“And what about your advice to me? Do you now think it is acceptable for me to court Miss Bennet?”
Darcy thought for a while. “Truthfully, you must choose between her and your desire to become a part of London high society, for I do not believe you can have both. I am a part of that society and whatever they may think of my marriage, in the end, I will always be a part of it, and eventually my transgression will be forgotten. In fact, given Elizabeth’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and self-confidence, I suspect that in ten or so years she could be a leading member of the ton if she chose to be. But you do not have the family history I do. It is a society into which it is difficult to be accepted if you do not have all ‒ and I do mean all ‒ of the required characteristics. I fear a wife like Miss Bennet, with the family she has, and your lack of an acceptable family background, will make it impossible for you, even with my sponsorship, to break into that society any time soon. Because of my sponsorship these past years, your presence at events may be tolerated, but you and Miss Bennet would not be accepted as full-fledged members. Thus, you must choose. You may forget Miss Bennet and continue to look for an eligible woman of high society whom you can love and whose family needs your wealth. However, given your experience to this point, that may never happen. Or you can marry Miss Bennet, buy an estate such as Netherfield, and hope to have a happy life in a lower society than that of London.”
“If Miss Bennet were to accept me and I buy Netherfield, I would be considered a gentleman, would I not?”
“Yes, you would, and having Miss Bennet as your wife will probably ensure that you will be recognized as a gentleman of substance in this area. You may even become a man of some importance, if you choose. Also, if your wealth continues to grow and you send your children to the best schools, they could marry into a family that is part of high society. If that occurred, your status in society would be raised even further and perhaps you would then be acceptable to the ton. However, you do understand that most gentlemen are not members of the ton and are perfectly happy being nothing more than country gentlemen. In fact, there are times when I have wished my family history did not make it impossible for me to be just a simple country gentleman.”
Bingley contemplated what Darcy had said for some time before finally saying, “As I told you before, I have been trying to decide how to tell you for some months that I am not particularly enthralled with the prospect of being a member of the ton. It was my father’s wish that I be a gentleman and a member of higher society than that to which we belonged in Scarborough, but I am not sure he meant London’s high society. I think I have let my sister, Caroline, influence me in that regard. Also, since you agreed to mentor me and assumed I wanted to be a member of the ton, I have been following your lead. But I must admit, having spent these past four years socializing with members of the ton, I am not sure I will ever feel comfortable in that society. I believe I would be happier just being the ‘simple country gentleman’ you at times wish you could be. In fact, I was not all that displeased with the society in Scarborough. I am coming to believe my father’s dream is not my dream.”
Darcy smiled as he nodded his head. “And as I told you before, I am happy you have finally admitted that to yourself. I have comprehended for some time that you were not comfortable at ton events, but thought you felt you were obligated to your father to do all you could to become part of the ton. Truthfully, I believe your sense of obligation to your father was, in a sense, much like mine. Perhaps we both misinterpreted what our fathers wanted. All I know is, now that I have accepted my world will not come to an end if I marry the one woman who, I know, will make me happy, I feel much better. Maybe you should accept that it is your life, not your father’s, and do what will make you happy. If that is Miss Bennet, then marry her, if you are sure she loves you.”
“Why did you place so much emphasis on that last phrase? Do you think she does not favor me?”
“I cannot tell. Her countenance is always so serene, I cannot tell what she thinks. There is no doubt in my mind about Elizabeth. Her eyes and the emotion in her voice when she talks about us tell me all I need to know. When I watch Miss Bennet speak with you, I cannot tell how she feels. But I am not looking in her eyes or hearing the tone of her voice when she speaks to you. Lord only knows, I cannot fault her. I am sure, until Elizabeth, no one could tell my feelings by observing my taciturn countenance. Even I did not know the passion I had in me which was waiting to come out until I met the right woman. Therefore, I am only warning you to ensure she shares your feelings. Be direct with her. I believe she would be a good wife for you, no matter what she feels, but if you want a truly happy marriage, you must be more forthright with her and try to determine for yourself if you share a common love. Of course, if you are already sure, then my advice is to make her an offer.”
