by Wells, Linda
“Have you time for a drink?”
“No.”
“Gardiner, I am not going to pry … Bingley, what do you know of Mr. Bingley?”
“Bingley?” Gardiner stood up straight. “What do you want with him?”
“Good heaven’s man, I am not gunning for him! My daughter likes him and I … I rather put my foot in it. The man stopped in my door, he is a supplier of mine, did you know? I have known him since he was a boy! He is a good and decent man, I know.” Seeing Mr. Gardiner nodding, he relaxed with relief of that confirmation. “My daughter met him at Pemberley, she liked him, he seemed to like her, I repeated something that I misunderstood, he was offended, they had a bit of a spat, and now, and now he will likely never do anything again. I would like to approach him and apologize.”
“Bingley would not hold a grudge against you or your daughter. He is very quick to forgive offenses against him.” Mr. Gardiner studied the man, “If he is embarrassed though, he will avoid you. Leave him be. I will mention it to him the next time we meet, but I will not seek him out. Nor should you.”
“Come now, Gardiner, my daughter is hurt, I promised her I would make this right!”
“By your own admission, you are the reason that things are not right. Tell me, did Bingley express any admiration for Miss Martin?”
“As a matter of fact, he did.” Martin smiled with satisfaction.
“And obviously Miss Martin expressed admiration of Mr. Bingley.” Mr. Gardiner mused. “And what was the mistake?”
“Something only a female could comprehend.” Martin threw his hands in the air. “Lord knows I don’t. All I know is that my little girl was ashamed of me, and that Bingley is a very worthy suitor.” He sighed and looked Mr. Gardiner in the eye. “Will you help me?”
“As I said, I will mention it to him when next we meet.” Mr. Gardiner held up his hand. “No, I have no idea when that will be, and no I will not give you his address. And,” he sighed, “Bingley has proven himself capable of walking away from a relationship with a lady if he feels it is not right, so if the man is doubtful, do not expect him to come around.” Martin’s face fell. “I am sorry, but Bingley is an outstanding and very good man. He will not entertain anything less than a happy marriage with a woman he can love.”
“Love?” Mr. Martin stared and shook his head. “This younger generation. Love. What is the world coming to? Abbey said something of that sort when she was talking of him.” Mr. Gardiner’s brow rose but he said nothing. “Very well, I settle for your terms, and I will not hang my hat on it.” Martin held out his hand. “Thank you.”
“Delighted, Martin.” Mr. Gardiner shook his hand and watched the disappointed father hurry away with his characteristic speed. “I wonder what all that is about.”
“WAIT, WAIT!” De Bourgh cried and took yet another wrong step. Mary laughed and grabbed his hands, making him stop.
“You are hopeless!” Her eyes lit up and her face revealed her unguarded happiness.
Drinking it in, de Bourgh steadied himself and found his resolve to remain a gentleman. He shook his head and gave her a pleading look. “What was I thinking, agreeing to this foolishness? I cannot possibly appear in public. Please Mary, set me free from this obligation.”
“Miss Mary, if you please, sir!” Georgiana giggled from her place at the pianoforte.
“Yes sir, please observe the niceties with my sister!” Kitty laughed and sat up to see over the instrument. “Lizzy, give him a tongue lashing!”
“Well if he does not let go of Mary’s hands very quickly, I will have to call Fitzwilliam to come and thrash him.” Elizabeth crossed her arms and looked at him threateningly.
“This is so wrong. I am a grown man being bullied by a roomful of women.” He reluctantly let go of Mary’s hands. “Darcy should be here.”
“Fitzwilliam will be here soon. He has work to do.”
“He always has work to do.”
Elizabeth laughed at his whine. “We have not been in town for many months, too many people want his ear, and they seem to want it right away in case we suddenly disappear back to Pemberley. Apparently our reputation precedes us.”
“I know.” De Bourgh smiled at Mary. “I know. At least we will not have to dance in public until we return from Rosings.”
“I will look after you, sir.” Mary said softly. “I am not at all afraid of taking on my sisters.”
