Only after the marchioness laughed did the three younger people join her. The remainder of the afternoon was spent sharing details of the Bennets, the Gardiners, Lady Catherine’s brief visit, and Darcy’s plans. The gentlemen agreed to remain for dinner and word was sent for Richard to join them if he was free to do so.
Later that evening, when the Darcy carriage finally drew to a halt in front of his townhome, Darcy was exhausted. Bingley followed him up the steps without speaking, which Darcy gratefully took to indicate his friend’s fatigue. Once inside, after they had disposed of their outerwear, Darcy turned toward the stairs thinking only of slumber.
“I say, Darcy,” Bingley finally spoke. “Is it possible that the Gardiners know something of Miss Bennet’s thoughts towards me?”
Darcy sighed, realizing his friend’s silence had been the work of contemplation. “I suspect the nieces write frequently to their aunt.”
“Might she reveal what has been said?” Bingley ran his thumb and forefinger over his chin without looking Darcy’s direction.
“I believe we will see tomorrow.” A yawn broke from him before he could suppress it.
“Forgive me, old man. You must be shot. I shall not bother you more this evening.” Bingley clapped him on the back and they continued up the stairs in silence.
Darcy left him at the guest hallway, continuing toward his own rooms where he prayed his valet waited to ready him for bed. He doubted he had the strength needed to remove his boots after the battles he had fought that day.
***********
After replaying everything that had been said and every look exchanged, Bingley was no closer to determining if Miss Bennet had mentioned him in her letters to her aunt. The chance still remained that it was Elizabeth who had made her aunt and uncle aware of his attention to their oldest niece. Indeed, knowing what he did of Miss Bennet, he doubted she would share her inner most thoughts and feelings on paper.
But then again, she might have done that she may receive an unbiased response. Of course, this led him to wonder what she would want an unbiased response regarding. In frustration, he threw the pillow from the bed and was instantly remorseful when he heard something clatter to the ground.
Relinquishing all hope of rest, he sat up and looked about. The minimal light coming from the fireplace did not allow him to see what he had knocked over, so he began to cross the room hoping he would not fall over any objects in his path. He winced as the little toe on his right foot brushed against something sharp, but continued on until he reached the mantle. After lighting a candle, he began a more thorough search until he found a small wooden figurine; an elephant with curled ivory tusks. Surprisingly sharp. He checked his toe to be certain it wasn’t bleeding then returned the animal to its original position and tossed the pillow on the bed.
Running a hand through his hair, Bingley contemplated what he should do. His thoughts were flowing so rapidly he was unable to follow one to a conclusion before another would intrude. He spied the writing desk by the window and struck upon an idea. How many times had he seen Darcy making notes on one thing or another?
A few minutes later, he was settled in the chair, paper before him and pen in hand. Nothing. The questions that had been tormenting him earlier were gone. He dipped the pen in the inkwell, carefully wiped away the extra and bent over the paper.
What might must I do to convince Jane to marry me?
The pen hovered over the page while his mind wandered through possible answers. Caroline. Jane had insinuated he had no control over his sister. No, there was no insinuation, she stated it clearly. He took a deep breath and returned his attention to the page.
“Damnation!” A drop of ink had landed upon some of the words, obliterating them.
Bingley crumpled the paper and threw it in the direction of the fire before drawing out another sheet. This time, he carefully wrote his question and returned the pen to the well while he thought.
What must I do to make Caroline behave?
After several minutes, his head ached. Was there a way to manage Caroline? He tried to remember what steps his mother and father had taken, but was unable to think of a single event where his sister had truly been corrected. Certainly, she had been punished. All of them had done something at some point in time which earned a reprimand of some sort. But he was unable to find a single event where Caroline’s behaviour had significantly changed afterward.
He dropped back in his seat and stared at the paper. A means to control Caroline. Bingley released a badgered sigh. What did Caroline cherish more than anything else?
“Darcy,” he said aloud and laughed.
Sobering, he leaned forward to study the page once more. Caroline did not truly care about Darcy, she was more taken with his position … and money. That was the source of Caroline’s desire. The reason she wished to separate him from Jane was because it could affect her position in society and who she could marry.
Bingley shook his head. That was the reason, but now Jane would be a sister to Darcy. He wondered if Caroline would continue to disapprove of her and her family.
“Surely she would see the folly in alienating the Darcys of Pemberley.”
A weight seemed to lift from his shoulders. Darcy had been the answer after all. Nothing need be done as Caroline would see the necessity in behaving properly toward Miss Elizabeth and the Bennet family.
He took up his pen, cleaned it thoroughly, and capped the ink bottle. After giving the question one final glance, he grabbed the paper and crossed toward the fire, stooping to gather the other sheet along the way, and consigned them both to the flames.
A niggling doubt lingered in the back of his mind, but he determinedly pushed it away as he climbed into bed. Holding his pillow to his chest, he curled on his side and succumbed to sleep.
***********
The Darcy carriage rolled over the roads towards Netherfield. The passengers were eager to arrive so they could remove the road dust and be on their way to Longbourn.
