Miss Bingley Requests

  Elizabeth’s countenance did not reveal the least trace of what she thought, but at least she was listening, and Caroline hoped that some good would indeed come from her kindness to this young woman. Eliza, impudent and unfashionable though she was, still deserved to find happiness in whatever type of life her place in society could give her.

  Continuing, she said, ‘I do not know the particulars, but I know very well that Mr Darcy is not in the least to blame, that he cannot bear to hear George Wickham mentioned, and that though my brother thought he could not well avoid including him in his invitations to the officers, he was excessively glad to find that he had taken himself out of the way. His coming into the country at all is a most insolent thing, indeed, and I wonder how he could presume to do it.’

  Elizabeth’s face had changed, almost imperceptibly, but her brow was definitely lower than it had been, and her lips were pressed more tightly together. Nonetheless, Caroline was determined to complete what she had begun. ‘I pity you, Miss Eliza, for this discovery of your favourite’s guilt; but really, considering his descent, one could not expect much better.’

  Elizabeth stood unmoving for a moment, her lips pressed so hard together now that they almost disappeared. Caroline fancied she heard the gnashing of teeth, when Eliza suddenly burst out, ‘His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same.’ Her anger was so palpable that Caroline took a step back. ‘For I have heard you,’ she continued, ‘accuse him of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr Darcy’s steward, and of that, I can assure you, he informed me himself.’

  Really! Caroline thought. The nerve of some people. They only hear what they want to hear, and so my efforts have gone to waste. None the less, I can rest easy, knowing that I tried. ‘I beg your pardon,’ she said, proud of the icy calm in her voice. ‘Excuse my interference; it was kindly meant.’

  And it had been, she thought. Here she was, looking out for everyone’s welfare, so the ball would be a success, and this chit had so little manners she had returned a kindness with rudeness. Glancing back at Eliza as she moved away, she couldn’t keep a sneer off her face. If the girl was too ignorant to recognise good advice when it came her way, then she deserved a man like George Wickham.

  A while later there was a pause in the dancing, while the musicians took a well-deserved break, and Caroline oversaw the tables set up and food laid out for the late-night supper. People gathered around eagerly, and Caroline sank into a chair to catch her breath. She spied Mr Darcy, standing by one of the tables.

  Most people had selected tables and sat down to eat. Mr Darcy placed himself at one of the few that still held empty seats, and Caroline’s heart sank when she saw Mrs Bennet sink into the chair almost exactly opposite to him. Her heart sank further when she noticed Eliza was also part of that table, and that she had been there before Mr Darcy joined them

  Had he deliberately chosen to sit by her? Surely not, for he must have known that proximity to the daughter meant a greater chance of proximity to the mother. She seated herself at the nearest table to his, positioned to she could observe the proceedings and interfere if necessary.

  Mrs Bennet wasted no time in fulfilling Caroline’s expectations. She turned to Lady Lucas, who sat at a little distance but at the same table. ‘I am so happy!’ she said in her usual ear-piercing voice. ‘I declare I must be the happiest mother in all of England.’ She leaned across the unfortunate elderly gentleman who sat between the two ladies. ‘Do you know why?’ Before Lady Lucas could reply, she sat back, looking very satisfied with herself indeed. The elderly gentleman was also satisfied, for his hand, holding a fork, had been groping blindly for his plate, since Mrs Bennet, when leaning across in front of him, had blocked his vision of the table. Now, with a smile, he stabbed a large piece of fish with his fork and happily consumed it.

  ‘I’ll tell you why,’ Mrs Bennet said, although Lady Lucas had not asked. ‘It’s because my Jane will soon be married to Mr Bingley!’ Her voice rose in volume as she said this, and she clapped her hands. ‘Just think of it: my Jane, mistress of Netherfield Park.’ Her face frozen in horror, Caroline glanced to where Charles and Jane sat at another table. The two of them conversed, totally ignoring everyone else around them. She moved her gaze to Mr Darcy. He acted as if he had heard nothing of interest, but his head was bowed, his eyes studying his plate.

