“But?”
“But I would not listen to his advice.”
“What was the advice that caused all this difficulty?”
“He did not . . . he said I should not . . . he recommended that . . . that I not marry you.” He followed this strangled sentence with a sigh.
“He said that?”
He answered with a slight nod of his head.
“But why?”
Bingley’s pain was evident in his voice. “He thought I should marry a woman with a large dowry, a woman of fashion and society, one who could bring me wealth and status.”
“I am not that kind of woman, Charles, as you well know.” Feeling some alarm, she added, “You do not regret marrying me, do you?” Jane drew back from him. She knew how heavily Bingley relied on Darcy’s advice.
Bingley felt her efforts to move away and held her close. “Not at all! I told him that I wanted to marry someone who loved me and whom I loved in return, and that every other consideration was irrelevant in the face of this desire. I do love you, Jane, and all I wanted was to be with you forever.”
He felt her relax. “How could Mr. Darcy call himself your friend, but say all of those things? No wonder he stayed away. He thought I was ruining your life!” She paused as a realization dawned on her. “That is why he left Elizabeth! He felt she was not good enough for him, so he broke her heart. Cruel, cruel man! I hope I never see him again!”
Bingley thought about what she had said. All of it was true. Darcy had tried to take Jane away from him and had hurt his new sister, Elizabeth, whom he admired very much. He and Darcy had been friends for many years, but in just a few weeks, Darcy had managed to injure the two women most important to him. What kind of a friend was that?
* * * * *
LONGBOURN WAS RELATIVELY QUIET WITH its inhabitants either absent or pursing their usual diversions in silence. Constance and Mary were reading, Kitty and Lydia had gone into Meryton, and Mrs. Bennet was sitting at her needlework. Elizabeth had left the house, saying that she was going to walk in the garden. Mr. Grinly, having arrived at a good stopping place in the book he was reading, determined on following her example.
Mr. Grinly reflected on the wedding of the day before, and he compared it to his own fifteen years earlier. It had fulfilled every wish he had for happiness. Then Julia died and his life had been clouded ever since. Constance was his only real source of joy, but if he were to be honest, he would have to confess that he was not happy. Perhaps Julia was right. Perhaps he should marry again.
* * * * *
MR. GRINLY WAS WALKING AWAY from the house when he espied Elizabeth seemingly lost in thoughts of her own as she progressed across the lawn. He noticed how attractive she looked with the sun shimmering through her dark hair, and he paused for a moment to watch her before resuming his walk. She heard his approach and greeted him with a wave.
“Good morning, Miss Bennet. You certainly have a pretty garden at Longbourn.”
“Yes, I enjoy it very much. It is a beautiful day for walking. Where is Constance?”
“She is in the drawing room with a book.” Elizabeth’s voice was pleasant, her face and eyes were animated, and she appeared to take a real interest in him. It was a pleasure to be with her.
“I must tell you how much I like her, Mr. Grinly. She is such a sweet girl.”
“Thank you. I confess that I enjoy every minute I spend with her.”
Elizabeth began walking again, and he fell into step beside her. “I know you have not been in Hertfordshire long, sir, but how do you find the country so far?”
“I feel very much at home here. The air is refreshing and the colors are so vibrant. There is a great feeling of vitality and freshness to the whole place that I like very much.” He once again noticed Elizabeth’s beauty and realized those same words could be applied to her as well.
“I am glad you like it. I never tire of the beauties of Hertfordshire.”
They progressed a little further. “The wedding was beautiful, was it not?”
“Yes, it was. My sister was such a lovely bride, and Mr. Bingley looked very handsome. It is a joy to behold two people so very much in love.”
“I am certain they will be happy.”
They continued on in silence, but Elizabeth did not mind it, for she was not uncomfortable around Mr. Grinly. In fact, he made her feel quite at ease. She felt that he placed no demands on her as might make her feel obliged to talk or behave in a certain way.
“Tell me,” began Elizabeth, “did you like London?”