“I have seen you take on Lord and Lady Matlock. I am not in the least afraid when you are nearby, Mary.” De Bourgh’s gentle voice caressed her name. “Forgive me, Miss Mary.”
“When you whisper, nobody else may hear your error, Captain.” She peeked at him.
“When you whisper, nobody may hear you say Peter.” He laughed out loud when her eyes grew wide, and his voice resumed its usual volume. “Am I improving?”
Recovering her composure, Mary lifted her chin a little. “Well, you did not step on my foot the last time!”
“Was that not part of the pattern?” He grinned when she rolled her eyes.
Clapping her hands, Elizabeth nodded to Georgiana. “Come, begin again.” The music began just as Foster appeared at the ballroom door.
“Mrs. Darcy, Mr. Bingley is here to see Mr. Darcy, but he is still in his meeting …”
“Mr. Bingley!” Georgiana cried and Kitty started giggling when she blushed and received a pointed stare from Elizabeth. “Oh, how nice that he would visit us.” She said softly and elbowed Kitty.
“Please send him in.” Elizabeth smiled at Foster and looked at de Bourgh. “There Captain, you have reinforcements.”
“Thank heaven.” He turned expectantly to the door and Bingley appeared, hesitantly, and bowed formally. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Darcy, ladies, de Bourgh.”
“Good afternoon, Mr. Bingley.” Georgiana whispered.
Kitty looked at him and sighed. “Oh, my.”
“Mr. Bingley, have you met my sister, Catherine?” Everyone stared at Elizabeth as she extended her arm towards Kitty, who blushed and curtseyed. Bingley smiled and bowed. “We call her Kitty at home.”
“It is a pleasure Miss …” He paused and studied her for a moment. “Catherine.”
“Oh!” She giggled nervously. “I suddenly feel quite grown up.”
Elizabeth caught his eye and gave him an approving smile. “I was wondering when you might visit, we have been here a week!” She stepped forward to kiss his cheek, but he looked down and shook his head. “What is wrong?”
“Forgive me.” He looked at her with sad eyes. “Please.”
“Forgive you?” She tried to read his face and he bowed his head. Elizabeth’s brow creased and she stepped closer to him. Bingley stepped back. “Are you well?”
“Yes, of course, I am quite well.” He smiled a little and looked around at the others, and noticing their attention, he drew himself up. “I seem to have interrupted something. Captain, you are undoubtedly cursing my presence after enjoying the attention of so many lovely ladies.”
“No, I welcome your company.” De Bourgh smiled. “I have not been this outnumbered since my sisters were still at home. I am afraid that my skills in preserving myself from the fair sex are rather underused. I will rely on you to help me fend them off.”
Bingley’s smile grew and he was about to reply when he caught sight of Elizabeth and sobered. “I will be happy to help you, sir. But all of these women are ladies, and I am certain that their behaviour will undoubtedly be impeccable. You are in no danger.”
“Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth’s hands were on her hips. “Are you well?”
“Yes, Mrs. Darcy.” He would not meet her eye, and startled when she took his hand. “Mrs. Darcy …”
“You will partner me, Mr. Bingley. We are teaching the captain how to dance, and it is better done in a group.” She led him to stand next to de Bourgh. “And perhaps you will relax.” He said nothing and she waited for Georgiana to play. “When did we last dance together?”
“I can hardly reca
ll, madam.” He said soberly and moved automatically, but gracefully. He could sense her watching him carefully.
“I believe that it was New Year.” She held out her hands to him and he took them, but avoided her eyes. “I believe that you and my Fitzwilliam were suffering a case of the giggles. I could not decide if the Hursts were laughing along with or at the scene.”
“Mrs. Darcy …”
“Oh no, sir. You were well in your cups; and Fitzwilliam, well, I have no idea what came over my staid husband, but he undoubtedly had taken to hiding his face in my shoulder and laughing. At you. That is quite a feat if you consider our rather obvious difference in height.” She smiled warmly at him. “I will never forget him being so lost in mirth. I love that you could bring out such silliness in him. We were grateful to bid last year farewell, and so grateful to share that celebratory day with such a dear friend.”
