The three ladies hurried toward the drawing room. Jane surveyed the room when they entered, but it was quickly obvious that Mr. Collins was not present as the Bennet and Lucas ladies were openly conversing without need to censor their words, tone, or volume.
“Mama,” Elizabeth called as she stepped forward. “Have you seen Mr. Collins today?”
“Oh, Lizzy, what do I care about Mr. Collins? You are to marry Mr. Darcy! Mr. Collins in no way compares. Now, we must begin planning the wedding.”
Her mother’s eyes sparkled with joy and, for just a moment, Jane was sad she was not the one to bring the lady such happiness. She quickly shook it off and listened as her sister continued.
“Mama, there is plenty of time to plan the wedding. Now we have a guest who appears to be missing.”
“He is not missing,” Mrs. Bennet griped. “Mrs. Hill said he broke his fast in his room quite early this morning and then walked toward Meryton.”
Elizabeth frowned. “Did he say where he was going?”
“If he did, Mrs. Hill did not mention it.” Mrs. Bennet leaned forward in her seat. “Now, we must begin planning your trousseau.” She patted the seat beside her, brooking no opposition.
With a sigh, Elizabeth sat down and allowed their mother to speak. She did not get the chance though, as Lady Lucas chose that moment to announce their departure.
“We really must be going,” the lady said as she stood and motioned for her daughters to join her.
Mrs. Bennet barely registered the comment as she picked up a sheet of paper from the table beside her. “Very well. Will you be attending Mrs. Long’s dinner tomorrow?”
Lady Lucas said they would and a moment later, their guests were gone.
Jane glanced at her youngest sisters who appeared as surprised by the abrupt leaving as she was. Mrs. Bennet did not seem to notice, instead demanding Elizabeth’s full attention. As Mary stood and moved toward the piano forte, Jane made her escape.
After quietly leaving the room, she sought out their housekeeper to learn more of Mr. Collins’ disappearance.
“He did not say where he was going, Miss,” Mrs. Hill revealed as she directed the maids about their chores. “I noticed he was walking toward town as the butcher’s boy delivered our order about the same time. I looked up and saw Mr. Collins turning that direction.”
“And he said nothing to anyone?” Jane asked.
“Not that I am aware, though he was muttering under his breath before he left the house.”
“Did you hear what he said?”
Mrs. Hill shook her head. “I cannot say that I did. I thought I heard him mention Miss Lizzy and Mr. Darcy, but I would not swear it was so.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Hill.”
Jane worried her lip as she returned to the front hall. Mary’s plodding music filtered through the door causing her to turn in the other direction. She was uncertain of her destination until she found herself, once more, in front of her father’s book room.
“Enter,” he called in reply to her knock. “Ah, Jane, is there something more you require? Is your mother’s behaviour still causing dismay?” He tilted his head as though listening. “Or is it Mary’s practicing which drives you from the drawing room?”
“Actually, it is Mr. Collins.” She took a seat on the opposite side of his desk.
Mr. Bennet frowned. “Mr. Collins? What is he saying? Is he abusing Lizzy?”
“No, he is not there.”
“Not there? Then how is he disturbing you?”
“Mrs. Hill said she last saw him walking toward Meryton, but that was early this morning.”
Mr. Bennet smiled. “And are you missing his presence?” His smile faded quickly. “Please tell me you are not considering him over Mr. Bingley. I will not give my consent to such folly, Janie, even if you are of age.”
A look of horror flashed across her countenance. “No, Papa, how could you think such a thing?”
He sighed. “Janie, after last night’s revelations, I no longer know what my family is thinking. Or if I ever did. Why are you suddenly concerned for our cousin?”
“Mrs. Hill said Mr. Collins was muttering when he left. She thought she heard him mention Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.”
His brow creased. “I see.” Mr. Bennet steepled his fingers and tapped them against his lips. His gaze fell upon the window and his eyes moved as if they were following the motions of a bird flitting from branch to branch. Finally, he folded his hands on the desk before him and leaned forward.
