They were sitting in Darcy’s study and on the wall a mahogany, bracket clock chimed the hour. Bingley glanced at its brass numerals. “Twelve o’clock,” he murmured to himself. Aloud he said, “Darcy, I mustn’t stay past two. I have an appointment at four that I dare not miss.”
“Do you intend paying your addresses to Miss Bennet today, Bingley,” asked Darcy, half in jest.
“In point of fact I did so yesterday, just before we met in the park.” Bingley smiled. “She has accepted me, Darcy,” he said with a blissful look. “I leave for Longbourn early tomorrow to call on Mr. Bennet; but today I must speak to her uncle, Mr. Gardiner and let him know the lie of the land.”
“And how have your sisters received the news?”
“I haven’t told them yet. I must speak with Mr. Bennet first. But they have met Jane and visited her at her uncle’s home so they must guess it is coming. I am afraid that they do not approve.”
“They don’t like Miss Bennet?”
“No. They couldn’t disapprove of her. Frankly, I already knew how they would react. Left to myself, I would have kept them completely in the dark until I proposed. However, I visited Jane on the day we arrived back in London and she insisted that I tell my family the story surrounding the death of her sister, Lydia, before she would allow me to call on her a second time. Caroline, in particular, expressed her unhappiness at my attachment to a family associated with such a scandal. But I put it to her that no one in town need know about the matter unless she herself spreads it abroad and that silenced her. I suspect that what she really objects to are Jane’s connections here in London.”
“Mr. Gardiner and his family are unacceptable?”
“Far from it! Indeed they are a refined, well-educated couple, but he is in trade and the family doesn’t move in society. Also they live in Cheapside. Caroline wanted me to marry someone whom she could brag about to her friends. That the Gardiners are respectable and have a lovely home does not matter to her. But I’m really not concerned, Darcy. I am quite certain that my mother and father will approve of Jane. They will see my sisters’ concerns as ridiculous: especially when you remember that our family made its fortune in trade and that some close relatives are still involved in it to this day.”
He grinned. “In fact - although trade is not something that you and I have discussed - I am not averse to speculating here and there myself, Darcy. At the moment I am seriously considering sinking some of my own money into a shipment of cottons that Mr. Gardiner has shares in. It’s on one of the new East India ships, The Bengal Merchant. He told me that the consortium is looking for replacement capital urgently as one of the shareholders passed away last week. I‘m quite familiar with that sort of investment and, as this ship has made it through the China seas and passed safely round the Cape, there is not that much of a gamble left in it and probably a very healthy end profit. Also, the return on my money is almost immediate: the ship should dock at Blackwall in just under two months.”
“It certainly sounds solid. But to return to the matter of your betrothal, I have one question, Bingley.”
“I thought you might. That’s why I steered clear of you until I settled the matter between myself and Jane to my satisfaction. You still think that we don’t know each other well enough, don’t you?”
“It was one of my thoughts.”
“I’m not going to justify myself beyond saying that I am not willing to lose her, Darcy. She is not only beautiful but she has integrity and a kind and honest heart. I have never met anyone like her before. If she has a fault, it is that she is too kind: too sympathetic. You might call her gullible, but I know that of all character flaws, it is the one that I am most happy to live with.”
“But does she return your feelings, Bingley?”
“She hasn’t said so, but if she doesn’t; then she will. By God, she will! I will do everything in my power to make her happy.”
Darcy was surprised at Bingley’s display of passion. “I have nothing more to say, except that you are a brave man, my friend.”
“Brave? I don’t think you understand, Darcy. I have stepped back from women before, but I have no choice this time. My happiness is dependent on her.”
Darcy nodded slowly and considered what it must feel like to be so in love. It seemed to him to be a sort of obsession that was two parts worship of the person and one part blind faith in the future. He knew that he would not be capable of it. He was far too protective of himself.
