Darcy barely had turned his head toward her when he saw the vase of flowers in her hands. She then preceded to douse the two gentlemen with the entire contents, flowers included.
Bingley sat up abruptly and sputtered “Darcy? What has happened?”
Lizzie replaced the vase on the table and turned to the Colonel.
“I would like to leave now Colonel. Would you be kind enough to escort me home?”
The Colonel extended his arm and said “It would be my pleasure Miss Bennet.”
Chapter 12
The Colonel observed Lizzie carefully on the carriage ride to the hotel. Unshed tears glistened in her eyes and he passed her his handkerchief.
She thanked him for his kindness and said “Allow me to take this opportunity to apologize for my unladylike behavior sir.”
“No apology is necessary Miss Bennet. Bingley deserved the treatment he received at your hands after the deplorable manner in which he treated your sister.”
Mrs. Mcglinty patted her hand and said kindly “A good strong cup of tea and a restful night of sleep will set you to rights.”
Lizzie only nodded her head but thought to herself I do not believe that anything can set this matter right.
*********
Fitzwilliam entered Darcy’s study the following morning and found him to be in a most dejected mood. He sat as his desk with his head in his hands and did not look up when his cousin entered.
“And a very good morning too you to Darcy!” the Colonel said in a booming voice. “It was such an agreeable evening that I cannot remember when I had been more amused!”
Darcy lifted his head and growled at his cousin. “Why are you here Fitzwilliam? If your intention is to gloat at my failure to secure Miss Elizabeth’s good opinion, I would request that you take your leave of me.”
Fitzwilliam was too well acquainted with his cousin to take offense at his words. He knew his cousin was besotted with Miss Bennet and heartsick over their situation.
“It is her good opinion that I have come to assist you with.”
“It is helpless Richard. The lady despises me and will never speak with me again. She believes I allowed Bingley to trifle with her sister.”
Darcy returned holding his head in his hands.
“Bingley’s betrothal is the cause of your misery cousin. I assume that was the confidence he entrusted you with? Bingley is a man fully grown, and he alone must suffer the consequences of his actions and should not have brought you into his convoluted affairs of the heart. You have paid too heavily for his secret.”
“I concur and I have summoned Bingley to advise him that I will no longer be a part of his scheme.”
A knock came at the door and the butler announced Bingley’s arrival.
After the gentlemen greeted one another, Darcy bid Bingley to seat himself. Bingley’s faced was bruised and he started to sport a purplish hue around his right eye.
“Bingley, you are my dearest friend but I cannot, nay I will not, keep your confidence any longer, especially as it relates to your secret betrothal. I have paid too dearly for keeping your secret.”
Bingley shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “But what do you advise I do Darcy?”
“You aspire to be a gentleman; therefore you must act as one. Go to the lady in question. Either you marry her or break the engagement and suffer the consequences. Whichever you decide is your choice, but I will no longer support this deceitfulness.”
“You are absolutely correct Darcy. I will go to her father at once. I am sure I will find him at his club.”
Bingley stood to take his leave, but hesitated before opening the door. He turned and said “Darcy, I was hoping you could tell me why I smell of roses?”
Darcy stood abruptly, pointed his finger at the door and bellowed “Out!”
Bingley scampered from the room and Darcy resumed his seat.
A few minutes later, a knock came at the door and Darcy groaned before speaking “Enter!” Shall I have no peace today? He thought to himself.
His sister Georgianna entered greeted her cousin first and then turned her attention to her brother.
“Brother, I just encountered Mr. Bingley as he left the house. Why did you not tell me you and he were set upon by a dozen footpads when you left the ball last night? Are you well?”
The Colonel could not contain his mirth and laughed out loud. Georgianna sharply addressed her cousin “It is not a matter to laugh at! Brother could have been seriously hurt!”
Darcy pinched the bridge of his nose “Dearest, please seat yourself and I will explain all.”
He revealed his feelings for Miss Elizabeth and all that occurred at last evening’s ball.
