An Unwanted Proposal: A Pride & Prejudice Variation

by Lane Cossett

  Mother became hysterical and it was only with the help of Mrs. Hall that we were able to calm her. Mr. Collins wanted to pray with us, but Mary sent him away. He told us we would now be shunned from all good society.”

  Elizabeth tossed the letter aside. So the news had not just stayed in London, She should have known. “This is most unfair.”

  “Yes, it is,” said Mr. Bennet quietly.

  Elizabeth swallowed hard. “What are we going to do? I am not sure how mother will cope with this.”

  “There is only one thing to be done,” said Mr. Bennet briskly. “I should go home. You are safe here with your aunt and uncle and your sister needs you.”

  Elizabeth was relieved that he had not suggested that she should go back with him. She could not contemplate leaving Jane in such circumstances.

  She raised troubled eyes to her father. “How long will it be?”

  Mr. Bennet peered at her over the top of his glasses. “How long what Lizzy?”

  She felt a flash of anger. Why was he pretending he did not know what she was talking about? “How long can we manage on the money that is left.”

  He turned away from her. “Do not let that concern you Elizabeth. We will manage, I promise you.”

  Elizabeth could not accept what he was saying. In the past she had always trusted her father but not now. “How can you say that sir? You wanted me to marry Viscount Langley in order that he would help clear your debts. That has not happened. What will happen now? You yourself admitted without his help we were ruined.”

  Mr. Bennet was looking at his feet shaking his head. After a brief pause he turned around. “The debts have all been paid Elizabeth.”

  It was not what she had expected to hear. “But how? Has our uncle paid?”

  Mr. Bennet did not speak as they questions slipped out of her mouth. She saw the look of guilt on her father’s face and things suddenly became clear to her. “It was Mr. Darcy was it not?”

  Mr. Bennet nodded.

  Elizabeth put down Kitty’s letter. She could not help her anger creeping into her voice. “And what do you have to do for this money? Am I expected to marry Mr. Darcy to settle the debt?”

  “No Lizzy you are not. Mr. Darcy wants nothing in return. Indeed he did not want you to know. Naturally his regard for you is the reason that he did it, but he said he only hoped for your future happiness.”

  Elizabeth’s heart was thumping painfully. “But why would he not tell me?”

  Mr. Bennet considered his reply. “Pride? Mr. Darcy is a very proud man. You accused him of deliberately setting out to embarrass and humiliate you, when all he wanted to do was to save you.”

  A tear ran down Elizabeth’s cheek and she brushed it impatiently away. Her heart was thumping painfully at the revelation. It was her turn to feel guilty. “He has done nothing but try to help us.”

  Mr. Bennet nodded. “He is a very good man and I regret that I implied he was not to be trusted. It is my fault that you began to doubt him.”

  Elizabeth knew she could not blame her father. The fault was her own. She had stubbornly refused to believe what her heart had told her. The man who had declared his love for her had done everything he could to protect her from scandal and ensure she did not have an impoverished future. She had not put her trust in him. “What should we do now?”

  Mr. Bennet pointed to Kitty’s letter.

  “It is time I returned to Longbourn. There is little I can do here and I may be able offer your mother some reassurance that this scandal will die down.”

  “Will it?” Elizabeth was beginning to believe they were destined to endure one tragedy after another.

  Mr. Bennet tried to reassure her. “It will. You must remain here. Your sister needs you, but there is little I can do. Back at Longbourn I will try ease the strain for Kitty and Mary.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes widened. Her father had never shown much concern for his younger daughters.

  “I know it seems unlikely Lizzy,” said Mr. Bennet seeing her sceptical expression. “But even I might reform.”

  They smiled at each other. She hoped so. Her sisters would both benefit from some attention from her father. There was one thing that continued to trouble her. “And your urge to play cards?”

  Mr. Bennet looked embarrassed. “I do not intend to play Lizzy at Longbourn or in London again, but I cannot pretend I do not think of it.”

  And that worried Elizabeth.

