In the Wilds of Derbyshire

by Jann Rowland

  In the moment, however, Miss Bingley watched him, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly parted in shock. And then, apparently coming to the correct conclusion, she spun on her heel and marched from the room, leaving Darcy staring at her in bemusement. Perhaps she would conclude that her only hope lay in attempting to compromise him—she might think it would work, though Darcy knew it would not. Either way, he would need to take care.

  With Miss Bingley mercifully returned to her room, Darcy left his study on his earlier, thwarted purpose, only to be disappointed again.

  “Miss Bennet ordered her carriage and returned to her uncle’s estate, sir,” said Mrs. Reynolds when he inquired.

  “When was this?”

  “Oh, about fifteen minutes ago.” Mrs. Reynolds paused, and then coming to a decision she continued: “The young miss asked after Miss Bingley and went to her room. Miss Bingley’s maid came scurrying out soon after, and one of the upstairs maids heard raised voices in Miss Bingley’s room.

  Darcy thanked Mrs. Reynolds and returned to his study. It was clear to Darcy that Elizabeth had discovered something and confronted Miss Bingley about it, which led him to believe his own suppositions had some basis in fact. Why she had decided to return to Kingsdown in such an expeditious manner Darcy was not certain, but he thought it unlikely she would return that day.

  Perhaps Bingley would confirm his suppositions, he mused as he looked out the windows onto the grounds. He wasn’t certain there was any other way he would learn what happened that day.

  Jane Bingley felt like a fool. She had always thought her patience and her ability to see the best in others to be a virtue, but it was obviously not nearly so desirable a trait as she had thought. It felt more naïve, sillier than it ever had before. She felt stupid and used, and the fact that Miss Bingley would not feel any remorse for what she had done made Jane feel even worse.

  But even as she lay on her bed, sleep far away, even though she felt as weary as she ever had, Jane knew that she could not change her basic character. She would always tend to look for the good in others, and she did not think it was a contemptible trait. Unfortunately, it was one which could be used by another, more unscrupulous person, for their own purposes, as Jane had discovered. It was a mistake that Jane did not ever intend to make again.

  In the end, then, though she could never be thankful to Miss Bingley for her actions, she decided that she had learned a valuable lesson. Never again would anyone prey on Jane Bingley for their own purposes. Starting with her beloved Charles and her wonderful sister Lizzy, no one would ever come between Jane and her family again. This she vowed.

  Jane was not sure how long she lay in her bed thinking of the past months, but soon the door to the bedchamber opened and Charles stepped in. The dear man seemed to know that something had happened, for when he looked at her, she noted his hesitance. Feeling as if she had not seen him in weeks, Jane opened her arms to him, and he readily came and enfolded her in his embrace.

  “Something happened between you and Lizzy,” said he, wasting no time. “Can I assume it is good?”

  “I don’t know that anything good is to be had from this situation,” said Jane. “I have been stupid and foolish, and I am fortunate to have a sister such as Lizzy, who is eager to forgive.”

  Charles drew away, and he looked in her eyes, a slight furrow in his brow. “Can you tell me what has happened?”

  Jane burrowed into his chest yet again. “I am afraid of provoking your disappointment in me.”

  “Never!” exclaimed her wonderful husband. “If you have been foolish, I can only imagine there was some circumstance which clouded your judgment. Please tell me.”

  And so, Jane did. Her story of what had happened all those months ago, and what she had divulged to Elizabeth was told in stops and starts, embarrassed as Jane was about how she had been duped—and by his own sister! But all the while Charles listened with patience, though his countenance suggested a growing anger the longer she spoke. When she finally came to the end of her recitation, she fell silent, knowing his outburst of fury was to be expected. He did not disappoint.

  “I can hardly fathom it!” said he. Jane could feel the shaking of his head, though she could not see, as she was still cocooned in the warmth of his arms. “How dare she suggest such things about my new family! Your mother and sisters are not the best behaved at times—it is true—but I value them because they are genuine. There is no malice or improper conceit among them, which is more than I can say for Caroline.”

  Then a thought occurred to him, and he looked down at Jane, demanding she return his gaze. “This lady with whom you spoke in London. Might I ask who it was?”

  “I believe her name was Miss Carrington,” replied Jane, wondering how it could signify.

  Charles shook his head, dismay written in every movement. “Oh, Jane, I wish you had come to me about this. Not only would I never suggest that you cut your family from your life, but Frances Carrington is one of Caroline’s oldest friends. They are thick as thieves and support each other in everything. I have no doubt they planned this in advance.”

  Shocked, Jane could only look at Charles. Then the anger descended, an anger such as Jane had never felt. “Then the betrayal has been far worse than I had ever imagined.”

  “It has.” With a suddenness of motion, Charles disengaged from Jane and stood. “This cannot go unanswered, Jane. Caroline’s behavior has become untenable. Darcy will be incensed by her attacks against Elizabeth, and I do not blame him.”

  “If you do not mind, I will stay here and rest,” replied Jane. “I am exhausted from what has happened, and I would like to think of my own response to Caroline’s perfidy.”