  ‘I must say,’ Mrs Bennet continued, ‘I always knew Jane was so beautiful for a reason, but even I hardly dared imagine a match such as this! So many advantages! Mr Bingley is so charming, of course, and so handsome, but he is rich!’

  Elizabeth at this point placed a hand on her mother’s arm. Caroline had vaguely been aware of Eliza trying to hush her mother, but now she noticed that the fingers around Mrs Bennet’s arm were white at the knuckles. ‘Mamma, please, we can all hear you, there is no need to speak quite so loudly.’

  Mrs Bennet glared at Eliza before continuing. ‘And Mr Bingley’s sisters are so fond of Jane. I am sure they must desire this match as much as anyone.’

  ‘Mamma!’ Eliza said again. Mrs Bennet attempted to shake off her daughter’s hand and when she was unsuccessful, she turned to her daughter. ‘Hush!’ she said crossly. ‘You know that you will benefit from Jane’s marrying Mr Bingley.’ Leaning once again towards Lady Lucas, and again disrupting the elderly gentleman’s supper, she said in a loud whisper, ‘You see it, do you not? Jane’s marrying so greatly will throw my younger daughters in the way of other rich men! Oh, I just knew it, when first I saw Mr Bingley lay eyes on my Jane. I just knew it. And it is thanks to me that this match will happen, for I do everything in my power to ensure the two lovebirds have time together!’

  Mr Darcy by now was glaring straight at Mrs Bennet, and his dark eyes were filled with fire. Elizabeth apparently observed this also, for she pleaded with her mother, in a soft yet firm tone. ‘Mamma, please! Lower your voice.’

  Mr Darcy kept eating, seemingly paying Mrs Bennet no notice, but his expression changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and steady gravity.

  At long last, Mrs Bennet ran out of new things to say about the advantages of an alliance between the Bennet and Bingley families. By then Caroline had eaten next to nothing, but the food on her plate, now congealed, held no enticement. The hum of conversation in the room seemed like blessed silence, but before Mrs Bennet could think of something new to shout out to the world, Caroline rose, gestured to the servants to clear away the tables, and suggested that some music would be most pleasant.

  Before she and Louisa could make their way to the pianoforte, though, another person rushed to take possession of the instrument. ‘Oh no,’ Caroline muttered to Louisa, who’d come up beside her. ‘Not another Bennet.’

  Caroline had had the misfortune of hearing Miss Mary during a party at the Lucas’s. She still got headaches just at the thought of it. Slowly, she and Louisa made their way towards the piano, but before they reached it, Mary finished her song. Instead of leaving, she took the tepid applause her performance had merited, and started another piece. ‘Handel,’ Caroline said to Louisa, ‘would never recognise this as his own music.’

  Louisa nodded grimly. ‘I am certain he never intended a rhythm such as hers to come anywhere near to one of his compositions.’

  As Mary neared the end of the piece, crashing her fingers down on the keyboard with great energy, Mr Bennet appeared beside his daughter. He clapped politely along with the others, once she was done, and said, ‘That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.’

  Mary’s smile at her audience froze on her face, and then her mouth drooped. Without looking at her father, or at anyone else, she stood, back straight, and marched away from the piano. Caroline would almost have felt sorry for her, if she wasn’t so glad that she would not have to listen to Mary perform another song. Moving as quickly as possible and yet retaining an air of elegance, Caroline sat at the instrument and began playing a pop
ular tune by Mozart.

  The evening dragged on, although the guests appeared to be having a good time. As different people performed at the piano, Caroline took a moment to sit down and take in a deep breath. This brief respite did her no good, for everywhere she looked, she was assailed by the sight of Bennets. How it was possible for only seven people to be in every part of the room, she did not know, but no matter where she was, Bennets were all about her.

  There, in a corner, Miss Kitty looked coquettishly at an officer. Over by the windows, Miss Lydia’s loud laugh drew her attention. Mary sat in a chair by the wall, her arms crossed across her chest, her lower lip thrust out into a pout. Sitting together on a sofa by the fireplace, Charles and Jane conversed, both leaning towards each other, their heads very close. Mrs Bennet sat by Mrs Long, her smug self-satisfied smile seeming to mock Caroline. A flash of movement caught her eye—Lydia again, this time running, looking over her shoulder with amusement at the officers in pursuit.

