A Beneficial, If Unwilling, Compromise

by Bronwen Chisholm

  Feeling his anger replace his dismay, Bingley stood taller and gained the top step to stand face to face with the older woman. “Though it is none of your business, Lady Catherine, I must contradict you. You are correct that I wish to marry the eldest Miss Bennet, but you are overreaching to declare it as an easily accomplished feat.”

  Her lip turned up as her eyes roamed over his person. “You believe she would refuse you?” She sniffed. “And perhaps she would now that Darcy is able to open doors to her and her family that were closed before.”

  Bingley stepped closer to the woman and spoke through clenched teeth. “Miss Bennet cares not for the first circles. She would rather marry a poor man and be happy than subject herself to the likes of you.”

  Darcy stepped forward, placing a calming hand upon his friend’s arm and addressing his aunt. “Shall we return to the drawing room to finish our discussion, Aunt?”

  Lady Catherine’s eyes smoldered as she glared at Bingley, and he returned the gaze with no less intensity. After a moment, she huffed and turned on her heel.

  A pat on his arm let him know that Darcy was not upset with his actions, but Bingley felt a moment’s regret in confronting the woman. She was, after all, the daughter of a peer. They followed her into the drawing room which was gratefully vacant. Lady Catherine took the seat which commanded the most attention and the men chose a chair on either side of her, forming a tense triangle.

  “Mr. Collins wrote to tell me of the goings on at Longbourn. From the day he arrived, he expressed his concerns regarding his cousins. The Bennets are ill fit for London society. They have no place here.” She turned her attention toward her nephew. “Darcy, you must break the engagement at once. You were worked upon by that pretentious upstart …”

  A low growl, barely audible, issued from Darcy’s throat as he held up a hand. “We have been through this before, Aunt. Resist insulting Elizabeth or this interview is at an end. I will have you carried from the house if need be.”

  A look of unbelief flitted across the Lady’s countenance, but she appeared to change direction. “You have been promised to your cousin …”

  “Enough!” Darcy stood, towering over his aunt. “I will hear no more of this attachment to Anne. She and I have told you, on more than one occasion, that we have no intention to wed.” His hand fisted and released. “Good God! Marriage would be a death sentence for her. I doubt she could survive the journey to Pemberley, let alone the winters, and I will not mention children. I fail to comprehend why you maintain this delusion.”

  The Lady’s face flushed crimson as she rose from her seat to stand toe to toe with Darcy. “I refuse to be spoken to in this manner by my own nephew.”

  An annoyed male voice drew the attention of all within the room. “Will you hear it from me then?”

  Bingley turned toward the door to find Darcy’s uncle standing with his arms folded behind his back. He was a formidable presence. All the Fitzwilliams were tall, including Lady Catherine though she only reached her nephew’s shoulder. Lord Matlock, the patriarch of the family, was nearer his nephew’s height. Indeed, when Darcy crossed to greet his uncle, their build and features showed they could easily be mistaken as father and son.

  “Uncle! I am pleased, if surprised, by your presence. You remember my friend, Charles Bingley.”

  The men shook hands while Lord Matlock nodded in Bingley’s direction. He then turned his full attention upon his sister. “Richard and Georgiana visited me this morning when he delivered her to Matlock House before continuing on his way to report to his command. They suspected my sister would be making a rare appearance in town and wanted me to be aware of it.”

  “Brother, I am pleased you are here.” A victorious gleam entered Lady Catherine’s eye. “Our nephew has been drawn in by this young man and an overreaching family in Hertfordshire.”

  Lord Matlock held up a hand in the same manner Darcy did so often when taking control of a situation. “I have been told of the connection, though the only influence from Mr. Bingley of which I am aware is an invitation to view his estate. I hardly see that as tying Darcy’s hands and placing his head in the noose.”

  Darcy turned toward the door and ran a hand over his mouth. Bingley was certain his friend fought the urge to laugh as he, himself, was battling the compulsion. Lord Matlock was a colourful character; a forewarning of what his younger son might one day become.

