~~ ** ~~
Unbeknownst to his wife or family, Bingley was intercepting Jane’s letters that she was writing to her sister. He had opened the first letter he took from the salver to be posted, and after reading the scathing remarks from his wife’s hand, he felt justified in protecting his sister in law from the pain Jane was attempting to dole out.
After Elizabeth had been at Pemberley for a fortnight, Bingley began confiscating the letters she wrote to her elder sister. He was certain that her letters would include questions as to why Jane had not written, and he did not wish for his wife to learn the truth. Not yet. Not until he was ready for the truth to come out.
Charles Bingley had taken some time to assess his life. Learning the truth about the woman he loved was heartbreaking. And the added burden of seeing to her mother and youngest three sisters also injured Bingley’s self-worth. He had believed Jane’s words and actions, he believed that she cared for him, as he did for her. But hearing his wife’s own words woke him from his delusion. He had finally learned to harden his heart against those who would use him for their gain.
Receiving yet another letter from his mother in law, complaining of their home in Meryton, Bingley took the letter directly to the fireplace, watching the parchment burn to ash. He was finished with listening to Mrs Bennet’s wishes and demands.
As his relationship with his wife had not improved since their return from Town, Bingley was close to giving up hope of any improvement ever happening. Though painful, Bingley was determined to leave his wife behind when he found a new estate and moved. He would settle some money on her and she would be able to survive, living with her relations. Though he knew it to be cruel, he did not wish to live with Jane, knowing that any feelings she held for him were false.
And Charles Bingley was through with lies and liars. He had dealt with his sisters all of his life, and he would be damned if he would allow his wife to ruin the rest of his years. He would lead a separate life from her. The only thing he was waiting on was to find an estate to purchase.
~~ ** ~~
“Mrs Bingley, it is a pleasure to see you today. It has been a week since the last time we spoke.” Wickham said with a smile. “How are your dear mother and sweet sisters?”
“They are settling in to their new home. It is not as spacious as Netherfield, but I believe it is comfortable enough for their needs. Especially since it appears there will be a betrothal coming soon for my sister Mary.”
“I had not heard. Who is the fortunate young man?” Wickham felt his body writhing inside at the thought of someone having to bed the middle Bennet sister. She was fond of quoting scriptures constantly. As for looks, Mary Bennet was not nearly as pretty as her sisters.
“She has been receiving calls from my uncle’s new clerk, Mr Abernathy. From what my aunt told us, Mr Abernathy is smitten with Mary and feels she would make him a proper wife. Mary does not expect to find a love match, she only wishes to have a good home with a husband who treats her with respect.”
“Well, I hope that the match suits both of their needs. And how is your sister that is away? The one who is working for your husband’s friend.”
Jane sighed. “I have not received word from her. No replies to any of my letters. It is unbelievable that she would ignore my counsel to abandon her position and return to Town. But I have no alternative but to continue to advise her to do so.”
“Perhaps it will become necessary for you to make the journey to speak in person with your sister.”
“I have thought of that, as it would be easy enough to convince my husband to take me to his friend’s estate. But I thought I should wait. My husband is busy learning about Netherfield, the planting and such. I would not wish to disturb him. Perhaps in a month or two.”
Wickham was frustrated, as he knew the militia would be leaving Meryton within the month. “Well, if you wish to go before then, and require an escort, I would be pleased to be of service. I must be on my way, Mrs Bingley. Please pass along my best wishes to your mother and sisters. It is my greatest wish to be in their company soon.”
~~ ** ~~
“It is not wise to attempt to see our nephew while he is at Pemberley.” Lord Matlock said to his sister. “If you make the journey, he will most likely have you ejected from the estate. What good would that do us?”
“Well, what do you suggest we do? I will not have this matter continue. My daughter is ready to take her rightful place as Mistress of Pemberley, and it is time Fitzwilliam Darcy did his duty to Anne.” Lady Catherine de Bourgh huffed.
