by Kate Speck
“I understand. I will take your advice to heart and certainly make decisions for myself. I will start with having a talk with my dear sister who will not only lose her maid but her residence if she does not apologize. I cannot imagine a true lady spreading such lies and if she made me believe it, she would not hesitate to tell you of Miss Bennet’s deeds to keep you from Miss Elizabeth. I will return to Netherfield and apologize to Miss Bennet and find a way to get in her good graces again. I do not deserve her, whether she has 5,000 pounds or uncles in trade. If she will have me, I will grovel for mercy.” Bingley adamantly stated.
Darcy laughed. “I was of the same mind, Bingley. There are things that I cannot share with you yet, but I do suggest that you wait a fortnight before you return to Hertfordshire.”
“But I wish to apologize immediately! I cannot go back only a week before your wedding…” Bingley complained.
“I do not mean you should not beg for mercy so late, Bingley! Miss Bennet will arrive in town tomorrow and will be staying with her uncle in Cheapside for a week until she removes to Elizabeth’s uncle’s for another week. I have the address and we may call on her and Elizabeth in two days.” Darcy smiled, seeing the cheerfulness return to his amiable friend.
“That will be grand. I hope she will forgive me. I will need to practice what I need to say to her. Elizabeth’s uncle? I was not aware they had so many uncles in town but it is no matter. I never cared if they had uncles to fill all of Cheapside. I love her and I am determined to show her my constancy. Thank you, Darcy. Thank you, my good man.” Bingley shook Darcy’s hand.
Darcy was relieved that Bingley did not understand the disparity between the ladies’ uncles but knew all would be revealed soon enough. He bid his farewells to Bingley, agreeing to meet in two days to travel to Cheapside together. He had arrangements to make and to speak with his housekeeper about Elizabeth’s new maid and getting her trained. He grinned to himself, recalling once again that he would have a wife in three weeks and it would be the woman of his dreams.
Chapter 20
“You had no right, Charles!” Miss Bingley shrieked, as she burst into Bingley’s study without knocking.
Bingley lifted his quill from the letter he was composing and looked up at her disgruntled sister, who once again, had no respect for his sanctuary and invaded his space, even after telling her many times to cease doing so.
He sighed, as he realized how correct Darcy was, since he could have been with Sally at this very moment and his sister would have seen his deed, just like Louisa had already witnessed at Netherfield. He grew ashamed at his deplorable behavior and vowed to himself that he would be more honorable.
“And what right did I not have, Caroline? What have I done this time?” Bingley asked in exasperation.
“I found Nancy packing her belongings and she told me that she had given you her notice and was departing immediately. Did you fire her because she would not sleep with you? Did you think no one would find out about Sally and why she was dismissed so abruptly today? Mrs. Colin told me that she was given a large purse and let go. Did Mr. Darcy find you humping her like an animal?” She sneered.
Bingley immediately grew red in anger but did not respond.
Caroline continued her vitriol, “Everyone knew of it, Charles. You had that whore in your bed almost the entire time at Netherfield and of course no one was surprised that you took up with her again as soon as we returned. You and your blonde chits.”
Bingley spoke slowly and calmly, “And would that be like the scandalous position like your maid witnessed Miss Bennet in?”
Caroline flushed and stammered, not knowing what Nancy might have spoken before leaving, “It is crass to talk about a lady like that. Nancy might have made up a story to discourage us from being tied to that horrible family.”
“So now you are saying that Nancy lied to you? That she concocted such a story because she cares so much about our family’s connections and not at all about the Bennets’ reputations?” Bingley questioned her.
“Well, you never know with these servants. They will say anything for a coin and Nancy was not trustworthy.” She continued her deception.
Bingley chuckled at his sister’s audacity. “Well, Caroline, you should be glad to know that Nancy has gone to the Darcy household to be set up for the future Mrs. Darcy, pending her approval.”
Caroline jumped up and beamed. “But of course I approve! I cannot believe it, Charles! After all these years, he has finally decided and took my favorite maid with him so he could prepare for her duties to his wife! Oh, my lord, I cannot believe it. Wait till I tell Louisa!” She continued to fret for several moments while Bingley watched her in disbelief.
After allowing her to rattle on a few more minutes, Bingley knew it was time to break the news. “Caroline, take a seat and listen carefully. I do not know what in the world gave you the idea that Darcy would marry you but it is certainly NOT you. He would never marry you, even if you were the last woman in the world. He told me so himself.” He smirked, seeing his sister’s crestfallen face. “I cannot reveal to you who it is until it is announced in the papers, but Darcy assures me she is most worthy and he cannot imagine a more accomplished woman of his acquaintance.”
Bingley sat next to his sister on the couch and held her hand. “I blame myself for not being a better brother. I allowed you to do whatever you wished, believing that as my older sister, you would be like Louisa and understand how to comport yourself better. But you had been neglected as a second daughter and a middle child, and you had to cry louder and behave more enthusiastically to be noticed. Your desire to have the grandest and the best of everything should have been nipped early on but Louisa and I let it continue. I know everything about your lies about Miss Bennet, Caroline. You have hurt me tremendously and if word had spread further, you would have damaged the kindest woman I have ever met because of your gossips. I certainly hope you have not told anyone else.”