  Lady Catherine sputtered, her complexion darkening. “But what of Anne?”

  At this, her brother’s countenance saddened. “I must agree with Darcy’s assessment. I have asked you repeatedly to bring Anne to London that she might be seen by the best physicians, but you have refused. You have kept her in Kent until she appears too weak to make the short journey.” He shook his head. “I have allowed this foolishness to continue too long.”

  The smug look which flooded Lady Catherine’s features was swept away with her brother’s next statement.

  “I have cleared my calendar and will be returning to Rosings with you, Cathy. I shall see to Anne’s wellbeing. If she desires to come to London, and I feel she is able to do so, she will stay with Eleanor and me. We will see she has the best care available.”

  “But … but … what of Darcy and this trollop?”

  Darcy’s growl was clearly heard this time as he turned on his aunt. “Madam, you have been warned.” He turned his attention back to the Earl. “I pray, Uncle, remove your sister from my home or I shall have my footmen render the service.”

  Lord Matlock sighed and shook his head, but took his sister’s arm and led her toward the door. “Eleanor and Georgie still anticipate your presence today, Darcy.”

  “I have been detained in other business which must be addressed, but I will send word to my aunt of when to expect me.”

  Lord Matlock nodded as he escorted his protesting sister from the room. Darcy and Bingley stood on the top landing until they witnessed the front door close behind the siblings. Simultaneously, they released a sigh. Before they could return to their seats, Grimm appeared with a bottle of brandy and two glasses.

  Darcy accepted the beverage with a wry grin. “You should open a bottle for yourself and anyone who was affected by my aunt, Grimm.”

  The butler shook his head. “If we are to drink, it will be a glass to your fair lady, sir. May she be everything you require to complete your life and bring you happiness.”

  A warm blush covered Darcy’s countenance and he nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. The servant left the room, closing the door behind him.

  Bingley poured out the liquor, handed a glass to his friend, and took a seat. He watched Darcy accept the drink and sit back in his chair, a thoughtful expression upon his countenance. They sat in silence until Darcy finally spoke, his voice soft and filled with wonder.

  “I am truly blessed, Bingley.”

  “That you are, but may I ask which blessing you are counting at this moment?” Bingley took a sip and savoured the heady bouquet.

  “Grimm is toasting Elizabeth without meeting her. He has no idea what kind of mistress she will be. Indeed, neither do I, but he trusts me.” Darcy stared into the glass.

  “You are no fool, Darcy. They know you would not do anything to harm Pemberley.” He considered his friend’s words. “Do you truly doubt Miss Elizabeth’s abilities?”

  “Doubt is the wrong word.” Darcy sipped his drink and appeared pensive. “I know she assists her father, but Longbourn is not Pemberley.”

  Bingley nodded. “True, but you told me the principal for running an estate is the same no matter the size.” He studied his friend. “It is not Pemberley which concerns you.”

  Darcy’s head rose quickly, his eyes wide for a moment before he relaxed. “I suppose if anyone understood my concerns it would be you.” He closed his eyes and laid his head against the back of the chair. “Am I hurting her by subjecting her to the ton?”

  After carefully considering his response, Bingley shook his head. “Not Miss Elizabe
th. I do not doubt she will eventually win over every one of the Lady Patronesses and have them arguing over which befriended her first.” He took another sip and allowed the liquid to burn its way to his stomach. “No, Miss Elizabeth will always hold her own.”

  Darcy opened his eyes and looked his way. A smirk lifted the corner of Bingley’s lips.

  “Look how she handled Caroline. You might think of it as training for what is to come.”

  A groan escaped him as Darcy’s eyes shut once more. The hall clock chimed and a louder groan was heard. With a grimace, he sat forward and set his glass on a nearby table.

  “Come, we must be off.”

  “Off?” Bingley’s brow drew together. “Where?”

  “Gracechurch Street.” Darcy stood and crossed to the door. “I sent a note around this morning and Mr. Gardiner said he would be available at three. We have just enough time, if there are no delays.”

