Smoky Dreams

by Jaeza Rayleigh

  Miss Lucas laughed softly. "I suppose it did not help that your first introduction to us included the loud exclamations and matchmaking schemes of Mrs. Bennet, my mother and the many other worried mothers of the neighborhood."

  Darcy chuckled as well. "I admit I heard them and used that to justify my boorish behavior to myself. To be honest, though, I doubt I would have behaved any better had all the ladies in question been agreeably mute. I was in a poor mood and I let that rule me, along with my pride."

  "After your actions to remove Mr. Wickham and ensure our merchants did not suffer, I think the people of Meryton will give you a second chance to prove who you really are. If you wish, you can take that opportunity to learn who we are."

  As she was speaking, Sir William entered the room, grinning cheerfully. He walked over to Darcy, who rose out of courtesy and bowed.

  "Mr. Darcy, it is a pleasure to see you back again. Would you be so kind as to introduce me to the young lady?" Sir William boomed as he returned the bow.

  Smiling at the man's genial manner, which was not so grating now that Darcy had stopped trying to appear superior and did not have Miss Bingley's sibilant whispering in his ear to lower his opinion of his surroundings, Darcy walked with him to the table where the girls sat and made the introduction.

  Once introduced, Sir William did his best to make Georgiana comfortable with him by offering her compliments and expressing his pleasure to have her in his home. Georgiana blushed and looked as if she wished to hide from her embarrassment, but she also seemed pleased at his cheerful welcome.

  Darcy came to her rescue by asking Sir William about local events in the time he had been away. His host was very willing to sit with Darcy and gossip over the doings of his neighbors. It was all done pleasantly enough. In fact, Darcy was surprised to hear nothing that was malicious or intentionally uncomplimentary. Sir William seemed, in some ways, to be a male version of what he had noticed as a trait in Miss Bennet; he was someone who was simply kind and wished to see only the best in people even as he gossiped in a way that would have done Mrs. Bennet proud.

  Eventually Darcy felt they had intruded long enough. He thanked Sir William for his hospitality and Miss Lucas for her conversation and advice. He and Georgiana arranged for another visit in two days, making both of the younger girls happy. Finally, they took their leave and made their way back to Netherfield.

  Darcy was pleased with how the visit had gone, although he still worried about Miss Lucas being betrothed to Mr. Collins and eventually being under the control of his aunt. She had made her decision, however, and he could not insist she change. All he could do was hope for the best, for her, for himself, for Georgiana and for Bingley. In fact, he hoped to hear of good news from Longbourn for his friend soon.

  Chapter 11: Miss Bingley Strikes Again

  The news Bingley shared that afternoon was very good, at least for him. Miss Bennet was coming to accept that he had not intended to desert her, nor had he been aware of the rumors his sister had spread when she left. She was even willing to talk with him again.

  "Miss Elizabeth was out on a walk when I arrived, and she stayed away a large part of the day. In fact, I think she actually snuck upstairs when she returned so she would not have to keep company with me," Bingley told Darcy as they sat together in Bingley's study before dinner. "Mrs. Bennet was taking care of a matter with the servants, so I was left to sit with just Miss Bennet and Miss Mary for nearly an hour. I do not know if Mrs. Bennet planned it that way, but I certainly appreciated it. At first, Miss Bennet appeared almost afraid to speak, but Miss Mary was not. She asked me several questions about the business that took me to London. I think she was checking to see if it was important enough to call me away."

  "What do you think she determined?" Darcy asked.

  "I think I passed whatever test she was giving me. At any rate, she turned to asking me about Caroline and if she has control over the staff at my townhouse. Caroline has been in charge of the staff since Louisa's marriage two years ago and I told her as much. I explained to the ladies that the upper staff have been with us since before my parents died and they have never mentioned any problems to me regarding how either of my sisters ran the household. I admitted I had not really paid much attention so long as everything seemed to be done properly. Since she was clearly trying to understand the situation with the servants, I also told her I never would have expected my sister to behave so poorly, nor had I expected her to close up the house and follow me to London."