He watched her shake her head in the negative. Caroline replied, “Only Louisa.”
Bingley continued, “I forgive you, Caroline. I had to learn for myself on how to pass such a test and although I failed miserably, I am determined to be a better man and correct my mistakes. I am going to call on Miss Bennet and beg for her mercy. She knows that you started some kind of rumor but it hurt her even more when she thought I returned to court Miss Darcy. Your letter was spiteful and I am wounded that you would try to ruin my future, but I will no longer be persuaded by those who do not wish for the best for me. I give you a choice, Caroline. Either be accommodating to my wishes and accept my choice in partner, or you can set up your own lodgings with the dowry I will release to you and make your own way in the world. I will support you either way but with Louisa expecting in May, she has done too much for us already and will need to focus on her own growing family.”
Caroline sighed. She knew that having her own lodgings would be humiliating, and she would have no invitations through her catty friends, who only desired her friendship because of her connection with Mr. Darcy. She felt awful that she had betrayed her dear brother in such a cruel way.
“Of course I will stay with you. I am sorry, Charles. I have been most obnoxious and I treated others terribly to get what I want. You and Louisa have always supported me and I am so sorry that I have been such a terrible sister to you. I became so vain after you met Mr. Darcy and I foolishly believed I would be so perfect for him. I know he detests me but I hope he will forgive me as well.” She wiped her tears. She was truly repentant of shrewish behaviors and did not know how low she could have fallen.
Bingley hugged his sister. “We both have been tested and we have failed, but we will learn and grow from it. You and I give terrible first impressions, unfortunately, even if strangers see me so jolly and you so severe,” he chuckled, seeing her blush, “that our neighbors do not see the better sides of us and see our true nature. I thought being agreeable and lively would be a sure way to be accepted but they did not
see me to have any character of worth beyond my income. I will be changing myself to be a better man. I will read more and think deeper and be an accomplished man. I cannot expect a wife with a long list of accomplishments if I cannot meet them myself. Not that I will learn to sing and play the pianoforte,” Miss Bingley laughed, “but I will also be respectable and virtuous and make wise decisions. I hope you will take this chance to grow with me, sister. I will be happy to support you in any way possible.”
“Thank you, Charles. I truly appreciate your forgiveness. I promise to behave myself as I had been taught. I should have never spread such lies and Miss Bennet is truly a wonderful girl. I like her very much and always thought her so genteel. I will change my ways and be a woman of worth. I do hope to marry soon. Mr. Darcy was unachievable, with such wealth and connections, and I should have aimed much lower from the beginning. Oh, but Pemberley is such an estate and one would be so fortunate to have such a place…”
Bingley laughed, “Darcy does not care for wealth or connections, Caroline. If you were the right woman for him, he would not have cared if his wife were the daughter of a tradesman or had no dowry. You and he were not meant to be. His wife will accept him, with his abominable pride and obstinacy, and he will accept his wife, with her small dowry and humble origin. The new Mrs. Darcy will be pleased with Darcy’s choice of hiring Nancy for her because he wishes to her happiness above all else.”
Caroline sat up abruptly, “Oh, Charles! I will need a new maid. I came in here because I was so upset that Nancy was gone. She was so good, she knew how to style my hair so well and even suggested better colors like Louisa had recommended. I abused her so often by screeching at her and making her pay for whatever trinkets might be missing, only to remember that I had tucked them away someplace else later… Who can I find to replace her?”
“Perhaps Sally might be willing to work for you.” Bingley jested.
Caroline hit her brother’s arm and giggled, “Not a chance, Charles! I am glad you sent her away. We need to run a respectable household. No more loose women for you!”
Bingley quickly consented and after Miss Bingley excused herself to apologize to Louisa, Bingley continued his business letters after a quiet chuckle.
Chapter 21
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley bowed. He felt Darcy behind him and heard him speak with the ladies, and although introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Bingley had no eyes for anyone but for Jane Bennet.
He discerned immediately that Miss Bennet was unhappy with him, as she avoided looking him in the eyes and did not smile as her wont. He groaned, knowing that he had made such a terrible mistake in assuming the worst of her, but had no idea know where to start.
As they sat in the sitting room, Darcy, who had not met Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner before, was speaking cordially and Bingley was surprised at how verbose his usually taciturn friend had become. He conversed easily with this couple in trade and he knew the old Caroline would have turned up her nose at them. The Gardiners were dressed very fine and they had genteel manners but based on the address alone, Bingley would have never guessed that Darcy would have arrived here of his own volition, unless his motivation was purely to see Miss Elizabeth.
Bingley had been correct in that Darcy had desired to see Elizabeth and perhaps find some time for private conversation with his betrothed, but he had found the Gardiners very knowledgeable and he especially enjoyed speaking with Mrs. Gardiner, who had been from Lambton, not five miles from Pemberley. As they spoke reminiscing of the beautiful countryside, Darcy saw Elizabeth beam with his efforts to become more courteous and he could not help but smile in return.