“I am pleased to see you so relaxed, Bingley.” Darcy eyed his friend suspiciously. “I anticipated you would interrogate the Gardiners last night, but you were exceedingly well behaved.”
Bingley chuckled. “I felt no need. Though I had been concerned regarding Miss Bennet, I now believe the situation may correct itself.”
“How so?” Darcy asked warily.
“Why by your marriage amazingly enough. Caroline desires connections. She discouraged my feelings for Miss Bennet because she had none, but that is no longer the situation. Miss Bennet will be Fitzwilliam Darcy’s sister. What better connection could Caroline desire?” Bingley sat back in his seat and stared out the window at the passing scenery.
“Indeed,” Darcy muttered under his breath. “Bingley,” he said louder, “have you considered that your sister will be displeased by my marriage?”
“Only until she sees reason.” Bingley shrugged. “Once you are wed, there is nothing that can be done.”
“Precisely. How do you believe she will act until that time?” Darcy ran a hand over his face as he organized his thoughts. “I forced my family to understand that I will not allow any of them to disparage Elizabeth. Do you think I will be any less forceful toward your family? Indeed, I have already considered taking rooms in Meryton should Miss Bingley’s behaviour become intolerable.”
A look of horror crossed Bingley’s countenance. “That will not be necessary. I am certain Caroline would not be so foolish as to insult Miss Elizabeth in your presence.”
Darcy stared at his friend. “But you do not doubt she will insult her.”
A blush covered Bingley’s cheeks. “It has become a habit for her. I doubt she even realizes she does it.”
Darcy shook his head. “You are making excuses for her. I doubt Miss Bennet will be pleased by your attitude. Did she not request you examine the situation and take action to put your sister in her place? I do not believe waiting for me to wed so Miss Bingley no longer has a reason to disparage
the Bennets will meet her expectations.”
He opened his newspaper and raised it so it blocked his view of his friend. Bingley was one of the most amiable friends he had, but he could also be the most frustrating. They had often discussed Miss Bingley’s desire to become Mistress of Pemberley and the fact it would never come to fruition. Darcy now was glad he had instructed his valet to keep his doors locked when sharing a residence with that woman. He suddenly doubted Bingley would have supported Darcy had the woman compromised him.
“Darcy?” Bingley’s voice was plaintive.
The only thing Darcy hated more than an indecisive man was a whiny one. He gritted his teeth and continued to hide behind his paper, hoping Bingley would desist, but it was not to be so.
“Please,” Bingley tried again. “I fear I know not what to do regarding Caroline. If it were Miss Darcy, how would you act?”
Finally, Darcy relented and lowered the newspaper. “Georgiana would never behave in such a manner.” He pursed his lips as he exhaled through his nose. “Has no one ever corrected her?”
Bingley sadly shook his head. “Not that I remember.”
Darcy frowned. “Well then, you have a long road ahead of you. As I see it, Miss Bingley prides herself upon two things: her superiority of dress and her connections with high society. Threaten to remove one or both.”
His friend stared silently out the window for a time. “The season is approaching. I could threaten to send her north instead of allowing her to return to London.”
“Do not just threaten. She must know that you are serious, man, and will go through with it. I suggest speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Hurst first. They appear more sensible than Miss Bingley. Perhaps Mrs. Hurst will be able to persuade your sister better than you.”
Bingley appeared affronted. “You do not believe I am capable of standing up to my younger sister?”
Darcy sighed. “I said no such thing, but I must admit, I have never seen you heartily defend anything.” He leaned forward. “Is there anything that you feel so passionately about that you would sacrifice everything to obtain or protect it?”
Bingley’s cravat bobbed as he swallowed. Darcy did not break eye contact.
“I have never thought …”
“As I feared. Bingley, if you care for Miss Bennet the way you say you do, you must be prepared to lay all that you have and are at her feet. If she finds you lacking, it should feel as though the sun has been taken from the sky.” Darcy sat back and took a deep breath. “You mentioned earlier that Miss Bennet will soon be my sister.”
Bingley nodded.
“I have seen you in the past, Bingley. We spoke of this before. You go from one lady to another, like a bee flitting between the flowers. I will not allow you to break Miss Bennet’s heart. If you cannot be the man she requires, I beg you to step aside.”
A look of shock permeated Bingley’s features. Darcy raised the paper once more, and the carriage fell silent for the remainder of the trip.
***********
The discomfort that Bingley had sufficiently suppressed the evening of his revelation reared its head once more. He stared out the window, watching the passing fields and hoping the answer to all his questions would come into view. It didn’t and soon the carriage slowed as it entered Meryton.
Pedestrians were scattered about the main street as they passed and Bingley suddenly realized he was eagerly searching for Miss Bennet among them. When she was not found, his disappointment was severe.
The carriage made a final turn, taking it back to the open road and their speed increased once more. When it drew to a stop before Netherfield’s front steps, Bingley was hesitant to alight. This was not where he truly desired to be. The last person he wished to see was his sister. The first was hopefully waiting for him at Longbourn.