  "Did that satisfy her?"

  "I think it might have. More importantly, it prompted Miss Bennet to speak directly to me for the first time. She asked me why my sister would want to keep me away from Netherfield, especially after she had given all the appearance of being a friend to Miss Bennet before."

  "That is the crux of the matter, is it not? How did you respond?"

  "With the truth. I explained that Caroline is ashamed of our family's roots in trade. She hopes to make a match of enough wealth and status that the Ton will forget where she came from and how we made our money. She thinks the only way she can do that is if I also marry into the first circles to lift her status higher and she would most like a connection to you. The Bennet family do not meet her expectations, so she was willing to do whatever it took to prevent any alliance with them including lying and pretending to a friendship she did not feel."

  "Do you think she believed you?"

  "Yes, but she was still hurt by the knowledge my sister disapproved of her so much she had lied to keep us apart. Miss Bennet was also worried about the rumors my sister was spreading. She asked me how I would react if my sister's gossip damaged Miss Darcy's reputation. After all, we do not know how far she has been spreading her lies."

  Darcy groaned. "I had not considered the long-term consequences of your sister's lies, just the effect here. Mrs. Bennet was obviously aware of the contents of the letter and had already spread the information to others in the village. We are not so far from London and I am certain people here have connections there. All it takes is one person to say something at the wrong place or time and it will become gossip of the Ton made all the more believable by our known friendship. And that is even without the possibility that your sister is actively spreading the rumors in London herself."

  "I am truly sorry, Darcy, but I stand by what I told Miss Bennet today. I will not be forced by rumors to enter into a marriage that neither your sister nor I want. I will do whatever else I can to keep her reputation intact, but not that."

  "I would not expect it of you or her. If the story spreads, we will find a way to deal with it."

  Bingley nodded, although his expression was grim. "Caroline will have received my letter yesterday afternoon."

  "But will she take it seriously?"

  "Your guess is as good as mine."

  The conversation turned to Darcy's visit to Lucas Lodge. He told Bingley a little of the conversation he had with Miss Lucas and mentioned his surprise at learning of her betrothal to Mr. Collins.

  "I heard something of that from Miss Bennet and Miss Mary this morning. It seems he asked Miss Elizabeth to marry him the morning after the ball, but she refused. A few days later he made his proposal to Miss Lucas and was accepted. Miss Elizabeth thinks her friend is making a terrible mistake accepting Mr. Collins and is both upset and disappointed over the news. That, combined with Miss Lucas's defense of us has put a strain on their friendship just now."

  "That ridiculous man proposed to Miss Elizabeth! I knew he was an idiot, but to think a lively, intelligent woman like her was suited to be his wife or that she would be acceptable to Lady Catherine? I shudder to think of it. And then to turn around and propose to Miss Lucas a few days later? She should have laughed in his face. He is certainly not worthy of her either."

  "Because of the entail on Longbourn, Mr. Collins will inherit when Mr. Bennet passes on. Mrs. Bennet hoped he would marry one of her daughters and would then feel obligated to allow her to stay in he
r home when the time came. When the man arrived, she considered Miss Bennet as good as engaged to me, so she pushed Mr. Collins at Miss Elizabeth without any thought for how unequal a match it might be. Apparently, your aunt had directed him to marry and suggested one of his cousins was most appropriate, which suited Mrs. Bennet. Fortunately for Miss Elizabeth, her father supported her in her refusal, although he has not stopped her mother from complaining about the situation at every possible opportunity since then."

  "So, she was already upset even before the scolding she received for ordering us from the house?"

  "Miss Mary said her sister has been harried and harassed by their mother for the last three weeks over the situation with Mr. Collins. It became even worse after Miss Lucas agreed to marry their cousin. Mrs. Bennet is frightened of the future and that fear is driving her."

