Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley

by Fenella J Miller

  She thought it better to close her eyes and pray, there was little else she could do of any benefit. The noise beside her lessened and she risked a look, Mr Fox had beaten his rival, they were pulling ahead. Thank God! Now perhaps he would agree to turn back, would listen to her pleas, remember he was a gentleman and not behave in this wild manner.

  Then the carriage lurched and she was hurtling through the air to land in a deep ditch upon a soft bed of snow. As she lay there catching her breath she heard several carriages thunder past and was not sure if she was scandalized or relieved that they did not stop to enquire if anyone was injured.

  Carefully she flexed each limb in turn and was pleased to find them undamaged. She rolled over on to her knees and scrambled up, she could not see out of the ditch and found it was too steep for her to climb out unaided. She remembered the last thing Mr Fox had said to her and shivered.

  A gaunt face appeared above her. ‘I say, I am most dreadfully sorry. We hit a pothole, and before I could take hold of you, you vanished. Stretch up your hands, I shall have you out in a jiffy.’

  Her fear vanished to be replaced by justifiable anger. She thought she had better wait until she was safely out of the ditch before she told him exactly what she thought of him. He was irresponsible, reprehensible, and she never wished to see him again.

  Safely on the road she shook the worst of the snow from her person and glared at Mr Fox. She disliked being cross, but would make an exception in his case. She drew breath to begin that he forestalled her.

  ‘Do not look at me like that, as though you hate me. I deserve it, I have behaved appallingly. I cannot imagine what came over me, please will you forgive me?’

  He looked so wretched, she had not the heart to chide him. ‘I accept your apology, Mr Fox. However, I wish to return home at once, you might not be aware of it but it is snowing. If we do not set off immediately we might be unable to get home.’

  They had been travelling a little over fifteen minutes when the blizzard arrived. Within moments the visibility was reduced to yards and Jane knew it was becoming dangerous to proceed. ‘Mr Fox, it is getting thicker by the minute. Do you not think we should find somewhere to shelter until it stops?’

  ‘I am not leaving my cattle out in this weather, Miss Bennet, so I suggest unless you see a coaching inn, or somewhere with a barn, you resign yourself to travelling in the snow.’

  ‘I can scarcely see my hand in front of my face, how do you intend to drive safely if you cannot see?’

  ‘I have told you already I am an expert, I should be grateful if you would remain silent and allow me to concentrate. If we come to grief because of your constant complaining you shall only have yourself to blame.’

  * * * *

  Charles went round to speak to Lord Rivenhall at his lodgings in Albemarle Street in order to arrange a time and date suitable for both parties. As Darcy was the challenger Lord Winterton had the advantage of being able to select his weapons of choice. Pistols were decided on but the date was not settled.

  ‘It would be better to leave matters until the snow has cleared, don’t you think, Rivenhall?’

  ‘Winterton is out-of-town at the end of February so it has to be before then.’

  ‘Shall we say two weeks from today? Has your man any suggestions for the venue? I have never been involved in such an enterprise before and have no notion where it should take place.’

  ‘Winterton has written the directions out for you. This is a bad business, I sincerely hope your friend Darcy comes out of it in one piece.’

  ‘He is an excellent shot, it is Lord Winterton who should beware. Shall we bring the doctor?’

  ‘Do that. Now that unpleasant business is out of the way, would you care to share a bottle of claret with me at the club?’

  Charles thought it would be helpful to learn more about Darcy’s adversary and the best way to achieve that end was to provide Rivenhall with drink, when he was bosky he might let something of importance slip. ‘Should be delighted, I have my carriage outside, I can give you a ride.’

  All he had discovered by the time he returned home was that Winterton had fought three duels and come out the victor in each. Two of his victims had recovered, one had died several weeks later when his wound putrefied.

  Although he had bragged about Darcy’s ability he was certain he had never used a weapon against a human being. When it came to it, would he be able to pull the trigger and watch a bullet enter another person?