“And how do you find Netherfield, Mr. Bingley?” asked Mr. Gardiner.
“It is an admirable property. I had left it quite… unexpectedly a few days ago due to a terrible decision on my part but I am planning on returning there as soon as the arrangements are made for Darcy’s wedding to Miss Elizabeth.” He saw his friend and Miss Elizabeth smile widely. “I shall be quite happy; very pleased to return to the fine neighborhood and reunite with the residents there. Very happy, indeed.” Bingley answered.
Mr. Gardiner gleamed at the response. “I am so glad you liked it, Mr. Bingley. I had seen it several times when visiting my brother Bennet years ago and found it a sound manor. My wife and I are planning on residing there in two or so years when I am able to finish my business here so our children will be raised in the country.”
“Oh, it will certainly be a wonderful place to reside. Had you already made arrangements with Mr. Morris?” Bingley asked, not understanding why Miss Bennet and her sister stiffened at mention of the name.
“Mr. Bingley, have you read the latest correspondences from your steward?” Mr. Gardiner asked, becoming more stern.
Bingley scratched his head shyly, “Well, no, sir. I have been distracted and I still have quite a number of letters to catch up on. I must admit that unless it was marked as urgent, I have not had news for over a week.”
Mr. Gardiner glared for a moment but relaxed as Mr. Darcy spoke. “Mr. Gardiner, my friend Bingley has taken a new resolution to improve himself and I must admit that I am at fault for his terrible habits. Although I encouraged him to work with the steward regarding the estate, reading letters,” Darcy chuckled, “and writing legible letters has been a long-standing lesson that he has not completed. I did read something about an ownership change and I just realized how you are connected with the estate. Congratulations, sir. It is a great achievement to be celebrated and I will be certain to have a bottle of champagne for us at our dinner tomorrow.”
Bingley did not understand what Darcy had meant but he certainly hoped he would be invited to the dinner.
Mr. Gardiner smiled, “Yes, it is a great celebration. Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley,” he turned to the poor man in sympathy, “I purchased Netherfield from Mr. Morris and completed the paperwork a fortnight ago. I am your new landlord.”
Bingley’s jaw dropped, realizing that the ‘poor uncle in Cheapside’ was in actuality higher than he in status and wondered how Caroline would feel when she learned of it.
Shaking Mr. Gardiner’s hand, Bingley also gave his heartfelt compliments and slowly looked at Miss Bennet.
Darcy, seeing his friend’s need for a private conversation, asked the Gardiners for permission to walk to the nearby park and once granted, the two couples gathered their coats for the outing.
∞∞∞
Darcy and Elizabeth quickened their pace to distance themselves from Bingley and Jane so they could continue their conversation in private.
Bingley began his speech first, “Miss Bennet, I am very pleased to see you here in town. I had in mind to return to Netherfield immediately but when Darcy told me that you would be here for a fortnight, I had to see you as soon as possible. If only I had not listened to Caroline and left Netherfield so abruptly, we would have enjoyed dancing together at the ball and I would have asked you for courtship last night. I regret that I did not ask you for courtship earlier but Darcy was insistent that I should wait to know your heart and I delayed too long. Our misunderstanding could have been all prevented had I acted sooner. Will you allow me to court you now? I wish to know you better and for you to know me as well.”
Jane sighed loudly and shook her head. “Mr. Bingley, we have not known each other long but we have spoken frequently and spent hours in conversation. My sister has often told me that I do not express my emotions well to those who do not know me and I take the blame upon myself that I keep my opinions to myself, but do not think me unfeeling, sir. What topics we discussed, what looks we gave each other, they were full of affections and I did open my heart to you, even if you had not noticed it. I will be honest with you, sir. I had always been shy, even as a child, but when I was in courtship with young Mr. Morris two years ago, I had naïvely believed that my dreams of finding love and marrying a worthy man would come true. When I found him compromising a maid, I ended the courtship and became even mo
re withdrawn. Even though he asked me to marry him, I could not connect myself to such a man who could not respect me. Only after he left the area, had I discovered that he had impregnated three young women and a string of others ruined.”
She took a deep breath and looked at him in the eyes. “I cannot agree to a courtship with you. You believed unfounded gossips instead of seeking the truth from me and left Hertfordshire without regards to my feelings. I have heard rumors of your using a servant in your own bed and I cannot connect myself with such an immoral man. I am determined to speak my mind clearly and no longer hide behind a smile if my voice needs to be heard. You blame your sister and Mr. Darcy for your troubles when you are the one who makes the final decisions. I wish to marry for the deepest of affections and I had believed I had found it with you but I cannot agree to a courtship now. We know each other well enough, even if our first impressions were wrong, and we are not good together. I have been too quiet for too long and I also blame myself for accepting the meaningless attentions of men who might flatter me but have no deeper intentions. Mr. Wickham pursued me after finding out about my dowry but nothing happened. I hope you know the truth and understand my innocence. I am tired, Mr. Bingley. I wish to return.”
