in my arms and Master Gardiner has a firm grasp on my hand.” Michael hid his eyes shyly behind the collar of Elizabeth’s pelisse, and Andrew practiced a bow. “Come forward, girls,” instructed Elizabeth. Immediately, the girls came forward, one standing on either side of Elizabeth. “Next to Andrew is Miss Gardiner. And on my left is Miss Amelia.” Both girls curtseyed. “We also have Miss Eddington, their governess, and Miss Lucy, their maid. Children, these gentlemen are Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy.”
“Lizzy,” asked Andrew, “can I let go of your hand now? We are almost in the park.”
“Now, Andrew, did you not specifically say you would escort me to the park? I am not at the park yet,” said Elizabeth smiling gently at the boy.
“Yes, Lizzy,” his shoulders drooped just a bit in disappointment, “and a gentleman always keeps his word.”
“Exactly,” replied Elizabeth. “However, as soon as we are at the gates you may run to your heart’s content, as long as you stay where one of us adults can see you.”
Andrew smiled and gave Elizabeth’s hand a tug as he tried to rush her to the entrance of the park. Elizabeth laughed and walked a bit faster. At the gate, she put Michael on the ground, and Andrew dropping her hand ran about with his arms outstretched pretending to be a bird.
“He’s a lively one, is he not?” she said to no one in particular, her eyes following him in his flight.
“Yes, he is.” Darcy chuckled softly. “I can remember playing that game.”
“Me, too,” said Elizabeth. “He is learning to be a gentleman these days. Aunt Gardiner says he heard someone talking about first sons about a month ago and has since dedicated himself to taking care of his sisters and becoming a gentleman. He has his father’s heart, always looking out for others.” She sighed contentedly. “But enough of Andrew, how are you today, Mr. Darcy? Colonel? I would ask Mr. Bingley, but he appears to be quite well.” Elizabeth gave a small, soft chuckle as she watched Jane and Mr. Bingley strolling down the path, arm in arm.
“I cannot speak for Darcy, but I am very well today, Miss Elizabeth.”
“I, too, am well today. Thank you.” Darcy said.
“Miss Elizabeth,” began Colonel Fitzwilliam. “I am sure that my cousin is going to tell me I am too curious for my own good and call me impertinent, but you muttered something in the coffee shop yesterday that is giving my mind no rest. You mentioned that you were not going home until your mother forgave you.”
“Impertinence is not something I am in the position to condemn as it seems to be a vice I struggle with as well. What I said about not going home until
I am forgiven may not be completely true. I do believe my father expects me to return by Christmas at the latest, with or without my mother’s forgiveness.” She smiled archly at the Colonel. “Now, Colonel, what could a lady such as myself have done to warrant such censure from her mother? Is that the question that has been making your mind uneasy?”
“Indeed it is.”
“And what if I told you that I could not possibly be expected to share such secrets?” She tilted her head and arched an eyebrow at Richard.
“Well, then, I suppose I would have to conjure up all sorts of possibilities. And if they are of such a secretive nature, I am afraid that your reputation, in my mind, is well and truly ruined.”
“Now, Colonel, before you go conjuring, let me assure you that it is nothing so heinous as to ruin my reputation in imagination or reality. But, it is enough to make a marriage-minded mama such as mine use words to scold me such as “selfish, ungrateful, obstinate and headstrong.” Does that help you figure it out, sir?”
The Colonel paced for a bit, then snapped his fingers. “You turned down an advantageous marriage proposal. Am I right?”
“You are very good, Colonel. That is it precisely. I suppose you would like the whole story, would you not? Mr. Darcy, how about you? Would you like to hear the tale?”
“I have to admit that you do have me curious,” said Darcy. “But, I would not dream of forcing a confidence against your will.”
“No, I suppose you know enough of my character to know that I do not respond well to being forced to do anything. That fact, however, has not become apparent to my mother. Thankfully, my father understands.” Elizabeth’s eyes twinkled. “Luckily for your cousin, who I suspect will either burst from curiosity or resort to all manner of interrogation methods to extract the tale, I am willing to divulge my secret.“ Do you remember Mr. Collins, Mr. Darcy?”
“How could one forget Mr. Collins?”
“How indeed!” agreed Elizabeth emphatically. “Following your aunt’s advice, he came to Hertfordshire to find a wife. He intended to ask one of his cousins since Longbourn is entailed to him. He and your aunt thought this would be a fine olive branch to offer in order to repair a long-standing rift between his late father and my father.