Memory: Volume 2, Trials to Bear, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice)

by Wells, Linda

  “Good Evening is a fine place to start.” Fitzwilliam offered before Darcy could speak. “Bingley!” He strode forward and clapped his back. “How are you old man?”

  “I am well.” Bingley gave him a bemused look and turned to Darcy. “Is he in his cups already?”

  “Perhaps, but he does not handle his liquor well. You should be sure to stand upwind of him.”

  Fitzwilliam snorted, and Bingley grinned. “Harwick it is a great pleasure … ah there are the ladies.” He bowed to Laura and Evangeline across the room, then smiled at Georgiana, who promptly blushed and looked away. He looked to Elizabeth who raised her brow at him and containing his desire to laugh, focussed on Charlotte. “I do not believe that I know the other lady, do I?”

  “That is Miss Charlotte Lucas.” Darcy said quietly, “She is a childhood friend of Elizabeth’s, and lives in the estate that borders Longbourn and Netherfield.” He introduced them then they walked over to Lucas. “And this is Mr. Robert Lucas, her brother. They are spending a few nights here. Miss Lucas is visiting with Elizabeth while Mr. Lucas conducts business. Hopefully Miss Bennet and Miss Mary will get to see their neighbours as well while they are in town.”

  “Of course.” He bowed. “Mr. Lucas.” Bingley faced the older man and felt the uncomfortable sensation that he was being examined closely. “I have heard much of your … neighbourhood.”

  Lucas’ sharp eyes took in Bingley’s fine clothes, handsome features, and confused expression. “Yes, I understand that you are interested in Netherfield.”

  “I am, or I was, but it seems that my uncharacteristic deliberation has at the least delayed my leasing it.”

  “Oh?” Lucas looked to Darcy. “I was not aware of this?”

  Darcy nodded. “I did not wish to presume that Bingley would continue to entertain the notion of taking the property when we learned it was let for the hunting season. Our mutual friend Stewart gave us the news.”

  “oh.” Lucas said softly, the ramifications of Bingley not taking the lease were swirling in his mind.

  “By a judge.” Darcy added.

  “I see.” He turned back to Bingley. “So your plans are …delayed?”

  “Does it make a difference?” Bingley asked quietly, almost to himself. “Would anyone care if I were to take up residence or not?”

  Lucas nodded and could almost read his thoughts. “It would depend upon what your intentions were once you arrived, sir. The sport around Netherfield is very fine.”

  Fitzwilliam looked between the men, one who fully understood that he was facing his opponent, and the other who was only battling with himself. He looked up to Darcy who was watching just as closely and catching his eye, shook his head. Darcy nodded, staying out of it, and offered no enlightenment to Bingley. Harwick tilted his head, listening. He knew enough of Bingley’s involvement with Jane to guess that Lucas was a third suitor for her hand, and it seemed, from the intense way he regarded Bingley, the most serious.

  “My intentions are dependent on what would be best for all parties.” Bingley said and looked to Darcy with a shrug, thinking that of the men present, Lucas would not know what he was really talking about. “It seems that I will have plenty of time to consider my options, although clearly my hesitancy has cost me already.”

  Harwick felt most qualified to enter the conversation. “That is admirable, Bingley, and I appreciate your careful consideration after having been in your position once, however; I can only support the notion that while disappointment is momentarily painful, it is sometimes the most important step to make.” He looked quickly to Laura and met Bingley’s widened eyes. “Do you understand?”

  “I think that I do.” Bingley smiled. “I appreciate all of my mentors.”

  “Well Lord knows you need a roomful of them!” Fitzwilliam laughed and turned to Lucas who was still studying Bingley. “Mr. Lucas, my cousin mentioned that your brothers are considering the navy, might I plead the case of the army?” He grinned and nudged him, holding out a glass of wine.

  Lucas startled and stared down at the glass in Fitzwilliam’s hand. “Oh, I would be happy to hear you out, sir.”

  Taking advantage of the change in topic, Bingley indicated that Darcy follow him across the room to pour some wine for themselves. “What is Lucas about, Darcy? He was staring at me as if he was expecting something to sprout out of my ears!”