  It was too late to repine. Two weeks hence he must accompany Darcy to a deserted woodland on the outskirts of the city and stand by whilst someone was injured, possibly fatally. He blamed himself for not having prevented the challenge being issued, Darcy blamed Wickham; he prayed that his friend would emerge unscathed and would not have to flee the country for killing his opponent. He had not known how formidable Darcy could be when his family’s honour was impugned, and was relieved that it was not he who would be fighting .

  * * * *

  The snow was falling more heavily but still Mr Fox drove on. Jane caught a glimpse of something through the whiteness and tugged at his sleeve, when he looked round she pointed.

  ‘Mr Fox, I think I see a building just ahead, could we not stop there until the worst of the snow has passed? Twice now your horses have slipped, surely you do not wish to risk them breaking a leg?’

  ‘You are right, I believe there might be some sort of dwelling ahead. I shall get down and lead my team, you remain here and try not to fall off again.’

  With this brusque comment he hooked the reins over the post and jumped down. She could hear him talking softly to his horses, it was obvious that he cared more about their welfare than he did hers.

  With collar of his coat was turned up, his muffler wrapped around his face leaving only his eyes visible, his driving gloves protecting his hands he was scarcely recognizable. Indeed, Mr Fox was not the kind of gentlemen she had supposed. She could see he was using the end of his whip to probe the road ahead, checking it was safe to proceed.

  Enough was enough. Sitting on the box she got the full force of the blizzard in her face, she would be far better off walking beside the carriage as he did. She had stout boots on her feet, she would come to no harm on the ground. The carriage lurched and halted momentarily giving her the opportunity to scramble down before it moved off again.

  Jane felt her way forward until she could grip on to the traces and steady herself. Perhaps it would be of help if she led the second horse? Her appearance beside Mr Fox so startled him he pitched forward into the whiteness leaving the team to walk over him. She eased the carriage to a standstill, the horses were so demoralized by the conditions they showed no desire to continue without guidance.

  She hurried back to find Fox spread-eagled in the snow, for a moment she thought him injured but then he was heaving himself up to his knees.

  ‘I beg your pardon, Mr Fox. I could not see you in the blizzard.’

  He spat out a mouthful of snow before answering. ‘Good God, Miss Bennet, what are you thinking of? You should not creep up on a fellow, you scared me half to death. What are you doing down here anyway? Did I not tell you to stay where you were?’

  ‘I thought I might be of more use leading the other horse.’

  He brushed himself down angrily, but did not answer. Jane was unsure if she should try and placate him, or leave him to recover his temper. She did not like to be at odds with anyone, even someone like Mr Fox.

  ‘How much further do you think it is to the dwelling?’

  ‘Another two minutes at the most, if you are ready, Miss Bennet, we must press on.’

  This was exactly the news she had been hoping to hear, the sooner they were inside the better. She was numb to the bone, his horses would be in a worse state. They were up to their hocks in snow, they were prime blood, not built to withstand this sort of weather. They needed to be out of the blizzard if they were going to survive this experience. She counted her footsteps in her head, h
aving calculated it would be in the region of twenty paces to the farm. The horse she was leading was tiring, it’s head low, breath heaving in its chest. The farm had better be close, she doubted if any of them could continue for long in these conditions.

  Suddenly the horses increased their pace and she was almost swept from her feet. A large black shape emerged from the swirling snow and she knew they had arrived. Thank God. It was a barn, not a dwelling, but it was ideal for their purpose.

  Clinging desperately to the cheek strap of the horse she was leading, she prevented it from surging forward. Only one door was open, the carriage would be smashed if they tried to enter.

  ‘Hang on, Miss Bennet, I shall have the door open in a second.’ The barn had little snow in front of it, the blizzard was blowing from the rear, Mr Fox wrenched the door wide and the horses rushed in carrying Jane with them.

  Inside it was gloomy, but she could see at once that the roof was sound, the walls well maintained, and even better, there was a thick bed of straw across the far end of the structure.

