Bingley's Deception

by Tiffany Ward

  For Valentine’s Day, Lizzy gifted Darcy with baby booties. He looked at his wife in shock. “Are you sure sweetheart?”

  “Your heir shall appear at the end of August or beginning of September,” Lizzy stated. “Are you happy?”

  “Yes, darling. I am delighted.” Darcy picked up his wife and carried her to their room. He carefully undressed his bride and slowly worshiped her body. He looked for changes that might have occurred in her body. Her breasts now overfilled his hand. Her stomach had a small hard bulge where his child rested. He would watch his wife’s body change with pride. He would also protect her with his life. The feeling of becoming a father made him complete. He knew that Lizzy was the only woman to fulfill his life.

  Chapter Nineteen: Prince Edward takes on Meryton

  Prince Edward took his family to Netherfield when Bingley ended his lease. Only a very few people in Meryton knew of his title. He was very disappointed with the town in general. He wanted to confront the ladies that accused Elizabeth of unacceptable conduct but refused to tell anyone his title. He decided it was time to head to the bookstore and gather all the information he needed. Mr. Evans welcomed the Prince when he entered the store just before closing. As previously arranged, the store was closed during their essential conversation. Mr. Evans had been a trusted member of the Prince’s inner circle of friends for many years.

  Evans had sent word on what had happened that week in Meryton, but he had not posted any further information. After their private greetings, Evans began giving the information needed. “Since Lizzy left, the Bennets have not been welcomed back into society. She was innocent of attempting to trap Mr. Darcy into a relationship. He was following her around my shop, and he was very interested in her, but she did not encourage him in any way.”

  “I do not doubt that Elizabeth is innocent. She was devastated with the treatment she received from her family and town. Her intelligence and inert kindness make this accusation preposterous. Why do you believe that the matrons were so insistent that she was guilty?” Edward wanted honest answers so he could determine how to handle the situation appropriately. “You have known Elizabeth since she was born, why would anyone believe that she would become a homewrecker?”

  “It all comes down to jealousy my Lord. Mrs. Bennet had been declaring that her daughters are the most beautiful in the town. She is correct, but her approach of bragging has alienated many of the other matrons. Her lack of character has built many years of poor feelings, resentment, and jealousy.” Evans reported the failings of his community. “When Miss Bingley began lying, she chose to speak to Mrs. Long and Mrs. Goulding. These ladies have long-standing feuds with Mrs. Bennet. They were happy to lead to the downfall of the Bennet family, by accusing one of the daughters of poor conduct. Elizabeth just happened to be the unfortunate daughter chosen.”

  “So, it would not have mattered which daughter had been accused; these ladies would have ostracized her, forcing the Bennets from society. Unfortunately, Elizabeth became their target due to the accusations of Miss Bingley. You say that the Bennets have not been included back into society. Elizabeth will not return to Meryton, but she is sad that her family has been punished due to a lie.” Edward was furious over the poor behavior. “I believe that I will need to reveal my title to a few of the patriarchs of Meryton. Which ones would be the most effective to discipline the Goulding and Long matrons? They also need to be able to help restore the Bennets.”

  “Your Highness, I have thought about this since the morning after the assembly. I believe the best person to confide in would be our rector. He could preach the sins of gossip and call the ladies out personally in church, during the service. The ladies would be humiliated, forcing them to be a captive audience with all of the community present. Then he would be able to state the fate of Miss Bingley and how the royal family has supported Elizabeth. He would not need to reveal your title to our society.” Evans knew that his prince would become even angrier at the next piece of news. “Another issue, since their downfall, the younger Bennet sisters have become targets of the militiamen who have no honor. Two names specifically, Lieutenants George Wickham and Samuel Denny. From what I understand, there is a past between Wickham and Darcy, so he is now targeting Darcy’s sisters to exact his revenge. I fear that the young girls will be ruined by the men, being isolated from society means they are very bored and looking for entertainment. These officers are the only people giving Lydia and Kitty any attention.”

