by Kate Speck
“Good morning, Darcy!” Bingley greeted his friend at the breakfast table. He drew nearer and whispered, “How was Sally last night?”
Darcy stiffened, “So YOU were the one who sent her in. Bingley, I told you that I do not dally… I have not used such a service for years and I abhor such activities. Do not do it again, Bingley! I had to expel her from my rooms discreetly and I did not appreciate the fact that she was waiting for me in my bed completely undressed!” He hissed.
Bingley chuckled loudly, “For a kingdom, Darcy, I cannot believe how fastidious you are. I brought Sally from London specifically for your pleasures and I wished to welcome you properly. Colonel Fitzwilliam assured me that you would like her.”
Darcy colored bright red at the mention of his cousin. “The colonel would approve of anyone as long as he is allowed to sample her first. Did you try her out in town as well?” He fumed.
“Of course we tried her out first. We both love our fair-colored ladies, your cousin and I, and Sally has very large assets that are most pleasing. I thought you would like her, Darcy.” Bingley replied.
Darcy took a few breaths to calm himself. “I may have had a fling or two in my youth but I made a promise to my father on his deathbed to be honorable and to be on guard from mercenary women who might wish to only become mistress of Pemberley. Having a courtesan once or twice might have been acceptable in my university days, but the risk of disease or being disgraced, should someone discover my illicit activities, is not worth breaking my vows to my father. Do not attempt it again, Bingley. I will return home if you press it.” He threatened.
Bingley put up both of his hands in concession. “I understand, Darcy, it will not happen again. I will be more than happy to keep Sally for myself until I find myself a beautiful wife.” He smirked, “What do you think of Miss Jane Bennet? Do you think she might be a good wife for me? She is certainly the most beautiful angel I have met, and I would not mind taking her to my bed one bit.”
Darcy huffed, “She would do for you, being a gentleman’s daughter, and would elevate your status to marry such a woman, but you do not know anything about her. What of her family, her connections, her dowry? You only see a pretty face and nothing more, Bingley. I told you she is not tempting enough for me and I will never fall for a mercenary woman. I thought you wished to marry that other chit, Miss Grey? Whatever happened to her?” Darcy asked.
Bingley smiled, “You were at Ramsgate through that, I believe. You do know that Miss Grey is Caroline’s friend? After realizing that my dear sister was feeding Miss Grey tidbits about my personal life, I told Caroline that I lost the family fortune in a gamble and suddenly Miss Grey’s attentions were fully turned to that weasel Elliott, and good riddance! She was mercenary and only wished for my fortune, attempting to compromise me a few times until I figured her out. You have taught me great lessons and I had not forgotten them, my friend.” He laughed before continuing.
“I made Caroline pay for it, though. I made her pay me back for last quarter’s overspending, and she has only half of this quarter’s allowance and is most miserable.” He smirked. “She complained about the backwater country of Hertfordshire but I told her that with her funds so limited, she had better make herself comfortable in Netherfield while she saves up her allotment for the season. I constantly remind her that she will be on the shelf next season if she does not find herself a husband quickly.”
Darcy scoffed at Bingley’s comments. His friend was in and out of love frequently and carried the burden of having the most shrewish sister.
Miss Caroline Bingley, at five and twenty, was as sharp in character as in looks, and no man had wanted her, even with her 20,000 pound-dowry. When Darcy had met her five years ago after befriending Bingley at university, that crass woman had declared that she would be Mrs. Darcy and had rejected the few men who called on her. She believed that her then eighteen-year-old younger brother would influence the great Mr. Darcy of 10,000 a year to marry her and how wrong she was. Darcy was immediately disgusted by the mercenary woman and paid absolutely no attention to her. Over the years, Darcy ascertained Bingley, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that no matter what compromise or attack on his person she might arrange, he would never take Miss Bingley as his wife, to which Bingley earnestly understood, and they shook on it.