Bingley smiled, then laughed softly. “Darcy was a laughing fool that night.”
“He was.”
“So were you.” He smiled, and saw her blush. “You were playing and singing some love song to him, and Darcy was mooning over you like a lovesick youth. It was delightful to watch both of you.”
“How could you see with your eyes so bleary?”
“Oh … I suppose that handling my drink is something that I can do well.” Her warm smile heartened him, but then his face fell. “Perhaps that and making people laugh are my only talents. And laughter, I understand, is frowned upon.”
“Who told you that?”
“Caroline …” Elizabeth’s brows rose. “Oh Mrs. Darcy, how many times were you chastised for displaying wit?”
“Has someone told you that you are too witty?” Elizabeth asked as she turned and then took de Bourgh’s awkwardly extended hand. She smiled up at the bumbling captain. “You are doing very well.”
“I am tripping and turning wrong. These balls were a mistake.” He muttered. “She will think her suitor is a fool.”
“Mary is delighted with everything of you. Now stop this self-pity and pay attention to your steps!” She smiled as this time, he cleanly handed her back to Bingley, who had resumed his sombre smile while dancing with Mary. “As we were saying …”
“Mrs. Darcy.”
“Mr. Bingley, all I can see so far is that someone has told you that your willingness to bring joy to your friends is to be frowned upon, and frankly whoever told you that is someone I would not care to meet.”
“But you have met her.” He said softly as he passed by and looked at his boots.
“Who?” Elizabeth demanded as the song ended. “If you do not answer, I will be forced to name every lady I have ever known you to meet, and that could take quite some time. Please name her so that I might help you.”
“I do not deserve help, I …” Elizabeth glared at him and his lips involuntarily twitched. “Miss Martin.”
“I knew it!”
“Knew what?” Georgiana called.
“Nothing that concerns you. Now play something else, Captain de Bourgh needs more practice.” Elizabeth looked at the couple and taking Bingley’s arm, led him to stand in a far corner. Bingley stood blushing to his boots and Elizabeth noted the looks that Georgiana sent his way. “Mr. Bingley, please tell me what is wrong. Must I threaten you?”
“The way that you berate me almost feels like I am a member of this family.” He said wistfully.
“You are part of this family. How many times do we need to tell you that?” Elizabeth said forcefully. “Now, what is this about Miss Martin?” When he hesitated, Elizabeth looked back at the others. “Would you prefer to talk privately?”
“Yes, no!” His eyes grew wide. “Not unless Darcy is there!”
“Oh, now I have to know what is in your mind. Come with me.” She ordered, and walking back across the ballroom, she stopped and smiled at the couple. “You are looking much better, Captain.”
“You are not leaving us?” Mary asked worriedly.
“Just for a moment. You dance beautifully, Mary, you are a wonderful teacher.” Elizabeth turned to see Bingley several paces behind her and smiled at de Bourgh. “Keep at it.”
She led the way down the hallway, towards Darcy’s study, then stopping to speak to a footman for a moment, turned and entered the library. “Please close the door.”
“I dare not be alone …”
“Why?” Elizabeth demanded and walked past him, shutting the door soundly. She turned and faced him, her arms crossed over her chest. “What on earth has happened?”
Bingley sighed and sank down to lean on a heavy oak table across the room, and mirrored Elizabeth’s stance. “I have made an utter fool of myself.” He glanced up to see her focussed attention. “Over you.”
“Me?”
“I am afraid that my behaviour towards you has been misinterpreted as so forward that … It was presumed that we once were … That I had deeper feelings for you.” Elizabeth’s mouth opened and she sank down to a chair. He closed his eyes. “I am forever sorry if I ever brought discomfort to you or Darcy for … I realize now that in my ease with you both, I stepped over the lines of propriety to move beyond the brotherly affection and teasing that you and Darcy so kindly allow, and beyond the extraordinary friendship that I treasure, to … suggesting to others that … more is desired on my part.”
“Perhaps in our affection for you, we tolerated your behaviour too easily. And I have been far too encouraging. I have never thought of you as anything but a friend.” Elizabeth tried to process all he had said.