  “Of course, dearest.” Charles leaned down and kissed her. “I will see to Caroline. She cannot stay, so I will send her to my aunt in Scarborough. What happens to her after that is entirely up to her.”

  After Charles left, Jane allowed herself to think a little more on the matter. Though they, neither of them, were as tenacious or direct as Elizabeth, this situation called for boldness. Though Jane knew her sister by marriage would never respect her, would never accept her, Jane would know how to act.

  In time, the events of the day caught up to Jane, and she slept. But she did so knowing that her family was restored to her.

  While the drama was happening at Pemberley, Colonel Fitzwilliam decided it was an excellent time to leave the estate and visit the woman he was courting. Darcy and Bingley did not require his presence, and though in other circumstances, Fitzwilliam would gleefully have watched events unfold, on this occasion he felt no need to do so.

  Within a short period of time, he found himself walking with Lady Emily on the grounds of Teasdale Manor, and if he noted the earl watching them through one of the windows of his study, he could not blame the man. Fitzwilliam knew her father valued her more than all his worldly possessions.

  “You seem to be overcome with other thoughts today, Colonel Fitzwilliam,” said the lady at length, when conversation between them had ground to a halt. “Should I be concerned for your inattention?”

  Fitzwilliam turned to regard her, noting her playful expression. Underneath it, however, he thought he detected a hint of concern. It heartened him—he had not seen much in her manners to suggest that she was at all warm to his attentions.

  “Would you be concerned if I was inattentive?”

  “A woman likes to know she is the center of the man’s world, sir,” replied she, her glibness revealing even more of herself to him. “We do not like to suppose there is anything more important.”

  “Then you need have no fear. I was merely thinking of some events at Pemberley this morning.”

  A frown was her response. “Is there something of which I should be concerned?”

  “No, I am certain Darcy and his friend have things well in hand.” When she turned a perplexed look on him, Fitzwilliam shook his head. “You must understand that I have no direc
t knowledge—only suspicions—and I am uncertain how much I should share with you. Suffice it to say that it seems Miss Bingley has managed to insult not only Bingley’s wife, but also Elizabeth.”

  Lady Emily’s distaste was clearly displayed. “The woman has no shame. Imagine her—the daughter of a tradesman, no less—thinking herself superior to gentleman’s daughters! I cannot even begin to account for such effrontery!”

  Amusement flowed through Fitzwilliam, though he stifled its release. Though she was not, in essentials, a proud or haughty woman, she was still every inch of an earl’s daughter. This instance he agreed with her, though that may be as much due to Miss Bingley’s disgusting character as anything else.

  “Surely Mr. Darcy will not sit still for such behavior.”

  “No, I very much suspect that Miss Bingley will be leaving Pemberley at first light. I also think that Bingley will wash his hands of her.”

  “Good riddance!”

  Fitzwilliam laughed, but he turned their discussion to other matters. “Were you truly worried about my distraction?” asked he, showing her a grin.

  True to what he knew of her character, she only returned his playful comment with haughtiness. “I believe you overestimate your charm, sir.”

  “Of course, I do not,” replied Fitzwilliam. “Be that as it may, let me inform you that I am every bit as engaged in our courtship as I ever was. I believe I am coming to esteem you, and though I do not think I love you now, I know it is possible—probable even. There, will that do to prop up your pride?”

  The woman turned and directed a level look at him, but she did not immediately speak. She regarded him for several moments, seeming to consider her response, and when she did finally open her mouth, her words were not at all expected.

  “I believe I am happy for Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet. I have made overtures to Miss Bennet to restore our relationship, and I believe she was receptive. I have learned a valuable lesson, sir.”

  “Does that mean you do not wish for me to continue my attentions?” Fitzwilliam looked into her eyes, trying to divine her intentions. Her appearance seemed to soften a little, easing his own sudden consternation.

  “No, it does not. It means that I have accepted that Miss Bennet and Mr. Darcy are to make a match, and that my pretensions were nothing more than that. It means that I can let go of the past and attempt to restore my good name in their eyes. It means I am ready to look toward the future and anticipate what may be.”

  “That, my dear Lady Emily, is all a man would ever wish to hear.”

  Fitzwilliam offered her his arm, which she readily took, and they continued to walk. Never had he felt such hope. When all was said and done, he knew all would be well.

  Chapter XXXIV

  Caroline Bingley left Pemberley the following day, and her going was not mourned by anyone. She left in disgrace, yet holding her head high, as if she was the one who was betrayed, rather than the reverse.

  As expected, Mr. Bennet had been infuriated by the story Elizabeth had related to him on her return from Pemberley, and nothing would suffice but for him to go to Pemberley immediately to voice his own displeasure concerning her behavior. After Mr. Bingley’s dressing down of his sister, William’s few choice words, and Mr. Bennet’s own displeasure, one might reasonably expect to see a chastened young woman who had learned her lesson. Instead, they were treated to the sight of Miss Bingley watching them all with cold disdain.

  “Will you allow this man to speak to me in such a way?” asked Miss Bingley of her brother after Mr. Bennet had told her exactly what he thought of her.