“You are a fool to continue presuming that Darcy will marry Anne.” Lady Matlock said. “He has told you many times that he would not marry her. You must find a way to force the matter, rather than continue to speak to him.”
“And I should follow the advice from someone who has been found guilty of crimes? Good God, Rebecca, how foolish must you be to behave in a manner which costs you and your family considerably? It is always best to hire someone to get their hands dirty, not attempt to do the deed yourself. How is a gently bred Countess to know how to behave in such a situation? No, you must hire someone who has had experience. Now, I have someone in mind, someone who would get the job done nicely.” Lady Catherine said, brushing her hands along her skirts, as if to smooth the fabric. “Then we will find a means of his compromising Anne. And I wish to have everything accomplished within the month.”
“Who do you intend on hiring?” Lord Matlock asked. “How much will it cost? You know that Matlock is struggling to survive. As it is, we cannot afford to pay the thousand pounds that is due for my wife’s fines. If we cannot come up with the funds by next week, Rebecca will be forced to spend time in a jail cell.”
“As much as I would enjoy seeing you locked away for your stupidity, Rebecca, I will not allow the family to be disgraced any further than it already has been. I will speak to my banker tomorrow to acquire the funds. Now, Henry, I require writing supplies so that I might send off for the person who will assist us in removing those…those…brats from our nephew. If I can send the letter out today, we should have a reply by the end of the week.” Lady Catherine said, her nose held high. “In the meantime, Rebecca, I will require your assistance in finding the best modiste to dress Anne in the finest gowns available. She will need to have her trousseau prepared for her wedding.”
~~ ** ~~
“Mrs Reynolds, I have an announcement to make.” Darcy declared as he entered his housekeeper’s office. “I have asked for Miss Elizabeth’s hand, and she has made me the happiest of men by accepting me.”
“Master William, this is such pleasant news.” Mrs Reynolds said as she stood. She was not surprised at the news, for she had noticed the way the couple responded to each other. “I have come to respect Miss Elizabeth. She is a fine young lady.”
“Thank you, Mrs Reynolds. We wish to keep the news private for the time being. I have written to her uncle to inform him and ask for his permission, and we would not wish for my relations to learn of our plans. After what my aunt did in Town, attempting to abduct the girls and assaulting Miss Elizabeth, I would not wish to have another confrontation with Lord and Lady Matlock. And Lady Catherine would do all in her power to see the wedding not take place, as she still believes that I will marry my cousin, Anne.”
“It pleases me to see that you will be marrying for affection, Master William. Your parents would be pleased, of that I am certain. Now, I will have the Mistress’ chambers cleaned and aired out. Then Miss Elizabeth can see what changes she would like to have made to the suite. And we will need to find her a proper lady’s maid. Have you decided when you would like to marry?”
“I am going to Lambton today to speak with Mr Quigley. He has handled many legal issues for me in the past, and I am certain he can handle the wedding contract and procure a special license for us to marry whenever we wish. It is my hope that it will be within a fortnight. After all that has happened in the last year and a half, I wish to move forward an
d enjoy the future.” Darcy said, his eyes staring out the window behind the housekeeper, a smile lightening his features.
“And…what of the twins?” Mrs Reynolds asked nervously.
“We spoke of the girls. It is our intention to legally adopt the girls as our own. Elizabeth loves the girls as much as I do, and she said there is no reason for her not to be their mother legally. She also stated that the girls would know who their birth mother was. Elizabeth feels it is important for them to know that Georgiana would have loved them, had she survived, and that they are of Darcy blood.”
Mrs Reynolds pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbed at her eyes. “It pleases me to know that Miss Elizabeth has such devotion to the twins. Your sister, God bless her, was such a dear girl. She was so young when she was taken from all of us.”
“Can you imagine the sort of mother she would have been to the girls, if she had survived?” Darcy said, turning his tear filled eyes towards the woman who help raise him and his sister.