  ‘Miss Bennet, could I ask you to help me with the horses? It is imperative that we get them warm, we shall not get back to town without them.’

  By the time the animals were comfortable and contentedly munching on an arm full of sweet smelling hay Jane was warm enough to remove her cloak. Mr Fox had ventured outside again to fill a pail with snow, he had said it would soon melt in the warmer temperature inside the barn.

  Her hair was tumbling down to her shoulders, her bonnet hanging by its ribbons, she was hot and dirty, but did not care. It was enough to be out of the elements and to know that the horses would not perish after all. Perhaps she had been mistaken about Mr Fox, he had been under great stress after all. Since they had arrived he had been everything he should be, enquired after her health, and praised her for her fortitude.

  A cloud of snow blew into the barn as he returned from his errand. Triumphantly he waved his bucket. ‘It is melting already, Miss Bennet, I shall be able to water the horses in a little while.’

  Jane relaxed, her charming companion was restored to her, the unpleasant hectoring stranger gone. ‘It was fortuitous the farmer had left empty sacks in here, they are not pretty but serve to keep the animals warm.’ She pointed to a space she had cleared. ‘I have put the rest down there, we shall have somewhere dry to rest whilst we wait for the weather to clear.’

  ‘An excellent plan, I am decidedly fatigued after all this unaccustomed exercise.’ His teeth flashed white in the darkness. ‘I declare, Miss Bennet, I much prefer building snowmen.’

  ‘As do I; it is becoming cold in here, I am uncertain whether I should put on my cloak or wait until we go outside again.’ She heard the clatter of the bucket being placed down and then he was beside her, standing uncomfortably close. He had somehow managed to discard his driving cape in those few seconds. She attempted to step away but he grabbed her arms.

  ‘Come, my dear, I have a far better way of keeping warm. What harm is a kiss between friends?’

  * * * *

  Charles slept little the night before he was to act as second at Mr Darcy’s duel. He had inspected the box of duelling pistols to ascertain they were in perfect working order far more times than was necessary. Long before dawn he was downstairs enveloped in a dark cloak, his hat pulled low over his eyes and the wooden box under his arm. His head groom had been taken into his confidence and was to drive the closed carriage to collect Darcy and the physician.

  Outside it was still pitch dark, but the weather had improved and the snow long gone. There were few people about at this time of the morning and he was at his destination in good time.

  Two similarly cloaked figures waited outside the house.

  He unlocked the door himself and kicked down the steps to allow the doctor and Darcy to enter the carriage. They did no more than nod a greeting to each other; no one had any desire to converse this morning. The impending challenge weighed heavy on all their shoulders. All three of them could be arrested if discovered and Darcy had the added burden of considering he could be killed.

  The coach trundled through London, each gentleman resting in silence in their own corner of the vehicle. An hour after leaving town the carriage slowed and Charles knew the moment had come. He leant across the carriage and gripped his friend’s hand firmly.

  ‘Good luck, Darcy. This is a wretched business.’

  ‘I think you should both remain in the carriage whilst I go and talk to Rivenhall. There is no need for either of you to be seen until later.’

  ‘Very well, Bingley. I have only to remove my outer garments, that will be the work of minutes. I am ready whenever you call me.’

  The third figure in the carriage said nothing. No doubt he was praying that his skills would not be required that morning. Charles wondered how much Darcy had had to pay the man to get him to accompany them.

  The first glimmer of light was coming over the horizon, sufficient for him to see that Darcy’s opponent was already there. Across the clearing he could see a similar closed carriage. With the pistols under his arm he marched towards it; he was no more than halfway there and when a dark shape emerged from the gloom and almost ran towards him.

  ‘Is that you, Rivenhall?’

  ‘Of course it is, Bingley. Thank God you have come promptly.’

  ‘I have to ask, is Lord Winterton prepared to apologize?’

  ‘No, let’s get this wretched business over.’

  Charles opened the box of firearms. ‘Do you select for your man, or must he do it himself?’