  “It is nothing less than you deserve,” replied Mr. Bingley. “If you did not deserve it, you would not have been subjected to it.”

  Miss Bingley’s sneer was not unexpected. “How typical of you, Charles. Not only do you choose an unsuitable woman for your wife, but you lack the ability to protect your own sister from unjustified attacks.”

  “Unjustified!” cried Mr. Bennet. “I have always known that your sister was an unpleasant sort of woman, sir, but I never imagined her to be delusional too.”

  Miss Bingley’s lips tightened at his words, but Mr. Bingley only shook his head. “I never knew of it myself, though I am ashamed to own it. But you will no longer be required to endure her presence. She is for Scarborough tomorrow morning.”

  “Good,” replied Mr. Bennet. “Please be aware that she will not be welcome in my house again.”

  “Nor mine,” said William.

  “She will also not be welcome in mine.”

  As one, the company turned to see Jane standing in the doorway. Elizabeth had never seen her sister looking on someone with such utter disdain as she did now. She could not help but be heartened by the sight, for she knew that Jane would never again be used in such a way by such a reprehensible person.

  “Caroline, I find your actions disgusting, and your behavior appalling. I am ashamed of you.”

  Miss Bingley scoffed at her. “And you were eager and willing to fall in with whatever I said. Do not presume to blame me for your actions.”

  “I am aware of my own culpability,” replied Jane, an implacability in her manner which was a revelation. “But I also know that if you had not betrayed me, I would never have behaved in such a manner. My guilt is great, but yours is greater.

  “I will not ever have you in my house again. If Charles chooses, he may keep up his connection to you, but I will not have you distressing me, my family, or poisoning my children with your forked tongue.”

  “And I support my wife in this,” was Mr. Bingley’s short reply. “Caroline, you have gone beyond all decency in what you have done. You may live in Scarborough. If you prefer, I will release your dowry to your control and assist you in creating your own establishment in London. But I will not inflict you on my relations again.”

  “So, it seems you have simply passed your leading strings to another,” mocked Miss Bingley. “For years, it was my apron to which you were tied. Now your little country wife holds the reins. How utterly predictable.”

  “Enough!” said Mr. Bingley. “I will tolerate no more of your vitriol. You may return to your room and direct your maid to begin packing. Do not bother to come down for dinner, as I shall ask Mrs. Reynolds to bring you a tray. If you are not prepared to depart in the morning, I will carry you to the coach myself.”

  Hatred simmered in Miss Bingley’s eyes, but without another word she stood and left the room. It was the last time Elizabeth was ever in company with the woman, and she would see her only infrequently, and completely by coincidence, over the coming years.

  After Miss Bingley’s departure the next morning, those from Kingsdown joined the Pemberley party at William’s estate, free from the specter of Miss Bingley. Though much still needed to be done to mend that which stood between them, Elizabeth thought they were well on their way to making a start. What she had not expected was for her sister to cling to her as if she thought Elizabeth would disappear in a puff of smoke without any provocation.

  “I always knew the eldest Bennet sisters were close,” remarked Mr. Bingley after they had been together for some time, “but I do declare it would be impossible to insert a sheet of paper between them at present.”

  “You have the pleasure of your wife’s presence for the whole of your life, Mr. Bingley,” said Elizabeth, shooting him an amused glance. “For now, I believe Jane and I require the reassurance of each other’s affections.”

  “Well, then,” said Mr. Bingley, reclining back in his chair and looking on them with fondness, “if such close sisters are not to be parted, I believe I will need to move forward with my purchase of an estate in this neighborhood.”

  Elizabeth gaped at him, but Jane was even more surprised. “Move to the neighborhood?” asked she.

  “Yes, my dear,” said Mr. Bingley. “As you are aware, I had originally leased Netherfield with the option to purchase. Recent events what they are, I had thought a cha
nge in scenery might be beneficial for your happiness, and I spoke with Darcy about the prospect of properties coming available in the north. There are a few possibilities, including a pair within thirty miles of Pemberley which might suit our needs. I thought we might look at them while we are here.”

  “Oh, Charles!” exclaimed Jane, and she abandoned her place by Elizabeth’s side and threw herself into her laughing husband’s arms.

  “I will assume that the presence of my wife near Netherfield has not played a role in your decision,” said Mr. Bennet. No one who heard him speak could have missed the sardonic note in his voice. “I will attempt not to take offense. But with you, and now Darcy here, taking away my most sensible daughters, I will have no one with whom to hold an intelligent conversation.”

  They all laughed at that, though Elizabeth noted that Mrs. Drummond only frowned at her brother.

  “Surely you do not begrudge us this, Papa.”

  “Of course, I do not. But that does not mean I will not miss you.”

  “I feel the same way.”

  “I am not surprised. But you shall have ample sources of consolation in your new situation and will have, I am sure, no cause to repine.”

  “With the possible exception of being forced to endure my dour cousin,” interjected Colonel Fitzwilliam.

  “Oh, I think Darcy is not nearly so stern as you make him out to be, Colonel. I believe I shall like my third son-in-law, nearly as much as my second, though my first shall always hold a special place in my heart.”