"Did you happen to hear of any change in the situation at Longbourn?"
"Nothing direct, but Miss Lucas said she planned to make certain her neighbors knew that rumors of your impending betrothal to Georgiana are false and rumors of your reparations to the servants are true. I think she approves of a match between you and Miss Bennet."
Georgiana nodded, adding, "Miss Maria told me she had spoken with Miss Lydia yesterday afternoon. Apparently, Mrs. Bennet was furious with Miss Elizabeth for slapping you, brother, although Miss Lydia was still upset with you on Mr. Wickham's behalf and felt you deserved it. Mrs. Bennet had heard the rumors of the reparations being made to the dismissed servants and tried to convince Mr. Bennet to call at Netherfield and assure Mr. Bingley of his continued welcome to Longbourn. Mr. Bennet refused to stir, saying he was certain you would not take Miss Elizabeth's prohibition of you to heart if you were serious about his daughter. Miss Bennet was still torn between distrust of your motives and hope you would return, and Miss Lydia told Miss Maria her sister would be better off finding an officer than waiting around for you, Mr. Bingley."
Bingley’s expression took on a very determined look. "I will not give her time to find an officer. Thank you for the information, Miss Darcy. I was about to go for a ride and wondered if I might call in at Longbourn. Even though Mr. Bennet has not called to take back Miss Elizabeth's banishment of us, I believe I shall go and pay a call anywat. Will you accompany me, Darcy?"
"No, I think it better I do not," Darcy replied. "While you may be welcome, I suspect I am still a source of potential conflict. Instead I will stay here with my new book and await the delivery of the rest of my purchases. With your permission, I will borrow some of the empty shelves in your library to house my new volumes for the rest of my visit."
Bingley laughed. "Use all the shelves you like," he replied. "You know I have nothing to put on them."
Darcy chuckled. "I do, indeed. Well, I hope your visit to Longbourn is a success. If Mrs. Bennet invites you to dinner, do not feel you need to return for our sakes. Georgiana and I will be fine on our own."
"Thank you for that. I will see you both later." Bingley swiftly left the house.
Once their host was gone, Georgiana headed upstairs to find Mrs. Annesley. She wanted to show the new sheet music to her companion. Darcy continued to the library. He now had a new book to read and he hoped it would hold his attention and distract him from his curiosity about the current situation at Longbourn.
~*~
Bingley was gone all afternoon. Darcy was not really surprised by his continued absence when Mrs. Nichols announced dinner was ready.
"I hope this means Miss Bennet has forgiven Mr. Bingley," Georgiana said as Darcy escorted her, along with Mrs. Annesley, into the small dining room for the meal.
"At the very least, it means Mrs. Bennet is eager for his company," he replied.
"All the same, I am glad you told him to go ahead and stay if they invited him to dinner. Mr. Bingley is a kind man and I would like to see him with someone who will make him happy."
"I would not have wanted him to feel held back by our presence here. Bingley is doing me a favor by allowing us to stay here. We can survive an evening or two without his company in return."
After a pleasant dinner, they headed off to the music room, where Georgiana played while Mrs. Annesley embroidered and Darcy continued with his book. The other books had arrived not long after Bingley had left that afternoon. Darcy had enjoyed unpacking them and arranging them on the shelves. He had done little more than scan the titles while in the shop, but now he could look through them much more carefully. Some of the volumes proved to be rare items and others were books he had hoped to find at some point. Going through them the second time was an adventure of sorts and it had helped distract him for the afternoon.
Darcy had just managed to immerse himself in his reading to the accompaniment of Georgiana’s delightful playing, when Bingley came into the room and greeted them all. Glancing up at the sound, Darcy thought his friend looked positive, although not as enthusiastically happy as he normally did after an evening with Miss Bennet.
"How did it go?" he asked, marking his place in the book with a bookmark and setting the book down on the side table.
"Well enough, I suppose," Bingley said. "Miss Elizabeth did not throw me out again, although she still seemed displeased to see me. She has apparently been subjected to several severe scoldings from her mother since yesterday and is not in the best of moods."