“I liked it well enough. I have not been to Town in several years. It is larger and there are more people than I remember. There are many new buildings, and the parks add such charm to the neighborhoods. Although it was exciting to be there, I confess that I do prefer the retirement of the country. I enjoyed the time we spent with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner very much.”
“I enjoy staying with my Aunt Gardiner, but I also confess to preferring the country. Did you find amusement in the public places and the assemblies?”
“No, I did not want to leave Constance alone. She is not yet out in society, and I felt that the public dances were not appropriate for her. We attended the theatre and concerts, which we both enjoyed very much and will provide hours of conversation for us during the evenings at Sappingford.
“Sappingford is your home?”
“Yes, it is a modest estate in Wiltshire. I have lived there all my life.”
“What is the country like?”
“It is very hilly and covered in trees. I take great pleasure in watching the sunset from the top of a knoll near our home. Constance and I frequently walk there in the evenings. The closest town of any significance is Westbury, which is about an hour’s ride by coach. I sometimes feel that Constance must be terribly lonely. She does not enjoy much female companionship, and I am sure she would benefit from associating with other young women more often than the monthly assemblies allow.”
“She is a beautiful young lady. You must be proud of her.”
“I am, very much so.”
“If I might ask, how old was she when her mother died?”
“She was only six years old.”
“I am so sorry,” said Elizabeth gently.
“Constance has only fleeting memories of her mother and these grow fainter with time. I cannot imagine growing up without a mother. There is only so much a father can do for a daughter, you know. I try my best, but I feel as though I fail her. I do not always understand her.”
“I am certain that your love for her is sufficient to provide her with everything she will need in life.”
“It is difficult knowing what is right. Oftentimes, I feel quite helpless.”
“Helpless? Forgive me, sir, but Constance’s manners, understanding, and conversation speak to the contrary. You should feel more confident, Mr. Grinly, for you are bringing her up very well. Anyone who sees her must know that. It is obvious to me that you are an excellent father.” She spoke warmly, perhaps more so than she intended, but it pained her to see him undervalue himself. He was a good man and deserved her praise and respect.
He was grateful for her assurances. His natural feelings of inadequacy as a parent delighted in any form of encouragement. He also understood them to be perhaps a sign of some regard on her part, a feeling that was not at all unpleasant.
They exchanged a look and a smile and continued on in silence.
Chapter 12
ELIZABETH WAS WORKING QUIETLY IN the drawing room when Constance came up to her. Her behavior was more shy and diffident than usual, and Elizabeth believed that something must be bothering her. Set on relieving her uneasiness, she offered Constance her hand.
“Miss Grinly, please come and sit with me.”
“Miss Bennet, I know that you and your sister, Mrs. Bingley, are quite close.”
“Yes, we are,” replied Elizabeth cautiously.
“It must be a great loss to you to have her living so far off.”
“Netherfield is only three miles away. I shall see her very often.”
“I mean . . . well . . . here I am, Miss Bennet . . . a perfect stranger . . . occupying her room.” Rallying her courage, Constance finished her thought. “I suppose I am a little uneasy by it. I do not wish to make you uncomfortable.”
“Miss Grinly, since we are friends, you must call me Lizzy.”
“Thank you, Lizzy.”
“Constance, please do not feel that you are intruding. I am very happy that you can make use of Jane’s room, for if not, where would I find such a friend as you?” Elizabeth pulled her into a warm embrace.
This uncertainty had been a cause of worry to Constance, but she now felt much more like herself again. She had grown close to Elizabeth and had found in her the friend she wished she had in Wiltshire.
Elizabeth could sense Constance’s regard and returned it equally. The young lady was as gentle and considerate as Jane, which endeared her to Elizabeth even more.
