Charles had sat in stunned silence at his sister verbal attack on Miss Darcy, but now he found his voice.
“That is quite enough, Caroline. I will not have you insult my guests under any circumstances, and especially not under my own roof. You will apologise to both Darcy and Miss Darcy.”
Caroline stared back at her brother, the glint of defiance clearly visible in her countenance.
When no apology was forthcoming, Charles raised the stakes.
“Very well, Caroline, I will make arrangement for you to return to town first thing in the morning, until then, you will confine yourself to your rooms.”
Caroline quickly realised, if she was to work on both Darcy and Charles, to either force or cajole them into breaking their engagements, she must hold her tongue…for now anyway.
So, it was with more than a resentful lump in her throat, that Caroline said,
“You are quite right, Charles. I don’t know what came over me; it must have been the shock of hearing you were both engaged. I apologise, Miss Darcy, Mr Darcy.” Then Caroline attempted to smile sweetly, but such was her mood that it looked more like a grimace than a smile.
Georgiana managed a faltering smile, while Darcy inclined his head in the briefest of acknowledgements at her words.
Miss Bingley’s apology did not fool Darcy. He suspected she had an ulterior motive for her words of excuse, for that was what they were. There must be another reason she had capitulated so easily. From now on, they must both be more circumspect when dealing with Caroline Bingley. Today’s paroxysm confirmed what he already suspected. Caroline Bingley was capable of great acts of spite, and mischief-making, if the purpose suited her.
Darcy assisted his sister from the carriage and then offered Miss Bingley the same courtesy.
This time, Caroline ignored his outstretched hand, making a great show of alighting from the equipage without any assistance.
“I am quite capable of managing two steps unaided, Mr Darcy,” she stated.
Having entered Longbourn, Mrs Bennet went to great lengths to make her guests welcome. From fussing over their seats and plumping up the cushions, to offering to move everyone’s chairs either closer to the fire or further away from the heat. Nothing was too much trouble, she assured them.
Finally, just when Mrs Bennet seemed happy that everyone was settled and reasonably comfortable, dinner was announced.
The consumption of the first three courses of soup, fish, and lamb had been uneventful, passing with benign conversation from all present.
Relieved that Caroline appeared to be behaving herself, Darcy and Bingley began to relax.
Caroline had smiled and nodded when complimented on the beautiful quality of her couture by Mrs Bennet.
In return, Caroline had then praised Mrs Bennet on the delicious repast, saying how her hostess must treasure such an excellent cook. She had even borne Lydia’s impertinence with a smile when the young girl commented on how unfashionably tall Caroline was, and what an inconvenience it must be for Caroline’s modiste to have to use extra cloth for all her gowns. Her fixed smile gave no hint of what was to come.
Finally, as the meal came to an end with the cheese board being produced, along with the fruit and dessert wine, Caroline’s mood visibly changed.
Having lulled everyone into a false sense of security, and comfort, she now unleashed her vitriol.
Turning her attention first to Jane.
“I have been remiss in wishing you joy, my dear sister to be.”
Jane smiled shyly, and said,
“Thank you, Miss Bingley. I am so pleased you approve.”
“Oh, I don’t, but Charles won’t listen to reason,” Caroline said with a superior air. Then, before any of her shocked fellow diners could respond, she turned to Elizabeth, saying,
“And Miss Eliza, I understand you are to marry Mr Darcy? A surprise, I must admit, for these many weeks now you seemed to prefer, and yes, I must say enjoyed, the attention of Mr Wickham. Now, if you had announced your engagement to that gentleman, no-one would think you were setting your sights above the station you now occupy.”
“George has never like Lizzy half as much as he likes me!” Lydia declared loudly, as she slammed her cutlery onto the table.
“Go to your room this instant,” hissed Mrs Bennet, for once in no humour to indulge her youngest child.
Together, Mr Bennet, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy all rose. Mr Bennet looked at the young men in turn, and Charles looked to Darcy, and Darcy looked at his sister.