Georgianna placed her fingers over her mouth to cover her laughter.
“You too Georgianna?”
“I am sorry brother, but you have to admit it is quite a humorous story. That explains the flowery smell that surrounds Mr. Bingley. But what will you do to regain Miss Elizabeth’s good opinion?”
Darcy sighed “I am fearful that there is not much I can do. The lady despises me.”
“Uncle Richard to the rescue!” the Colonel declared. “I have secured us invitations to a house party at the Lanville estate in a sennight. Your lady love will be accompanying me. It will afford you the opportunity to beg her forgiveness and hopefully to pursue her hand. What say you Darcy?”
Georgianna clapped her hands together and squealed “Oh brother! Say you will go!”
“Very well” Darcy reluctantly replied. “I will go but I am not very hopeful of a happy outcome. She was so very angry and I believe that it was only my height that saved me from a punch in the face.”
“Richard, is Miss Bennet also a spy?” Georgianna inquired.
“Covert operator Georgianna!” Fitzwilliam replied. “Let us say she is assisting the war office with her excellent language skills.”
“Spy then” Georgianna replied.
“Wherever did you hear such a thing Georgianna?” her brother asked.
“Oh here and there” she replied casually. “Will you break your fast with us Richard?”
“Thank you Georgianna. I never pass up an opportunity to partake of your excellent cuisine.”
Darcy rolled his eyes and all three of them repaired to the dining room.
They had barely picked up their utensils when Bingley was announced. Again.
Bingley burst into the room and exclaimed “Darcy, I have such wonderful news! Oh hello Miss Georgianna. Forgive me for interrupting your repast.”
“Please take a seat and join us Bingley” Darcy offered.
“Thank you, but no. I must be away to Longbourn at once.”
“What has occurred?” asked Darcy.
“I sought the lady’s father out to do as you advised. But it was unnecessary. Before I could utter a word, he advised me that his daughter was engaged to another. The announcement will be in the Times tomorrow! How fortuitous! I am a free man! I can now offer for Miss Jane Bennet. Will you accompany me Darcy?”
“No thank you Bingley” Darcy replied adamantly. “Miss Bennet is a favorite in the village and according to Miss Elizabeth, the townspeople hold you in contempt for your ill treatment of her. I would be prepared for your carriage to be pelted with stones and rotten fruit. I will await your return here, safely in my own home.”
“I am sure it is not as bad as you say. I will visit when I return.”
And just as quickly, he flew from the room. The Colonel and Georgianna looked at one another, and burst out laughing. Darcy merely picked up his utensils and continued to eat.
Chapter 13
Bingley stood outside of Longbourn and hesitantly knocked on the door. He was nervous and unsure of a warm welcome. When the door was opened by the housekeeper, he presented his card and asked to see Mr. Bennet.
While he waited in the entryway, he took note that the house was very quiet. The housekeeper returned and escorted him to Mr. Bennet’s study. After greeting
s were tendered, he was asked to take a seat. He squirmed in his seat and looked around the room but could not bring himself to speak.
“Well Mr. Bingley” Mr. Bennet drawled. “You asked to see me.”
“Ahhh, yes sir I did. I wish to explain.” Again he fell silent.
“Mr. Bingley” Mr. Bennet spoke firmly. “I would like to return to reading my book at sometime today. Have you been engaged in fisticuffs? You have quite the bruise on your face.”
“No sir,” Bingley replied as he continued to shift nervously in his seat. “Miss Elizabeth hit me in the face and while I was unconscious she doused me with a vase of water, flowers included.”
Mr. Bennet looked incredulously at Bingley. “Why would my Lizzie do such a thing Mr. Bingley? Unless, she was provoked. Please explain yourself!” he demanded.
“I have become very fond of you daughter and wished to ask for her hand in marriage.”
“Which daughter are you speaking of Mr. Bingley. As you are aware I have five daughters.”
Mr. Bennet knew it was Jane that Bingley spoke of, but enjoyed making sport of the man.
