by Beth Massey
Bella was the only person outside his family—until Elizabeth—who knew the details of Ramsgate. He had been lost after the incident, and needed to talk to a woman. Georgiana deserved a mother or a sister to help her through her time of crisis… not a brother, who hid his morose feelings behind a mask. In desperation he had turned to Bella. He knew she would not judge and would sympathize with his fears for his sister. The memory of her telling him over and over how important it was that he assure his sister of his love and forgiveness flooded his consciousness; and he involuntarily tightened his grip on Lydia. Tears threatened him, as he remembered Bella’s admonition that it was time he found the love his father had anticipated for him, and the sister Georgiana needed. He had, indeed, found Elizabeth; but now their happiness would always be tainted by Lydia’s sacrifice for the reputation of her family.
He had read Sir Walter Scott’s Marmion during his recent journey from Pemberley, and a line from the poem seemed to fit his current dilemma and pushed all other thoughts from his mind. “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” He must tell Mr Bennet the truth of his refusal to expose Wickham in Hertfordshire. He had been selfish when he refused to protect Miss King and others… including Mr Bennet’s daughters. Now the chickens had come home to roost, and he must own his culpability for the nightmare the young woman in his arms faced.
The carriage pulled up before a large house—handsome but without pretension. It seemed to represent solid and respectable values bought with hard work. His appointment with Mr Bennet and Mr Gardiner was not for hours, and he assumed their arrival would be unexpected. He carried Lydia into the entryway, and was still holding her when Mr and Mrs Gardiner arrived in the hall. He put her down near her aunt, and Lydia immediately transferred her need for human comfort to Mrs Gardiner.
With his eyes still glistening from unshed tears; he whispered to Mrs Gardiner, “I think she may be experiencing some pain. Please help her find some comfort.”
She nodded her understanding of the delicacy of his words.
Mr Bennet watched the tableau before him. His eyes did not hold understanding. His anger with the man who had carried his daughter in clad only in her chemise came through clearly as he said, “Young man I would like to see you… now.” He turned and led the way.
Darcy saw his pique, and took deep breaths during their journey to somewhere more private. His natural tendency was to feel animosity toward this man’s lack of gratitude for the rescue of his daughter. However, he kept reminding himself of his priority. He must confess all; and he knew, despite his guilt for so many things, it was imperative to his happiness to win this man as an ally. Without her father’s approval, he would never be able to convince Elizabeth to trust.
Soon they were in what Darcy assumed was Mr Gardiner’s study with the door closed and locked. Mr Bennet sat at the desk and directed Darcy to sit across. His Elizabeth’s father continued to glower, “Mr Darcy, I have so many questions about your involvement in this business that I know not where to start. My brother, Mr Gardiner, told me it has something to do with my daughter Elizabeth. I suggest you begin by telling me exactly why you felt empowered to rescue my daughter Lydia, without speaking to me first. I understood you were to ask my permission to be party to my attempts to rectify the ruin of my family.”
Darcy prayed his unreliable tongue would not cause him to fail in his mission. His first words were a complete and truthful narrative of his dealings with Wickham. He told of the pride and arrogance that kept him from warning the fathers, guardians and merchants of Meryton of the scoundrel’s proclivities. Mr Bennet’s visage noticeably softened as he revealed Georgiana’s near elopement, and the legacy of sadness and lack of confidence from her ordeal.
The man who hoped to become a bridegroom soon paused for a few seconds to once again collect his thoughts. He looked out the window, twisted the ring on his pinkie, and cleared his throat before resuming his tale. The next topic he broached was his struggle with his deep love for Elizabeth. Again, he started at the beginning, explaining his reason for insulting her at the assembly, his growing admiration despite his attempts to ignore the attraction and finally persuading Bingley to abandon Jane. The man across from him was impassive through his words of love for one daughter and betrayal of another.