Georgiana was staring down at her untouched fruit, her trembling hand rattled the fruit knife against her plate.
Cursing himself for relaxing his guard on Miss Bingley, Darcy raised his hand to silence the room.
“I think you have said quite enough, Miss Bingley. You already made your sentiments know to Charles and me at Netherfield, Madam. Your rudeness to our hosts is inexcusable. You will apologise this instant, and then you will return to the Park forthwith.”
All eyes turned to Caroline.
Her boldness and rudeness had been unleashed, and if she could not have Darcy as her own, she would do her utmost to make sure no-one else would have him, especially Eliza Bennet.
She rose and dabbed at the corners of her mouth with her napkin, as if she had all the time in the world, before throwing the cloth onto the floor, and saying,
“Why do you act so surprised, sir? I have heard you pour scorn on this wretched family many times. Did you not say that Miss Eliza was no beauty? That you would sooner call her mother a wit than admit, she was handsome? And not two weeks past, you told Charles that an alliance with such a family would be insupportable?” Then Caroline turned her attention solely onto Elizabeth, “Mr Darcy not only convinced Charles to return to town, Miss Eliza, but he also advised him to sever all connections with your family, saying such an acquaintance would not only be insupportable, but also a degradation to his reputation. Is that the kind of man you wish to marry? One who secretly despises you and all your relations?” Next, she turned to the open-mouthed Mrs Bennet. “Is Mr Darcy really the man you want as your son-in-law? A man that does not esteem you or your daughters in any way whatsoever?”
Mrs Bennet was torn. Her indignation on learning Mr Darcy true opinion of her family had hurt, there was no denying, but then he did have ten thousand a year.
“I…well…,” she wavered.
“Of for goodness sake, woman, where is your pride?” Caroline spat with venom at the stuttering Mrs Bennet.
“And where is your pride, Miss Bingley?”
All eyes now turned to Elizabeth, who had risen from her seat.
“You have insulted my family and me in every way possible, and I must now ask you to importune us no further. Hill will see you to your carriage.”
Caroline felt the force of Elizabeth’s words, more so than any others. Compared to her own behaviour, Elizabeth’s breeding had stood out, whereas she had appeared sadly lacking in all the essentials. It made her despise her even more.
Up to this point, Charles had been frozen with horror at his sister’s outburst, but suddenly, through the emotional fog he finally found his voice and acted. Moved forward, Charles took hold of Caroline’s arm and propel her out of the dining room door.
“Get out!” he said, enunciating his words with force and clarity.
Try as she might, Caroline could not shake free from his grip.
Propelling her along the corridor and out the front door, Charles did not stop even to collect her cloak.
Charles waited in silence with Caroline, not trusting her alone for even one minute.
The door behind them opened, and as they both looked around, they saw Mrs Hill walk out with Caroline’s cloak and reticule.
Having given them to Miss Bingley, Hill then gave a derisory sniff, put her nose in the air and walked back in inside, closing the front door with a resounding thud.
Within minutes Darcy’s carriage was brought round, and Charles, still
the gentleman, opened the door for his sister.
“I will deal with you later,” he said, and then without a second glance or another word to his sister, Charles Bingley closed the door and nodded for the driver to walk on.
Charles watched as the carriage rolled through Longbourn’s gates, despairing of ever being able to rectify the damage his cruel and heartless sibling had inflicted tonight.
The silence in the dining room at Longbourn was palpable.
Kitty sat wide-eyed looking around at her elders. With bated breath, she waited for one of them to speak while hoping no-one would remember she was present and send her to her room. She sensed that now was not the time to express an opinion or ask any questions.
Mary had pulled a small volume of sermons out from her pocket; intent on scanning the pages for a passage that would fit the event.
Mrs Bennet was understandably flustered and had absently began to wring her handkerchief in her hands, wrapping it first this way, and then twisting it that way until it was in a sorry state. Once again, the question of what was to become of them when Mr Bennet died had reared its ugly head.