Bingley thought for a while about his meetings with Jane and his thoughts about her. Darcy was correct, she did always maintain a serene expression, but he was sure he saw affection for him in her eyes. But did she love him? As a matter of fact, how much did he love her? Was he so overwhelmed by her beauty and sweet disposition, he just thought he was in love?
As they pulled into the Netherfield drive, Bingley said, “You have given me much to think about. I have strong feelings for her, but I need to decide if it is an infatuation of the moment or the basis of true love. I also am sure she likes me, but whether it can become more, I do not know. I do know she seems to be the best woman for me I have ever met, but I obviously do not have the surety about her which you seem to have about Miss Elizabeth. Therefore, I will continue to pursue her, probably asking her for a courtship soon, but will not commit to engagement until I am as sure as you seem to be, if that can happen.”
“I think that is wise. Now, let us go tell your sisters of my courtship. I am sure Caroline will be highly upset, but hopefully I will no longer have to endure her inappropriate familiarity with me.”
******
When Darcy and Bingley finally arrived back at Netherfield, they were met by Caroline, who immediately took Darcy’s arm and guided him into the parlor, where the Hursts were awaiting them. “You poor man,” Caroline said, “to have to act as a chaperone and then eat lunch with those Bennets. It must be refreshing to finally be back in civilized society.”
Darcy gently, but firmly removed her hand from his arm. “Truthfully, Miss Bingley, I found their company quite refreshing. I cannot understand why you disparage them so. Mr. Bennet is quite a learned man, and Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth would be welcome additions to any gathering. Do you not agree, Bingley?”
A smiling Bingley said, “I do, indeed, Darcy. I rather suspect we will be seeing much of them in the coming weeks; therefore, it would behoove you, Caroline, to act friendlier to them. I plan to see them at church tomorrow and, if the weather is accommodating, walk Miss Bennet back to Longbourn.”
“Charles, you cannot mean that. That will give rise to speculation among the locals that you are planning to court Miss Bennet.”
“That is true, it will. Particularly since I intend to call on her Monday morning also.”
“Mr. Darcy, surely you will not stand for this. I assume you will continue to chaperone Charles, but do you not see that if you continue to do it with Miss Elizabeth, the local populace will begin to believe you intend to court her. Your family would be mortified.”
“He does not need to worry about that, Caroline. That eventuality has already been considered and addressed. No one will speculate that he wishes to court Miss Elizabeth.
Looking puzzled, she said, “Why is that, Mr. Darcy? How have you managed to assure everyone will know you are indifferent to Miss Elizabeth?”
“Did I say I was indifferent?” He looked at Bingley. “Did I say that, Bingley?”
“No, I do not believe I ever heard you say that.”
When Darcy heard Hurst chuckle, he looked at him, “Did you hear me say I was indifferent?”
“I did not. In fact, I rat
her expect you are not.”
Caroline looked at her sister. “Do you understand what they are saying, Louisa?”
Hurst, shaking his head, gave a full laugh, as his wife said, “Think, Caroline. I believe Darcy may have already asked Miss Elizabeth for a courtship, so no speculation is required.”
Caroline looked shocked. “That cannot be true. Mr. Darcy, tell me it is not true.”
“It is not true. I am not in a courtship with her.”
Hurst sat up straight and looked at Darcy, astonished. “Surely you have not done what I am thinking you have done?”
“I suspect I have.”
“I can assure you he has,” said a chuckling Bingley.
Caroline, who still believed she would capture Mr. Darcy, suddenly understood what they were implying. She grabbed Darcy’s arm and in a loud voice, said, “No, it cannot be. It cannot be. You are meant for me. She cannot have you.”