  * * *

  Mr. Darcy arrived at the rooms of Sir Jeffrey Honeyfield. He had been summoned by his barrister. He had been feeling increasingly despondent. Bingley had appeared in court and committed to trial for attempting to murder his wife. Hollow-eyed and shaking he had looked awful and Darcy was worried about him. He’d not had the opportunity to talk to his friend and speaking to Sir Jeffrey after Bingley’s appearance he learned Sir Jeffrey was not optimistic about his chances of being freed.

  Darcy had passed on the information Miss Williams had given him, but he’d heard nothing and he had little hope that it would yield anything useful for the investigation.

  A date had been set for the trial. The case was to be heard by Judge Walters who was known for despatching prisoners to the gallows often without listening sufficiently to witnesses or the legal arguments.

  He had called at Mr. Gardiner’s place of business to update him with what was happening and he had sent a brief note to Caroline Bingley to the house in Sloane Square.

  Bingley had said to him the case was one he might not be able to solve and he was increasingly worried that might be the case.

  * * *

  Sir Jeffrey was in his room, but not alone. Gabriel Watson was there, in the same black coat he had worn the day of the wedding.

  Sir Jeffrey welcomed him warmly. “Good morning Darcy.”

  Darcy looked at them both warily. “Good morning.”

  Sir Jeffrey broke into a smile. “Do not look so worried. Mr. Watson has news for us.”

  Darcy’s heart thumped painfully. “Good news?”

  Sir Jeffrey nodded. Very good news.

  78

  Two days later Mr. Bennet departed for Hertfordshire and the same day Mr. Gardiner suggested that Jane might appreciate an outing in the carriage. Elizabeth was unsure whether her sister was strong enough. She was improving each day, but she was still abnormally pale, had little appetite and had only spent a few hours out of bed sitting in a chair in her bedchamber. However, Dr. Miller agreed with Mr. Gardiner that it would benefit Mrs. Bingley to leave the house and Jane assured her that she would like to go.

  Phoebe helped Jane dress and when she was ready their uncle’s manservant came to carry her down to the carriage. Once they had gone downstairs Elizabeth went to her own room to collect her bonnet and coat and by the time she joined her sister, Jane was settled comfortably in the corner of the carriage, covered in blankets with Mrs Gardiner adjusting the cushions behind her.

  A short while later Mr. Gardiner joined them in the carriage and he gave instructions for his coachman to set off.

  “You will say, when you want to go back, won’t you?” Elizabeth asked her sister anxiously.

  “Lizzy, I am well.” Jane took a deep breath. “Just to experience some fresh air is a pleasure.”

  Elizabeth laughed. Smoke was spilling out of some of the surrounding factories. The air had a smog to it, but Elizabeth understood what Jane meant. She too disliked having to stay inside. As soon as Jane was ready, she hoped they could leave London for Hertfordshire. She missed the fields and the open spaces around Longbourn.

  * * *

  Elizabeth was so distracted that she didn’t really think about where the carriage was going. She had expected them to travel to one of the parks and back, but there were still moving across the city to an area she was unfamiliar with.

  “Where are we?” she asked suspiciously as the carriage suddenly came to a halt.

  “This is Darcy House,” said her uncle innocently.

  Elizabeth’s
throat tightened. “But what are we doing here?”

  Her uncle did not answer but descended from the carriage.

  Jane looked anxiously at her sister. “Lizzy, what are we doing here?”

  Mrs. Gardiner put a gentle hand on Jane’s arm. “Do not distress yourself. You will see.”

  Elizabeth was surprised to see Mr. Darcy coming down the stairs to greet them. She felt her heart flutter. Why had her uncle and aunt not told them the truth?

  Mr. Darcy shook hands with Mr. Gardiner. “Welcome to Darcy House. Mrs Gardiner, Mrs. Bingley, Miss Bennet. Lady Frances is waiting to welcome you.”

  A footman emerged from the house and he lifted Jane carefully out of the carriage and carried her into the house.

  Mr. Gardiner took his wife’s arm and followed Mr. Darcy with Elizabeth walking behind, her mind in turmoil. She could not think why they were there.

  Lady Frances greeted Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner warmly as Jane was settled onto a chaise longe in the large drawing room.

  There was a further surprise to greet them. Miss Bingley was sitting in a chair, staring at them in in a bewildered fashion. It was clear she had not been expecting them.

