Smoky Dreams

by Jaeza Rayleigh

  "Darcy? Are you bosky? It is awful early, and you do not look it, but all the same..." Bingley took a seat across from his friend, looking at him with concern.

  "No. I have not been drinking. I know this sounds odd, but I had several revelations this morning and now I need to act. I think you and I need to return to Netherfield. In fact, we need to go back today."

  "Today! But...you and Caroline have spent the last three weeks telling me all the reasons why I should never return to Netherfield. I do not understand. What about Miss Bennet and placing her in a bad position?"

  Darcy groaned inside. Bingley deserved better than this. He began again.

  "I know I told you it would be a disservice to place Miss Bennet in a position where she might be forced to marry you even if she did not wish to, and I also told you I saw no signs of her having any particular regard for you. Both things are still true, but they are not the complete truth. I owe you an explanation, but it does not paint me in a good light and I am having trouble making it." Darcy stopped to collect his thoughts while Bingley regarded him curiously. There was a light knock on the door, which caused both men to jump, more out of fear it might be Miss Bingley than anything else. They quickly realized that she would have knocked more loudly, entering immediately after or even as she did so. They relaxed again.

  "Oh, that is right," Bingley said suddenly. "I asked for coffee." He called for the servant to enter and soon a tray with coffee and some pastries was sitting on the side table between their two chairs. Before the servant left, Bingley told the man to instruct his valet to pack for a trip of some duration and that he would be leaving shortly. The man bowed and left the room.

  "You are preparing to leave, just like that?" Darcy asked.

  "I trust you, Darcy. If you say we need to go, then I am certain we do. I am also looking forward to seeing Miss Bennet again. All the same, I am curious about what you were just saying.”

  Darcy took a drink of his coffee, more as a delaying measure than anything. As he swallowed, he wondered if he could get away with eating an entire pastry before saying anything more. Then he noticed what might be a blob of cherry or red currant jelly on one of them and remembered all his thoughts of the sunrise. The vision of Miss Bennet in tears flashed in his memory. That was enough.

  "The truth is, I never really paid enough attention to Miss Bennet to accurately discern what her feelings for you might be. I was far more distracted by her sister and found I wished to put some distance between us. I never saw Miss Bennet appear to have any particular regard for you when I looked, but I did not really look very hard." Darcy said the last very quickly and looked away from Bingley, ashamed. He caught another glimpse of the pastry with the jelly on it. Red currant, definitely, he decided.

  "Well, I did notice you and Miss Elizabeth were not getting along very well. You seemed to argue every time you met. At least it has only been a few weeks and it is not like I disappeared without a word. Caroline told me she wrote to Miss Bennet to tell her I had been delayed in town." Bingley took a pastry, not the red currant one, and began to eat it with a little more energy than he had shown before.

  Bingley's reference to arguments with Miss Elizabeth confused Darcy, but he would have to ask about that later. First, he needed to make Bingley aware of the rest of the problem.

  "Bingley, I know your sister wrote a letter to Miss Bennet before leaving Netherfield. However, I doubt it was a very kind one and it was far more likely to say that you would never return than just explaining you had been delayed."

  "But...why would she do that even before I had decided to stay in town? Caroline likes Miss Bennet. She has said so." Bingley appeared genuinely confused. Darcy shook his head slightly.

  "How many times have you heard her say, 'Jane Bennet is a dear, sweet girl but...' followed by some insult to Miss Bennet's family or reason why she is unsuitable and would never marry well?" he asked.

  Bingley's coffee cup remained raised halfway to his mouth as the substance of Darcy's words hit him. He seemed frozen in shock until Darcy reached over and gently pressed Bingley's hand back down to the table. Bingley released the cup in surprise, causing the coffee to slosh, but not spill. He looked at the coffee, then over to Darcy, then back to the coffee.

  "Wuh…why would she keep company with Miss Bennet if she dislikes her?" he finally asked, returning his gaze to his friend.

  "I do not think she particularly dislikes Miss Bennet. She simply does not wish you to marry her. Such a marriage and connection would not fit with her plan for you to marry into the first circles and make an alliance that would ensure she found a match in the first circles as well."