  “When I researched Darcy, I found out about Wickham’s history. He is a scoundrel of the first order. He builds debt, then leaves towns causing harm to merchants. He also encourages women to fall in love with him, taking their virtue with or without their consent. He spreads his lies, claiming that he was the favorite of Darcy senior. This may have been true when he was younger, but when his malicious behavior was reported, his godfather rejected him.” Edward ran his hand through his hair, upset that scoundrels such as Wickham existed in his kingdom. “I will use our military to discipline these two. They will receive orders by the end of the week to report to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s troops. They will get justice.” Edward was determined to get rid of scum such as George Wickham. “I believe that I will invite the rector to Netherfield tonight. I would appreciate you arriving this evening for dinner as well. Once we speak to him, then next Sunday should repair the Bennet’s reputations in society.”

  Two hours later, an invitation was sent to the rector, Mr. James Coombs. He was available for dinner that evening. Mr. Evans facilitated the critical introductions when the preacher arrived at Netherfield.

  “Mr. James Coombs is the rector here in Meryton. Mr. Coombs, you have been requested to attend dinner with the owner of Netherfield. In the past, we have called him Mr. Williams, but you are going to learn his true name today. This has been a huge secret, as Mr. Williams has not wanted any attention due to his rank and title.” Evans waited until Coombs nodded his head in agreement. “Mr. Coombs, it is my great honor to introduce to His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent.”

  Coombs immediately bowed to the prince. “Meeting you is my greatest honor, Your Highness. How may I be of service?”

  “As Evans has said, my true identity must remain a secret, or we will have to give up Netherfield. We come here specifically to have some time as normal members of society, and I would hate for my family to have to give this up.”

  “I swear that I will never give up your family secret.” Coombs worried that the prince would have him removed if the secret was revealed.

  With the introductions and assurances completed, Edward stated the facts regarding Elizabeth’s marriage to Darcy. He required the rector to speak about the evils of gossip, jealousy, and grudges. “You will need to specifically address the facts of Miss Bingley being admitted to a sanitarium two days after the assembly. Her family’s apologies to the Darcys regarding her behavior and lies that had been spread to the matrons. How even an insane woman, as Miss Bingley, could easily determine that Mrs. Long and Mrs. Goulding held jealousy and malice in their hearts against Mrs. Bennet. That they would help spread lies about a girl that they had watched grow up, a girl who had been honored for her honesty, kindness, and integrity to be kicked out of her family suddenly was insupportable. Before leaving Meryton, Mr. Bingley personally apologized to Mr. Bennet. He then went to the merchants in town to spread the truth. For some reason, the facts were ignored, and the Bennets have still been ostracized. How could this happen unless the matrons of the town have conspired to punish the Bennets unjustly?”

  “Your Highness, I will be speaking of these topics on Sunday. The matrons who began the issues will be addressed by name. Their families will be humbled after their actions.” Mr. Coombs promised to comply with the prince’s requests. “Are there any other topics that you wish for me to address?”

  “Yes, tell the merchants to beware that newcomers such as the militia should not be extended credit unless they have a good reputation. Prudence is bett
er than friendliness.” Prince Edward though upset still needed to protect his people. “You have two scoundrels specifically that will be removed from Meryton for charges against the royal family. Your town has decided to honor one of these men’s propensity to tell lies, specifically about Mr. Darcy. There have been no facts offered, just innuendo. This is another part of gossip. Your town needs more structured guidance in following the Lord’s commands before forgiveness can be given.”

  Chapter Twenty: Religious Retribution

  Church on Sunday was hugely entertaining for Mr. Bennet. He always enjoyed the foibles of others. When his Lizzy was removed from Meryton, it broke his heart. She was the best daughter he had, yet he would never see her again. Yes, Jane is sweet and compliant, but Lizzy had a fire inside her. She understood his conversation. She was the most intelligent lady of his household, and he missed her. If she was able to return, would Mr. Darcy allow her to visit? Would Mrs. Bennet allow her to stay at Longbourn? Did he have the courage to control his wife, thus allowing his daughter to come back?