The door opened and Darcy climbed out. Bingley collected his belongings and followed. He stared at the façade; the gardens, the well-manicured lawn. All the excitement he had felt upon taking the lease was gone. It was just a house; not a home.
“Are you coming?”
Bingley looked up and noticed Darcy standing halfway up the steps. He nodded and followed his friend inside. They greeted his sisters and Hurst before making excuses to escape to their rooms.
Once in the master suite, Bingley called for hot water to bath and changed quickly. As if drawn by some unknown force, he approached the door which connected his bedroom to the sitting room and the mistress suites beyond. He did not use the sitting room, and therefore it was cold and damp. He passed through it quickly and opened the distant door.
Stepping inside, he attempted to see it through Jane’s eyes. He wondered when it was last used. The wallpaper appeared outdated, even to him. All the furnishings were covered with sheets so he was unable to determine their condition.
He continued into the dressing room, but it was mostly empty. He remembered the changes he had made to his own dressing room before taking possession of the house and wondered why he had not bothered to have this room updated as well.
“Bingley?”
He returned to the sitting room where he found Darcy looking about.
“Forgive me, I was … thinking.” Bingley ran a hand over his coat sleeves to brush away any cobwebs he might have collected. “Are you ready to depart?”
Darcy appeared uncomfortable. “I thought you may wish to spend time with your family. Perhaps I should go to Longbourn alone today.”
“No!” Bingley stopped himself. “Forgive me, I understand your concern, but I believe I would prefer to visit the Bennets. It may provide me the fortitude I require to do what must be done when I return.”
They stood, taking the other’s measure for a moment before Darcy gave him a brief bow. They took their leave of his family and were quickly on their way to Longbourn.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The door to her father’s study swung open and Jane stepped inside. “You wanted to see me, Papa?”
Mr. Bennet looked at her over the rim of his spectacles before laying aside his book. “Yes, Jane. Come in and close the door behind you.”
His tone was odd and she was unable to determine if he was pleased or upset, concerned or disinterested. She did as she was told and took the seat across from him. He continued to study her until she felt the urge to squirm. Finally, he leaned forward and folded his hands before him on the desk.
“Jane, I must insist that you not tease your mother. I have issued my directions for her not to push you toward any eligible young gentlemen, but you should not raise her hopes so. You must …” He removed his spectacles and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Oh, I cannot believe I am about to say this. You must have pity on her nerves.”
Mr. Bennet and his eldest daughter exchanged a glance and laughed. He sat back in his seat and shook his head. “I do not understand what has come over you, Jane. In the past few days, you have become more Lizzy-like than Lizzy. I have never heard of you being so quick to converse with gentlemen. I am certain you hold no affection for any of them, but it might cause your mother to have an apoplexy.”
“I apologize, Papa, but you cannot imagine how liberating it is to speak to a gentleman without fear of Mama discussing our future happiness. There is so much I have wanted to say over the years that I feared would be misinterpreted or create a scandal. I suppose I felt the need to release it all before this momentary peace dissolves.”
Jane blushed as she realized she had revealed her doubt in her father’s ability to continue enforcing his current rules. She watched him closely, but he did not seem to notice.
“I suppose I can understand your eagerness, but your poor mother has worried her handkerchiefs to tatters. She fears you no longer harbour feelings for Mr. Bingley and it is all her doing.” Mr. Bennet sat back in his seat, his eyes watching her every reaction.
Jane did not hold his gaze, turning instead to glance out the window. “I have tried not to think on Mr. Bingley. So much depends on what he has decided, and I will not
know anything of that until he returns.”
“Well, I expect you to at least be civil to him when he arrives today.”
“Today?” She spun in his direction. “You have heard from him?”
Mr. Bennet chuckled. “I was told his carriage passed through Meryton around noon. I suspect the gentlemen will be here once they have refreshed themselves.”
“I should tell Lizzy.”
“I have already informed her. I believe she is in the gardens watching for them.” He shook his head. “I had never thought her the type to moon over a man. Indeed, both my oldest daughters have surprised me lately. I believed you more like … well, in some ways you reminded me of your Grandmother Bennet, but I saw your Aunt Gardiner’s calm influence also. Now I come to realize you are more like me than may be proper. I fear for your husband’s sanity should you fully release the hold on your tongue.”
Jane’s eyes widened and her jaw fell open, but her father laughed and she relaxed. “Papa, you do not mean that.”
“Janie, I want you to be aware of what is inside you. What you try to suppress will come to light someday. It is better to have an open relationship with your husband, both of you able to speak upon any subject without embarrassment or fear of injuring the other.”
He folded his hands upon his lap and gave her a crooked smile. “Do not mistake me, there will be misunderstandings and hurt feelings; but if you are honest with one another, all will be well in the end.”
She considered his words. “Have you decided to treat Mama this way?”
Mr. Bennet’s cheeks coloured and he drew in a deep breath. “I am remorseful for the way your mother’s and my relationship has evolved. When I was younger, I believed she would be a magnificent partner for me. Had I … well, what is done is done. I am attempting to correct my past actions.”
A Beneficial, If Unwilling, Compromise Page 14