“I am uncertain what harm Mr. Collins could cause. The worse I can conceive would be a letter to his benefactress.”
“Is there anything she could do, Papa? Mr. Collins said Mr. Darcy was engaged to her daughter. Could she demand Lizzy’s engagement be ended?” Though Jane was uncertain of Elizabeth’s feelings for Mr. Darcy, it appeared she happily anticipated her wedding. Jane did not want anything to interfere with her sister’s future contentment.
The familiar sarcastic gleam entered her father’s eye. “Though I have no doubt she will try, I believe Mr. Darcy will not allow her to disturb his plans.”
Jane frowned. “Perhaps not, but Mr. Darcy is not here.”
“Ah, but I expect he shall return before word could travel to Kent and the great Lady travel here.” Mr. Bennet smiled. “I have never seen a man more besotted. He will not be long from your sister’s side.”
Her surprise over his words must have been reflected in her features for Mr. Bennet’s eyes shown once more.
“Do you doubt me, Jane?”
She shook her head. “I know not what to believe. It is all so very strange.”
Mr. Bennet sat back in his seat. “Strange indeed. I have only seen one man more enthralled of a lady than Mr. Darcy, and that is his friend. Mark my word, Jane, the gentlemen will return to Netherfield, and Longbourn, much sooner than anticipated.”
A sudden rush of exasperation flooded her and she spoke unguarded. “If I ask how you can be so certain, you will say it is because you are a man and know your own kind; but I have not your understanding, Papa. What proof have you that what you say is so?”
Mr. Bennet’s eyes widened just before a hearty chuckle escaped him. “For a moment I thought Lizzy sat before me. Very well, Jane, you wish to know and I shall tell you.”
He reached behind him and took up a bottle of brandy from the table. After pouring a finger or two for himself, he tilted the bottle in Jane’s direction but she blanched and shook her head, thoughts of the previous night causing her stomach to turn. He laughed again as he replaced the stopper and returned the bottle to its place.
“Gentlemen have been taught to hide their interest in ladies for fear of raising expectations. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on the situation, they are unable to do so completely. Your Mr. Bingley is not as adept at the practice as say his friend, Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley’s actions were easily read by everyone, where Mr. Darcy’s were completely misunderstood.”
Jane frowned. “I do not doubt that Mr. Bingley holds some affection for me, Papa. Rather, I wonder at his …” She struggled to express her concerns and was grateful when her father intervened.
“You wonder if he will stand with you against others who may hold influence over him.”
“Yes, precisely. He seems to allow his sisters a great amount of say regarding his affairs.”
Mr. Bennet tipped his head to the side. “Do you believe that is so?” Before Jane could respond, he continued. “I would say instead that he does not correct Miss Bingley as frequently as he should.”
Jane’s brow furrowed. “I do not see the difference.”
Her father smiled as he leaned forward. “Ah, and that is the obstacle before you, is it not? You see his lack of discipline over his sister as reaching into all areas of his life, but if that were so, why have Mr. Darcy come to Netherfield?”
“To visit?”
“No, to instruct. Mr. Darcy is here to assist his friend as he transitions from a gentleman
whose fortune came from trade to a landed gentleman.”
Jane thought of what her father said. “Yes, Mr. Bingley has said many times that Mr. Darcy is a great help to him as he learns what is required in running an estate.” She shook her head. “But that does not lessen his sister’s influence.”
“In what areas, Jane? As I understand it, Miss Bingley was quite displeased with his taking Netherfield. This did not lead him to give it up and look elsewhere.”
“No.” Jane felt her argument begin to waver.
“As for correcting her behaviour, I fear I am in no position to criticize the man.” Mr. Bennet drank his brandy and sat back in his seat. “You have lived with strongly opinionated women, Jane. You must understand that it is sometimes easier to let them have their say than to argue every point. Even Lizzy has her moments.” He laughed then downed the last of his drink.
“But they are not cruel.”