  One comfort came to Caroline, at least, for Mr Darcy and Elizabeth were never to be found in the same area. Mr Collins was always in attendance on Eliza, and her pained smiles gave Caroline the only pleasure she found during the last hours of the ball.

  The Bennets, of course, were the last to leave, and Caroline and Louisa resorted to yawns and frequent complaints of fatigue. Mr Collins professed his gratitude at being included in the invitation until he was out the door and his voice disappeared into the night. Mrs Bennet lingered, smirking at Charles, repeating several times her fondest hope that the entire Bingley party would soon join the family at Longbourn for an intimate dinner. Stevens practically had to push her outside with the heavy doors, before she moved enough out of the way for him to slam them closed.

  Caroline and Louisa sank into chairs, their arms hanging limply at their sides. Darcy glowered at the front doors, as if thinking dark thoughts about those who could still be heard outside, until the crunch of gravel announced their departure. Mr Hurst lay stretched out on one of the sofas, snoring. Only Charles appeared as energetic as ever, a glow on his face.

  Darcy turned away from the front door, and his eyes met Caroline’s. Within them she read the message as clearly as if it had been spoken aloud. She nodded, in perfect agreement. Yes, she thought, we have much to discuss.

  Chapter Seven

  As planned, Charles left for London the day following the ball, to attend to business. Caroline knew that while her income kept arriving in her account according to its schedule, arranging this pleasant life for her took up a great deal of Charles’ time. She had not the slightest idea what he did when he was attending to business. Sometimes she thought of asking what was needed to handle her financial affairs, as she knew she would be able to understand it. She’d always had a good head for figures, better than her brother, in fact, at least during the years they’d been tutored together in the nursery. She was probably quite capable of handling her own affairs, but finance was an area ladies never dealt with, as gentlemen felt it would be too much trouble for them. Caroline knew many women would be capable in areas that would surprise the men, but she also knew she owed Charles a great deal, especially her obedience and loyalty. It was this debt, and, of course, her love for him, that had determined her on this present course.

  Charles had stayed abed longer than usual, following the exertions of the ball and the late hour the household had finally been able to retire. Caroline would once have thought it scandalous to sleep so late, but spending time with Lady Eleanor Amesbury had shown her that there was no need to force oneself to conform to outdated notions of when to eat and when to sleep. In town, Caroline had often returned from an evening at Eleanor’s home well after midnight, and she knew that it was not uncommon for many of Eleanor’s guests to stay up to greet the rising sun. That had always appeared a little extreme to Caroline, but now she decided, once she returned to town, which she expected would be very soon, she, too, would learn to dance until dawn.

  Once Charles had departed on horseback, his sisters returned to the house from where they’d stood outside to wave goodbye. Mr Darcy had originally planned to accompany him, but due to the gravity of the situation, had decided to stay to discuss what could be done. Caroline didn’t know what excuse he’d made to Charles for his change in plans, but Charles had apparently accepted it with his usual good humour.

  Caroline, Louisa, and Mr Darcy assembled in the smallest sitting room, for Caroline believed it would be best if they were not too comfortable while they spoke. ‘It would not do,’ she said, ‘for us to become relaxed and well-disposed towards the rest of the world, for we must not allow ourselves to soften in any way. We know what must be done.’ Louisa nodded, and Mr Darcy, showing no expression, led the way to the room.

  ‘We are all agreed, then,’ Caroline said, since no one else wished to open the discussion. ‘I have never seen Charles as smitten, or smitten with a woman so utterly unsuitable, as he is now.’

  ‘I agree,’ Louisa said. ‘Jane is certainly lovely in appearance, but really, her conversation is very dull. I am going to summon some tea and cake, for I feel in need of fortification already.’ She looked to Caroline for permission, and then rang the bell, before continuing. ‘I cannot help, in fact, feeling that Jane has used some feminine wiles that we did not perceive in her, in order to secure Charles. Surely that is the only way Charles could ignore her unfortunate connections?’ She laughed. ‘Did you see, last night, Miss Lydia and Miss Catherine teasing the officers? I thought my eyes would pop out of my head, seeing how Lydia snatched Captain Denny’s sword right out of his sash, and pranced about in front of him, not letting him take it back, even though he kept sending frightened looks at Colonel Forster, lest his superior witness him behaving in such a manner.’