  After the hymns, Mr. Coombs began speaking against gossip. He spoke entirely about the issues from the assembly. “Last month, we had an incident that has caused one of our prominent families to be disgraced. As more information arrived, we were notified that the person who was spreading the rumors was deemed unstable. I am not spreading more rumors, and I am telling you facts. Miss Bingley’s brother rented Netherfield for a year. As Mr. Bingley introduced his friends, he never claimed a connection to their guests other than a friend. In fact, before the assembly, Miss Bingley introduced them as friends, not betrothed, or intended, just friends.”

  “At the assembly, Miss Elizabeth Bennet was asked to dance by their guest not just once, but twice. Miss Bingley did not receive a dance invitation from her brother’s friend. She then decided to retaliate for the slight, harming our lady for gaining Mr. Darcy’s particular attention. The best method of getting revenge is to use others to complete your task.” Coombs continued while staring at Mrs. Long. “She watched our matrons hoping to determine which had a reason or need to get revenge themselves. Mrs. Long and Mrs. Goulding” gasps from these two ladies were heard through the church. “These matrons have held a long-time feud with Mrs. Bennet. Their jealousy was displayed prominently, so it was easy for Miss Bingley to choose them. Now Miss Bingley was not in her right mind, and she is currently a resident of a sanitarium. Neither Mrs. Long nor Mrs. Goulding has the excuse of insanity. They are both in their right minds; they are just vengeful. Vengeance is for the Lord to claim, not His followers.”

  Mr. Coombs paused to stare at the offending people. Waiting until both of the ladies were squirming before he continued. “Once evil has been unleashed, it is hard to stop it. We have women in our midst who knowingly attacked an innocent girl. Elizabeth Bennet has been known in our community as honorable, truthful, and generous. She has helped not only the tenants of Longbourn but also others in our community. She taught children here at the church each week. She never was mean to anyone, yet Mrs. Long and Mrs. Goulding attacked her character. Then Elizabeth’s aunt did not defend her, but went to her home and repeated the grievous accusations, assaulting her physically. Elizabeth was beaten and kicked out of her home for no reason.”

  “Before ending his lease, Mr. Bingley went to Elizabeth’s father and told him of Miss Bingley’s illness. He admitted that his sister lied. She was so ill that the family doctor determined she needed to be removed from society. When Mr. Bennet did not respond, Mr. Bingley then went to the merchants of Meryton in an attempt to fix Lizzy’s reputation. The matrons of our town refused to reinstate the family. This refusal was due to jealousy and vengeance. None of you who involved in these actions are innocent. God will judge each of you for your behavior.”

  “There is not one innocent person in this church. Even Elizabeth’s father, who doted on her, did not believe her innocence. How could anyone who spent least thirty minutes in her presence believe the accusations?” Mr. Coombs asked as he stared at each of the people he singled out by name. “The royal family has deemed Elizabeth Bennet Darcy and Fitzwilliam Darcy innocent of all accusations. The King and Queen themselves heard their case. Our sovereigns did not know our citizens, yet they were able to discern the truth whereas people who have lived near Elizabeth for years could not.”

  By this time, not one person who had been at the assembly or spoke out against the couple could look at the rector. “We have more issues with gossip. Mr. Darcy has been an honorable man. When he found the woman he loved cast out of her home, he married her. He has paid his debts in Meryton. He did not participate in gossip. Once again, he is being disparaged in our community. Lieutenant George Wickham claims a previous acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. He claims that due to jealousy, Mr. Darcy denied him a living.” Mr. Coombs looked at each person who would meet his eyes. “Mr. Wickham was compensated for the living. He freely gave up the church for three thousand pounds, signing a contract that he would have no claim to the living. He then spent the next year gambling and visiting loose women, when the money was spent, he tried to claim the living. At that time the living was justifiably denied him for lack of moral character.”