  “Mr. Darcy you have been keeping secrets I see,” she said in a sharp tone. “I did not know Mrs. Bingley was going to be here today. I hope it is not too much for her.”

  Elizabeth frowned. Miss Bingley was talking about Jane as if she was not in the room.

  “Do not be alarmed Miss Bingley, the idea was mine,” said Lady Frances. After all that has happened I thought it would be a delight to meet.”

  The look Miss Bingley directed at Lady Frances was not a friendly one.

  “And it is good to see that Mrs. Bingley is recovering,” said Mr. Darcy. “If you will excuse me a moment.”

  Miss Bingley was not so easily satisfied. She stared at Jane. “I am glad to hear that you are so much better dear Jane. You must come home.”

  Elizabeth saw her sister flinch, though she said nothing.

  “I am sure it will not be long before Jane is well enough to come home, but I think a trip to Bath to take the waters would be a good idea first,” said Mrs. Gardiner firmly.

  Miss Bingley opened her mouth to disagree, but before she could say anything they were all distracted by the arrival of another guest.

  “Miss Williams, what a pleasure,” exclaimed Lady Frances.

  “Thank you Lady Frances. It was kind of you to invite me.”

  Elizabeth glanced at her aunt and uncle. Neither of them seem surprised at the arrival of Miss Williams. was surprised. She watched her uncle greet Miss Williams who was looking very pretty in a dark greet coat and flamboyant bonnet that set off her red curls. After speaking to Mr. Gardiner for a few moments she sat down beside Jane Bingley. “I was sorry to hear that you have been indisposed.”

  “Thank you. I am much better.”

  Elizabeth worried that Miss William’s presence might upset her sister, but Jane was quite composed.

  There was an awkward silence which Lady Frances filled by instructing a footman to bring some drinks.

  Mr. Gardiner turned to Miss Bingley and tried to engage her in conversation while Mrs. Gardiner stood with Lady Frances.

  Miss Darcy came to speak to Elizabeth. “I am sorry that your sister’s illness has prevented us from meeting recently,” she said shyly.

  “I too regret it,” said Elizabeth. “Have you been attending any balls?”

  “I have,” said Miss Darcy. “but with less enjoyment than before.”

  Elizabeth was about to reply when Miss Bingley called out.

  Everyone stopped their conversation. She had gone quite pale and was staring towards the door.

  They all slowly turned. Charles Bingley was standing in the doorway. He smiled faintly at the shock he had caused. “Hello Caroline.”

  79

  Miss Bingley rushed to greet her brother, but she stopped when Mr. Bingley stepped into the room followed by two constables, Sir Jeffrey Honeyfield, Sir Maurice Greenstreet, Dr. Stanmore and the man who had been in the church on Elizabeth’s wedding day.

  Mr. Darcy was the last to arrive. Elizabeth saw Miss Williams gently squeeze Jane’s hand and give her a reassuring smile. Jane was looking worried.

  Mr. Darcy stood in front of the large fireplace with Sir Jeffrey by his side, while Sir Maurice sat down next to Lady Frances. Dr. Stanmore went and stood behind Jane. The two constables stood at the side of the room with the man in the long black coat, while Mr. Bingley crossed the room to be with his sister.

  “Please forgive me for my deception,” said Mr. Darcy, “but I wanted us to all meet here today. Bingley my friend, I am glad to see you again.”

  Miss Bingley turned furiously to her brother “Charles I demand to know what is going on. Are you out of prison?”

  “I am Caroline. Thanks to Mr. Darcy Sir Jeffrey and Mr. Watson, I was released this morning.”

  Caroline Bingley hissed at him. “And yet you did not come home. I see no reason for us to be here.”

  Miss Bingley glared at Mr. Darcy. “I am disappointed in you Mr. Darcy.”

  Mr. Darcy’s voice remained calm. “I am sorry, but I assure you it is necessary.”

  Mr. Darcy turned to Sir Jeffrey.

  “I think it is a tale that is better told by you sir.”

  “Very well. Miss Bingley would you like to sit down.”

  Miss Bingley sat, while Mr. Bingley moved to stand by his friend.