Mrs. Louisa Hurst, née Bingley, was thirty years old and married to a lowly gentleman of 1,000 a year, who had been a chronic drunkard and gambler. Louisa had tight control over the finances to ensure that they would not become desolate through her husband's awful habits, and had lived with Bingley for the past five of the six year-marriage, while they retrenched.
Mrs. Hurst was a sensible woman, quite beautiful in appearances, as she looked more like Bingley than her sister, and attempted to rein in Caroline whenever possible, but with her husband’s disposition, it was often difficult for Louisa to remain strong against her aggressive and persistent sister’s wishes.
Darcy, in a moment of weakness three years ago, had considered a carnal relationship with his friend’s elder sister, and had arranged for a liaison in town, but quickly came to his senses and had not appeared at the designated location. They were both embarrassed that such an interlude could have almost occurred, and never spoke about it, avoiding ever being alone together. Darcy had begun looking for a wife at balls and dinner parties, while Mrs. Hurst returned to assisting her husband to seek sobriety and keeping his hands off anything of value so it would not be sold for another bet.
“I am going to go for a ride, Bingley. Perhaps we can go over the estate businesses after I return.” Darcy stated in irritation.
Bingley nodded. “Fine idea, Darcy. If I am to be a landowner soon, I will definitely need to learn more than how to pay for my sister’s bills and go shooting.” He laughed. “I do appreciate your assistance and your being here for the next two months, Darcy. Truly, I meant no offense by arranging for Sally. Colonel Fitzwilliam assured me you would find pleasure in my little surprise.”
Darcy sighed, “I know, Bingley. Richard is fully aware of my vows and was having his fun with you. He knew I would become angry with you and I am certain he had a grand time with Sally. Do not take that man too seriously. The war has made him senseless and he only looks for amusement when he is not working. He is a good cousin and guardian to my sister but he has seen too much of the devastations to take life seriously. I do hope he will find himself a good woman soon. He needs a steady wife to set him straight.” Darcy worried for his cousin. “I will return in about an hour.”
Darcy left his host in the breakfast room and went to the stables for a long ride to ponder his thoughts.
I believe I will be most miserable here for the next two months. I do hope Georgiana is recovering well. If only she had a sister to confide in. He felt guilty that at the age of almost eight and twenty, he had not yet married and that he had no wife to assist his dear sister. If only I had found someone desirable by now, she would find some comfort. All the women in my life are mercenary or already married. Will I ever find love like my parents?
He rode long and hard to vent his frustrations for an hour, and when he returned to Netherfield, he closeted himself with Bingley in the study to be of service to educate his friend in becoming a landlord.
Chapter 5
“Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet nodded to the young man as he was introduced at Lucas Lodge. Sir William was happy to make the introductions and left them to converse, while he saw to other host duties.
"Mr. Bennet," Darcy nodded in return, not knowing what else to say to the older gentleman. I wonder if Miss Elizabeth told her father about my insult. His shame of speaking most ungentlemanly crept up in his conscience. It should not have been spoken at all, nonetheless at a public place where it was actually overheard by Miss Bennet's sister, and he had realized only later that Miss Elizabeth had been within her rights to be offended.
Mr. Bennet began to speak, “I understand you have a large estate in Derbyshire. My wife has some distant relatives wh
o live near Kympton and she recalls visiting the area as a child. I have read descriptions of the peak district. ‘What are men to rocks and mountains?’”
Darcy breathed a sigh of relief in the easiness of the conversation. He could speak of his home with pride and replied, “Indeed, sir. It is the most beautiful county in all of England, but of course everyone would say such of their own homes.” He smiled slightly.
“Oh, I agree! I find Hertfordshire to be the most wonderful of counties, even if I have heard it called ‘backwater country’ by some. It is close enough to town yet thoroughly more peaceful and comforting.” Mr. Bennet retorted.
“I must agree that I also enjoy being at home more than any other place. I suppose every man should feel as such. Home is like no other and should always be desired and wished.” Darcy smiled again.
“Hmm… Mr. Darcy, if I may ask, your estate, it is called Pemberley?” Mr. Bennet asked.
Darcy nodded, “Yes, sir.”