He shook his head. “No, you are correct there, my dear girl. However, I believe your influence will encourage him to make changes, if he has not already done so.”
Jane looked out the window, searching the branches of the nearest trees for a response. She felt her father’s gaze upon her, waiting for her reply. Tears began to blur her vision and she blinked.
“I thought my harsh words would send him running back to London,” she whispered.
“Oh, Jane, you are far too naïve. You have no idea what power you hold over the man. You must be more my child than I thought. Were you your mother’s daughter, you would have the poor sot performing cartwheels through the center of town to amuse you.”
He stood and rounded the desk, taking the seat beside her. “Jane, you are soft spoken and allow others to carry conversations. When you utter a word, it is a rare gift and others take notice. Your conversation carries far greater worth than any your mother, Lydia, or even Lizzy might utter.” He placed a hand over hers. “You shall be a great lady, Jane, and I predict you will be the making of Mr. Bingley.”
Jane’s cheeks burned, but she looked at him from the corner of her eye. “Papa, are you attempting to persuade me to accept Mr. Bingley?”
His startled expression caused her to smile, revealing her jest and he shook his head.
“I always believed Lizzy to be most like me. Jane, you have surprised me.” He laughed as he stood and returned behind his desk. “Have you any other questions or topics to discuss?”
She stood. “No, Papa, I believe I have learned all I need know at present.” A hesitant smile tugged at her lips. “Now I have only to wait for Mr. Bingley’s return.” She stepped to her father’s side and hugged him before placing a kiss upon his cheek. “Thank you, Papa.”
Mr. Bennet patted her arm fondly and returned his attention to his desk. Jane crossed to the door and was about to leave, but turned back in time to see her father open a drawer. It appeared he was about to withdraw something until he realized she still remained before him.
“Was there anything else?” he asked as he closed the drawer.
“No, Papa.”
He watched her until she finally left, closing the door behind her.
“How strange,” she muttered.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Bingley entered the dining room lost in thought. His footsteps carried him to the sideboard, laden with food, and he dutifully filled a plate. Turning, he found three sets of eyes upon him. Until that moment, he had not realized anyone occupied the room.
“Forgive me, I am distracted this morning. Good morning Miss Darcy, Colonel, Darcy.” He set down his plate and returned to acquire a cup of coffee. Normally he could not stomach the strong brew, but it appeared he required it this morning to clear his mind.
“We were discussing our plans for the day,” Darcy remarked once the morning greetings were exchanged. “Will your business take you to Cheapside by chance? I must deliver a letter to Elizabeth’s uncle.”
The Colonel sat back in his seat. “Cheapside?”
A challenging gleam entered Darcy’s eyes and he squared his shoulders. “Yes, Cheapside.”
The two held each other’s gaze as the Colonel seemed to consider a reply. Instead, he nodded and returned his attention to his breakfast.
Bingley noticed Miss Darcy’s sudden unease and answered the question originally directed to him. “I have an appointment in Piccadilly this morning, but I am available this afternoon should you want my company. I would like to meet Miss Bennet’s family.”
“I had planned to call on him at his warehouses, not his home. Though I am certain the package I was given contains a letter for his wife, I prefer to meet Mr. Gardiner first. Should he invite me back to his home, I will go.”
“Mr. Gardiner is in trade?” Miss Darcy asked in a hesitant voice.
“Yes. He is Mrs. Bennet’s brother. Her father was an attorney and her sister married his clerk who succeeded him in the business.”
Bingley glanced at the Colonel who was abnormally silent and did not lift his eyes from his plate. The air seemed to leave the room as the tension within increased.
“But Mr. Bennet is a gentleman, correct?” Miss Darcy’s voice held a hopeful quality.
Darcy nodded as he swallowed his food. “Longbourn has been in the Bennet family for a few hundred years. The estate is small, most likely bringing two thousand a year, but it is well managed. Elizabeth and her eldest sister see to the needs of the tenants and are both well thought of in the area.”
“Indeed,” Bingley interjected. “They are frequently described as the brightest jewels of the country.”