Mr Bennet cast his eyes over all who were seated at his table and sighed. He knew no good would come of having five daughters. How was he ever to sort this mess out, when all he really wanted to do was sit in his library, read a good book, and indulge in a nice glass of port?
Jane’s eyes were cast down, and if the truth be known, they were a little moist.
Only Elizabeth showed any resilience and was defiant in the face of adversity. She walked round to where Jane sat and took the now vacant chair next to her.
Putting a consoling arm around her sister’s shoulders, Elizabeth said,
“You cannot rely on Miss Bingley's account for any other’s words or deeds, Jane. You must judge them for yourself.”
From her first encounter with Miss Bingley, Elizabeth had mentally marked her as a thoroughly unpleasant woman. A woman that felt little compassion or regard for those she considered below her notice. Often compelled to compliment others in a tone blatantly dripping with insincerity and derision.
Elizabeth had to admit she was surprised at the lengths Miss Bingley was prepared to go to ensure Jane did not marry her brother.
At first, Mr Darcy was torn. Should he go to Elizabeth and defend himself against Miss Bingley's accusations, or first comfort his sister? Hearing Elizabeth’s words of encouragement to Jane, Darcy’s decision was made. Though he was not ignorant of the fact that they might never now marry, Elizabeth’s defiance and resolve not to be influenced by Caroline’s vitriol, only made him love her more.
Darcy went to Georgiana.
“Come, dearest, we must go now.”
Georgiana always knew there would be a time when George Wickham would once more come into their lives, whether in name only or in person, but she had thought herself quite safe from him in Hertfordshire. It was a long way from both Pemberley and Ramsgate, and Georgiana was unaware that Miss Bingley had even met Mr Wickham. Yet, in a way, she was pleased this first reference to him was over. It had made her realise she no longer harboured any feelings towards Mr Wickham. No residue of love or devotion or admiration remained in her, just a tremendous sense of relief. Finally, she had left the school room behind, and with it, her adolescent crush
In the light of this revelation, Georgiana realised there were other bridges to be mend. Displaying her newfound maturity, she turned to her brother, and said,
“First, you must speak to, Miss Elizabeth.”
Darcy looked over to Elizabeth, and as their eyes met, he said,
“Tomorrow, my love.”
Elizabeth understood his meaning, and with a slight inclination of her head, agreed.
Darcy helped Georgiana from the table and then he both apologised and thanked Mr and Mrs Bennet for inviting them.
Mrs Bennet gave an awkward curtsy.
It was with a great deal of trepidation that Charles Bingley returned to the dining room at Longbourn. Half expecting to be ordered from the house, he was undeniably surprised to be ushered in and to find everyone still present.
“Jane…I…” he faltered.
Jane was being comforted by Elizabeth and had not cast even the slightest glance in his direction.
Embarrassed, humiliated and angry, he felt everyone wished him gone.
Straightening his back and inhaling deeply, Charles said,
“Mr Bennet, Mrs Bennet, words cannot express how very sorry I am for my sister’s behaviour. I had no idea she intended to vent her ire on us in such a public and offensive outburst. I think you have long been wishing us gone. However, with your permission, I would like to call tomorrow?” Charles asked, though his voice began to wane at the end.
Mr Bennet raised a single quizzing eyebrow in Janes direction.
The nod of Jane’s head indicated she would permit Mr Bingley to call on her.
Mr Bennet eyed Charles Bingley for a full ten seconds before he said,
“You would, would you? Very well, come back tomorrow, both of you. Now, you had better take my carriage to see you all home, good night.”
Chapter Sixteen
Having accepted the loan of Mr Bennet’s dated, yet surprisingly comfortable carriage, Darcy, Charles, and Georgiana made their way back to Netherfield Park. Upon arrival, Darcy took his sister into the drawing room with the intention of administering a small restorative to her, while Bingley went to speak to his sister.
Somewhere, though he was not sure where, Darcy recalled hearing that a sip of brandy should be administered when someone had suffered a shock.