“Bingley, how would you feel if I accompanied you today?” Darcy held his hand up. “No. On my oath - only as a good friend. I undertake not to interfere in any way. This is your decision and I respect that. However, I find that I am curious about this business deal of yours. I might be interested in making an investment myself; if it would not be standing on your toes to do so.”
Chapter 18
“That is no country for old men. The young
in one another's arms, birds in the trees”
W.B. Yeats
It was almost lunchtime and the sun was hot on her shoulders as Lizzie strolled back home along the road that bordered her father’s estate. She had delayed her walk today as her mother had insisted that she come down to breakfast with the rest of the family and not run about the countryside like a hoyden.
She had been warned last night that there was to be a discussion about the wedding at breakfast and Lizzie knew that - while she would never be her mother’s favourite - Mrs. Bennet required all of her daughters to pay rapt attention to every decision that she took on the matter. Above all, her mother relished a little resistance now and then. Her enjoyment would be heightened if one of them voiced an objection to an aspect of her plans; provided, of course, that she had her own way in the end. Indeed, Mrs. Bennet’s nature was such that if she could not force her will on someone, there would be very little satisfaction in any enterprise.
Lizzie, who had risen late that morning, had come into the room just as her mother was speaking – perhaps complaining might be a better description:
“As it is, I have no choice but to accept the fact that Mr. Collins - as heir to this property- wants nothing more than a small ceremony,” Mrs. Bennet said, obsessively smoothing pleats into the napkin on her lap. “He told your father that you were both agreed that there was to be no finery and no excessive spending on food.”
Her voice became shrill as she asked, “Is this true, Mary? Certainly, you never consulted me. Are you quite sure that you won’t, at the very least, purchase a new bonnet or pelisse? Can you really want to be getting married in Meryton, wearing your old blue gown and bonnet: shaming us before the entire neighbourhood?”
“But, if it is to be a small ceremony, the entire neighbourhood will not be invited, Mama.”
“Oh! Be quiet, Kitty. No one asked for your opinion,” snapped Mrs. Bennet.
Mary – who, in Lizzie’s view, had become nauseatingly pious since her engagement - laid her knife on her plate and folding her hands on her lap, looked at her mother directly and quoted in a saintly voice, “Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
At that, Mr Bennet, Elizabeth and Kitty all rolled their eyes in unison and, as Kitty sniggered behind the cover of her napkin, Mrs Bennet said, “Oh! For goodness sake, Mary! If your father is able to afford a new dress for his daughter on her wedding day, it doesn’t follow that he is rich! As for the camel: I’ve never understood what it has to do with anything.”
Mr. Bennet spoke up, a twinkle in his eye. “Perhaps it is to be one of the attendants in the bridal entourage, my dear. If that is so, I have no objection. At least I won’t be asked to buy a new bonnet for it. But, Mrs. Bennet, if the young couple prefer to save my money, don’t argue them out of it,” he advised. “I have no urgent need to spend where it isn’t appreciated.”
“This is the first child of mine to be married, Mr. Bennet. If it wasn’t for the entailment, I would call a ha
lt to this wedding. It seems quite unnatural to me,” said Mrs. Bennet crossly. She looked about the table for another target on which to focus her irritation. “You are very quiet Lizzy. Don’t you have anything you wish to say?”
“I’m not sure that there is anything for me to say, Mama. Mr. Collins has stated his preferences, as has Mary. I have nothing to do with it and will go along with their wishes and yours.”
“For shame, Lizzy,” murmured Mr. Bennet to his daughter, who was seated on his right. “Giving up so easily? I thought that you might provide at least another fifteen minutes of entertainment. Who is your mother to spar with, if you won’t oblige?”
“Doubtless I will have other opportunities, sir. The debate is far from over. I’m guessing that the matter of food for the bridal feast is probably next on the agenda. Luckily, I can have nothing to contribute there either – it will fall to poor Mrs. Hill to weather that storm.”