  “Mr. Lucas is a potential neighbour of yours; I suspect that he was interested in your plans.” Darcy sipped and looked down, then across the room. Bingley tilted his head and watched him carefully.

  “Your cousin once told me that you cannot lie.”

  “What did I say that was untrue?”

  “Nothing, I am sure, but I suspect there is more to this than you say.” He looked back at the three men and saw Lucas again watching him. “The Lucas family is close to the Bennets, you say?

  “Some members more than others.” Darcy noted. “Miss Lucas is very close to Elizabeth.”

  “And Mr. Lucas?” Bingley asked softly. “How close is he to Miss Bennet?” Bingley’s eyes met Darcy’s. “He is interested.”

  “He is.” Darcy said simply.

  “Did you invite him here?”

  “No, his appearance was an absolute surprise, Bingley. We thought that his father would come and Miss Lucas would stay for a short visit. He is aware of your …calls.”

  “What should I do?” Bingley murmured.

  “I will not direct you in this. Only you can answer this question.” Darcy placed his hand on his shoulder and spoke seriously. “Whoever you marry deserves a man who is focussed on the marriage more so than his pleasures, and one who knows himself and his goals. Perhaps you should present her with the possibility of waiting for you or moving on. If she does decide not to wait for you, I hope that she will take some time to freely look around London and determine if she wishes to continue here or return to Longbourn.”

  “To him.” Bingley murmured.

  Darcy smiled and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “Of course, pistols at dawn might do just as well.”

  Bingley laughed, “Then leave it to her to reject both of us and we were bloodied for nothing!”

  “Well, that is certainly a possibility. A woman’s mind is a mystery.” Darcy’s eyes twinkled as he watched Elizabeth approach. “Particularly my dear wife’s.”

  “Was I just insulted?” Elizabeth smiled.

  “I leave you to determine that, my love.” He took her hand and bestowed a kiss before tucking it onto his arm. “What news have you?”

  “Foster just informed me that the Captain and the Reverend de Bourgh are on their way up.” She smiled at the doorway. “Here they are.”

  “Darcy, Mrs. Darcy!” De Bourgh grinned and bowed. “What a pleasure to see you! I do not believe that you have met Michael?” He nodded to his brother.

  “It is a pleasure.” The soft-spoken young man bowed. “Forgive our intrusion.”

  “It is no trouble at all; you are certainly welcome to stay for dinner.” Elizabeth smiled. “We are very happy to have your company.”

  “No, no, we are merely dropping off a letter for you, Darcy.” De Bourgh drew an envelope from his coat. “Lady Catherine demanded we play pigeon.”

  “She would. And what does she wish now, any hints?” He looked at the well-sealed envelope and sighed.

  “Not a one. She sits and fumes in her house, mother regularly visits to be assured that she has not strangled any of the servants, and merrily tortures her with observations of the decoration.”

  “I wonder if those two have become fond of each other.” Fitzwilliam smiled and joined them. “Rather alike in some ways.”

  “Do not let my mother hear you say that.” De Bourgh chuckled and nudged his brother. “Eh, Michael?”

  Michael startled from his observation of Charlotte and blinked. “Oh, yes, Mother would be most unhappy.” He tilted his head and looked back over to Charlotte. Elizabeth’s eyes danced and she smiled at Darcy. He sig
hed and let her arm go.

  “If you will not stay for dinner tonight, perhaps you might come tomorrow? My sisters will be visiting, and our houseguests will remain.” She smiled. “Shall I introduce you both now?” Hooking her hand over their arms she led the way across the room. “Reverend Michael de Bourgh, and Captain Peter de Bourgh, this is Miss Charlotte Lucas of Lucas Lodge in Hertfordshire. Miss Lucas, Mr. de Bourgh has the living at Hunsford, at his brother’s estate of Rosings in Kent.” She nodded at each man in turn.

  Fitzwilliam leaned over to Lucas. “She is matchmaking, you know.”

  “Is she good at it?” He asked quietly while the rest of the room watched Elizabeth clearly at work.

  “Well,” Fitzwilliam smiled and catching Lucas’s eye glanced over to Bingley. “I think that she only has one failure.” He raised his brows and gave him a wink, then nodded at Evangeline. “Patience is rewarded in the end.”