"Was Miss Bennet pleased to see you?" Georgiana asked, ceasing her music and dropping her hands to her lap.
"She was wary, I think. Miss Lucas was visiting when I first arrived and had been talking to Miss Bennet about her discussion with you earlier today. I think she had been trying to confirm that Miss Darcy is simply here because she is your sister, but Miss Bennet was having trouble believing the information she had from my sister was false. Miss Elizabeth was certain we were all lying and refused to listen to anything different. By the time I arrived, Miss Lucas was becoming very annoyed with them both. I heard her telling Miss Elizabeth that she needed to let go of her stubborn pride and reassess everything she thought she knew about us before she made a complete fool of herself."
"I am sorry Miss Elizabeth is feeling put upon, but I hope she eventually listens to her friend. It may just take some time." Darcy hoped it would not take forever. It might all depend on how stubborn Miss Elizabeth was in the face of continued proof to the contrary of her cherished opinions.
Bingley nodded. "Miss Lydia was still staunchly defending Mr. Wickham," he continued, "but I think Miss Kitty and Miss Mary were more inclined to see your side of the story. All the same, I tried to avoid any discussion of the matter during the meal. There was no point ruining the food with an argument."
"Did you have a chance to speak with Miss Bennet directly to clear things up?" Georgiana asked.
"No, she appeared to be avoiding any private discussion and Miss Elizabeth did her best to assist. Her mother was willing to fill in any lapses in the conversation, however. We discussed the situation with the servants and I thanked her for the way she came to their assistance. I told them my sister was simply being petty because she had not wanted to spend time away from London in the first place. I assured Mrs. Bennet that Caroline would not take on the role of hostess in my home again, and that she would be paying the wages and a bonus for every servant she let go out of her own allowance. When I asked if I could repay the funds used to feed the servants who had nowhere to go, she suggested I should instead donate to the Vicar's poor fund to help those in the neighborhood who need it most."
"A very reasonable response. That kind of relief usually is the province of the local clergyman. Does Mrs. Bennet still hope to bring you together with Miss Bennet?" Darcy asked.
"Very obviously," Bingley answered with a smile. "I cannot say the same for the rest of the family. Still, I will be persistent. I was wrong to have stayed away so long or to have trusted Caroline to do anything that might be in my best interest. I will pay the price and hope to change their minds about me. All the same, I have no doubt it was wise of you to stay away today."
"Miss Lucas indicated it might take some time to change Miss Elizabeth's opinion of me. Clearly, she knows how stubborn her friend can be. My plan is to do my best to behave properly with the people of Meryton and let that show how I have changed my ways. Like you, I will pay the price and hope to change their minds."
"I plan to visit at Longbourn again tomorrow," Bingley said. "Do you mind if I leave you on your own?"
"Georgiana will be visiting Miss Maria Lucas and I intend to accompany her. Do not worry about us. We can always find some way to occupy ourselves whenever you are at Longbourn."
"I appreciate that, Darcy. I do not wish to be a bad host, but neither do I wish to delay in fixing the problems Caroline and I created."
"I understand completely. Consider us as family instead of guests and take that as
permission to let go of your duties as host in favor of your duty as a suitor."
"Very well, brother," Bingley chuckled. "Be warned you may not see much of me for a while."
"That is as it should be."
Bingley poured himself a small drink and settled down into a chair. Seeing he was comfortable sitting quietly, Georgiana returned to her playing while Darcy read his book for a little while longer. It was a good evening to relax. Tomorrow would be another day to try to repair any problems.
Chapter 10: A Serious Discussion
The expected snow fell overnight, but only in a thin layer. It glittered and sparkled on the fields in the morning sunlight. Fortunately, it was not enough to prevent the planned visits of the Netherfield party to either Longbourn or Lucas Lodge.
Bingley left for Longbourn almost the minute proper visiting hours arrived. He told Darcy he planned to stay as long as the Bennets would allow him that day. Whatever it took to prove to Jane Bennet his intentions were honorable, he would do. Darcy wished him all good fortune in his task.