  "Or better yet, a match with you?" Charles asked with a grin before quickly sobering. "All the same, it shows very little consideration for my feelings. I love Miss Bennet. Only the thought I might wrong her by persisting in my suit has kept me away from her. Why would my sister try to run my life like that?"

  "She has always done her best to run your life, Bingley, and you have usually allowed her to do so. This situation is no different," Darcy told him with slight hesitation, for he had also tried to run his friend's life, although with different reasons.

  "Well, no more," Bingley said firmly, pounding his hand on the table and causing some of the coffee in his cup to spill out. He hardly noticed Darcy moving a serviette to cover the spill as he added, "I plan to go to Netherfield today. I will court Miss Bennet and if she agrees, I will marry her." He nodded his head once, firmly, for emphasis before adding more softly. "That is, as long as you think I will not be harming her by my attention."

  "I think this is a decision you need to make for yourself," Darcy said quietly. "Your previous behavior did excite expectations and Mrs. Bennet is very good at jumping to conclusions where a marriage to one of her daughters is concerned. However, if you choose to go and you are discreet, you may be able to ask Miss Bennet directly if she would feel pressured into a marriage with you or if it is actually something she wishes."

  Bingley smiled brightly. "I will go," he declared. Suddenly he saw the coffee-stained serviette. "When did that happen?" he asked.

  "When you became decisive," Darcy answered with a chuckle. Bingley grinned at him before picking up the cup and drinking what remained in it. As he put the empty cup down on the serviette, he looked back at Darcy.

  "You said you needed to return to Netherfield as well?"

  "I have some unfinished business in the area involving Mr. Wickham."

  "That fellow who joined the militia shortly before we left there? Miss Bennet asked me something about him. He had been telling a story about you to Miss Elizabeth, I think, and she wanted to know if it was true. I did not get the details but told her I thought the fault was on the other fellow's side."

  Darcy looked a little disturbed at the mention of Miss Elizabeth and Wickham, but answered, "Thank you for your confidence in me, Bingley. I would appreciate your hospitality."

  "Of course, my friend," Bingley said cheerfully. "You will not find any reason to argue with Miss Elizabeth anymore, will you?"

  "Miss Elizabeth and I have enjoyed some spirited debates together," Darcy said, "but that is not the same as arguing. I hope once I have settled the issue with Wickham, she and I will be in perfect accord."

  Bingley looked at him a little doubtfully. "If you say so."

  Darcy smiled. "May I also bring my sister and her companion?" he asked.

  "Of course," Bingley answered enthusiastically. "I do not intend to even tell Caroline or Louisa that I am leaving. They prefer to stay in town anyway. Miss Darcy can be my hostess."

  "My sister is not yet out, Bingley," Darcy reminded him. "She cannot be your hostess, but that will not stop you from attending any of the neighborhood events. It is the Christmas season, after all. There are certain to be plenty of dinners or other opportunities for us to see the Bennets."

  "Of course," Bingley said with no less enthusiasm. "She is most welcome even if she cannot be my hostess. My
man should be nearly packed by now. We can go before Caroline wakes up."

  "My carriage is waiting in the mews. We can load your trunks and valet as soon as they are ready and head back to Darcy house to collect my sister and Mrs. Annesley. I had hoped you would agree to their company and so I left them word to pack for a visit. I can send a messenger ahead if you would write a note to your housekeeper to expect us."

  "Actually, you know how bad my writing is. She might not understand a word of it. While I check on my luggage, would you write the note? I can sign it when I return." Bingley jumped up to leave as Darcy nodded agreement to the plan.

  While Bingley headed up to check on the status of his packing, Darcy went to the desk and wrote a clear and concise note to Mrs. Nichols, including the size of the party, their expected arrival time and a request for a very simple dinner in recognition of the short notice they were providing of their arrival. Once completed, he went back to his original seat, poured a fresh cup of coffee, took the red currant pastry from the plate and ate it while reading his book. He was glad Bingley had completely glossed over any thoughts of betrayal on his own part, although Darcy also realized he had not been as forthcoming as he had intended. There would be time for that later, if necessary, he supposed.