  Chapter 16

  Darcy thoughtfully read the letter in his hand and picking up his pen; began to write a response when he heard some hesitant footsteps outside of the study door. He paused and listened. It was a man, from the sound of the boots, and it surely was not a servant since they would be about their well-practiced duties. “Mr. Lucas?” He called. Lucas looked in the doorway. “Forgive me, I did not wish to interrupt …”

  “Not at all, please come in.” Darcy had risen to his feet and indicated a chair before his desk. They sat down and immediately a maid appeared. “Coffee?” Seeing his nod, Darcy looked to the girl. “Please.”

  “Yes, sir.” She bobbed and disappeared.

  Lucas watched her go. “Do you have people poised to serve?”

  Darcy regarded him, and saw that the question was asked more in wonder than in disdain. “My staff is trained to perform their duties. My mother set them years ago, and my housekeeper has continued the practices. My wife has learned them as she took over the house, and modified their behaviour to suit her preferences.”

  “I do not mean to criticize.” Lucas said hurriedly. “I am simply unaccustomed to so much. A footman in the hallway at night, maids and men, a butler …” He sighed. “My sisters must help my mother with the cooking.”

  “It is not unheard of.” Darcy said diplomatically.

  Lucas laughed. “Perhaps not for your tenants.”

  “Some of my tenants do very well.” He smiled slightly. “Some farm lands in excess of the size of Longbourn or even Netherfield for me.”

  “Perhaps I should become a tenant of yours.” Lucas rubbed his jaw. “Although I suspect those particular spots are coveted. You have been described to me as an exceptionally liberal master.”

  “Really?” Darcy looked up when the maid entered bearing a tray of coffee and biscuits, then poured out two cups. “Thank you, Maggie.” She bobbed and disappeared.

  “Mr. Bennet speaks of you.”

  “That is surprising, although he has been asking more often for advice regarding his estate.” Darcy stirred cream into his cup and took a sip. “What are your appointments for the day? I should tell you that Mr. Gardiner responded to our note; he said that he will come this afternoon with his wife and my sisters.”

  “Oh.” Lucas drew a deep breath and let it go. “Well, I do need to speak with him regarding my investment. I wish to increase it.”

  “I have had some excellent returns from him.” Darcy sat back comfortably. “I am certainly pleased.”

  “Yes.” Lucas took a sip then set down his cup. “This coffee is very good.”

  Darcy saw through him. “You know, you need to stop comparing the life you can offer Jane to the one her sister leads. You must be proud of what you have or else she will never be able to be proud of it as well.” He smiled when Lucas startled. “It is one thing to be ambitious to improve your situation, but it is another thing entirely to covet another’s property and sink into self-pity as a result. Which man would a woman prefer as her husband?” He glanced back and indicated the portrait behind him. “My father taught me to be proud of our heritage, our people, and our land. Pride in our position was not the most important factor.”

  “That is precisely what my father values the most, his knighting is his pride.” Lucas said tiredly. “It defines his every move. It has elevated his self-importance and as a result, has left his family poorer.”

  “Then you shall right the ship.” Darcy tapped a letter on his desk. “I received a letter last night from my aunt, her position was her pride, and she attached all of her self-worth to it. She attempted to keep her status by manipulating her daughter cruelly and by attempting to arrange my destiny. Now she finds herself alone, reduced to the role of widow in an adequate home. hardly the position of exalted mother-in-law and honoured grandmother that she expected. She wrote to me humbling herself; asking to be part of my life. But in her words I see the avarice and desire to be what she never was to her own child. I will forgive her, but deny her request. I have no room for such a person in my life, just as I suspect you have no room for envy in yours.” He tilted his head. “What do you fear seeing when Jane comes here today?”

  “Disappointment.” He said without hesitation. “She has seen so much now. What I was able to show her of myself this winter is surely superseded by Mr. Bingley, and your aunt, and you.” He looked around then met his eyes.

  “You have such little faith in her.”

  “What do you mean?” He said sharply.

  “You are still valuing the material. If I did that, I would not have fallen in love with Elizabeth the moment I first saw her. After all, the fifteen-year-old girl I saw that day was not dressed in silk, was not a refined woman, but was a sweet girl from an insignificant estate in Hertfordshire. It was the girl, now the woman, that I valued. Tell me, do you really think that Jane Bennet values the number of carriages you own, or is it the man who makes her smile?” Darcy sat back and steepled his hands.