The appointment Darcy and Georgiana had set with Miss Lucas was for a little later in the day, so Darcy spent the latter part of his morning working on responses to business letters his messenger brought along with the funds he had sent for the previous afternoon. To his satisfaction, one of the letters was a confirmation that Wickham had arrived at the Marshalsea and was now incarcerated there in the common area. Darcy knew conditions at the prison were unpleasant in the extreme and he felt some guilt but reminded himself that Wickham had truly earned his place of punishment over the years. All the same, he could not help wondering which his father would see as the greater betrayal – Wickham's behavior or his own decision to have his father's favorite imprisoned for what would probably be the rest of his life. Whatever the answer, Wickham's fate was now out of Darcy's hands and many people were far safer as a result.
For her part, Georgiana had used the services of her brother's messengers to send for a selection of trims and embroidery supplies she kept at the London house. The messenger who carried Darcy's funds and papers that morning brought her parcel along with the messages. She planned to share some of the items with Miss Maria during their visit. While she waited, she worked with Mrs. Annesley on her studies for the day. Although she was not officially in the role of hostess or mistress of the estate, Bingley had spoken with Mrs. Nichols to ask if she would work with Mrs. Annesley to help Georgiana learn what her duties would be if she were the mistress of the house. This morning they were looking at menus, the household budget and staffing levels.
Bingley had not yet returned by the time Darcy and Georgiana boarded the carriage to travel to Lucas Lodge. Darcy hoped that meant his friend was happily situated at Longbourn, not riding the countryside to work off his frustrations. The snow was not deep, but it would make the ground slick enough to be dangerous during that kind of ride.
Lady Lucas, Miss Lucas and Miss Maria greeted the Darcys kindly on their arrival. The two girls moved to a table to look through the contents of Georgiana's bundle while they talked. Darcy took a seat between the two older women. After the standard greetings, Lady Lucas addressed him.
"It was kind of you to bring your sister for a visit. Maria has looked forward to this since they met yesterday."
"I am pleased to encourage a friendship between Georgiana and your daughter. Our estate in Derbyshire is somewhat isolated and I know my sister often feels lonely. Any friends she gains here will help her feel more content in the future. Thank you for inviting us."
"Do you mind if I leave you to speak with Charlotte? I have a great deal of planning to do for her wedding."
"You are to be married, Miss Lucas?" Darcy turned to her in surprise. "I wish you joy. Who is the fortunate man who has won your regard?"
"I had forgotten the betrothal was announced while you and Mr. Bingley were in town, Mr. Darcy. I am betrothed to Mr. Collins. Our wedding will take place late next month."
Darcy absentmindedly stood and bowed to Lady Lucas as she rose to leave. After resuming his seat, he turned back to Miss Lucas and spoke with concern.
"Do you mean the man who was visiting with the Bennets? Their cousin, Mr. Collins?"
"Yes, Mr. Darcy. He asked for my hand a few days after the ball at Netherfield."
"Are certain that is a good idea, Miss Lucas? I mean no disrespect, but Mr. Collins did not strike me as a very intelligent man, and he is my aunt's parson. It will not be a comfortable situation for you."
"While I recognize Mr. Collins may have his flaws, he is a respectable man with generally good intentions. He can offer me a home and a reasonable livelihood. That is far better than remaining here to be a burden to my family."
"I meant no insult to you or your choice, Miss Lucas. It is just that I know the type of men my aunt has repeatedly selected for the living in her gift. They have all tended to look to her as their guide in every aspect of their lives, to the detriment of their families and the souls in their care. The wives of the previous two in the position had a poor time of it. Lady Catherine liked to meddle in every aspect of their household management, even down to deciding how they would decorate their homes and what quality and quantity of food they would serve. While she is extravagant with her own expenditures, she is a miser when it comes to the needs of anyone else. As a result, her tenants and the people of the village are poorer than they ought to be and the tithes owed to the parson are correspondingly small. The people also resent both her control and her clergymen, who generally enforce her wishes, so they resist paying their tithes in full or on time."
