by Jann Rowland
Dismayed, Caroline closed her eyes and shook her head. “I wish you had acted with more restraint, Charles. This will damage us in the eyes of the Darcys, and more particular in Mr. Darcy’s eyes, regardless of what his son thinks.”
“I expect better of Mr. Darcy than that,” replied Bingley. “Regardless, it does not signify. The engagement is real and I will not repent for asking for the hand of the woman I love. As for today’s dinner, the Bingley family will all be attending. I shall not insult my future family by allowing you to plead a nonexistent headache. Unless you are confined to your bed with obvious illness, you will attend with us.”
“In this matter,” interrupted Mrs. Bingley, “I support Charles. There is nothing you can do but smile and accept the situation. Let us make a good impression, Caroline, for I know you enjoy Miss Bennet’s company.”
“On the few occasions I have visited with her,” said Caroline, though grudgingly, “I have found her to be a sweet woman. The youngest sisters, however, are not their sister’s equal in manners, and I find them intolerable.”
“Then you are need not speak to them,” said Bingley. “But there will be no veiled remarks about anyone in the family. You will attend tonight, Caroline—I insist upon it.”
Later, when the driver brought the Bingley carriage to the front door in anticipation of their departure, Caroline was on hand as he had required. There was little enthusiasm in her and Bingley knew she would rather not be there at all, but she had obeyed—that was the important point. Caroline was well enough schooled in how to behave that she would hide her rancor, and the desire to avoid offending a family of high consequence would be foremost in her mind. Thus, Bingley turned his attention away from his unhappy sister and toward what he was certain would be a marvelous night in company with Miss Bennet.
It was obvious to anyone who cared to look that Miss Bingley was not happy to be at Longbourn that night. Elizabeth was not an unobservant woman, having had engaged in the study of more difficult persons in the past than Caroline Bingley. Of more importance to Miss Bingley’s visit to Longbourn that evening, was that other members of the family who were not inclined to be as forgiving could see it also.
“Mrs. Bingley,” exclaimed Elizabeth’s mother when the housekeeper showed the Bingley family into the room. “We are so pleased to have you with us this evening, and words cannot describe our excitement for the engagement of our dearest Jane to your son.”
“Thank you, Lady Margaret,” said Mrs. Bingley. “I am delighted with the welcome you and your family have shown my family, and in particular to my son. I believe I may say, with no hint of hyperbole, that your affability has been unmatched.”
“We have done nothing extraordinary, my dear,” replied Lady Margaret, pressing Mrs. Bingley’s hands. “Your son is an excellent man. You should be proud of him.”
Then Lady Margaret turned to Miss Bingley and welcomed her, saying: “We all welcome you to our home too, Miss Bingley. I believe at one time you and Jane were excellent friends, though it has been some time since we have seen you at Longbourn. Let this be a new beginning of your former friendship, for you are soon to be sisters.”
“Thank you, Lady Margaret,” said Miss Bingley, giving her hostess a correct curtsey. “My brother is gaining the best of women to be his new wife; I could not be any happier.”
Though Miss Bingley’s words were all that was correct, her lack of enthusiasm spoke to her true feelings on the subject. Elizabeth would not accuse the woman of thinking herself better than the daughters of a baron, though she remembered Miss Bingley’s insolent words from the bookshop. To anyone who knew Miss Bingley’s character, however, her wish that her brother had approached another lady of high society could not be misunderstood.
“Come, Mrs. Bingley,” said Lady Margaret, ignoring Miss Bingley’s lack of enthusiasm, “let us speak together for a time, for I have several ideas for the upcoming celebration, and would hear your sentiments.”
Flattered at the wife of a peer asking for her opinion, Mrs. Bingley went along with her, and soon they were seated together, debating the benefits of satin versus lace, from what Elizabeth could hear. Mr. Bingley stood with Jane speaking lightly, and unless Elizabeth missed her guess, the gentleman had calculated the inclusion of his sister to ensure she did not embarrass him with her behavior. Miss Bingley did not say much, and after a time, Mr. Bingley seemed to forget all about his sister as he fixed his attention on Jane.