Darcy laid a hand over his sister’s. “I believe you will like both Elizabeth and her eldest sister.”
“But I thought you said she has four sisters.” Georgiana frowned.
“She does, but the others are younger and … I did not come to know them as well.” Darcy removed his hand and returned his attention to his plate.
“Younger? Are they nearer my age?”
Bingley heard the hope in her voice and decided to venture forth where his friend feared to go. “The middle Bennet daughter, I believe, is nearer her elder sisters in age, but the two youngest are of an age with you, Miss Darcy. Miss Mary, the middle sister, quite enjoys playing the pianoforte and is never seen without a book in her hand. I believe she is overly serious for her age, but that may come from being the middle child. The younger sisters prefer fashion and are exceedingly social.”
He glanced toward his friend to see an expression of surprise covering his features. “Would you not agree with my assessment, Darcy?”
His host startled, but nodded once again. “I believe you have described them well, Bingley.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Bingley noticed the Colonel watching them both suspiciously. He thought over his words and decided that he had chosen well in describing the younger Bennet sisters. Certainly they were full young to be out, and they behaved foolishly at times, but they were still charming girls.
“What is your family’s opinion of the Bennets?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked, catching Bingley off guard.
With a nervous chuckle, he responded, “You know my sisters, Colonel. Nothing less than the daughter of a Duke or an Earl will suffice for them.” He turned his attention to his plate. “Their opinion dropped severely once Darcy declared himself.”
A glance toward his friend made him hide a smile. With one sentence he had turned the attention back onto Darcy and that gentleman was not pleased.
“When will you announce your engagement to our family, Darcy?” The Colonel’s tone no longer held his normal light amiable manner.
“I received a summons from your mother this morning. How ever did she know I was in town?” Darcy cocked his head to the side.
The Colonel shrugged, his lips twitching with amusement. “I had to explain my absence at tea yesterday.”
“If you had a prior commitment, we would have understood.” Darcy sallied.
“And miss your company after so long?” The smile spr
ead across the Colonel’s countenance and some of the tension left the room for just a moment before his features sobered. “Seriously, Darcy, are you prepared for the response you might receive from my parents?”
Darcy laid his serviette beside his plate and leaned back in his seat. “I am. I love Miss Elizabeth Bennet and no longer have a care for her connections, or lack thereof. I will admit that I did consider them at one time, but she is far too great a treasure to abandon for society’s expectations.” He lifted his shoulders in a slight shrug. “And she has captured my heart as no other ever will.”
“Oh Brother! I am so pleased.” Miss Darcy leapt from her seat, rushed to Darcy’s side, and placed a kiss upon his cheek before embracing him. “I was so afraid you would marry someone out of duty to the family.” Her eyes sparkled as she released him and returned to her seat.
“If you truly love her, then you will be happy and that is what I desire more than anything.” She took up her fork once more as she spoke. “When did the two of you come to know your feelings for each other? You have told me about her, but not about your courtship.”
Bingley watched the colour rise in Darcy’s countenance as he searched for the words to reply to his sister. He noticed the Colonel was watching him closely as well.
“It all came on so gradually, I hardly know when it began. I was in the middle before I knew I had begun. But as to the when, I can speak. At Bingley’s ball on Tuesday evening I declared myself to Miss Elizabeth and she accepted me.” He smiled and turned his attention back to his plate.
“But you have not spoken to your courtship, Cousin.” Colonel Fitzwilliam leaned forward, his eyes slightly squinted as though he searched for something but knew not what it was.
Darcy swallowed and took up his coffee. After a sip, he motioned for the footman to refill the cup and turned his attention back to his plate.
“No, I suppose I did not. You might say Miss Elizabeth and I did not have a conventional courtship.”
Bingley sat back, wondering how Darcy was going to reveal the details of his betrothal without casting a shadow on the Bennets’ respectability. Though he would not admit it to his friend, part of him was enjoying the scene playing out before him.
A Beneficial, If Unwilling, Compromise Page 10