  "I admire how Mrs. Bennet handled the situation with the Netherfield servants. All the same I am surprised and disappointed at how she behaves towards her daughters."

  "Fear can be a powerful influence." Bingley observed. "They will have little or nothing to support them when Mr. Bennet is gone."

  "I suppose you are correct. It is still unfortunate."

  They both sat for a time, thinking about what they had learned. Darcy grumbled to himself about the effrontery of Mr. Collins, but not loudly enough that Bingley felt he needed to respond. He was occupied in thinking about Miss Bennet and the progress he felt he had made that day. Suddenly he remembered a piece of news for Darcy.

  "I almost forgot to mention, we received an invitation for tomorrow evening. The Gouldings are hosting a dinner in honor of Christmas. They have asked all four of us to come. They know your sister is not out yet, but they hoped she and her companion would attend anyway to help celebrate."

  "The Gouldings? The name is familiar, but I can't place the faces."

  "They are a little younger than Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, I think. He has dark curly hair and often wears a bright green coat. Mrs. Goulding is also dark haired, but I cannot think of anything that would particularly distinguish her. I seem to remember they have two children, both still in the nursery."

  "I think I remember him now. He joined us when we went shooting in early November, did he not?"

  "Yes, he was there."

  "Well, I have no objection to a dinner with them. I will ask Georgiana how she feels about it, but I suspect we will all go."

  Bingley laughed. "I think that may be the first time I have ever heard you say you have no objection to a social engagement."

  "You may be right at that," Darcy said, joining him in his laughter."

  ~*~

  When a familiar carriage rolled into the drive the next morning under cover of a light flurry of snow, Darcy was glad Bingley had delayed his visit with Miss Bennet for a few hours. He could see the vehicle approaching the entrance from where he sat in the library, but he suspected Bingley probably could not from the study. Putting down his book, Darcy hurried to collect his friend.

  They stepped out of the front door while the footman was setting the step so the occupants could alight from the carriage. Bingley recognized the man and told him to wait, but the carriage door opened, and Miss Bingley quickly stepped down.

  "No," Bingley said in a clear firm voice. "Get back in the carriage, Caroline. I told you not to come here and I meant it."

  "Oh, Charles," she said patronizingly as she approached him. "I knew your message was a cry for help. I had to come to your rescue." She then turned her attention to Darcy, waiting for him to acknowledge her. He, however, stood back to give Bingley the opportunity to handle the situation on his own. Behind Caroline, Hurst had stepped down and was assisting his wife.

  "I said you were not welcome here and I meant it." He turned to his brother-in-law. "Hurst, why are you here?"

  Hurst looked at Bingley in confusion. "Caroline said you requested that we come so we could all spend Christmas here together. It was a blasted uncomfortable ride and I am looking forward to a drink."

  "I specifically told Caroline NOT to come. After all the problems she has caused, I do not want her here. I sent you and Louisa a letter as well. There can be no way she could misinterpret what I said. She is not welcome here. I am sorry you had such an uncomfortable journey, but I hope your return will be better. I will have my servants bring you out a bottle of something to carry you on your way, but I will not allow you, or more specifically Caroline, to stay."

  Hurst looked at Bingley with surprise and something that might have been respect, but then began to protest.

  "You mean I have to listen to her complain all the way back to London? Today!" He looked more animated in his dismay than Darcy ever remembered seeing the man.

  "Hurst, you and Louisa have lived in my home at my expense for most of your marriage. I have asked for very little in return. Of course, if you wish to leave now and find other lodgings you are welcome to do so, although you will need to find your own carriage, because I will be sending Caroline back in this one, no matter what. If you wish to remain in residence at my townhouse, you can go back with her now."

  Darcy only just refrained from applauding or laughing. Bingley continued to surprise him with his determination and he had certainly surprised Hurst. The look on the man's face was priceless. When he recovered from his shock, he simply nodded agreement, not able or willing to speak.

