A Most Civil Proposal

by C. P. Odom

  He stood up suddenly in agitation. “But I was miserable, Miss Bennet, for I thought I loved one who did not return my love. Only this morning did I learn from Mr. Darcy that I was not alone in my misery — that you shared it.”

  Jane was confused. “Mr. Darcy? How could he know anything about my feelings?”

  “He had it from your sister, Miss Elizabeth, whom he met while visiting in Kent. I confess,” he said with a frown, “I do not quite understand how she came to tell him of this, but he assures me that it is true. It was he who acquainted me of your presence in London these months. I was completely unaware of it. He also told me you had called on my sister Caroline and that she returned the visit. I also knew nothing of that.”

  He came to a stop in front of her. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to sink down to one knee in before her and take her hand.

  “Miss Bennet, I have been counselled of prudence, and I have listened to that counsel, and I have been miserable. I will have no more of prudence! Your aunt said that I had made no declaration of my feeling in Hertfordshire; that is true, and it was my mistake. I am done with that also. Miss Bennet, I must tell you that I love you, I loved you in Hertfordshire, and I love you even more after these months of misery. When I entered this room and saw you, I knew I could never live without you. I would be the happiest man in the world if you would agree to be my wife.”

  Jane was filled with overflowing joy, both by his declaration of love and by the overwhelming suddenness of it all, but she was unable to say a word as he continued, “I can well understand if you could not forgive me for my mistakes, for they are grievous. I allowed myself to be swayed by the arguments of others rather than listening to my own heart, and that failing has caused us both pain. But I will do my best to make amends. I will start, if you cannot accept me at this point, by returning to Netherfield and asking your father for permission to court you in the hope of convincing you of my steadfastness, for I do dearly love you, and . . .”

  Jane tried to get his attention, but though he held her hand, he could not hold her eye as he continued to tell her of what he would do to win her love in the future. At last, she put out her other hand and placed her fingers over his mouth. “Please stop,” she said, and when she had his attention, she simply said, “Yes.”

  “Yes?” he asked in surprise and incredulity.

  “Yes,” she confirmed with a smile.

  At that, Bingley, who had been so full of words just moments before, was struck dumb. Jane squeezed his fingers, the gentle, happy smile remaining on her face, and said, “Perhaps we should go to my aunt.”

  Chapter 9

  Monday, April 13, 1812

  Just after noon on Monday, Darcy was working on his correspondence in his study when he heard a knock at the front door of his townhouse. Shortly, Stevens came to the study door. “Mr. Bingley asks for a moment of your time, sir.”

  Darcy looked up in surprise. “Please show him in.” Before he could rise to his feet, he heard rapid footsteps in the hall, and Bingley literally burst through the door. Gone was the grim, baleful man of the previous day and returned was the effusive, amiable Bingley of yore, smiling widely, if somewhat sheepishly, as he approached his friend.

  “Darcy, I have the pleasure to inform you that both our missions have been successful and I am engaged to be married! In fact, I am just back from asking Mr. Bennet for his consent.”

  Darcy’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “That was fast work.” He cocked his head at his friend, whose smile had just grown wider if possible. “In fact, it is most unlike the Bingley I have known for these past years.” Darcy held out his hand. “Congratulations, Charles.”

  Bingley pumped the proffered hand enthusiastically.

  As Darcy gestured Bingley to a chair, he ventured, “Do I dare hope that I am forgiven?”

  Bingley could not help but laugh. “Certainly Darcy, certainly. For a while there, I do not quite know what came over me. I cannot remember ever being that angry before.”

  “I am certain that I deserved every jot of your anger. I should not have presumed to interfere.”

  “Never mind that. You made your mistake and then owned up to it when you discovered your error. Caroline, however . . .”

  Darcy saw a cloud of anger descend on Bingley again, and he continued, “Caroline tried to keep lying to me, and I banished her to the charity of the Hursts. Until I am satisfied that she understands the gravity of what she did and affirms that she will not repeat her mistake, especially in her treatment of Jane, she can stay there.” He smiled wickedly. “I also suspended her allowance, and I am afraid she has already overspent her income for the quarter.”