Darcy told Mr Bennet, whom he suspected had a less than stellar marriage, of his parent’s devotion to one another and explained his motivation to emulate their happiness had led him to choose Elizabeth. The only information he spared Mr Bennet was that seeing their cottage, begat his journey toward enlightenment. With lips curled up slightly at the corners, he began the retelling of his first proposal. His ardent love, as well as his words that demeaned Mr Bennet’s family were recalled. He saw a return of disapproval that melted into a sardonic look when he spoke of ‘degradation’ and ‘inferiority’, and his inability to realize how unlikely his words were to garner acceptance. He praised Elizabeth for refusing him. He continued his story by exposing the impropriety of his letter to her—acquitting himself of guilt with regards to Wickham. The need for truth had him recount his feeble endeavour to exonerate himself concerning Bingley and his eldest in the same letter.
Finally he told of Elizabeth being lost in a storm at Pemberley and finding her. The edited version of their encounter told of his heartfelt apology for his many grievances. He related how they were able to overcome their differences; he had proposed a second time and won an acceptance. His intention had been to travel to Hertfordshire to ask permission of Mr Bennet as soon as Elizabeth and the Gardiners left Derbyshire. However, when the letters about Lydia and Wickham arrived; their plans had been put on hold.
As he drew a deep breath, he decided against complete honesty as he prepared to deliver the final chapter in his saga. Knowledge of his familiarity with Mrs Teasewell’s was something he wanted to avoid inadvertently disclosing. “Mr Bennet, Wickham had an accomplice when he persuaded my sister to elope. A woman, I had employed as a companion, was complicit. She allowed Wickham access to my sister. My first actions in London were to ask acquaintances if they knew her whereabouts. I was successful much sooner than I expected in obtaining the information. I saw Wickham leave Mrs Younge’s boarding house this morning, when I was first making myself familiar with the place and the surrounding neighbourhood. It was a fortuitous occurrence, and I deemed it imperative to act immediately. You should know Miss Lydia participated in her rescue. I am not exactly certain what she did, but she had almost made it to the front door when I opened it. She was very distraught, and I once again threw propriety to the wind, and carried her to my carriage. As you know, I also carried her inside this house. I apologize for any disrespect toward you caused by my actions.”
Darcy lowered his gaze to his hands. His next words were filled with remorse. “Wickham’s designs on Miss Lydia were as a pawn in a game to destroy me and my happiness. He figured a ruined Bennet family would make it very difficult for Miss Elizabeth and me to wed. I have the resources to force Wickham to do whatever you deem necessary. It pains me, though, that she will be forced to endure marriage to such an unworthy and disreputable man.”
Mr Bennet’s countenance had lost its glower, but had not become entirely welcoming either. “Mr Darcy, why is Mr Bingley involved?”
‘One reason is his interest in Miss Bennet. He had come to the conclusion he was wrong for allowing me and his sisters to persuade him she was not suitable. He had planned to travel to Hertfordshire with me to renew his acquaintance with Miss Bennet and apply to you for permission to court her. The other reason is that I simply needed help. I believed it beyond my capability to both save your daughter and subdue Wickham. My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam stayed behind at the boarding house in order to exert pressure on Wickham to do the honourable thing.”
“Mr Darcy, please accept my gratitude for finding my daughter. I am afraid I was caught by surprise by the development, and felt annoyed at not knowing the reasons for your endeavour on
my behalf. Your truthfulness is much appreciated. It is obvious some of your admissions were difficult to reveal.” He gave Darcy a lukewarm smile laced with wariness. “You have given me much about which to think. Let me go find my sister-in-law. I would like to ask her permission to invite you, Mr Bingley, and your cousin to dinner tomorrow. Time is what I need to ponder our next steps.”
Mrs Gardiner had a bath prepared. She instructed a maid to mix in a generous portion of bath salts. She asked her to also have the housekeeper prepare tea for Mr Gardiner and Mr Bingley. She assumed the other two did not need refreshment, as she imagined their conference was quite absorbing. Lastly, she requested some warm milk for Lydia. Her niece soaked in the tub for half an hour. As she donned the nightgown provided by Mrs Gardiner, she thanked her for providing the soothing bath and bed clothes, but said very little else. Mrs Gardiner was amazed at how polite and quiet the young woman had become as a result of her ordeal. Her natural exuberance was not at all in evidence.
