by Head, Gail
“Gentlemen, your generosity does you credit, but surely you must see that I cannot accept!” Jane cried in frustration.
“You must!” declared Bingley. “I must be allowed to prove myself to you!”
“And I must be allowed to bring Miss Elizabeth home!” cried an exasperated Darcy.
Georgiana, at first utterly baffled by this highly irregular display of temper between two men of generally agreeable dispositions, had begun watching her brother's face with increasing interest; and his last passionate declaration had caused her to gasp with the shock of sudden realization.
A few moments of deliberation were sufficient for Georgiana to recover from her astonishment and decide her upon a course of action. The newly-discovered insight gave her the courage needed to speak up despite the increasingly heated words flying between her brother and his friend.
“Fitzwilliam, Mr. Bingley – could you not work together to help Miss Bennet find her sister?”
Darcy and Bingley, momentarily stunned by the interruption that had come from such an unexpected source, measured each other warily.
“Really, Darcy, I don't see why Miss Bennet's concerns interest you so much,” grumbled Bingley peevishly.
“My brother's resources could serve to speed your noble quest, sir,” Georgiana reasoned quietly, “and Mr. Bingley's knowledge of the Bennet family would aid your inquiries as well, would they not Fitzwilliam?”
Had the situation not been so serious, Georgiana would have been amused at the expressions on the men's faces. They looked to be two boys caught fighting in the nursery and then forced to make amends.
“I suppose Georgiana is right.” Darcy conceded, though a hint of anger still remained. “What do you say, Bingley – shall we join forces to search for Miss Elizabeth?”
Bingley gave a grudging nod of his head. “I dare say I shall be happy to relieve Miss Bennet's distress, however it is done.”
“But really,” protested Jane weakly, “I cannot possibly --”
“Good! Then it's all settled,” said Georgiana brightly. “Miss Bennet, you now have the two best men in the kingdom at your service. It is an offer I think you cannot refuse!”
* * * *
Darcy shifted in his chair yet again and impatiently tapped his fingers on the rich tapestry covering its arm, amazed that the man before him could ramble on, seemingly oblivious to the purpose of Darcy's visit. He could see a more direct approach would be necessary; but then that would require the man to yield to an actual conversation – and Mr. Collins had scarce drawn a breath in the past five minutes.
“Indeed, sir, I am delighted at your visit and honored that you would condescend to concern yourself with the affairs of my unfortunate relations,” Mr. Collins continued in animated tones. “Let me assure you, most solemnly, that I do feel the responsibility to my cousin's family most deeply – especially in matters that may prove ruinous to the reputation of a young lady.”
“Just so, Mr. Collins,” said Darcy quickly when Collins at last allowed the briefest of pauses. “And it would be less than responsible for you to speak ahead of yourself, to conjecture when there is so much yet unknown – particularly to someone such as Lady Catherine.”
“But I must speak with her ladyship! She is an invaluable source of information, particularly in matters of propriety. It is beyond me to do otherwise,” Collins blurted in horror.
“And yet, Mr. Collins, it would be unwise to act so hastily upon unfounded assumptions. I know my aunt well and am confident that she would be most displeased to find herself in a position of ridicule.”
“Sir?” Collins frowned in confusion.
“A man of your position and calling in life owes it to himself to be above reproach. There is most probably nothing more than a misunderstanding here; but if you should find yourself connected to scandal of any kind, then through you, Lady Catherine would be touched as well. A position I recommend you avoid at all costs. The other side of the coin is equally grievous. Should there be no foundation for your suspicions and you are found to be the bearer of false rumors, your own reputation of honesty and integrity would suffer for the folly.”
“Hmm, yes, you may have a point there,” Collins broodingly considered his precarious position. “Perhaps it would be wiser to move with a little more caution.”
“Better still, Mr. Collins, I would recommend you disregard it completely.”