  “That is quite singular, Charles.” Darcy was surprised and pleased at Bingley’s newfound determination. “I am impressed. But now, may I invite my sister to join us? She will be most excited by your news.”

  At his nod, Darcy rang for a servant, and when Georgiana knocked softly on the door, Darcy invited her to sit on the couch beside him. “Georgie,” he said with a smile, “Mr. Bingley has an announcement.”

  Georgiana looked over at Bingley expectantly.

  “Miss Darcy, I am engaged to be married!”

  Georgiana sat forward in surprise. “That is most happy news, Mr. Bingley!”

  She felt considerable relief since she had been made uncomfortable for some time by Miss Bingley’s obvious attempts to match her brother with herself. This news would certainly bring a halt to that. Now if it were equally possible to achieve a similar result for her brother . . .

  “But you have not said who you are marrying,” she chided.

  “Miss Jane Bennet. Your brother and I became acquainted with the Bennet family when we were at my estate in Hertfordshire.”

  “She is a very nice young lady, Georgie,” said Darcy. “She is almost as amiable as Charles, if that can be believed.”

  “I am on my way to her uncle’s house right now, Darcy. Would you care to join me?”

  Darcy immediately accepted. As Mr. Gardiner was Mrs. Bennet’s brother, it might be well to be acquainted with what he would have to bear with equanimity when he came to call on Elizabeth. It would not do to react to her relations here in town as he had previously done with her immediate family in Hertfordshire.

  “May I come also?” asked Georgiana softly. “I should like to meet Mr. Bingley’s intended.”

  Darcy was surprised and somewhat apprehensive at exposing his sister to the society in Cheapside, but he could see that she very much wanted to come, and Jane Bennet was an appropriate acquaintance for his sister, even if her relations might not be of the finest calibre. Georgiana had so few friends, and he would much prefer she looked to the Miss Bennets as examples rather than to Miss Bingley, so he agreed quickly to her request.

  * * * * *

  Mrs. Gardiner was not surprised to hear that Bingley was at her door, but she was astonished to find that Mr. Darcy had accompanied him since, by Elizabeth’s previous account, there was an aversion on his part to the match. She was equally unprepared to learn that Miss Darcy has accompanied them, given Mr. Wickham’s information that she was exceedingly proud.

  The gentlemen stood as she entered the sitting room, and she greeted Mr. Bingley warmly, giving no hint of concern regarding his companions, whom he immediately sought leave to introduce to her.

  Mrs. Gardiner politely invited them all to sit down and then rang for tea. “I am sorry that Jane has not returned from her walk in the park with the children,” she told him, “but I do expect her back momentarily.”

  Bingley was obviously disappointed, but she could see he was overflowing with good cheer, which he was quick to share.

  “I have just returned from Longbourn,” he told her, “and Mr. Bennet has given his consent. He asked me to deliver this letter to your husband informing him of the arrangements.”

  Mrs. Gardiner glanced at the letter then put it aside. “I will give it to Mr. Gardiner when he returns. Now, tell me all
about your visit. I know Jane will be equally interested in all the arrangements, but you will just have to repeat yourself when she comes home, for I cannot wait!”

  Bingley was more than willing to accommodate and happily related the details of his talk with Jane’s father.

  “We have not settled on a firm date though we discussed the possibility of late May or early June before it gets too warm. But Mr. Bennet said that Mrs. Bennet might have another opinion when she arrives. Did I mention that? He suggested that Jane might remain here for several weeks more, which would allow Mrs. Bennet to assist her in shopping for wedding clothes.”

  “I am sure that will be acceptable to all concerned,” Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “We have enjoyed Jane’s company these past months, and she is quite the favourite with my children. In addition, Jane’s sister Elizabeth will be returning from her visit in Kent this Saturday, and I am sure she will be most pleased to stay and help with the preparations.”