“And if you would indulge me one more time, what was the name of your father’s grandfather?” The older gentleman inquired.
Darcy raised an eyebrow, not understanding Mr. Bennet’s question but not offended by it at all, “It was Sterling Darcy.”
Mr. Bennet smiled softly in comprehension. “Thank you, Mr. Darcy.” His ears perked at the music that was beginning. “It sounds like my daughter has opened the pianoforte. Please excuse me.” And he departed.
Not understanding the quirky man, Darcy’s attention also drew to the music that was being played and he was mesmerized when he heard a beautiful voice accompanying the instrument.
He walked nearer to where the group was gathered and saw Miss Elizabeth playing the pianoforte while also singing. It was not the most musically talented piece he had heard, his sister’s playing being far superior in comparison to all others he had heard, but Miss Elizabeth’s voice was easy and unaffected, and Darcy listened with pleasure. He noted the shine in this young woman’ eyes and thought her quite charming.
Darcy watched Miss Elizabeth carefully after her song ended and her sister Mary took her place so others could dance. Miss Mary appeared to be about sixteen or seventeen in age, slightly taller than Miss Elizabeth, and played with proficiency, but lacked the joy and warmth that her sister had presented.
As Elizabeth walked the room to look for her elder sister, Sir William, who happened to be conversing with Mr. Darcy, called out to her, "My dear Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing?" He turned to Mr. Darcy, "Mr. Darcy, you must allow me to present this young lady to you. You cannot refuse to dance when so much beauty is before you."
Darcy was surprised with himself that he did indeed wish to dance with this charming lady and asked for the honor of her hand, but Elizabeth adamantly declined.
“Please do not suppose that I moved this way in order to beg for a partner, Sir William. Mr. Darcy is all politeness but I know with certainty that he finds it intolerable to stand up with anyone he is not acquainted with and has no wish to dance.” Elizabeth quickly curtseyed and departed the men’s presence.
Sir William, feeling all the awkwardness of the conversation, excused himself to see if Lady Lucas had a need for him.
Darcy continued his observation of this country nobody who had rattled him twice in two meetings. She was fascinating, as she was nothing like the women who fawned over him and wished for his favors.
“I can guess the subject of your reverie.” Miss Bingley whispered near his ear.
He jolted from the woman’s closeness and stepped aside slightly to distance himself from her. “I should imagine not.” He curtly replied.
“You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many evenings in this manner. This society is the best they have to offer and look at their manners! What would I give to hear your strictures on them!” Miss Bingley pronounced.
"Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. I have found some of the gentlemen here intelligent and my mind was more agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great pleasures which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman can bestow.” Darcy replied.
Miss Bingley was full of hope that she herself had the credit of inspiring his reflections. She had wished to become Mrs. Darcy more than anything in the world and she stood taller, half hope and half agony, wondering what name would fall from his mouth.
“Please do share, Mr. Darcy, on who has given you such excitement.” Miss Bingley pressed.
“Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”
“Oh, dear Miss Eliza! I would have never guessed it, sir! You can marry her and my brother can marry her sister. You can become brothers by marriage and how cozy of a family you will have! I am all astonishment. Miss Eliza will certainly berate you in public and cause such embarrassment to you, certainly she will be perfect to become mistress of Pemberley, coming from such a society where she will not know how to set a table or know what it is to be truly accomplished. I saw you both argue at the assembly and I am certain you are jesting with me, Mr. Darcy. Haha… Miss Elizabeth, indeed.” She mocked and continued her laughter as she walked away to return to her sister.
Darcy smirked, as he did indeed find Miss Elizabeth fascinating.
He did not realize, though, that Mrs. Bennet had been listening from nearby and had heard the conversation. Seeing the look on Mr. Darcy’s face, she knew he was not jesting but was serious in his declaration of finding her daughter agreeable as well as pretty.
Chapter 6
Darcy was barely listening to his friend go on and on about the beauty of Hertfordshire. Bingley loved the cozy town of Meryton, the merchants and the store, his neighbors, and of course the young ladies here. Darcy saw no real beauty, no one of any standing who would catch his eyes, and even if the Bennet ladies dressed a little better than the rest, he knew from Miss Bingley’s frequent reports that Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were the daughters of a country squire of 2,000 a year.