"I appreciate the warning, sir, but it is too late for me to heed it. Mr. Collins made me his offer in good faith and I have accepted it. My honor is engaged, and I cannot back out now simply because the situation is less pleasant than he has represented. I am determined to be happy in my choice and in my life. Above all, I still believe a home of my own, no matter how objectionable, is better than staying here without hope of change."
"I respect your determination, Miss Lucas. Please look on me as a friend. If at any time the situation with my aunt should become intolerable, I beg you will contact me through my solicitor, whose name and direction I shall provide. I may not be able to control my aunt, but it is possible I can reduce the worst of her excesses."
"I appreciate your offer, sir, and will keep it in mind. Shall we speak of other things?"
"If you wish. I am happy to speak of whatever topic you find of interest."
"I suspect you would find my visit to Longbourn yesterday afternoon interesting."
"I confess, I would. I heard from Mr. Bingley you were visiting when he arrived."
"Yes, that is true. After I returned from shopping I went to visit, and I passed on the news we discussed yesterday. I expect Mr. Bingley told you Eliza was highly resistant to the information."
"He did say she was in a poor mood and was shielding Miss Bennet from any private speech with him."
"Eliza's mother had been chastising her all morning. My friend was very upset as a result. In addition, I think she actually has come to believe everything I tried to tell her about your actions and motives and she feels guilty for her behavior towards you. However, admitting you and Mr. Bingley are not the villains she thought means admitting she has been in the wrong all along. She hates to do that."
"I do not know anyone who enjoys owning up to an error."
"It is more than that. She is proud of her ability to read characters. It is a skill she thinks is a basic part of her own character and she cherishes it. Admitting she was wrong means admitting her skill is not what she thought and that she allowed herself to be misled by bias formed by your comments at the assembly about her appearance and by Mr. Wickham's charm. More than that, she also knows she will have to apologize to you at some point and that consideration is certain to make her even more grouchy."
Darcy smiled. "I can understand all of that. I have been fighting with my own nature and tendencies lately
as well. It is a difficult task, more difficult that fighting a physical foe. I require no apology from Miss Elizabeth."
"Whether you require it or not, she needs to give one. Without bringing herself to an act of humility and admitting to you she was wrong, she will never fully let this go. That, too, is a part of her nature. She knows it and in time she will bend to the inevitable. Do not let her off too easily, although I hope you will accept her apology with grace."
"I suppose I can understand that as well. I have been doing something of the same all week. It is difficult, but also freeing to face the flaws in our own character and try to grow beyond them. When the time comes, I will do my best to follow your advice."
"I am certain you will. I believe you are, like Eliza, a person of strong convictions. You care about the things you believe. It takes more effort, and pain, to change or release a strongly held conviction. You say you have been trying to change over this week. I have noticed you seem to be taking more interest in others and perhaps showing more care about how you present yourself. May I ask what prompted the change?"
"I had a dream that forced me to examine my behavior and beliefs. The dream showed me many things I think I have known all along, but like Miss Elizabeth I was unwilling to admit them or do anything about them because it would mean changing how I see myself."
"I suspect the way you view yourself is exactly why you were willing to listen to your dream and make the changes you intend to make. I have believed all along that you are a good, honorable and respectable man, even when you appeared by your words or behavior to be something less. Perhaps you simply drifted from your proper course over time and now you have taken the tiller and are heading back in the correct direction."
"I thank you for your confidence, Miss Lucas. It has struck me over the last few days how little I understand the people around me. Unlike Miss Elizabeth, I have never seen myself as a great reader of character. I have not paid very much attention to other people beyond what affected the running of my estate. My experience with the Ton has been that of a prize hunted for his wealth and I came to assume everyone was hunting me with the same fervor no matter what the circumstances. It has colored my interactions and driven my discourtesy, much to my detriment where the people of Meryton are concerned."
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