“Why Miss Jane sir.” Bingley replied.
“I thought perhaps it might have been Lydia.”
Bingley looked momentary horrified. “Oh no, definitely Miss Jane. But before I could offer her my proposal, Darcy whisked me back to town.”
“And why did Mr. Darcy feel it was necessary to whisk you back to London?” he asked in a harsh tone.
“Well, you see sir,” Bingley stammered. “At the time I was secretly engaged to another lady, but I am no longer and Darcy thought it inappropriate to propose to Miss Bennet while engaged to another.”
Mr. Bennet started in astonishment at the man. “Let me rightly understand the situation. You were going to ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage while already betrothed to another?”
“Yes sir, but I am no longer engaged to the other lady.”
She probably came to her senses, Mr. Bennet muttered to himself.
“Mr. Bingley, if I were a younger man I would challenge you to a duel for your dishonorable behavior towards my daughter.”
“But, but…” Bingley stammered. And Mr. Bennet held up his hand for Bingley to be silent.
“I will not allow you to reacquaint yourself with my daughter for a period of six months. At which time you may contact me and I will either grant my permission or not for you to visit Longbourn. The decision will be Jane’s and hers alone. Am I understood Mr. Bingley?”
“Yes sir” Bingley replied sheepishly.
“I must say sir that I believe you to be the most senseless, inconstant man I have ever met! A title I believed belonged solely to my cousin Collins before I made your acquaintance. I am going to request you now take your leave and remember what I have instructed. If you ever trifle with my daughter again, old man or not I shall run you through!”
“Yes sir, thank you sir!” Bingley stammered as he made haste from the house and back to London.
It was a dejected Bingley that entered Darcy’s study a few hours later. “How was your trip Bingley?” Darcy asked.
“Disastrous” replied Bingley. “I met only with Mr. Bennet as it appeared all the ladies were away from home. I told him the truth Darcy and he has forbidden me from visiting Miss Bennet for six months. He said I was inconstant, senseless and worse than his cousin Collins. He also said if he were a younger man, he would challenge me to a duel and run me through with his sword.”
I doubt Mr. Bennet would be bothered bestirring himself from his study or that he ever possessed a sword Darcy thought to himself. Darcy patted his friend on the shoulder and said “I am sorry Bingley. I know you wished for a happier outcome. Will you be staying for dinner?”
“Thank you Darcy, but no, I will go home and drown my misery in my best bottle of brandy.”
Chapter 14
It was several days after the incident at the Barrington Ball that Lizzie could not recall her actions without feeling mortified and remorseful. Not for Mr. Bingley; that gentleman deserved her wrath but she felt a great loss in her heart for Mr. Darcy. She missed him. She missed their conversations and the way she felt when he looked or smiled at her. He made her feel like no other man had done so before. She blushed when see thought of his strong thighs encased in his tight britches.
Oh Lizzie! She admonished herself. Come to your senses, a man such as he would never offer for you. But it was still pleasant to dream.
Mrs. Mcglinty entered the sitting room and said “You have received a letter Miss Bennet.”
Lizzie thanked Mrs. Mcglinty and looked at the direction.
“It is from my sister Jane.”
“I shall leave you to read your letter in private.”
“Thank you Mrs. Mcglinty.”
Lizzie was anxious for news from home and ripped open the letter to find two missives enclosed. One was from her father and she decided to read his first.
My Dearest Lizzie,
I hope all is well with you as it is here in Longbourn.
I received a surprise visit from Mr. Bingley yesterday but am leaving all the particulars of that conversation to your sister Jane to relate.
Allow me to say how very proud I am of you my dearest girl. If Jane had a brother he could not have defended her honor and reputation more fiercely then you have.
From you loving papa,
TB
Lizzie put her father’s letter aside and quickly began to read Jane’s letter.
My Dearest sister,
Our parents, our sisters, and myself are all in good health. There is not much noteworthy to report unless you count the Goulding’s prize pig that escaped from his pen. The entire village aided in his capture before he was returned to captivity.