  The conversation continued, but Darcy’s heart leapt at the thought that he might have more time with Elizabeth than he had previously imagined. He was unclear just how long she planned to stay before returning to Hertfordshire, but he thought it might have been as little as a few days. Several weeks would be much better.

  Further, Darcy was thoroughly ashamed of himself for once again making hasty assumptions. Whatever he had expected to find here in Cheapside, he had not expected to find this household, and given his already mistaken assumptions regarding the wife, he determined that he would withhold any opinions of her husband until he met him.

  For there his mistake had been early evident. While Mrs. Gardiner had been most charming and amiable as she conversed with Bingley and himself, she must have quickly recognized Georgiana’s painful shyness. Darcy observed how skilfully the older woman had, from the start, managed to include his sister in the conversation without demanding more participation from her than she was able to give. Their hostess was a charming and elegant lady, whatever her husband did in life, and Darcy was eager to meet him. Calling on Elizabeth in such a convivial environment exceeded his original expectations, and he very much looked forward to it.

  “I wonder what can be keeping Jane,” Mrs. Gardiner said eventually. “I am afraid that the children may have taken advantage of her good nature to convince her to stay just a little longer. If they are not returned soon, I will send Hannah to the park to look for them. Mr. Bingley, we anticipated that you might again join us for supper. Do you think your companions might also be interested?”

  Darcy looked at Georgiana. She usually was uncomfortable in formal social situations, but Mrs. Gardiner had made her feel most at ease, and she gave him a small smile and a nod. Turning to Mrs. Gardiner, Darcy said, “We have no engagements for the day, Mrs. Gardiner. We would be pleased to accept.”

  Mrs. Gardiner watched the small interaction with interest. She had not found Mr. Darcy as intimidating as she had been led to believe, and she was now convinced that the opinion she had received of the sister was completely wrong, for the girl was perfectly charming and polite, just so shy that she could barely respond beyond a few words. Certainly, Darcy was a most solicitous brother, for he had not even considered accepting or rejecting the invitation without first gaining her thoughts. She would have to speak with Elizabeth about Mr. Wickham and his information, for her suspicions of that man were now aroused.

  At that moment, the sounds of voices floated up the stairwell, and a moment later the two older Gardiner children burst into the room, followed by Jane. Both gentlemen rose to their feet, and Jane’s face lit up with happiness when she saw Bingley. She did not have to be told the result of his errand; she could see it in his wide smile as he crossed the room to take her hand. As he raised it to his lips, he confirmed, “Your father has given us his consent, dear heart.”

  “I never doubted it, sir,” she told him quietly, filled with a sublime joy that now her dreams were brought to fruition, and there were no more impediments.

  Darcy waited until Bingley had delivered his news. “Miss Bennet,” he said, with an earnestness that surprised her, “Please accept my sincere congratulations and my best wishes for your future happiness.” And, to her further surprise, he also took her hand and bent to kiss her fingers lightly.

  Unsure of the cause of this excess of civility from this reserved and distant gentleman, Jane could only nod and thank him quietly.

  “Miss Bennet,” Darcy continued, turning toward his sister, “allow me to introduce my sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy. Georgiana, Miss Jane Bennet.” Jane was rather surprised to finally meet Darcy’s sister, and she was further surprised to see that the girl appeared so retiring that she kept her eyes cast downward as she returned Jane’s curtsey.

  “Miss Bennet,” Georgiana said hesitantly, forcing herself to speak, “I am very pleased to meet you. I hope you and Mr. Bingley will be most happy.”

  Jane thanked her and then escorted Georgiana to a small couch with just room for them both to sit. Bingley contented himself with sitting in a comfortable chair beside them.

  Meanwhile, Darcy walked over to Mrs. Gardiner and the two attractive children sitting politely beside her. That he clearly desired an introduction could not fail to please a loving mother. “Mr. Darcy, this is my oldest child, Benjamin, and my daughter, Felicia. Benjamin is eight years old, and Felicia will be six next month.”