“Oh, no! I cannot disregard it completely, Mr. Darcy,” he exclaimed in renewed dismay. “Lady Catherine is deserving of a full and complete account of my endeavors at Longbourn. I will take your advice under counsel, however, and investigate more thoroughly before informing her ladyship of the particulars.”
“Mr. Collins!” The man's startled expression forced Darcy to check his growing impatience and adjust to a more temperate tone. “Mr. Collins, I must insist that you do nothing more in this matter. I will take fully responsibility for any information that needs to be passed on to my aunt.” Which is nothing, he added to himself.
“But, sir – I cannot, in good conscience, allow you to bear that responsibility!”
“You can and you shall,” Darcy stated matter-of-factly.
Mr. Collins' ambivalence was obvious. He rose from his chair, muttering to himself and pacing the length of the small sitting room before finally turning a skeptical eye to Darcy.
“I beg your indulgence, Mr. Darcy, for I cannot see what purpose it serves that you would exert yourself on behalf of my relations. Their station in life is so decidedly beneath your own. I cannot reconcile that you would deign to trouble yourself.”
“I consider Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to be acquaintances of mine, and as such feel an obligation to lend my assistance,” came his even reply. “As a clergyman, I am certain you see the import of offering Christian charity to those less fortunate than ourselves.”
“I agree with your admirable sentiments most heartily, sir, and your great and honorable aunt, Lady Catherine, has shown herself to be equally generous in her charitable acts. Therefore, it follows that it cannot be agreeable for her to remain entirely ignorant of the matter, for it was she who encouraged me on my present errand. Indeed, she expressed the utmost concern for the welfare of my relations when I last saw her, but two days ago.”
“There is no point in exciting any further interest, Mr. Collins. In good time, I am certain we shall find that there is nothing amiss and it has all been an unfortunate misunderstanding,” Darcy replied convincingly. He knew enough of Elizabeth to realize a month's passing with no letters home was a sign that something was very much amiss, but he would brook no interference from this heavy-handed clergyman. “I need not remind you that where a virtuous young lady's reputation is concerned, any true gentleman will hold himself bound by honor to avoid gossip-mongering, rumor, and innuendo. You must also know that if scandal falls upon the Bennets while I am acting on their behalf, my own reputation could easily be tarnished by association. I should not like to think you any less than gentlemanly in such a case, sir, nor can I imagine it would serve your future interests to incur my displeasure.”
“Indeed, I am a man of honor, sir!” cried Mr. Collins, beads of sweat beginning to gather on his brow. “But surely you would not want me to disappoint Lady Catherine. It is her particular wish to know everything that happens in the parish, regardless whether – ”
“When did Meryton become your parish, Mr. Collins?”
“It isn't, but – ”
“You believe that my aunt wishes to be informed about the concerns of every family in Hertfordshire, then? And perhaps Devon and Staffordshire, as well?”
“No, sir! It's just that, you see, I cannot be sure...” Anxiously, Mr. Collins avoided Darcy's impatient gaze, his face clearly reflecting each thought passing through his head. He would be very hard pressed if he were to displease Lady Catherine, especially now that he was newly married. But Mr. Darcy was a man of considerable wealth and influence, and obviously possessed the same ir
on will as his formidable aunt.
What was he to do?! To choose between his present, very comfortable position with her Ladyship and any future advantages of Pemberley was an impossible task. His neckcloth grew uncomfortably tight as the tiny beads of perspiration gathered and began to run down his face. He mopped his forehead nervously. Lady Catherine was his patroness, and surely deserving of his loyalty. But wait – did she not often say her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, was very nearly engaged to Mr. Darcy? Oh, dear! Not only was he master of the great estate of Pemberley, but the future master of Rosings Park as well! To provoke his displeasure would be madness and ruin! There was no choice but to acquiesce to the gentleman's wishes and hope Lady Catherine would never learn what he had done.