The addition of Mr. Gardiner to their party, along with Mr. Collins, evened the numbers out a little, though the gentlemen were still outnumbered. The rest of the party was separated by sexes, as Lord Arundel stood with his brother-in-law and Mr. Collins, though the latter abandoned them after some time for Mary’s company. Kitty and Lydia sat together as was their wont, and once Mr. Collins was close to Mary, Elizabeth contented herself with the society of her youngest sisters. When she drifted away from Mr. Bingley and Jane, Miss Bingley sat alone, and while she spoke on occasion, she spent more time in thought, though Elizabeth could not divine the content of those ruminations.
Dinner continued in a like manner, though in the dining room Miss Bingley’s isolation was even more apparent. As Mr. Bingley sat in the position of honor at Lady Margaret’s right, and Mrs. Bingley occupied a similar location beside Lord Arundel, Miss Bingley seemed to feel the lowness of her position in the middle of the table near Elizabeth’s younger sisters. It did not make her unruly, but her lack of interest in speaking to anyone became obvious to them all. As dinner progressed, this situation became more pronounced, until Uncle Gardiner appeared determined to provoke a response from the woman.
“You must be pleased for your brother, Miss Bingley,” said Mr. Gardiner, drawing her attention to him. “He is a good man, one my Bennet relations have come to esteem. I hope you understand the good fortune he has obtained because of his sterling character.”
Lady Margaret was engrossed in speaking to Mr. Bingley, and Lord Arundel was intent upon whatever the gentleman’s mother was saying, so Elizabeth thought only those near her heard the exchange. Miss Bingley, however, behaved with precise correctness, as if the prince regent himself were present.
“Charles is an excellent brother; it pleases me you all recognize his exceptional qualities. Although my father passed away early to our misfortune, Charles has had good examples of other admirable men to guide him in becoming his own man.”
It was, perhaps, an unsubtle reminder of Mr. Bingley’s continued friendship with the Darcys, and the way Mr. Gardiner looked at her, he was not unaware of it himself. As she did not wish her mother’s table to become a battleground, Elizabeth was quick to interject.
“It is clear your father raised you all properly, Miss Bingley,” said Elizabeth, drawing the attention of both Miss Bingley and Uncle Gardiner. “All any of us could ask for is good parents to help us weather our most trying years, and while your brother was so blessed, I would also assert his character is naturally good.”
“Yes, I can agree with that, Lizzy,” said Uncle Gardiner. “I have always been easy with his interest in Jane, for there has never been any question of his character.”
“I thank you,” said Miss Bingley. By virtue of her short answer, with no further comment, Elizabeth understood Miss Bingley decided it was not in her best interest to elaborate any further.
“Might I assume the Bingley family has received an invitation to the ball at Lucas Lodge?” asked Elizabeth, determined to avoid any other potentially explosive topics.
Miss Bingley seemed grateful for the change of subject. “We have. I expect a fine evening in fine company, for Lady Charlotte’s efforts last year yielded such an elegant affair.”
“Though we were not present last year,” said Elizabeth, “the year before it was excellent. Lady Charlotte is a talented hostess and an exceptional woman. Jane and I appreciate her friendship.”
“I have also been friendly with Lady Charlotte,” replied Miss Bingley. The woman paused and eye
d Elizabeth, seeming to debate what to say next. Then she essayed to say: “Might I ask what you will wear to the ball? Perhaps we could compare notes.”
Sensing a safe topic, it pleased Elizabeth to oblige, and they spent the rest of the meal conversating about fashion. Elizabeth had always known Miss Bingley possessed a keen eye for the best styles, but the woman surprised her when she offered a few suggestions which Elizabeth thought would enhance her own appearance.
Mr. Gardiner looked on them for a few moments after they began to speak, and after a time he winked at Elizabeth and turned to Mary, who was on his other side. In this fashion, the rest of the dinner passed pleasantly.