Georgiana looked at the proffered glass in her brother’s outstretched hand. She had never tasted hard liquor before and saw no reason to start now.
“What is this, brother? I am not ill.”
“It is for the shock, Georgiana,” Darcy stated, his voice heavy with concern.
“The shock? Yes, it was a shock to hear Miss Bingley mention, Mr Wickham. I was not aware they shared an acquaintance,” she said, in her usual soft voice.
“Are you sure, Georgiana? There is no shame in admitting you have been affected by the incident.”
With another unexpected display of maturity, Georgiana placed her hand on Darcy’s arm, and said,
“I am quite well brother, truly. In fact, I should thank Miss Bingley. Though she is ignorant of my foolishness over Mr Wickham last summer, it has made me realise that he has no power over me. My childish infatuation with George Wickham is quite in the past, and that is where I intend for it to remain, in the past.”
“Darcy, I say, Darcy, Caroline has gone. The butler told me she stopped only long enough to collect her maid, instruct the housekeeper to have her trunks sent back to town, and then she left.”
Darcy looked over at the befuddled features of his friend, who had burst into the drawing room and was now standing in the open doorway.
“No doubt she will stay with the Hursts,” Darcy said pragmatically.
Bingley, still standing in the doorway, looking as though he was unsure of what to do next. He had intended to have things out with Caroline, but that meeting, due to her flight, must now be postponed.
“You have been reprieved from dealing with your sister tonight, Charles, but it is a matter that still has to be addressed. But now, you must pour all your efforts into healing the rift Caroline’s outburst has opened between you, and Miss Bennet. Perhaps you should retire and think about how you can do that?” Darcy advised him.
“Yes, of course. And you, Miss Darcy, are you well?”
“Thank you, Mr Bingley, I am quite recovered,” Georgiana said, and made a point of looking at her brother as she spoke.
The candles at Longbourn were still burning brightly long after the midnight hour. Mr Bennet had removed himself from the fray and taken cover in his favourite room.
“I have no doubt you will all make your decisions better without me. Though, if you should need me, I’ll be in my study,” he sa
id.
Mrs Bennet dismissed him with a wave of her battered handkerchief, and when Kitty yawned, she waved her away to bed too.
Moving into the small back parlour, Elizabeth asked Mrs Hill to bring some hot tea and plenty of sugar. Then, she gently steered Jane and her mother to the divan nearest the fire.
It was typical of her father to abscond during a crisis. Too often she had observed this pattern of behaviour from him. It was no wonder her poor mamma had finally given up trying to discipline her youngest children. After raising five daughters, almost single-handedly, she was understandably exhausted. And although she knew her mother would offer her no thanks for helping, Elizabeth stepped into the breach left by her father’s absence.
“Mamma, I do not think we can put any credence on what Miss Bingley said tonight. I believe it was a combination of the wine and her imagination talking. I don’t think her words reflect either Mr Bingley’s or Mr Darcy’s true sentiments. I certainly will not be jumping to any conclusions merely on her word. And, I suspect neither will Jane.”
Jane turned her tear stained face to Elizabeth, and whispered,
“But what if she is right? What if Mr Darcy did try to turn Mr Bingley away from me? If Mr Bingley’s love for me is so shallow, his heart so easily swayed once, might he not be easily persuaded again? Could I marry such a man, Lizzy, could you?”
The points Jane made were valid, and under any other circumstances, they might have warranted further investigation. However, they were said with bitterness and anger, frustration and malice, borne out of Caroline’s disappointed hopes. Elizabeth was sure Caroline Bingley’s sole intention had been to drive a wedge between Mr Bingley and Jane, and Mr Darcy and her.
Well, Elizabeth thought, Miss Bingley will find us Bennet’s are made of sterner stuff than the soft town folk she usually deals with.
Besides, Elizabeth had already decided she would not let Miss Bingley’s obvious infatuation with becoming Mistress of Pemberley, deter her from marrying its master.
Mr Darcy's Proposal Page 13