  He did not really pay attention to the words on the pages of the book he was pretending to read. Darcy was thinking with joy that he would soon see Miss Elizabeth again. He was also enjoying the pastry. The red currant jelly might have the color of that morning's sunrise, but it tasted delicious all the same.

  Chapter 3: A Visit to Longbourn

  "Hertfordshire? For Christmas, brother? I thought we would be spending Christmas in town this year," Georgiana said, appearing both confused and annoyed.

  "I have business to complete in Meryton," Darcy told her. "It may take me some time and I did not wish to be without you at Christmas. You will enjoy Netherfield, I think. It is not as large as Pemberley, of course, but it is a comfortable house and the neighbors are both kind and welcoming." It struck Darcy that they had been very kind and welcoming, despite his sometimes-churlish manners. He felt another twinge of guilt over his behavior during the earlier visit.

  "Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst have complained repeatedly about the flaws in the house and the poor manners of the neighborhood. They have proclaimed no desire to ever go back. Also, I would prefer not to spend Christmas in their company."

  Darcy dismissed her objection easily. "Bingley's sisters have their own reasons for disliking Netherfield and its environs, which really have nothing to do with the house or the people. They will not be going with us. Our party will be just you, Mrs. Annesley, Bingley and me."

  "Just the four of us? But I do not understand. What is the rush and why do we need to stay there over Christmas?"

  "Do not worry. I just have some business to complete there. I think you will really enjoy this trip. Are you packed?"

  "Well, yes. Your note did say to be ready as quickly as possible. My maid told me just before you returned that all was in readiness." Georgiana still spoke hesitantly. Darcy thought she was just nervous about meeting new people. He knew the Bennets could be overwhelming at first to someone shy, and Miss Bingley had probably not been very flattering about them or their neighbors. He was certain once Georgiana had some time with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth she would be pleased with the company. Even Miss Mary did not seem too bad and they would have a shared interest in the pianoforte to discuss.

  "Well, if you are packed then we should be on our way. I am hoping to be there well before dark. In fact, if we make good time, I am planning to call on one of the neighbors briefly." He strode off to see to any last details, leaving Georgiana exchanging concerned looks with her companion. Finally, with a shrug and a sigh, Georgiana went to collect her work bag and her warmest wrap. It seemed she would be going on a long, cold drive and staying in a strange house in the country for a time.

  Within the hour, the four travelers were on their way in Darcy's best carriage, with warmed bricks at their feet and heavy rugs over their laps. Their personal servants would follow in the second carriage with the luggage followed by two grooms who had been detailed to ride Darcy and Bingley's favorite stallions. The members of the small procession picked their way out of London and onto the main road towards St. Albans where they would take a smaller road on to Meryton.

  There was little conversation in the main carriage. Bingley sat in his corner, smiling happily and dreaming of seeing Miss Bennet again. He did not even notice the bumps in the road or the scenery passing by the window. Despite the cold outside, he was warmed by his thoughts.

  Darcy was not visibly smiling, but he was occupied by equally happy thoughts of Miss Elizabeth. He imagined how pleased she would be that he had brought Bingley back to her sister and how she would express her gratitude when he saved her and the community by having Wickham taken up for debt. In his daydreams, she smiled and teased him lovingly even as she treated Georgiana with the same tender care she offered to Miss Bennet. His sister would have a kind friend and mentor to help her as she finished growing up.

  On their bench, Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley knitted on their travel projects, simple items that could be done without much attention or damage from the dust or the lumps and bumps in the road. Neither knew the purpose of the trip or what to expect. In conversation with Georgiana, Miss Bingley had been most dismissive of Meryton and the people she had met there. Her complaints about a family called Bennet were frequent and vehement, frightening Georgiana even when she did not expect to meet them. Now she was going to live in a house where the Bennets would be her nearest neighbors. Every minute of travel was taking her closer to the backward neighborhood and uncouth people Miss Bingley had described. Georgiana did not know how she would manage. She had been looking forward to a Christmas in London for once, yet here she was, headed to an unfamiliar house for reasons unknown. She hoped it had nothing to do with Miss Bingley's poorly veiled hints at an arrangement between Georgiana and Mr. Bingley.