  “Why did I not meet you in Cambridge?” Lucas smiled. “I could have used a brother like you.”

  Darcy laughed. “I was not the man I am now. I doubt that I would have been of much use. However, if things work out in your favour, perhaps we will be brothers one day.”

  “Perhaps.” Lucas looked at his hands then back up. “I love her.”

  “I know.” Darcy met his gaze. “You love her so much that you want only the best for her, and you are willing to let her go if it will make her happy.” He studied him and spoke softly. “I let Elizabeth go once, and I regretted it deeply. Tell me something, this business you have in town that you simply had to rush here to address, is it truly so pressing or were you leaping on any excuse to come here and perhaps see her?” Lucas’ face turned pink as he blushed. “I see. I wish that I had been so impulsive.”

  “I am not used to speaking of my feelings to anyone.”

  Darcy watched him slowly twisting his hands together. “I understand, and I understand the torture of waiting.”

  Lucas nodded and clasping his hands, searched for a better way to occupy himself. “Well. I have some appointments to keep. It seems that the ladies are slow to leave their beds.”

  “No, no. We do not keep town hours. My wife is with our baby, and usually we go for a walk before breakfast. Of course with your sister here, our plans will be curtailed for the day. Would you care for a ride in the park? That is a favourite way of mine to release my preoccupation with difficult subjects.”

  “I would very much; however, I really do need to take care of business, and I wish to be back in good time for Miss Bennet this afternoon.” He stood and Darcy did with him. “Your cousins will be visiting as well?”

  “Yes.” Darcy chuckled. “Did I see a spark or two flying between your sister and the reverend?”

  “I hope so.” Lucas laughed and relaxed.

  “I do as well.” Darcy bowed and Lucas went to the door and turned.

  “Thank you. For …the reassurance.”

  “I am glad to have provided it.” Hearing the front door closing, Darcy
settled back into his chair and smiled as he returned to work. “Well Bingley, I wish you well on your assignment today.”

  “THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY, Miss Bennet.” Bingley said softly. “It was kind of your aunt to allow it.”

  “She has no reason to fear you, sir.” Jane looked at her hands clasped in her lap.

  Leaning towards her from his chair, he waited for her chin to lift. “Miss Bennet. I have come to regard you as not only one of the most beautiful women of my acquaintance, but also one of the kindest.”

  “Oh.”

  “Your care for your family is obvious, and that is something that I admire deeply.”

  “Thank you.”

  Bingley took a deep breath and looking her in the eye, drew on the conversation he had with Darcy the day before. “I feel that for me to continue as I have, giving you no true indication of my intentions is unfair, and today I wish to make them perfectly clear.”

  “Yes, Mr. Bingley?” She whispered and looked back down.

  He paused and tried to read her body language and face. She was nervous, even frightened, but her smiles when he arrived gave him no signal of her feelings. “Miss Bennet. I have learned that Netherfield has been leased to another man for at least the next quarter. I had intended to take the estate and begin my journey to landownership there. I have not found another property that I felt was suitable to my needs. With this delay in mind, I have thought long and hard about my desires.” He waited for her to look up, and gathered his resolve. “I have decided that I have not attained the experience or the credibility to be a landowner or husband as yet. For this reason, I have decided that I will speak to Mr. Darcy, and discover what is necessary for me to embark on a grand tour. I wish to round out my education properly as all gentlemen should, then when I return to England in a year or so, I will be prepared to settle down, find my estate, and marry.”

  Jane stared at him. “You … you are leaving?”

  Bingley swallowed, clenched his fists to stay focussed, and nodded. “That is my decision, yes.” He searched her eyes and saw, for a moment, relief. All of his questions were answered in that sudden flash of honesty, and at once he felt sure. “It would be unfair to propose anything to you with such a plan in my mind. I know that Lady Matlock has been working to make you into a lady of society, and I know that she hoped for an alliance between us. I realize that is in no small part due to my queries to her husband and sons, and … If it raised your hopes, I beg your forgiveness. I am at last hearing clearly the advice of so many; I am too young to marry.”