“Stewart pointed it out to me once, but I thought of it as his jealousy that Darcy had won you.” Bingley said soberly. “I have explained my feelings before; you offered me unconditional friendship when I was so new to this world, when we were so much the same. The difference now being that you have progressed and I have stagnated, remaining the foolish youth as you and Darcy matured. I remember when you were as shy as Mary is now.” He smiled and she blushed. “I remember when Darcy was arrogant and unsmiling.”
“I remember when you never thought of anything deeper than the next dance partner.” Elizabeth said softly. “We are not the only ones who have changed and grown. You have been an enormous friend to us both, and have worked very hard. Fitzwilliam and I have advanced quickly due to circumstances far beyond our control.”
“Yes, youhave faced a few difficulties.” His lips lifted in a little smile.
“One or two.” She smiled back at him then lowered her hands to her lap. “Please tell me why you have begun this introspection.”
A knock came to the door and Darcy’s head appeared. “Foster told me that I might be needed here.” He saw the serious expressions and closing the door, stood next to Elizabeth and placed his hand on her shoulder. “What is wrong?” Bingley hesitated and Elizabeth reached up to take Darcy’s hand.
“Do you remember our conversation about Mr. Bingley?” Bingley stared between them. “The one when we discussed our care for him and gratitude for his bringing us together.”
“Yes.” Darcy said slowly.
“Mr. Bingley has come to understand that his forwardness is noticeable to others. I understand that my response was no better, for allowing it to become this way.”
“I see.” Darcy nodded and squeezed her hand. “What happened?”
“You spoke of my behaviour?” Bingley reddened. “I wish that you had told me that it was off-putting.”
“I did, if you recall. It was only displayed in the privacy of our homes; although when any other man has spoken to my wife as you sometimes do, I admit that I have not tolerated it nearly as well. I recognized it for what it was. Tell me, who has said something differently?”
“Miss Martin.” He noted the exchange of glances. “I spoke to her father last week after I visited Mr. Gardiner’s office, and he revealed to me that she liked me, but wondered at my fondness for Mrs. Darcy. It felt like a slap in the face and I am afraid then when I later saw her and demanded an explanation, she, well hone
stly I barely heard what she said, I was so mortified. I … I said some cruel things to her and her father, I stormed out of their shop, I am ashamed of my behaviour. I suppose at the time I was defending myself over behaviour that I always knew was wrong.”
“I should have stopped you before you found yourself so embarrassed. It is my fault for encouraging you; and giving you license to continue.” She looked up at Darcy. “I am so sorry, Will.”
“No love, I indulged the banter between you. We discussed it enough times and I never put my foot down.” His eyes were soft. “I love your teases, but I admit that I will be glad to see an end to certain ones.” He leaned down to her ear and whispered. “Only for me.”
“Oh Will, I feel terrible.” Elizabeth’s eyes welled up when he kissed her cheek.
Bingley grew alarmed with the scene. “No, do not blame each other! I should have known better not to be such an arse. Oh, forgive me!”
Darcy wiped the tear running down Elizabeth’s cheek and taking a seat beside her, kissed her hand. “I am not angry, Bingley. I have married a beautiful, happy woman who naturally brings out the happiness in others. I love that. Shall we say that equal blame is to be had by us all? Now it is clearly in the open and hopefully addressed.”
“It is Darcy, I assure you. It was pointed out to me most effectively by Miss Martin.” He sighed and looked at them sadly. “I am only now realizing how much you must have hated me.”
“If you continue to apologize I will have to become angry with you.” Elizabeth said softly as Darcy nodded, supporting her with another squeeze to her hand. “Forgiveness is granted by us both, and we still love you. Now, it seems to me that Miss Martin’s explanation to you was not quite heard correctly in the midst of your absolute mortification. Is that possible?”
“Quite.” He said quietly. “I have never been so shamed. I have never had a woman, well besides you, stand up and talk to me that way. I … Lord forgive me, I rather enjoyed it.” He blushed and looked to his boots. “It was exhilarating to … not to fight, but to … oh to talk with a woman!”
“Not an angel?” Elizabeth suggested.