When the ladies separated from the gentlemen to return to the sitting-room, Elizabeth decided it was best to have a brief word with Miss Bingley. Though the woman had shown good manners, it was still clear to Elizabeth that she wished to be anywhere but at Longbourn that night. Though Miss Bingley had always been skilled at dealing with those higher than her in society, a wrong word to Lady Margaret or Lord Arundel would bring their condemnation down on her head, and Elizabeth did not wish that. When Lady Margaret and Mrs. Bingley drew Jane into a discussion, Elizabeth saw her chance and approached the younger Bingley woman.
“Miss Bingley,” said she, “I wish to thank you for your suggestions. I believe I shall incorporate them into my dress on the night of the ball. I hope it shall be to my benefit.”
“It was an enjoyable conversation,” replied Miss Bingley. It seemed the woman had relaxed to a certain extent, which would make Elizabeth’s designs easier to accomplish.
“Yes, it was,” agreed Elizabeth. “If you will allow me, I wish to inform you of something, and I ask you do not take offense, for I intend none.”
Curious, Miss Bingley agreed there was no offense, to which Elizabeth said: “In the matter of the divide between my family and the Darcy family, I would urge you to take no sides.”
A furrow appeared on Miss Bingley’s brow and she opened her mouth to speak. Then she seemed to think better of it, paused in thought for a moment before exhaling and fixing Elizabeth with a sheepish look.
“I had thought I hid my dissatisfaction well.”
“It was not noticeable to anyone who did not look for it,” replied Elizabeth. “There is nothing I can say in criticism of your behavior tonight, for you have conducted yourself with perfect civility.”
“I would have you know,” began Miss Bingley, her words halting, “that I bear no ill will toward your sister, nor am I so foolish as to consider her unfit for my brother.”
“And I did not think it of you,” replied Elizabeth. “It is clear your family has long associated with the Darcy family, and thus your allegiance was toward them. That is understandable.
“As my father has suggested, it will be the younger generation who will resolve the difficulties between our families, and your brother’s engagement to Jane is the first step on the road to reconciliation. Perhaps Lord Arundel and Mr. Darcy will never be easy with each other, but most of the rest of us have little antipathy for the Darcys.”
It was an oblique sidestepping of the issue, for Elizabeth was well aware that Miss Bingley’s opposition had spawned from her desire to marry the man Elizabeth herself had already come to love. The woman took the lifeline Elizabeth offered, however, and did not contradict her words.
“I believe that would be best for the neighborhood. The disharmony between your families has existed for too long.”
“In that, you have my fervent agreement,” replied Elizabeth.
The sudden thought struck her that though their discourse was cordial at present, should Miss Bingley know of the state of affairs between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, she would loathe Elizabeth above all other women. The urge to laugh at the thought was strong, but Elizabeth resisted it, intent upon neutralizing Miss Bingley’s venom.
“And it is not so terrible, you know,” said Elizabeth with a grin. “Though you may have had your own ideas about who would suit your brother as a marriage partner, the connection to a baron is not an inconsequential matter, is it?”
“No, it is not,” said Miss Bingley, as if she had not thought of it in those terms before. Elizabeth thought it probable she had not.
Her point made, Elizabeth fell silent, allowing Miss Bingley to speak if she desired it. The woman, however, remained thoughtful for some time, until their mother released Jane from whatever discussion she had thought necessary. Then Miss Bingley approached her and they sat together, their conversation becoming easier and warmer as the evening passed. Pleased with herself for assisting Miss Bingley to acceptance, Elizabeth turned her attention to her sisters.
When the gentlemen rejoined them, Elizabeth noted her father and Mr. Gardiner watching Miss Bingley as Mr. Bingley went straight to the two women and joined them. Soon all three were speaking and laughing together.
“It seems Miss Bingley has grown more accepting since the ladies returned to the sitting-room,” observed Mr. Gardiner when Elizabeth came close.
“Yes, well, she remembered the benefit to her family of being connected to a baron,” said Elizabeth. “And she is not a bad woman, after all; she is nothing more than one who attempted to remain loyal to friends of longstanding.”
Lord Arundel and Uncle Gardiner seemed to understand that Elizabeth’s words were an overreach, but neither commented. Instead, Lord Arundel nodded his approval.