Lydia climbed into bed, and lay quietly while her aunt held her hand. They stayed this way for what seemed like hours but was probably only minutes. Finally, she spoke to her aunt. “Did you know that Mr Darcy loves Lizzy?”
“Yes, he told your uncle before we left Derbyshire.”
Lydia giggled, and for the first time she seemed more in character with her former self. “He said she was ‘only tolerable and not handsome enough to tempt him’ when first they met. I imagine he wishes he could take back those words.”
Mrs Gardiner chuckled at her niece’s conclusion. “I dare say he does.”
Lydia became sombre again. “He seems to love her very much. How lucky she is to have someone with such strong feelings for her. Wickham was trying to ruin their happiness… he had no affection for me.”
“Yes, Mr Darcy is the best of men, and I believe he would do anything to marry Lizzy.” Mrs Gardiner heard her niece sigh, and was at a loss to know what to say about Wickham’s ploy. Lydia seemed so beaten down by her ordeal.
She smiled up at her aunt and said, “Mr Darcy is going to make sure Wickham marries me. When that happens, our family’s reputation will be a little less tarnished, and he and Lizzy will be able to wed.” Her eyes glistened with moisture. “I am so glad I am able to contribute to her happiness… she and Jane are wonderful sisters. Perhaps after they are wed, his friend Mr Bingley will return to Netherfield and renew his acquaintance with Jane.”
Mrs Gardiner saw tears pooling in her eyes. From her position on the edge of the bed, she pulled Lydia into an embrace. She heard her niece whisper, “Aunt, I thought he loved me and wanted to marry me. I was so very excited at the prospect that I did not think of the repercussions an elopement would cause for my sisters. In the end, he neither loved me nor wanted to marry me.”
The maid returned with the warm milk. A bit of laudanum was added to the glass, and her aunt encouraged Lydia to sleep. Just as she was dozing off she said, “Mr Darcy will make everything right.”
When Darcy and Mr Bennet had gone into conference, Mr Gardiner invited Bingley to join him in the drawing room. For the first half an hour they chatted about their respective trips from Derbyshire. Mrs Jones, the housekeeper, delivered tea and prepared their cups to their liking.
Once they were alone again, Mr Gardiner smiled pleasantly at his guest, but his next words were a bit startling. “Mr Bingley, what is the reason for your belief that my niece will welcome the renewal of your acquaintance? I have my doubts she will be so inclined.”
He made certain Bingley was paying close attention. He saw the young man’s eyes open wide with surprise before he spoke again. “Jane stayed with us last winter and I observed her ever-increasing despair. After a very brief call on your sisters soon after her arrival, she waited patiently for four weeks for a return visit. When she first stopped by your brother-in-law’s townhouse, she was told you were very busy with Mr Darcy and had no time for her. Each week that passed without the appearance of your sisters reciprocating, found her more and more despondent. My heart ached for her. Unlike Miss Elizabeth, she is far too accepting of others and never allows anger to aid her in healing. Finally Miss Bingley came, displaying barely concealed animosity. It was only then that she determined that neither you nor your sisters had been sincere when singling her out in Hertfordshire.”
Mr Gardiner’s face displayed deep dismay for the frivolous behaviour of the young man before him. “She confessed to my wife, she believes you trifled with her affections… gave her hope where none existed. Mr Bingley, women live at home, quiet, confined, and their feelings prey upon them. Men on the other hand may have a profession, any number of pursuits, or be forgiven their involvement in all sorts of activities. Women are allowed none of these. While you were out pursuing, I know not what, but to me it seems to have been of little significance—my niece was here waiting for a response. Sir, I do not believe you mature enough to be considering marriage.”
Bingley sputtered in amazement. “Mr Gardiner, oh dear, I… I am so very sorry… I knew not about Miss Bennet being in town… Ummm, I plan to apologize profusely when I see her again. My sisters kept the knowledge of her being here from me.”