Mr. Bennet lowered his head and spoke in an undertone. “Lizzy, you have never told me - were you offended, when Mr. Collins proposed to Mary and not yourself?”
“Papa, how can you think me such a poor creature? You must know that I was relieved rather than offended. I was prepared to do my duty, but luckily for me, Mr. Collins was not aware of our expectations and made his own decision. Also, he has not turned out to be quite the ogre we were imagining. As it happens, I think that he and Mary are very well suited. Have you noticed that she has become less reserved since their engagement? On occasion I have even heard her attempt to curb the dreadful tendency Collins has to grovel to those in power. The only problem I can see with their marriage is that they are both very sanctimonious. But then, he is a clergyman – so, better a wife with aspirations to be a saint than a hoyden like me, sir.”
From her end of the table, Lizzy’s mother cleared her throat. “Mr. Bennet, I’m sure you will excuse me. I have a great deal to do today but first I must visit with Mrs. Hill. There are several matters to discuss with her. If you girls are finished, you may leave the table,” she said grandly, nodding at her daughters as she rose.
Elizabeth immediately pushed aside her plate with its half-eaten slice of toast and began to rise.
“Well, Lizzy, it seems that when the countryside calls, there is no staying you,” observed her father. “But will you not finish your meal?”
“I’m not really very hungry, Papa,” she said smiling at him as she walked by his chair.
He caught at her hand and looked up at her carefully. “Very well then, run along with you. But I want to see you make a better attempt at lunch. You are getting a little too thin for my liking, my dear.”
“This is not like you, Papa,” she teased. “You are not usually one to concern yourself with our whims.”
“I don’t have that many daughters that I am prepared to lose another one, Lizzie,” said Mr. Bennet, looking at his daughter with his heart in his eyes.
They both turned away at once: each of them intent on hiding their sorrow from the other. Yes, Lydia’s death has taken its toll on this family, was Elizabeth’s thought as she walked away from the table.
_______________________________
And now it was midday. Despite the hot sun, there was a bite in the air: a reminder that autumn had arrived. It gave Elizabeth a spring in her step and made every warm, golden ray doubly delicious to her.
As she walked the pathway up to the house, her hand brushed along the tops of the lavender bushes. They should be at the end of their flowering season and yet there were many on which the blooms had just opened. She had fallen behind in Jane’s absence but, as these were ready to be harvested, she had better make a start tomorrow. The weather looked as if it would stay dry, so perhaps just after breakfast would be a good time to begin.
Passing out of the cool shade cast by an old elm, Elizabeth glanced up at the front door and was surprised to see John leading a handsome bay roan towards the stables.
“Who is here, John?” she called as she approached the house.
“It be that Mr. Bingley: him that took over at Netherfield from the Morris family.”
“You don’t sound too happy about it?”
“Not for me to say, Miss Lizzy; but I was hoping we’d seen the last of him.”
“You don’t like him?”
“Oh! He’s well enough and the Bible do say to love your neighbour. It’s this back and forth that I don’t like. One minute folk have jobs; then they’re put off. Around here we want someone more reliable like. A man with a family would have been better for us, is all I’m saying.”
“How is your brother doing, John?”
“He’s in pain now and then, Miss. He says sometimes he could swear his arm is still there. But there’s many lads back from the war with the same problem and some who have no home to go to at all. At least Adam has both his legs so my father puts him to work wherever he can around the farm. Luckily it’s the right arm that’s still working, so he can do a fair bit. He tries not to be a burden anyway.” He shrugged. “Hopefully, one of these days, he will find some lass to take to wife. They do say as life goes on.”
“He can read and write, can’t he?”
“That he can, Miss. He were always the clever one in the family. I never took to the books like he did.”
“Well, I suppose I had better be going in now or I will be late for lunch and you know how that annoys Mrs. Bennet.”