“I can. With her gentle heart, she would have been a loving and caring mother. And your parents, they would have been the doting grandparents. Lady Anne especially, as she adored children. Your family would be proud of your decisions, and how you have protected your family. It has shown how strong you are, not giving in to the desires of society and your other relations.”
Darcy nodded his head. “The decision was not difficult, despite dealing with all the anger and hatred towards two innocent babes. How can people be so cruel to those who have had no choice in the matter? Emmy and Edith are innocent babes. It is not their fault that their father is a scoundrel of the worst kind. How can they be held to blame for his behavior?”
“Society is cruel. They blame the children for the fact that their father is horrible, as if they inherited his nature. They blame you for accepting the children and having accepted your sister. To society, it would have been better to wash your hands of the entire situation. No feelings matter, your love for your dear sister should not have made a difference. But you went against society’s rules. You made the decision to live as you wished, allowing your emotions to rule your choice, rather than living as society dictates.” Mrs Reynolds had walked around her desk to wrap her arms around the young man she had influenced throughout his life. “I know that it has been difficult, but you have made me very proud.”
“Your words mean the world to me, Mrs Reynolds. And I am pleased to know you approve of my betrothed.”
“Well, you had best leave me to do my work. I will need to make lists so that I can keep track of what needs doing before you wed. And we will have to make an appointment with the dressmaker in Lambton. She is very skilled and will be able to fashion your betrothed with a fine wardrobe.”
“Yes, yes, all the items that a young lady who is about to wed will need. Spare no expense, I wish the best for my dear Elizabeth.” Darcy chuckled as he left the office.
Once he was gone, Mrs Reynolds smiled. “Lady Anne, you and your husband would be so pleased with your boy. He has turned out to be quite a young man.”
~~~~~~~ ** ~~~~~~~
Chapter 13
“I am planning to make a business trip to the north.” Charles Bingley announced to his wife over breakfast. “If you wish, you may stay in Meryton with your mother, but she is not to stay here. I made myself clear when I had her and your sisters moved to their home, and will not go back on my decision.”
“You are cruel to Mamma. She has had a difficult time adjusting to her home.” Jane said. “Why can I not travel with you? If you are traveling north, perhaps you can take me to Pemberley, so I might visit with my sister. It has been ever so long since I have seen or heard from her, and I would enjoy spending some time with her.”
“You would love spending time convincing her to give up her position and leave Pemberley. Do not for a moment think that I have forgotten your words. It amazes me that you would step one foot on Pemberley, after the way you spoke of my friend and his family. So, in answer to your question, no, you will not be making the trip with me. As for our marriage, you made it quite clear that it is a sham, a marriage of convenience. There is no need to pretend otherwise.”
“Charles, I was angry at my sister when I said those foolish words. I do care deeply for you.”
“But you do not love me. You used me to save your mother and sisters from destitution. I understand, and accept the fact. The fact I cannot accept is that you lied to me, telling me how much you loved me dearly, when you only cared for me. Had you been honest from the start, things would now be different.” Bingley rose from his seat and quickly left the room.
“We will see where I go, Mr Bingley. I have other means of transportation to go to my sister.”
~~ ** ~~
Mrs Gardiner had just come downstairs from putting her youngest child down for a nap, when her husband came looking for her. “Helen, you will never believe what I received today.”
“Well, then, you had best tell me so that I can believe.” Mrs Gardiner chuckled.
“I received a letter from Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy today, a letter asking my permission to marry our dear Lizzy. And to ensure that I knew of its authenticity, Lizzy included a letter. She is thrilled and very much in love with Mr Darcy.”
“I had a notion it would not take long after they left Town.” Mrs Gardiner smiled. “How could she not fall in love with him when seeing him at his wonderful estate? We knew before they left that there were tender feelings developing between them, and Lizzy loves the girls dearly. She will see they are treasured always.”