  Caroline laughed, too, at the memory, but then winced. ‘And Lydia’s laugh, so loud and piercing. Truly, she is the daughter most like her mother.’

  The sisters discussed some more of the shocking behaviour displayed by all the Bennets. The tea arrived, and once everyone had been served, Caroline noticed that not only had Mr Darcy refused any refreshment, he’d also not once contributed to the discussion of this solemn matter.

  ‘What think you?’ she asked him. ‘If I cannot give you so much as a slice of this lovely lemon cake, can you give us your thoughts?’

  He’d been sitting very still, his long legs stretched out before him, his chin propped on his fisted hand, but now he stirred and moved himself further back in the chair so as to sit up straight. ‘I am torn,’ he confessed. ‘I have known Charles many years now, and have witnessed his frequent attachments. He, as I am sure you know, experiences everything more strongly and freely than do other men. This occasion is different. His apparent affection is steadier than usual. At other times, his moods have swung from despair to ecstasy. Frequently.’

  Caroline laughed. ‘I quite understand what you are saying, Mr Darcy. I have many recollections of Charles in the nursery. One toy would be his favourite, clutched fiercely to his chest if Louisa or I so much as glanced at it, and then the next moment it would be overthrown and another one snatched up. Charles has never known his own mind, and he is fortunate, indeed, to have had two loving sisters to look after him when he was younger, and such a good friend as you during his university days.’

  ‘And,’ Louisa put in, ‘how fortunate he is, indeed, to have all three of us to deal with this now. Many a man might find himself cast adrift once he attains his majority, but we, his family and friend, are loyal.’

  ‘Fortunate, indeed.’ Mr Darcy regarded both sisters for a moment with no expression, and then continued. ‘I believe that Charles’ regard for Miss Bennet is a stronger, more abiding, sort of affection. I think he truly is in love.’

  Both sisters burst out talking at the same time. ‘Nonsense. It is completely impossible,’ Louisa said. Caroline’s contribution was, ‘He could not be so stupid. He has too much good sense to inflict such connections on his family.’

  W
hen both had fallen silent, Mr Darcy said, in a measured tone, ‘One cannot always choose to whom one’s affections fly.’ He fell silent and gazed out of the window, and something in his countenance sent a flutter of fear through Caroline. He looked sad, no doubt at the thought of hurting his friend by separating him from a woman he appeared to genuinely love, but he also looked infinitely lonely.

  ‘Are you,’ she asked, more sharply than she’d intended, ‘thinking of a pair of fine eyes?’

  His head jerked at her words, but he continued to look out of the window as he spoke. ‘I believe Charles thinks himself in love, and perhaps he truly is. If love is strong, and equal on both sides, the matter of unfortunate relations can be dealt with.’

  ‘Nonsense,’ Caroline said. ‘Can you picture us dining with Mrs Bennet every evening? Entertaining her at your house in London?’

  ‘Obstacles can be overcome,’ he said calmly. ‘However, in what I just said, the fact that the affection must be equal on both sides is imperative.’ He leaned forward and for the first time appeared to notice the presence of tea and cake. Caroline hastily poured him a cup. ‘I am not,’ he continued, ‘convinced that Jane’s regard for him is true. It is strong, that much is obvious, but how much of her mother does she have in her? Are her feelings for him perhaps strengthened by her recognition of all such an advantageous marriage would offer, not only to her, but to her entire family?’

  ‘I am convinced that this is the case,’ Caroline said.

  ‘I, too,’ Louisa added. ‘Jane has always been very pleasant with us, no doubt in order to gain our support of such a marriage. Mrs Bennet, last night, practically said this was the case, for she said that Charles’ sisters wish the match to take place. Mrs Bennet, of course, is a very foolish woman and so I disregard anything she says, but this might have been taken as a command by her daughter. Jane is no fool, despite her parentage, and she would know that if she could win us over to her side, the match would be as good as done.’