  With the arrival of Lady Catherine, Bingley had forgotten their plans. He took a final sip of brandy, set it on the table beside Darcy’s, and straightened his cuffs. “Then we must be on our way.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  The trip to Cheapside was shorter than either of them expected. It was well before three and they were reluctant to enter the Gardiner warehouse so early. Darcy directed his coachman to stop when he saw several stores nearby.

  “We will browse the shops until it is time for our appointment.” He glanced at his pocket watch and then down the street. “If we walk this direction, we shall end at Mr. Gardiner’s establishment.” He removed some coins from his pocket and handed them to the footman. “Find some tea and cakes to enjoy. You may gather us from the warehouse at half past three, unless I instruct otherwise.”

  The footman bowed before climbing up beside the driver. The carriage rolled down the street and the gentlemen began perusing the store windows at a leisurely pace. After passing by a modiste and haberdasher, Darcy smiled and entered the next shop. Bingley followed, unsurprised to discover it was a book store.

  “I mean to purchase something for Elizabeth and perhaps for Mr. Bennet as well,” Darcy said as he wandered away.

  Bingley followed at a distance, glancing at a few titles. He was never a proficient reader and had been pleased when he finished the gentleman’s degree and was no longer required to read. Darcy urged him to indulge in more than the daily paper, but he had not yet made the effort to do so.

  His thoughts wandered to the Bennets. Elizabeth and her father were great readers. Mary was never seen without a book, even if it was a book of sermons. He doubted Mrs. Bennet or her youngest two daughters read, unless it was novels.

  He frowned. Jane had once mentioned reading to him, but had abandoned the topic when he admitted his dislike of the activity. He wondered now if she was her father’s daughter or her mother’s. As she was closest to Elizabeth, it led one to assume she shared her passion for the written word.

  Bingley began seriously studying the books before him as his thoughts continued upon their path. What was it Darcy had said while discussing accomplished young ladies at Netherfield? That they must add something more substantial in the improvement of their minds by extensive reading? Surely that was true of gentlemen also.

  He thought of the challenges facing him once he became a new landowner. He should perhaps become more knowledgeable regarding crops and livestock instead of depending upon a steward or other gentlemen who may not have his best interest at heart. Certainly, Darcy would not be available at every turn to direct his steps.

  Bingley located the appropriate shelves and began perusing the selection. Unfortunately, his mind wandered and he soon became frustrated attempting to determine which would be the best choice. He was about to gather several when he heard familiar footsteps behind him.

  “Bingley? May I be of assistance?”

  Taking a deep breath, Bingley turned toward his friend. “I wish to find something on crop rotations or livestock, but am uncertain which would be the best choice.”

  Darcy handed his purchases to a passing clerk and stepped forward. “I assume you are thinking of Netherfield.”

  “Of course.” Bingley’s brow furrowed. “Should I not be?”

  Darcy laughed as he pulled a book from the shelf. “Do not read something I did not intend into every word I say, Charles. I simply inquired if you expected to remain at Netherfield for the next season. It will help me determine which book will meet your needs.”

  “Oh.”

  “This one has some very good designs for southern counties.” Darcy handed the tome to Bingley and pointed at another on the shelf. “That one would be better for an estate in the north.”

  Bingley opened the book and scanned the table of contents before nodding. “I will begin with this one. If I decide not to purchase Netherfield and seek a home farther north, I will acquire the other. Now which do you recommend for livestock.”

  The friends reviewed the available choices. Darcy suggested a few and Bingley chose those that appealed to him. They settled their purchases and Darcy arranged for his footman to return later so they would not have to carry them on their errand.

  “You purchased several books; are they all for Mr. Bennet and Miss Elizabeth?” Bingley asked as they left the store.

  Darcy shook his head. “I found a book Georgiana had mentioned and one for myself. I was able to find a satirical novel which I believe Mr. Bennet will enjoy. I read a small selection and it brought him to mind at once.”