He scoffed at such a sum. Bingley had 5,000 a year and he knew very few in his circles with less than 3,000 a year. He was surrounded by ladies with 10 to 30,000-pound dowries and could not imagine those two ladies with more than a few thousand each, if that. Both his sister and his cousin Anne both had 30,000 and even Miss Bingley had 20,000.
But if he had to be honest with himself, he would gladly get to know Miss Elizabeth more intimately, even without a penny to her name. She had been on his mind frequently since the assembly and being in her company several times during the past month had been stimulating.
Miss Elizabeth would constantly avoid him and he, unlike his usual habit, had actually pursued her to speak with her. Her replies to his mundane questions about the weather or food were with such a mixture of sweetness and archness that he could not discern if she was teasing him or provoking him. He had succeeded in capturing her attentions when he asked her about philosophies or religions, and found her extraordinarily knowledgeable and attractive, especially when her eyes sparked with contempt. He knew Miss Elizabeth was still holding onto her grudge of his comments about her sister but she had become more cordial and Mrs. Bennet has been surprisingly courteous.
Darcy’s attention snapped to the present when Bingley mentioned Miss Bennet being invited to Netherfield for dinner tonight.
“You mean to tell me your sister invited her on the evening we are dining with the officers on purpose?” Darcy asked.
“Yes, I would much rather dine with the lovely lady but Caroline just told me of it as we were leaving. She said she wished to get to know her better without my interferences. I do hope I see a glimpse of her tonight if we are able to return early.” Bingley replied.
Darcy looked out the window. “The weather is turning and it appears it will rain soon. Perhaps she will not make it to Netherfield after all.” I wonder if Miss Elizabeth was invited. I would not mind seeing her at all. Darcy thought. He shook his head. That stubborn woman has nothing to offer. I just want her in my bed like a rake and I must overcome this temptation. Perhaps
I might request Sally’s services to get Miss Elizabeth off my mind.
He asked as nonchalantly as possible, “Say, Bingley, how are you finding Sally?”
Bingley laughed loudly, “Aha! Do you wish to have a go?” He laughed more, seeing Darcy color. “Too bad, my friend. Louisa caught me with her in the study and gave me a setdown. She was thoroughly disgusted that I had a loose woman in the house and had me return her immediately to town. She is one of the maids from London and I had arranged for extra nightly duties for you and me on this trip, but apparently Louisa heard Mrs. Nicholls complaining about the line forming outside Sally’s room and found out that monies were being exchanged. Louisa told me that to be caught in such a situation was dishonorable and I had never seen her so angry with me. She said I needed a good wife to straighten me out.” He sighed, “Perhaps Jane Bennet will do quite nicely.”
Darcy was appalled that he had considered taking Sally to his bed. He groaned, recalling his vows to his father and how using such a woman would bring dishonor. Damn it! I cannot believe I thought of using a woman like that. Even if she were not a harlot, she is not a gentlewoman, worthy of my attentions. Argh! It is all Elizabeth’s fault. If she were not so tempting…
“Do you want me to find someone else for you, Darcy?” Bingley asked in seriousness. He had been concerned with his friend’s changeable moods since summer.
“Do not be ridiculous, Bingley! I only asked because… I was only curious, that is all. I do not need you to find me a woman.” He huffed. “I need to find a wife and you know she has to be one who can support my sister and manage my estates. Can you see anyone of our acquaintance fitting my criteria?”
“Well, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth…” Bingley was quickly cut off from continuing.
“They may be ladies of gentle birth but they know nothing about running a grand mansion or how to behave in town. They have been locked away in the country all their lives and I have never heard of them before, so they have no consequence or status. Miss Bennet may be a good fit for you, Bingley, to help you raise your status when you become a landowner, but neither are certainly qualified in the position of Mrs. Darcy.” Darcy gruffly declared.