Once again Darcy firmly removed her hand from his arm and in a low, commanding voice, said, “Miss Bingley, I have told your brother and hinted to you, there was never a chance you would be my choice for a wife. Never! It is time you put that fantasy behind you and become realistic in your search for a husband.”
Caroline was so angry, she drew back her arm and tried to slap Darcy, but he easily caught her arm and held it. “And be sure, you will never capture a gentleman if you act thusly, no matter how large your dowry is.”
Bingley, who had moved immediately to Darcy and Caroline when she became agitated, took her arm from Darcy’s hand and turned her around to look at him. “And because of your effort to compromise Darcy last night and the fact that it is likely I will ask Miss Bennet for a courtship, I do not want you here to work your wiles to put a damper on my attempts to woo her. Therefore, I want you to pack your luggage and be prepared to leave for Bath and Aunt Ida’s house in the morning. I know you were considering going there instead of coming here with me, and I now believe it is best you do. Leave us.”
Caroline looked as if she wanted to strike him, but instead turned on her heels and started for the door to the parlor, saying, as she went, “Come, Louisa. It is obvious our brother has lost his senses and does not want us. We should have gone to Bath.”
The response she received was from Hurst, not Louisa. “No, Caroline, she will not be going with you. We are staying here.”
Caroline stopped. “You cannot condone this Louisa. Tell him.”
“I am sorry, Caroline, but we spoke of this before we even came here. If you decided to leave, we would stay, and I will act as mistress, if Charles wishes it.”
“And I do,” interjected Bingley. “As of this moment, Louisa is acting mistress of Netherfield Park. I would ask you, Louisa, to go with Caroline to help her pack and to make sure she gives you all the keys to house. You will check with Mrs. North to make sure you have them all.”
“You will regret this, Charles, and so will you Louisa, for not supporting me.” Then Caroline turned and stomped out of the room, with Louisa moving quickly to try to catch up with her.
After they were gone, there was quiet for some time and then Hurst said, “Well done, Charles. That was a long time coming, and I am glad I was here to see it and help. I believe it will help my marriage with Louisa immeasurably. I think she may finally understand what a disrupting influence Caroline has been. I suggest you follow this up by giving Caroline her dowry and making her make her own way. You have been far too generous in your allowance to her.”
Bingley sighed. “I suppose you are correct, but I promised father I would take care of her.”
“But she is twenty-eight, Bingley,” said Darcy. “You cannot be responsible for her all of your life. She has used you and the Hursts to escape responsibility for her life. She will never become the woman she should be unless she must face consequences for her actions, which she has never truly had to do while living with you or your father. I know it may seem harsh to you, but I think Hurst is correct. You must turn her loose.”
******
The next morning, at nine o’clock, after all her luggage was loaded in the carriage, Caroline left Netherfield for Bath. At breakfast, she had begged and cajoled Bingley to let her remain, saying she would accept Louisa being the mistress and was sorry about her reaction to learning of Darcy’s engagement. For the first time since Darcy had known him, Bingley, with the support of Hurst, remained resolute in response to her pleas and informed her he would be giving her control of her money and no longer giving her an allowance. She kept up her pretense of being submissive until it became obvious Bingley would not relent. Her true nature emerged as she went to the carriage, and she became insulting and vituperative, swearing she would have revenge. Darcy felt sorry for the driver and footman who would have to put up with her until they reached Bath.
Chapter 13: Announcements
After Bingley and Darcy had gone and Elizabeth and Jane returned to the parlor, Mary walked over to Elizabeth and rather uncharacteristically hugged her. “We all knew it would be you who would save us Lizzy. Even after you turned down Mr. Collins, I did not worry, because I knew there was no one like you and someone like Mr. Darcy would comprehend that and manage to earn your love.”
Elizabeth hardly knew what to say. It was so unlike Mary to be so affectionate and complimentary. However, before she could respond, Lydia said, “That is not what we believed, Mary. We all thought it would be Jane. How did you capture him, Lizzy?”