  Sir Jeffrey waited until everyone was listening and then started to speak in the same dramatic tone he used in court. “Two weeks ago I was at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s when an unfortunate incident occurred. Mrs. Bingley became distressed and agitated before falling in a faint to the ground.”

  Sir Jeffrey paused and Elizabeth looked anxiously at her sister. Jane was still not very strong. She did not want her upset. Jane however, was watching Sir Jeffrey closely and listening intently.

  Sir Jeffrey continued. “I suspected immediately that she had been poisoned and this was confirmed by her doctor. As Mrs. Bingley said she did not take the poison herself. It seemed there would only one person who would do this and that was her husband Mr. Bingley.”

  Sir Jeffrey stopped. Elizabeth inwardly sighed wondering why he was telling them all this. Apart from Lady Frances. Miss Darcy and Miss Williams, they all knew what had taken place.

  Sir Jeffrey sensed her impatience. “Miss Bennet, I promise you I will speak no longer than necessary.”

  Elizabeth blushed.

  Miss Bingley interjected. “I am sure there is nothing else for you to add Sir Jeffrey. Charles should never have been taken away in the first place and for that I blame you.”

  Sir Jeffrey acknowledged what she said with a nod, but he did not respond. He continued with his tale. “Mr. Bingley denied he had tried to hurt his wife and it is thanks to the work of Mr. Watson, Sir Maurice and Dr. Stanmore and Miss Williams that we uncovered the truth.”

  Elizabeth glanced at Miss Williams whose cheeks had reddened. Elizabeth could not understand how she could be involved. Mr. Gardiner too were looking surprised.

  Miss Bingley sighed impatiently. “You mean that Jane has been poisoning herself. We know that she is a hysteric. It is true of all her family.”

  Elizabeth’s eyes narrowed. Miss Bingley’s contempt for Jane was clear to them all. Her words were not true. Jane had always been the calmest of them all.

  “Caroline be quiet.” Mr. Bingley’s voice was surprisingly sharp.

  Miss Bingley’s face was reddening. “Charles. How can you stand and listen to this? There has been nothing but trouble since you met this family.”

  Mr. Bingley remained calm. “That is not true. I have experienced nothing but pleasure since I met my wife and the Bennets have been most welcoming.”

  Miss Bingley’s anger grew and she was almost spitting the words out as she spoke. “And where is your obligation to your family? You would cast us aside in favour of the Benne
ts?”

  “Miss Bingley if you would let me finish, all will become clear,” said Sir Jeffrey calmly.

  Caroline Bingley pursed her lips. Her anger could be felt across the room.

  Sir Jeffrey took up his story once more. “Dr. Stanmore recognised the signs of arsenic poisoning, but it is Miss Williams who was able to suggest where it came from. Mrs. Bingley have you used face powder?”

  Jane appeared surprised at the question, but she replied calmly enough. ”Yes sir I was given some before I was married. Miss Bingley said what I was using was of poor quality and too pale for my face.”

  Miss Bingley was immediately on her feet. “You are mistaken Jane. I have never given you anything.”

  “Yes you did,” said Elizabeth quietly. “She remembered Jane showing it to her. Jane had been delighted at the present.

  Miss Bingley looked as if she was about to combust such was the anger emanating from her “Lies all lies. I may have given her some powder, but it means nothing.”

  “I’m afraid that is not the case,” said Sir Jeffrey.

  Miss Bingley turned towards her brother who was saying nothing. “Charles would you not defend me.”

  Mr. Bingley slowly shook his head. “I cannot. Not this.”

  “I think I should continue,” said Sir Jeffrey. “Miss Bingley, I called upon the services of Mr. Watson and he was able to confirm that you purchased the powder which is now in the hands of Mrs. Bingley.”

  Caroline Bingley’s rage knew no bounds. “You foolish man. That is no proof… I…”

  Sir Jeffrey held up his hand to silence her. “Miss Bingley, a moment please. I have almost finished. Mr. Watson….”

  Mr. Watson stepped forward hastily clearing his throat. “Not only was I able to confirm that you purchased the powder I have also discovered you also brought arsenic. I have a statement from a servant of yours, one Miss Maisie Smith who can confirm that she saw you mixing the two together.”