  Rivenhall barely glanced at the weapons. ‘I shall take one to him. We know that Darcy is an honourable man, he would not have tampered with either of them.’

  With the remaining pistol Charles hurried back to the carriage. Darcy stepped out as he approached dressed only in his shirt and britches. He must be half frozen, but had insisted he could not aim true in his jacket.

  ‘I have loaded and primed this for you, Lord Winterton will not retract so you must proceed. Do you intend to delope?’

  ‘I shall not kill him, that is all you need to worry about.’

  He saw a similarly garbed figure emerge from the other carriage. His hands were shaking, he hoped that Darcy’s were steadier. He studied his friend, he appeared almost relaxed, no tension in his jaw, the hand holding a pistol resting casually at his side. One would think Darcy fought a duel every day of his life.

  He watched him stride into the centre of the clearing where he halted. Not a word was spoken. Their breath clouded around their heads as the sun crept over the horizon. Darcy stood back to back with Winterton. Charles was to count the paces out loud, when he reached twenty the men would turn and fire.

  ‘One, two, three…’ His voice was loud in the early morning silence. ‘Eighteen, nineteen, twenty.’

  Darcy turned slowly and raised his weapon. Winterton fired and Charles saw his friend sway slightly to the right and the bullet whistled harmlessly past his head. Good God! Winterton had aimed to kill, what would Darcy do in return?

  A second explosion and this bullet found its target. A patch of scarlet stained Winterton’s shirt and he staggered back. Darcy dropped his weapon and shouted for the doctor.

  ‘Andrews, your services are required. Lord Winterton has a bullet through his shoulder.’

  The doctor scampered past, his medical bag in one hand, his black cloak flying around him. Charles felt his pulse return to normal. ‘My God, Darcy, that was the finest piece of shooting I’ve ever seen. You were magnificent. I was quaking in my boots but you were as cool as if you were taking a morning stroll.’

  ‘I think we must leave Andrews to return with Lord Winterton. We are finished here, shall we find somewhere to breakfast?’

  Charles slapped his friend on the back. ‘I doubt we’ll find anywhere satisfactory in this benighted place. However, The Red Lion is not too distant and they do a magnificent spread.’ He was about to retrieve the pistol when he heard the sound of
galloping horses. Good grief! The constables! Word of the duel had somehow reached the authorities; if they were apprehended all would be up for them.

  ‘Run for it, Darcy, we are discovered.’

  His friend was no more than three strides from the vehicle but he had further to go. He covered the last few yards in seconds, shouting to his driver to whip the horses up. The carriage was already in motion as he dived for the open door. Two strong hands gripped the collar of his cape and he was tumbled head over heels inside. The door slammed shut behind him. The chase was on.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Jane struggled but his fingers tightened, biting into her arms. ‘Release me, sir, you forget yourself. I demand that you take me home at once. I have no wish to remain here with someone who is not a gentleman.’

  ‘The road is impassable, my horses not fit to go out. You have no choice, so why not enjoy yourself?’

  Her left foot connected sharply with his ankle and then with her right she stamped on his toes. Swearing volubly he staggered back and she was free, but for how long could she fend him off? If he was really determined to ruin her there was no one to hear her cries for help.

  ‘You’re mighty high in the instep for a provincial miss. Do not look so scared, I shall not touch you again. I’ll not have you say I compromised you, I have no wish to be leg shackled to a penniless young woman, I have grander plans.’

  Retrieving her discarded cloak she hastily slung it over her shoulders. She would not stay a moment longer with this monster, she would walk all the way back to London if he would not drive her. ‘I insist that we return at once. I am sure that your horses are fit enough to resume their journey.’

  ‘The road is impassable, you stupid girl. Why do you think we are marooned here in the first place? Go ahead, see for yourself.’

  Jane inched the door open and to her delight the snow had passed, and she could see they had not been nearly as much fallen on the roads as she had thought. Triumphantly she turned to her attacker.