Yesterday we took tea with Aunt Phillips, and when I returned home was summoned to our father’s study.
I was astonished when he told me that Mr. Bingley had called upon Longbourn in my absence and related his conversation with the gentleman.
Mr. Bingley was already betrothed to another as he paid his attentions to me! To say that our father was irate is an understatement. He has forbidden him from calling at Longbourn for a period of six months. Father also advised Mr. Bingley that were he a younger man he would challenge him to a duel.
Hhhhhm, father does not own a sword and I doubt he has ever dueled in his life.
Father said it would be my decision if I wish to have Mr. Bingley renew his attentions, but he hoped that I do not. He does not want me bound in a marriage to a man whom he feels is non sensible and inconstant.
Lizzie, will you think very badly of me if I say I agree with father? I do not believe such a man would bode well in marriage and be detrimental to my future happiness. Mr. Bingley was amicable, pleasant and welcoming to me. But in hindsight, that was his attitude to all that he met. My opinion of him has been greatly reversed and you will be happy to know that my spirits have improved greatly.
Although I am very proud of you for defending my honor, it was very bad of you to strike him. Father says Mr. Bingley sports a blackened eye. Father was quite diverted when he learned you doused Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy with a vase full of water and flowers.
Please do not be too harsh on Mr. Darcy. Father and I agree he has done our family a great service and a scandal has been avoided. Perhaps you can extend our gratitude to him when next you meet.
Our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner have extended an invitation for me to visit and father recommends I should go. I will depart in two days’ time. I am most eager to see my beloved sister again.
Love your sister Jane
Lizzie sighed and refolded both letters.
I am happy for Jane’s improved spirits and to be reunited with her. I realize I must apologize to Mr. Darcy for my cruel mistreatment of him, but I doubt I will ever have such an opportunity for I doubt our paths will cross again in the future.
Chapter 15
The day before they were to depart for the La
nville estate, Colonel Fitzwilliam informed Lizzie that his cousin Darcy would be accompanying them in his carriage.
“Why is that Colonel?” Lizzie inquired.
“Because Darcy has the most well sprung, comfortable carriage I have ever ridden in.”
Lizzie narrowed her eyes at the Colonel. He wants to appear obtuse but I am aware that he more shrewd then he appears. He reminds me of my father, always making sport of others for his own amusement.
“No Colonel, you have misunderstood me. This is a covert operation and I do not understand why Mr. Darcy must accompany us.”
“My cousin is an intelligent man Miss Bennet.”
“I do not dispute that sir.”
“I would trust my cousin with my life. And yours as well. We are entering into enemy territory and I do not know who is friend or foe. I trust his presence will bring another layer of protection to this situation.”
“Very well Colonel” replied Lizzie, but her heart fluttered at the thought of encountering Mr. Darcy again.
The next morning their party departed for the Lanville estate. Lizzie sat next to Mrs. Mcglinty on the face forward seat opposite Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy. Lizzie attempted to occupy herself with reading a book she had brought with her, but to no avail. She was too conscious of Darcy’s eyes upon her. She stared out of the window and then at her hands in her lap. She finally resorted to closing her eyes and feigning sleep. She could not look at him for fear of seeing the scorn in his eyes.
Sergeant Chessup, Mr. Darcy’s valet, and her maid Sarah followed in a second coach with the luggage.
“We will arrive at Lanville’s estate shortly. Do you understand the plan Miss Bennet?”
“Yes Colonel” She replied. “Tonight at the ball, after everyone has gone into supper, Mr. Darcy and I will search his Lordship’s study while you and the Sergeant keep watch.”
“Very good Miss Bennet. Darcy, if you are discovered I expect you to keep Miss Bennet safe.”
Darcy only nodded his head. He was dismayed that the woman he loved would not look at him. She truly despises the sight of me.
Lizzie Bennet Agent for the Crown Page 4