* * * * *
CONSTANCE WANTED A FRIEND DURING her stay at Longbourn, and while all the Miss Bennets were very kind to her, she felt as if she did not quite fit in. Catherine and Lydia were wild after officers, and Constance felt awkward participating in an activity she felt was improper, as well as considering herself too young to be forming an attachment. Mary’s attitude of preaching against pleasure was not endurable for any length of time. It seemed impossible to get to know her. That left Elizabeth, who was six years her senior.
“Tell me about your home, Constance,” asked Elizabeth. “Your father mentioned that it is a place called Sappingford, in Wiltshire.”
“Yes. It is a lovely old home, though too isolated for my taste. I spend much of my time alone. I do have friends, but I see them only at the assemblies in Westbury.”
“Has your father considered remarrying? It might be a comfort to you if there was another woman in the home.”
“It would be if she loved me.”
“I doubt very much that your father would marry someone who did not like you. Besides, it would be a strange person who could not.”
“My poor father misses my mother so much. I wish I had been the one who had died and not my mother. So much happiness is missing from his life. If he were to remarry, it should be for his sake, not mine.”
Constance was always concerned about her father’s well-being. She had reflected on his loneliness many times before, but it always led to feelings of melancholy. Hoping to avoid such emotions now, she changed the subject. “Who made that pretty needlework framed by the entryway?”
“That old thing? I did, if you must know. I made it for my father when I was about your age. He hung it in his library. After he died, Jane moved it out here. She said it was too pretty to hide.”
“Would you teach me to stitch like that? I never learnt.”
“Certainly. I would be delighted.”
* * * * *
THE NEXT AFTERNOON, MR. AND Mrs. Bingley called at Longbourn and it was Jane’s first visit as a married woman. A few days earlier, it was her home, but now she felt like a stranger. It is just a house, she thought to herself. Mrs. Bennet met them in the entryway as soon as they were announced. “Mr. Bingley, Mrs. Bingley, welcome to Longbourn!”
“Thank you, Mama,” said Jane as she stepped up to kiss her mother’s cheek.
“I am so glad you are here! Come into the drawing room so we can all talk. Jane, you look beautiful. Come along, Mr. Bingley.”
Mrs. Bennet was all pleasure and happiness. Jane, in having captured such a wonderfully rich man as Mr. Bingley, was now her favorite daughter, and she took great pride in her own efforts at insuring they were a match. Mrs. Bennet was still receiving compliments from friends and neighbors about the wedding breakfast and took no inconsiderable pleasure from it. On seeing Jane for the first time and being able to call her Mrs. Bingley, her joy was nearly absolute. All that remained to make it complete would be an attachment between one of her daughters and Mr. Grinly. She was determined that he would not leave the country without taking one of them to wife.
Jane’s four sisters were in the drawing room. Bingley quickly stepped up to them, and with a bow and a flourish, said, “Ladies, allow me to introduce my wife, Mrs. Charles Bingley.”
The ladies clapped their approval, and Elizabeth smiled at the blush on Jane’s cheeks.
“And I am your new brother, Charles Bingley, at your service.”
The girls rushed up to them to greet Jane as Mrs. Bingley and claim Mr. Bingley as their brother. It was a wonderful moment for Elizabeth, who observed Jane glowing with happiness.
Elizabeth was the last of the sisters to present herself to Mrs. Bingley. “Jane, congratulations! Is Mr. Bingley taking good care of you?”
Jane could not hide her joy. “He is the most wonderful man!” And in a subdued tone, she added, “I know that Papa would have liked Charles.”
“Yes, I know he would have.”
* * * * *
THE WHOLE PARTY RETIRED TO the drawing room. Jane found herself next to Mr. Grinly and took it upon herself to begin the conversation. “Well, sir, how are you enjoying Longbourn?”
“I have experienced nothing but enjoyment and relaxation since I have been here. The country is a healthy change from the fuss and dirt of London.”
“But there are many diversions in London. Lizzy and I would often stay with our aunt. She takes us to the theatre, the opera and the outside concerts, amusements that are sorely lacking in Hertfordshire. The shops and stores are delightful.”
“You are right. There are many good things about London.” He paused for a moment. “Will you remain long at Netherfield?”