“Mr. Darcy!” cried Collins energetically, “I did not mean to say that I disagreed in any way! You are, of course, a man of great talent and intelligence, superbly capable of resolving any situation that may present itself; so much so that Lady Catherine need not be troubled with this matter at all. Allow me to say, sir, that the Bennet family is most fortunate – yes, fortunate, indeed – to have been noticed by a man of your station! Such affability! Such condescension! And, if I may flatter myself, I would do great justice to a sermon on your charitable – ”
“Ahem!”
“ – or, perhaps more properly said, I could do it justice, if this matter were not to be kept absolutely silent, as a matter of honor, and never discussed with anyone under any circumstances whatsoever! On this point, Mr. Darcy, you may depend upon my absolute discretion. You have my word as a gentleman that I would not dream of imperiling your reputation in any manner! And if I may be of service in any way, sir, please do not hesitate to call on me – sir.”
“It is good of you to offer; but you need not concern yourself again.” Having finally achieved his purpose, Darcy was relieved to bring the visit to a close. “I am going now, Mr. Collins, and I expect that the particulars of this visit will fall under your vow of silence as well.”
“Of course, Mr. Darcy. I understand and you may be assured that I will be mute in every respect. It would not do to have your tranquility disturbed by every person of humble means in need of a champion. Very wise, very wise indeed.”
Darcy rode away from Lucas Lodge only partly satisfied. He was confident that there would be no immediate scandal in Hertfordshire, but his aunt was another matter. While he had scarcely uttered more than two words to Mr. Collins before today, the past half hour had revealed the full extent of the man's unimpressive character, and Darcy was not completely confident that Lady Catherine would not learn of the affair despite assurances to the contrary. He knew his aunt's abilities perfectly and if she were to get the smallest inkling of anything amiss, she would not stop until she had extracted every particular from the clergyman. Darcy could only hope that would not be the case.
* * * *
Bingley bit his lip, slowly chewing at the irritation which had not diminished in Darcy's absence, and watched his friend cross the room to settle into the chair facing the massive mahogany desk. No words had passed between them since Georgiana negotiated their tentative truce and subsequent agreement to search for Elizabeth Bennet together, not even when Darcy had gone to deal with Mr. Collins.
“It is done,” Darcy reported tersely. “He was a bit tenacious at first, but in the end he agreed to give up his interest and return to Hunsford. With any luck, no one will hear another word from that quarter.”
“Hmm,” Bingley muttered sourly.
“Is that all you can say?” Darcy felt his own irritation rising again. “Do you think you could have done better with the man?”
“No, I do not think I could have done better. I understand why you had to do it; but what I do not understand is why you insist on being further involved in Miss Bennet's affairs.”
“And I do not understand why you fail to see what I have to offer in restoring her sister.”
“Darcy, you amaze me! You have done nothing but encourage me to remain in Hertfordshire and be steadfast in my affections – desperate as my position is – and the first opportunity I have to really prove myself, you cut me off at the knees!”
“That was not my intention in the least,” replied Darcy defensively. “I offered my assistance only because I saw that Miss Bennet needed help beyond what she was willing to ask of me.”
“And she refused you, giving me the perfect opportunity to raise myself in her estimation; but your unyielding tenacity has diminished my own usefulness by half. I do care about Miss Elizabeth, of course; but you must see that my helping Miss Bennet would be invaluable to my cause. I must ask you to step aside and allow me to do this alone.”
“I cannot step aside. I appreciate your position, Bingley; but do you not see the benefit of our working together on this?”
“Given your superior rank and standing, a comparison of our efforts could only lower me in her estimation. I hardly believe that would be a benefit.” Profound resentment tinged Bingley's words and he eyed Darcy warily. “You were so keen on offering yourself to Miss Bennet, one would think you had more than a casual interest. Perhaps your purpose runs much deeper.”
“Bingley, you are being ridiculous!”
“Am I?” he cried petulantly. “She was the only one you found handsome enough when we first came to Hertfordshire. You said so yourself at the assembly. And you were particularly keen for me to drop the acquaintance and stay in London after the ball. Trying to get me out of the way, I daresay; except that she made her escape before you could return.”