  “And for Miss Elizabeth?”

  His friend appeared a bit ill at ease. “I fear I was uncertain what to purchase for her. I am certain she already possesses many of the poets and the Bard. I considered something we might both enjoy, but then realized I already own most of what was available. I finally settled upon another new novel which I can at least be certain is not yet in her collection. I hope she finds it to her liking.”

  They wandered the street, but did not enter any additional stores. A glance at Darcy’s timepiece assured them they could progress toward Mr. Gardiner’s warehouse. Both were eager to meet the man who was a favourite of the eldest Bennet sisters.

  As they approached their destination, they were impressed at seeing a steady stream of activity. Wagons arrived, were loaded, and departed at regular intervals. Greetings were called between the workers and everyone seemed pleased to be doing business with the other.

  They gave their names to a clerk and were escorted to an office near the middle of the building. The clerk indicated they should have a seat and offered refreshment, which they declined. He apologized for Mr. Gardiner’s delay, but assured them he would be with them directly.

  While waiting, Bingley looked about the office. He noted Darcy did the same. The room was small, but did not feel confined. There was precisely the amount of furniture needed to work, with seating available for customers or partners. Everything appeared to have a purpose with no frivolous trinkets except an amateur painting of a fisherman at the edge of a large lake. Something about the location appeared familiar to Bingley, but he was unable to place it. He was about to step closer when the door opened.

  Mr. Gardiner bustled into the office with a smile upon his countenance and an outstretched hand. “Mr. Darcy, I beg your forgiveness for keeping you. Unfortunately, there is always some occurrence to address, but I will not bore you with the details. I understand you have news for me from my family in Hertfordshire.” After shaking Darcy’s hand, he crossed behind the desk and motioned for the men to sit.

  Darcy bowed his head, an amused smile upon his lips. “If I may introduce my companion, sir. Mr. Bingley and I have recently come from Longbourn and were tasked with delivering news of the family as well as correspondence.”

  “Bingley? I have heard much of you, sir. I understand you let Netherfield, did you not?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “A fine property. I spent many years there as a youth. The previous owners had two sons about my age. We would fish the pond at the
back of the property.” He indicated the painting Bingley had seen earlier.

  “I thought it looked familiar.” Bingley stood and approached the artwork. “I have only seen it in autumn. Is this the way it appears in spring?”

  Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “In my niece’s eyes.”

  Darcy joined Bingley to admire the painting and they simultaneously asked which niece.

  Mr. Gardiner sat back in his seat, obviously appraising the young men. “One would think it was Lizzy, but she has never been able to sit still long enough to complete such a work.”

  Darcy smiled and returned to his seat. Mr. Gardiner’s amusement grew as he turned his attention to Bingley. He did not speak for a moment, studying the gentleman instead.

  “My wife and I arranged for an art tutor for Jane when she was fifteen and staying with us.”

  Bingley studied the painting closer, searching for a signature or something that would indicate the artist.

  Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “Alas, it was not her forte and she turned her attention to needlepoint instead.”

  Losing interest in the work that was obviously not completed by Jane’s delicate hands, Bingley also returned to his seat.

  Mr. Gardiner’s eyes sparkled. “Kitty appears to be the only true artist in the Bennet household, though Lydia discourages her from anything more than dress or bonnet sketches now.” He sat forward. “So, gentlemen, what news have you of my nieces?”

  Darcy exchanged a knowing glance with Bingley and presented Mr. Gardiner with a thick packet. The tradesman weighed it in one hand before setting it aside and returning an expectant gaze upon the men before him.

  Darcy cleared his throat. “I am pleased to inform you that we are soon to be family, sir. Miss Elizabeth has accepted my offer of marriage and Mr. Bennet has given his blessing.”

  “Splendid!” Mr. Gardiner rose from his seat and shook Darcy’s hand once more. His eyes lingered on Bingley, but must have determined no news was forthcoming from that quarter. Instead, he returned behind his desk and withdrew a bottle and glasses from the side cabinet.