“As they should be. According to the letters, the couple plan to adopt the children as their own.”
“Goodness. Jane will be furious when she learns the news. We had best ensure that she does not learn of the news until after the wedding is over and done.” Mrs Gardiner was concerned.
“Would you like to journey to Pemberley, to be there for the wedding? I cannot take the time from my work, but there is no reason Lizzy cannot have you at her side as she takes this important step.”
Mrs Gardiner’s smile spoke volumes. “You read my mind, Edward. I would love to be at our dear girl’s side. But I will stay in Lambton. It would be far too presumptuous of me to think of staying at Pemberley.”
“You have been officially invited, as was I. Mr Darcy has stated his desire to see his betrothed happy, and he knows how much a visit from you would please her. And you could take the children. Then you could introduce our children to your friends in Lambton when you visit them.”
“I am blessed to have such a loving husband.” Mrs Gardiner said as she placed a kiss on her husband’s cheek. “You are so very kind to me.”
“As you are to me, my dearest love.”
~~ ** ~~
Bingley had arrived, unannounced, at Pemberley. He was shown to Darcy’s study, where Elizabeth and Darcy were discussing the plans for the following day.
“Charles, it is a pleasure to see you. I take it that you received my letter concerning the two estates which were for sale.” Darcy said as he walked across the room, his hand extended to his friend.
Taking the proffered hand, Bingley shook it. “I did indeed. I am grateful for your assistance in the matter. The sooner I find a new place, the better.”
Elizabeth was nervous. “And what does my sister think of the move? You will not bring my mother and sisters with you to live, will you?”
“Forgive me, Lizzy, I forgot you were here. No, there is no possibility of my bringing your mother and younger sisters with me. To be honest, I doubt that Jane will be making the move.”
“What has happened?” Elizabeth was concerned.
“Lizzy, I have to admit to you that your sister and I have…separated for the time being. It became clear to me that she has lied to me the entirety of our courtship and marriage. She did not truly love me, as she professed, and only used me to protect Mrs Bennet, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Had she been honest with me, we might have been able to work thro
ugh everything, but the lies she has told me have crushed all tender feelings I once had for her. She is not the Jane I thought I married.”
Tears welled up in Elizabeth’s eyes at the news of her once dearest sister. “I had a notion that something was wrong. I have had no word from her for weeks.”
“And for that, I must beg your forgiveness again. Your sister’s letters have been angry and bitter, and I have seen to their destruction. Jane’s hurtful words had no need to be delivered to you, as you have had your share of pain since your father’s death. For your sister to insist on your forsaking my friend’s nieces is unforgiveable. You supported Jane with funds when you worked at the warehouse for your uncle, did what you could to assist in the care of your mother, even when she disowned you. Yes, your uncle informed me of all you did for your family. Due to your care and loyalty to those who could not bother themselves to care for you, I felt you did not deserve to be ill-treated.”
“Why would Jane be so bitter over my tending the children? Mr Darcy is your close friend, how could she object to my working for him?” Elizabeth said, a tear streaming down her face. Darcy stepped to her side and wrapped his arm about her waist, pulling her to his chest.
“Do not fret, my dear. We will continue as we have been. You knew that your sister was upset, your aunt informed you of Jane’s opinion.”
“Yes, but to know she is so bitter, over the girls, is painful.”
Bingley noted the intimate way the pair were behaving. “Excuse me, but am I missing something?”
Darcy looked at his friend. “Goodness, I forgot. Everyone at Pemberley is aware of our betrothal. We are to marry tomorrow.”
“My Aunt Helen is here, with my cousins, for the wedding. Uncle Edward could not attend due to work, though he has written his approval.” Elizabeth smiled at her intended.
“This is wonderful news.” Bingley said as he moved to shake his friend’s hand and embrace his sister in law. “I could not be happier for you both. And the girls, you will be a family?”
On the Road to Ramsgate Page 13