John grinned sympathetically. “And I must see to this horse. You be getting along now, miss. Remember to call on my Mary when you next come down t’ village. She said to tell you that she has lots of them little bags she’s been sewing for you and Miss. Jane. You know, for the herbs and flower petals and that.”
“I will be down in the village on Friday,” said Elizabeth over her shoulder as she climbed the front steps. “Did Mary tell you her plan to sell the bags in the village once we have filled them with potpourri? She says she will tie them up with a scrap of ribbon and - with the pretty flowers she has embroidered on them - she is hoping they will sell well enough to supplement her milk money.”
“She did. That wife of mine is a treasure to me. As I always say: when you’ve got five mouths to feed, every little bit helps, Miss Lizzy.”
________________________________
Elizabeth, whose curls had been blown into a bird’s nest, hastened through the hall in order to avoid encountering their visitor. She was half way up the stairs to her bedroom when she saw Kitty hanging over the balustrade.
“What is it, Kitty? You look very excited,” she said, her hand sliding along the polished rail as she continued her upward climb.
“Oh! Lizzy,” said Kitty. Her face was flushed and her eyes sparkled. “You won’t believe it. Mr. Bingley is here and he wants to marry Jane!”
“Does Mama know?”
“No. She’s in her room. I was going to tell her and then I thought that she would scold me for listening at the study door.”
“And so she should. Eavesdropping is extremely vulgar.”
“It is so thrilling though, isn’t it, Lizzy? Jane properly proposed to and married for love! With two gone there will only be you and me! Although Mary’s marriage doesn’t count really: it’s more of an arrangement than a love match. Maybe one day, we might even marry for love.”
“I hope that you never repeat that remark to Mary. Of course her marriage counts. But remember that Jane is different, Kitty. Few can rival her in appearance. I always thought that, despite the scandal around Lydia, if Jane could just get out into the world, someone would fall in love with her. I doubt that I will be that fortunate. You might though. You’re still young and you could quite easily grow to be just as pretty as Jane in the end.”
“But you’re lovely, Lizzy. Everyone says so. Maria even said that she thought that Mr. Darcy admired you.”
Lizzy laughed, her eyes alight with amusement. “Maria Lucas is a blockhead! In fact, it is quite the opposite - so it shows you what she knows. I have never fought as much with a
nyone as I did with Mr. Darcy and I can tell you that when he was here, he took no pleasure in my company either.”
“But Maria says that some boys are like that. She says that if they pull your hair or do something else horrid, then it means that they want to attract your attention.”
Lizzy eyes widened at the thought. “Well, I doubt it, but I bow to her superior knowledge. She does have two brothers after all.”
“So, should I tell Mama, Lizzy?” asked Kitty hopefully.
“I don’t think so. Let Papa give her the news. He will want to handle it in his own way. Besides, we don’t even know that he has given Mr. Bingley his approval.”
Kitty’s eyes grew round. “He wouldn’t refuse, surely! Jane might never get another chance.”
“Come with me while I get ready for lunch, Kitty,” said Lizzy, shooing her sister ahead of her and across the landing. She was determined to keep Kitty from rushing headlong into the trouble that would surely await her on the other side of their mother’s door.
Thirty minutes later, the two sisters entered the dining room together to find their mother and Mary already seated. Mrs. Bennet was still badgering her daughter about the wedding but, after a few minutes, lost patience with the topic and said, “I wonder who can be keeping your father?”
Just then the sound of male voices that had been coming from the hallway ceased and the front door opened and then a few seconds later banged shut. There was a crunching of gravel as a shadow passed in front of the window.
“Now, who could that have been?” mused Mrs. Bennet.
Lizzy pinched Kitty under the table as her younger sister’s eyes almost bulged in her eagerness to tell all.
“I think it was Mr. Bingley, Mama,” volunteered Mary placidly. “I saw him arrive from my bedroom window about an hour ago.”
The Golden Apples of the Sun Page 14