“Have you spoken to your sisters about their duplicity? Their actions seem unconscionable if they care about you. They were attempting to destroy your happiness, if what you say about your intentions is true.”
Mr Bingley, once again, seemed to be taken aback by Mr Gardiner’s attack on his veracity. “I did speak to my unmarried sister, and told her of my intentions of returning to Hertfordshire. I chastised her for her rudeness and told her it would no longer be tolerated.”
“That is an improvement, but you still need to develop some direction in your life. From my niece, I learned that you leased Netherfield with the intention of learning to manage an estate. You were attempting to carry out your father’s wish to own one. Where it is apparent that you were attempting to honour your father’s desire, I question why you abandoned Netherfield so abruptly. You do not impress me with your seriousness.”
Bingley stared at Mr Gardiner with chagrin. “I am unsure whether it is the right estate. I plan to re-evaluate my decision once I am back in Hertfordshire.”
“Sir, for how long did you take the estate?”
“One year.”
“When will your lease expire?”
“In a month, but I have the option to renew.”
Mr Gardiner’s face displayed his dismay at this young man’s capricious ways. “Mr Bingley what was your father’s business? Why did he not leave it to you?”
“He owned a mill in Bradford and was invested in several more. I was only fourteen when he became ill, and but sixteen when he died. I believe he felt it better to sell his assets and leave me the money. He had hopes I could live the life of a gentleman when I bought an estate. That decision was meant to please my mother. She resented his being in trade and aspired to better connections for her children. However, if he had not become ill, I believe he planned to bring me into his business once I completed my education. Despite my mother’s embarrassment, he was proud of what he had accomplished.”
Mr Gardiner nodded at his evaluation of his father. “He does indeed sound like a man of whom you and your sisters could be proud. Given his legacy, you should consider all your options before you make a decision as to the course of your life. You appear to have a fine education, and you might want to consider putting some of the money your father left you in a new enterprise. I would be glad to advise you on potential investments.”
“I am still considering purchasing an estate.”
“I wonder when you have no real knowledge of estate management. However, should you decide on that course, my niece would be a good choice as a wife. She is quite familiar with how Longbourn operates. Still, you should not renew your acquaintance with her to find a partner to help you manage a farm. You should do so because you believe you could love her and honour her for all times. Marriage is a very important decision, and
requires a young man like
you to put away childish things and accept the seriousness of your commitment.”
Bingley was beyond words at this man’s admonition. He hung his head and looked at his shoes. He remembered where he was twenty-four hours ago and was ashamed of his behaviour. He had spent time with Susie despite having already planned to pursue Jane.
Mr Gardiner was not quite finished. “What I am trying to tell you is that you are suffering from the indecision that comes with not having any obligations. Even your duty to your unmarried sister, does not appear to be something you control. No one would have been able to persuade you from pursuing my niece if you were not so directionless.”
Charles was relieved when Mrs Gardiner, Darcy and Mr Bennet arrived in the sitting room, and ended his prosecution. Mrs Gardiner extended an invitation to the two men to dine the following evening. Darcy was encouraged to bring Colonel Fitzwilliam.
“Charles, I am in dire need of some solitude to evaluate our options before meeting Wickham; and I am anxious to hear from Richard. Mr Bennet, I hope to have a plan of action ready when next I see you. Please, give my regards to Miss Lydia, and tell her it is my hope that she is feeling better tomorrow.”
Once in the carriage both men were lost in private thoughts. Each stared out a window, but neither saw the scenery. Bingley was contemplating Mr Gardiner’s words. Mortification was chief among his emotions. His life had been judged as meaningless by a man he had admired when they met in Derbyshire. In his gut, he felt his evaluation valid. His father had been apprenticed at fourteen. By twenty-seven he owned a mill, and supported a wife and children. He gave them the best education; and when he died at forty five, he provided handsomely for his daughters and left his son enough money to live the life of a gentleman with no responsibilities. As a shaft of afternoon sun came through the window illuminating his hands, Bingley decided Hertfordshire must wait. Jane deserved someone who was not an idler and had a purpose. If he was to propose she share his life, it must be one of substance.