  Bingley turned to his sister and said, "Caroline, it is time to go."

  Miss Bingley had ignored her brother’s conversation with Hurst entirely in her effort to attract Darcy's attention. Or, at least, if she heard them, she did not intend to acknowledge it. Now she spoke up again.

  "Why are we all standing outside in the snow, Charles?" she asked with a definite whine in her voice. "Get out of the doorway so we can come in."

  Darcy had to stifle a chuckle as one of the two Netherfield footmen just inside the entry pushed the door almost completely closed at her words and held it there with the toe of his shoe. Darcy had seen them exchanging dubious looks from the moment Miss Bingley stepped out of the carriage. It came as no surprise that they did not want her to stay.

  "You are not going into my house, Caroline," Bingley said, standing his ground. "You will get back in that carriage and return to London. Now!"

  She sauntered forward, still eyeing Darcy. "You have had your little joke, Charles, but it is cold and wet out and you are embarrassing me in front of Mr. Darcy. Do step aside, brother."

  At that, Bingley took his sister by the arm and dragged her back to the carriage, ignoring her protests. Hurst and Louisa still stood by the door, staring. They stepped aside to get out of his way as he approached. Once he reached the carriage, Bingley picked Miss Bingley up and pushed her inside, dropping her on one of the benches. He motioned for Hurst and Louisa to enter. Both of them obeyed without a word. From where he stood outside the carriage, Bingley looked at Hurst.

  "Keep this door closed and do not allow her out. I will send my servants with freshly warmed bricks, a flask of hot tea for my sisters and a bottle of spirits for you. I hope you have a safe return to London and I wish you all a happy Christmas."

  He closed the door and motioned for the footman to stand in front of it. "I am sorry you all had to make this journey," he said to the driver and footmen. "I will also send out food and hot drinks for you. Please exercise caution on your return trip, but do not turn around and come back here no matter what my sister may say. I pay your salary. She does not. Return her to the London house and do not bring her back here without express orders directly from me."

  The men indicated their understanding. Satisfied his wishes would be carried out, Bingley returned to the door. Darcy had already spoken to the footmen inside and sent one to have bricks and some extra travel rugs warmed up. He told Bingley what he had done and added.

  "That was very well done. I was not certain you had it in you, but clearly you can be forceful when you need to be."

  Bingley let out a deep breath. "I was not c
ertain I could get her back in the carriage. Fortunately, I took her by surprise. I could cast up my accounts at any moment, I feel so shaky." He took another deep breath. "I guess I had better go in and make the rest of my arrangements."

  "I will watch the carriage from the window here in the entryway to make certain she does not escape." Darcy said. He knew he was being a bit foolish, but he wanted to be certain nothing went wrong before that carriage left the drive.

  Bingley thanked his friend and went to give his orders. He wanted the carriage back on the road as soon as possible as well. They could easily make it to London by dark as long as the snowfall remained light. Now he just had to hope his sister realized he was serious.

  Chapter 12: Snowstorm

  The snow was still falling lightly when the Netherfield party left for the Goulding's house. As they traveled along through it, Georgiana could not decide if she was excited or nervous about the dinner. Aside from family dinners with their Fitzwilliam cousins, she had not been to a real dinner party before. Of course, she had learned the proper way to behave at school and they had practiced there. Still, a dinner with a group of girls and their teachers was completely different from being in company with a group of strangers.

  "You will be fine, Georgiana," Darcy said, sensing her mood. "They are pleasant people, much more welcoming than those of the Ton. I suspect Miss Maria will be there as well, with her family, and you have all of us to keep you safe."

  "I know, brother. It is just that our host and most of the other guests are strangers."

  "I worried about that when I first arrived at Netherfield and chose to remain aloof rather than accepting their welcome. It was the wrong choice. Follow Bingley's guide. He knows how to make new friends."