  Despite the cold, they made good time. It was early afternoon when they passed through a small village Darcy announced to be Meryton. Georgiana saw people looking in surprise and even pointing at the expensive carriage and the Darcy coat of arms. Through the window she saw several soldiers in uniform lounging about the streets or talking to the villagers. With a wave of guilt and shame, she spotted one soldier who strongly resembled George Wickham, although she knew it could not be he, for Wickham was no soldier. The man was clearly flirting with a young, red-haired woman near a shop door. Georgiana thought the woman might be a merchant's daughter by her dress. Before she could take a second look, the carriage turned a corner and the village dropped away behind them.

  As they passed through Meryton, Darcy was still occupied with his thoughts of the welcome they would receive at Longbourn. He had been looking out the opposite side from Georgiana and never spotted Wickham or considered that Georgiana might see him. He did not even notice the stares of the villagers. It was not until they left the road and turned into the drive at Netherfield that he finally roused himself enough to pay attention to the other occupants of the carriage.

  "That is Netherfield ahead of us," he said brightly, although not as bright as Bingley's smile. He saw his sister looking somewhat uncomfortable, but could not guess the cause. "You will like it here, Georgiana. Trust me," he continued as reassuringly as he could be, although it came out sounding like an order all the same. Georgiana just nodded at him uncertainly.

  Mrs. Nichols greeted them in the entry. Darcy had been impressed by her calm efficiency on his previous visit and knew they would be staying in the comfort of a well-run house.

  "We received your message an hour ago, sir," she said to Bingley. "The rooms are prepared and we will have a simple dinner ready for you as requested. I am afraid we are not fully staffed now, but if you plan on entertaining I should be able to hire back some of the extra help Miss Bingley dismissed when she closed the house." Dar
cy caught a sharp note in her voice that made him wonder if Miss Bingley had properly paid off the extra help. If she had behaved poorly that could create problems when Bingley settled back in after winning Miss Bennet's hand.

  "That should not be a problem," Bingley said without concern. "We will not be doing much entertaining. I have no hostess this time. If you feel the need to hire any of them back to keep things running properly, I have no objections, of course. Do what you feel is best. You have shown I can trust your judgment."

  Mrs. Nichols's mood seemed to lighten a bit at that comment, but she looked very curiously at Georgiana. Darcy felt the need to explain.

  "My sister is not yet out in society and cannot act as hostess at this time. Mrs. Annesley is here as her companion. I trust you will show them both the same fine hospitality I received on my previous visit."

  After assuring him the ladies would be shown all possible courtesy, Mrs. Nichols offered to escort them to their rooms. The party followed her up, but before his sister entered her room, he reminded her to change her clothes and refresh herself quickly as they still had a call to make that afternoon. He could not understand the unhappy look he thought he saw on his sister's face as she assured him she would be quick before turning away to enter her room.

  They were still within the range of polite calling hours as the carriage rolled to a stop outside Longbourn. Bingley bounded out of the carriage and was halfway to the door before remembering his manners. He turned back and handed Georgiana out before Darcy could, escorting her to the door, still smiling broadly and unaware of the faces watching them from the window. It was only once they were inside that he dropped her arm as they all removed their warm outer clothing.

  When their party was announced, Bingley entered first, still smiling. Darcy followed close behind, unaware that his usual grim mask was on his face despite the smile in his thoughts. Georgiana entered reluctantly, staying close to Mrs. Annesley for comfort. She jumped as Mrs. Bennet loudly and effusively greeted Mr. Bingley before offering a short and sharp greeting to Darcy. When her brother introduced her to the company, Georgiana dropped a proper curtsy, but was feeling too frightened to look anyone in the eyes. She mumbled a greeting and then stood, waiting.