  Darcy offered his hand to the boy, an action that gratified the boy at being greeted as an adult. Darcy then bowed to kiss the hand of the young girl, causing her to blush and giggle as she attempted a curtsey. Then, introductions complete, Mrs. Gardiner directed them both to the nursery to prepare for supper and turned to Darcy with a pleased smile.

  “You have certainly won the hearts of at least two of the Gardiner household, Mr. Darcy.”

  Darcy returned her smile, but then his expression grew sober. “I do have some experience with smaller children, Mrs. Gardiner, though I would wish it otherwise. My sister was about the same age as your Felicia when my mother died, and though more than ten years older, I often struggled to comfort her when she was so confused and saddened. And I have had almost the sole care of her since I buried my father beside my mother five years later. I cannot see a young child without remembering my many experiences with Georgiana.”

  Mrs. Gardiner looked at Darcy with even greater respect. “That was a considerable responsibility for a young man to assume,” she said quietly.

  Darcy nodded his head in acknowledgment, and thankfully the conversation then moved to happier subjects. He was soon surprised to discover that Mrs. Gardiner had spent many years at Lambton, near Pemberley, and they were able to find a number of interesting topics to canvass. When Elizabeth’s name came up, Mrs. Gardiner was surprised to find that Darcy had spent considerable time with her in Kent. Elizabeth had, of course, mentioned that Mr. Darcy was visiting his aunt while she stayed with Charlotte, but she could not recall more than a passing reference to meeting the man. Yet he made several comments that indicated Elizabeth had dined at Rosings a number of times while he was there and had at other times been in company with him and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam.

  Her curiosity being aroused, Mrs. Gardiner ventured to inquire further, asking how Elizabeth found her ladyship and whether he believed that she was enjoying her visit. To this, Darcy replied in a positive but noncommittal manner that was in contrast to his earlier easy and forthright conversation. To the question as to whether he himself had a pleasant stay, he replied that he had, though he ventured nothing more. Having heard enough to interest her but not enough to warrant further inquiry, Mrs. Gardener passed on to other topics until Mr. Gardiner returned home.

  After introductions were made, Darcy regarded the man with intense curiosity but soon established that the husband measured up to his wife’s politeness and civility in every regard, and he soon found himself once again engaged in pleasant conversation. He had been cheerfully describing the beauties of Pemberley and the work required to
manage it for some time before he became aware of the skilful manner in which Mr. Gardiner guided the conversation with sage questions and comments that kept him expounding on one of his favourite topics until dinnertime.

  Dinner was an equally pleasant, though thoroughly informal, affair. Seating was not by cards but by chance, and he selected a seat with Jane on one side and Mr. Gardiner on the other while Georgiana sat across from him. Mr. Gardiner proved quite adroit at conversing with his sister, though his host had to do much of the talking until he discovered her love for music and engaged her by soliciting her opinion of various composers and whether she had visited the opera or philharmonic.

  As dinner concluded, Bingley ventured, “Mr. Gardiner, I must apologize that I am not able to return your hospitality by tendering an invitation to dine at my house. My sister is at present staying with my other sister, Mrs. Hurst, and is unable to act as hostess.”

  “That is quite understandable, sir. There will be other occasions, I am sure.”

  “Charles,” Darcy said, “since you are inconvenienced at the moment, perhaps I could offer the hospitality of my own table in your stead?”

  “That would be most welcome, Darcy!” he replied with pleasure — and no little surprise.

  Darcy turned to Mr. Gardiner. “Then perhaps your family might join us — and Mr. Bingley — for the evening meal, sir? On Wednesday?”

  Mr. Gardiner quickly responded affirmatively, and a time was agreed on. Later, when the Darcys and Bingley were in the carriage back to Darcy’s house, Georgiana was open in her praise toward Bingley’s intended.

  “Miss Bennet is very nice and kind, Mr. Bingley,” she told him. “I do hope that you will be very happy.”

  “I am sure we shall,” Bingley beamed, his eyes distracted in memory.

  Georgiana turned to her brother. “William, I invited Miss Bennet to spend the morning with me tomorrow. I meant to ask your permission, but I quite forgot.”