“Lydia!” exclaimed Jane. “She did not capture him. They fell in love and captured each other.”
“But why would he fall in love with her and not you?”
Jane shook her head and putting her arm around Elizabeth, said, “You truly do not understand, do you? Whose card do you think is always full when we go to an assembly? Who has already had three men ask to court or marry her? Who does everyone like immediately upon meeting her?” She turned to Kitty. “Kitty, if you were to grow up to be like Lizzy or me, who would you choose? And answer truthfully. No one will be hurt.”
Grimacing, Kitty looked at Jane and then Elizabeth. “I have always hoped I could be like Lizzy. She is pretty, intelligent, always seems to know what to do, and yet is kind and never makes anyone feel inferior to her.”
“You do not have to ask me,” said Mary. “I think I am like I am because I did not think I could ever be like Lizzy, so why should I even try. However, now I comprehend I should be more like Kitty and try as hard as I can to be like Lizzy, but I do not even know how to start.”
“Even I wish I was more like Lizzy. I could have never won Mr. Darcy because I could never express my feelings like Lizzy or get him to express his. The problem with me and Mr. Bingley is that we are both finding it difficult to express how we feel. In fact, I am still not sure what he feels about me. As far as being prettier, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and men may be impressed more by me when they first meet us, but in the end, it is Lizzy who attracts them most, and not because she is trying to. She just does, without thinking about what she is doing. As all of us have said, people just like Lizzy.”
She then looked pointedly at Lydia. “Now, answer truthfully, Lydia which of us would you rather be like.”
Lydia looked as if she was not going to answer, but finally begrudgingly said, “Oh, I suppose it would be Lizzy. Everybody likes her, and she always seems to get her way.”
Mr. Bennet, who had been sitting quietly, listened to these confessions of his daughters with amazement. He had no idea his other daughters held Elizabeth in such high regard. He suddenly had a thought about why Mrs. Bennet had been so bitter toward Elizabeth. For several years now, even before his wife’s death, Elizabeth had been the female in the house to whom everyone looked for leadership, given neither their father nor their mother provided it. He had not thought about who the younger sisters’ role model might be and if asked, would probably have said Jane. But now he understood what Mrs. Bennet must have unconsciously understood for years ‒ Elizabeth was the heart a
nd soul of the family ‒ not him and not Mrs. Bennet. He and his wife had been the cause of the problems in the family because they had not taken on the responsibilities they should have. In Mrs. Bennet’s case, it was because she was not brought up as a gentlewoman, was not particularly intelligent, and without guidance from him, had been floundering in fulfilling her duties as the mother of five young women who would all grow up to be gentlewomen. And he had been more interested in his books and studies than in being a good master and father. Doting on Elizabeth had done her no harm, because she was inherently intelligent and good, but it had alienated him from the rest of the family. He had never felt his own shortcomings as a father more than he did at that moment.
“This is ridiculous,” said Elizabeth. “I am not the paragon you seem to be insisting I am, Jane. I am just a sister who is concerned about her family and was lucky enough to have found the perfect man for me, who also happens to be extremely wealthy. You are still the best of us, Jane and I hope you can find the love I have found. You deserve it, if anyone does.”
“Why is there all this discussion of family relationships,” asked Mr. Bennet. “We should all be celebrating Elizabeth’s engagement and what it means to our family.”
Again, to everyone’s surprise, Mary responded. “I think we are discussing it because Mama, were she still with us, would have chosen to minimize how wonderful this occasion is because Lizzy was responsible for it. She always preferred to find fault with Lizzy rather than praise her, and, I, for one, always wondered why. And I believe we should remember what this means for the family besides a more secure future and happiness for Lizzy. It means Lizzy will soon be leaving Longbourn forever, and we will have to muddle along without her.”
The Lady of the Mount and Patience Rewarded: Two Stories of Darcy and Elizabeth Page 10