“This is absurd! Why would I convince you of her true feelings and encourage you to come back, if that were my motive?”
“Who is to say? Perhaps you felt it an advantage to return to the neighborhood by way of Netherfield. In any case, it is quite clear to me. Our friendship is but a means to your own end!”
“Bingley, I swear to you, I have not the slightest interest in Miss Bennet.” Darcy did not know whether to laugh or cry at his ridiculous position. “I would hope you know our years of friendship means more than that.”
“I should like to think so, but your behavior today has been very unlike you,” Bingley responded grudgingly, trying to measure Darcy's sincerity. “Will you give me your word as a gentleman that you have never considered an alliance with the Bennets?”
“I give you my word as a gentleman that I have never had any romantic notions regarding Miss Jane Bennet,” Darcy replied evenly, hoping that Bingley would not notice the manner in which he had rephrased the promise. “I will step back and let you take the lead in this endeavor – you shall have all the credit, I assure you. The material point is that we bring her sister home as soon as possible.”
Bingley cocked his head curiously and Darcy met his gaze evenly. “Very well, Darcy. I shall take you at your word regarding Miss Bennet. As for Miss Elizabeth – with nowhere to start, I am afraid it will take some time to trace her. I shall have to find a way to get more particulars and it may take a day or two to arrange another meeting with Jane.”
“No, Bingley, that will not do! Every day could make a difference in the outcome of things. I said I would let you take the lead, but for heaven's sake, take the lead!”
Bingley observed his friend's heated animation with no small interest. He had always known Darcy to be calm and collected, ever in good regulation, and yet twice in one day his friend had exhibited a passion heretofore unknown to him. It was all quite puzzling!
“Darcy, you have sworn you have no interest in Miss Bennet, and I believe you; but…” Bingley's voice grew in intensity with the idea that was forming in his head, “…could it be you have another reason for wanting to be so involved?”
“My purpose is to assist Miss Bennet, and you, in protecting the Bennet's good name,” Darcy shifted uncomfortably under Bingley's gaze. “If you truly wish to achieve matrimony, you have enough to overcome without adding scandal to the list.”
“But I could do it on my own. You know I could
; so there must be another – ” Bingley's jaw dropped with sudden comprehension. “It is not Jane at all, is it? It is Miss Elizabeth! It is her sister that makes you so determined!”
“You know as well as I do the whole family will suffer if scandal arises; therefore, it follows that we must safeguard Miss Elizabeth's reputation. Now, shall we get on with it?”
“Not yet.” Bingley stared into Darcy's face, knowing there was more. “I would have your reason.”
“I have already told you. Gossip and scandal would do no good for her or her sister,” Darcy replied, completely ignoring the piercing stare. “Do you not think we could try for more details tomorrow? Perhaps I could ask Georgiana to send a note for Miss Bennet to rendezvous somewhere?”
“Darcy –”
“We are wasting time, Charles. Are you going to discuss a meeting with Miss Bennet or not?”
“Certainly, it just seems that…I, umm…I say, Darcy, I have the peculiar notion that it is affection that drives you in this matter!”
“Indeed there is, for if you succeed in securing Jane Bennet's affection, I shall count my part well worth the effort,” Darcy calmly assured him, desperately wanting to avoid the inevitability of Bingley's conjecture.
“Your affection, Darcy – for Elizabeth Bennet. Do you love her?”
Darcy sat motionless, staring hard at the floor and wishing he had never agreed to come back to Hertfordshire. No one knew of the tumultuous battle he had waged against his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet, particularly after the crushing disappointment in Kent. His only hope had been that the passing of time would fill the void left by her rejection and mend his shattered heart; but it seemed fate would not be merciful. The revelation of Elizabeth's mysterious absence had given new life to his desire and he was keenly aware that the emptiness would never be filled. Yet could he admit it to Bingley? Could he clothe his love for her in the reality of spoken words? If Bingley had given him any chance for escape, he would have equivocated. But the question had been asked, and Darcy could not deny it.