  “It is time for our society to get rid of the evil that has festered. Jealousy, gossip, and revenge are not God’s path.” Mr. Coombs was speaking louder with each truth. “You are here in church to follow the teachings of our Lord which means that you act on his teachings to become more like him. What we have seen recently has nothing to do with God. We have a choice when we leave this building. Do we ignore what God wants to make ourselves feel better, or do we follow his teachings at all times? This is an individual answer, but those that do follow God will ostracize those that chose to ignore God. We will no longer stand by and allow our children to be harmed because of gossip. We as a community are responsible for our neighbors. It is time for us to act on our beliefs, stand up when someone is wronged.”

  Epilogue

  Elizabeth and William became favorites with the royal family. As close associates, they were advisors to the new Queen Victoria, when she took the throne. Their children were favorite playmates of the princes and princesses. Their society was well sought out by upper society. The Darcys would visit the theater, museums, stroll through the park and other activities they enjoyed, but they avoided both public and private balls.

  As their family grew, Lizzy would think about her favorite sister and wonder if she had children of her own. Jane inherited Longbourn when Mr. Bennet died, five years after Lizzy was removed from the family. Mrs. Bennet lived with her eldest daughter until she passed at the age of eighty-three. Jane was unable to face her mother’s anger, so she refused to attempt to contact Lizzy while their mother lived. Jane never reached out to her sister, even after their parents died. Jane refused to marry as the only man that had touched her heart left in disgrace, so when she died, Longbourn was inherited by Mary’s eldest son.

  Mr. Darcy received a report from Prince Edward concerning the church service. This did not change the family circumstances or their desire to return Lizzy to the family. Lizzy had never received any communication from the Gardiners, her relatives near Cheapside. Even with approval from the royal family and society forgiving her for the rantings of a mad woman, her family refused to acknowledge her. This subject remained painful to Mrs. Darcy for the remainder of her life.

  Over the years, Elizabeth did reconnect with her sister Mary. As promised, the entail was ended by royal decree. Mary eventually married the rector at Kent after her cousin Collins passed from a sudden stroke, upon learning that he was no longer the heir to Longbourn. The new rector, Mr. Simons was a good man who treated the parishioners as if their needs were a priority. Mary was blessed with four sons. She grew in the image of the sister that had been forced to leave home. Hearing the sermon from Mr. Coombs, Mary realized that Elizabeth had followed God’s commands and yet she was punished due to the behavior of others. Mary’s attempts to be honorable like her e
lder sister led to Mr. Simons’ parish growing and flourishing. She became a woman that was well honored in her society, but she never forgot her sister who was forced to leave home the morning after the Assembly.

  Darcy wrote to Charles Bingley when they finished their honeymoon. He explained that he did not hold Caroline’s behavior against Charles or his family. While he was unhappy with how his wife was treated, Darcy had still planned on marrying Elizabeth before the gossip began. Darcy was very content with his life and family. He and Elizabeth had three boys and two girls. Georgiana attracted and married a duke when she was introduced to the ton at the age of eighteen. Their family remained close and protective.

  At the suggestion of his uncle, Charles left England to work with his business partner in Boston. He would send monthly letters to Darcy with updates on his life and family. Darcy would respond jovially with new information about his family. Meanwhile Charles remained in the New World where he created a life for himself, away from the problems that his sister started. The ruin his family suffered due to Caroline’s actions never ended. Charles did eventually marry a business man’s daughter. They raised a family and remained in Boston. The best friends never saw each other after the incident at Netherfield.

  Caroline Bingley was committed to the sanitarium until her death. She had become more delusional as the years past. Near the end, she believed that she was mistress of Pemberley with two children named Fitzwilliam and Louisa. Caroline died at the age of thirty. None of her family attended her funeral. She was buried in the cemetery behind the facility.