“Yes, we consider ourselves quite at home there, and it is such an advantage for me to be settled so near my friends and family. I could not be more content.”
“Netherfield is a beautiful home. Mrs. Bennet took Constance and me over to the house one day to see the park. I hope you are pleased with it.”
“I am, and I am glad that you like it. It is so wonderful living there. Mr. Bingley spoils me with luxuries I have never known. Every day is so new and exciting for me.”
“There is no greater pleasure than basking in the love of your partner in life. I wish you joy.”
“Thank you. Will you be long in the area?”
“Our plans are not yet fixed. We spent six weeks in London and the surrounding area. Our visit to Longbourn has been very agreeable. Your mother is a gracious hostess, your sisters are very pleasant young women, and Miss Bennet has been especially kind to Constance. It is a delight for me to watch them together. She is teaching her some needlework, and every day Constance tells me how much she enjoys Miss Bennet and about all the things of which they talk. It warms my heart to see it.”
“Elizabeth’s goodness makes her a favorite with everyone.”
Mr. Grinly did not reply, but his mind had not wandered far from the subject as his attention turned towards Elizabeth’s side of the room.
Jane observed an expression of tenderness on his face as he looked at her sister. “She has a lively personality. When anyone is with her, they cannot help but feel happier. She brightens any room she is in with her laughter and gentle smile. She is my best friend.”
Recollecting himself, he turned his attention back to Jane. “That is quite a recommendation. She is a delightful young woman.”
It was Mrs. Bennet’s turn to make an observation. “Mr. Grinly, you must tell Mrs. Bingley about your beautiful home in Wiltshire. Jane, it is a remarkable place called Sappingford and is worth three thousand a year!”
“Mother! Please!”
“I am only saying what is true. Am I not, Mr. Grinly?
Mr. Grinly laughed. “I am partial to Sappingford as the handsomest home in the country.”
Following this exchange, Hill called Mrs. Bennet to the dining room, and the others were left alone. Once she was gone, Jane turned to Mr. Grinly. “I apologize for my mother, sir. She h
ad no right to say those things, but you need not be uncomfortable, for you are among friends.”
Elizabeth nodded her assent, very willing to admit Mr. Grinly as a friend.
“Thank you, Mrs. Bingley. Please do not make yourself uneasy.”
The Bingleys were to remain to dinner, and in the afternoon, Jane had the pleasure of seeing Elizabeth speaking quietly with Mr. Grinly and Constance for a considerable time. Jane could not hear what they were saying, but she watched them closely and understood from her sister’s countenance that she was well satisfied with the conversation.
* * * * *
JANE WAS SITTING QUIETLY IN the small sitting room at Netherfield when Mrs. Thomas mentioned to her that Mr. Bingley had received an express from Town. Wondering who might have sent it and if it were good news or bad, she went in search of her husband. She found him in his usual place in the library, sitting behind his large desk, and knowing that she was always welcome, she entered the room.
“Mrs. Thomas said that you received an express from Town. Is anything the matter?”
She slipped behind his chair and began to rub his shoulders.
Bingley made an unsuccessful effort not to be distracted by her gentle hands. “I hardly know. It is from Darcy. Perhaps you would like to read it.”
Jane read the note quickly as she walked around to the front of his desk and sat down on one of the large chairs. “What does this mean? What does our marriage have to do with Elizabeth?”
“It was my opinion that he was in love with your sister, and that the objections he voiced concerning our marriage were really arguments that he was using to persuade himself that he did not care for Elizabeth.”
“And do you really think that he still loves her?”
“I do.”
“I know that Elizabeth was in love with him. Indeed, she still is despite the hurt he caused her, but what right does he think he has to play with her heart in such a way that causes her pain?” Jane was furious at the arrogance of Mr. Darcy.
“He has no right at all. It was wrong of him.” Bingley hesitated for a moment. “If I were to invite him back to Netherfield, do you think she would see him?”
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