“It was good of you to help her remember that fact, Lizzy. Though her behavior has not been egregious, it was clear when she arrived that she was not happy. Miss Bingley has occasionally spoken out of turn; I would not wish to reprimand her if she should say something without adequate forethought.”
At that moment, Miss Bingley and Jane laughed at something Mr. Bingley said. Elizabeth regarded them, pleased, and turned back to the men of her family.
“It appears all is resolved. There is no need to worry.”
With a nod, Lord Arundel turned away and joined his wife, leaving Uncle Gardiner with Elizabeth. The gentleman took her hand with affection and said: “Your role as a peacemaker suits you well, Lizzy. I think you are the only one of your family who possesses the ruthlessness required to fulfill the position in the manner it must be occupied.”
Then he turned away himself, leaving Elizabeth to bask in the approbation of the men she cared about most. There was one more gentleman whose opinion mattered as much—or more than anyone else. Elizabeth had no more notion that her father and uncle would accept Mr. Darcy. But these small steps to improve matters would bear fruit—of this, Elizabeth was certain.
Chapter XIX
Balls were always an occasion for young ladies to anticipate. Whether for a special young gentleman’s benefit or just a time when a woman could be admired for her youthful beauty, it was a time for primping and preening, exquisite gowns and elaborate hairstyles. Given these considerations, it was difficult to prepare for an evening in company when a young brother of ten years insisted on keeping a young woman company.
“You will be the most beautiful lady at the ball tonight, Lizzy,” said Thomas for perhaps the third time. Seated as he was on the edge of Elizabeth’s bed, feet dangling over the side, swinging at times, the boy was enraptured by Elizabeth’s preparations for the evening’s entertainment, though she had learned he had no desire to attend himself.
“Thank you, Thomas,” said Elizabeth, gazing at the boy with affection in the mirror, while Lucy worked on pinning her unruly locks just so. “But I rather think Jane will lay title to that claim, and several other ladies are just as pretty as I.”
“Jane is a pretty young woman, but you will outshine them all,” averred Thomas, his tone filled with the confidence of absolute surety.
There was nothing to say to that, so Elizabeth contented herself with a softly spoken thanks and turned her attention back to Lucy’s efforts. Her maid had taken her hair back and piled it in an elegant knot on the back of her head, lending her a certain sophistication she most often e
schewed in favor of a simpler style. Elizabeth rather liked the effects.
Though Jane was preparing with Mr. Bingley in mind and Mary with Mr. Collins, Elizabeth was not doing so to impress anyone in particular. At least, no one would see her preparations as a compliment to a particular man. Mr. Darcy had suggested they might dance the supper set together, but in reality, Elizabeth thought it unlikely. While she had seen a thawing of the opinions of some members of her family toward the Darcys, it was not enough for such an open statement. No, she was certain no Darcy would dance with a Bennet that evening.
“I do not believe I should like to dance.”
Thomas’s voice interrupted Elizabeth’s thoughts and her eyes once again found his in the mirror, a question inherent in her look. The little scamp was only too happy to oblige.
“Why, it would mean being close to a girl. I prefer boys, for girls do not know how to have fun.”
Lucy snorted her laughter, and Elizabeth was no less amused. “Oh, am I also afflicted by this lack of knowledge you attribute to all girls?”
“You are an exception,” replied Thomas. “Other than Lydia, none of my other sisters like to have fun, and even she can be a bore. Most other girls are the same.”
“I believe you will have a different perspective when you become older, Thomas,” said Elizabeth.
While her brother gazed at her with open skepticism, he asked: “Why do you say that?”
“Because you have said nothing different from almost every young boy since the dawn of time,” said Elizabeth.
Lucy spoke to say she was finished, and Elizabeth admired herself in the mirror before thanking her maid and rising. Then she went to the bed and caught her young brother up in an embrace.
“Trust me, my dear Thomas. One day, you will realize that ladies are nice, and you will find one you cannot live without. Just like Jane, who once told me she would never marry because boys were such disgusting creatures, you will discover the value in members of the other sex.”
