Darcy’s cousin and sister exchanged a confused glance before returning their attention to him. They waited patiently, but Darcy continued to eat as though he had nothing more to say. Finally, the Colonel spoke.
“Darcy, I believe there is something you are avoiding saying regarding your lady and I must advise you to reveal it. Her connections are not the best, but if you are truly happy, my parents will be pleased … in time.” He smiled. “Lady Catherine, however, will not care a smidge about your marital bliss, but my parents ultimately will. Perhaps you should tell me and I can help to ease the way.”
“I agree, Brother.” Miss Darcy leaned toward him and took his hand. “You must know we all desire your happiness. A marriage of convenience would have slowly destroyed you.”
Darcy squeezed his sister’s hand and looked toward Bingley who started. Was he understanding his friend’s expression? Was Darcy looking to him for direction?
Glancing first at the Colonel and then to Miss Darcy, Bingley nodded. He turned his attention back to Darcy and smiled. “I believe they should know what transpired.” A sudden inspiration struck him. “Indeed, they may be able to offer some advice on my situation.”
Darcy’s family turned as one toward Bingley, their brows creased in a similar fashion, and he nearly laughed aloud. “Perhaps I should say more regarding the Bennets before we speak of the ball.”
Darcy nodded and Bingley picked up his coffee, grimaced as the bitter liquid touched his tongue, and returned it to the saucer. “First a cup of tea.”
“I shall prepare it for you,” Miss Darcy said as he began to rise. “You may speak while I do so.” She crossed to the tea table, glancing over her shoulder expectantly when he did not immediately begin his narrative.
“Well, I suppose I shall begin with our first meeting.”
Darcy nodded again, though his cheeks began to redden once more. The Colonel noted the change and smirked.
“Oh, Georgie, do hurry with the tea. I believe we are about to hear how your brother put his foot in it again.”
A frown was Darcy’s only reply, but the Colonel had already returned his attention to Bingley.
“Upon entering Hertfordshire, I had been visited by the gentlemen of the area and invited to a local assembly. Knowing your brother’s dislike of such events, I did not tell him until he arrived. In retrospect, it may not have been the wisest decision.”
Miss Darcy set the tea cup before him and handed the coffee cup to the waiting footman. She regained her seat and glanced wistfully toward her brother.
“Mr. Bennet was one of the first to visit me and I found him to be an interesting sort of gentleman. He seemed to find humour in all things, though his only display was a wry smile. Indeed there were times I felt as though he found me amusing though I had done nothing to warrant it.”
“Mr. Bennet,” Darcy interrupted, “is an odd mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice. I am certain he was imagining how his family would react upon meeting you.”
“I believe you are correct, but I did not know that at the time.” Bingley took a sip of tea and continued.
“We arrived at the dance late as Darcy had little desire to be there and Caroline had difficulty deciding upon her attire. The dancing had already begun and it was quite clear there was a lack of male partners. We were quickly introduced to the major families of the area and I played my part and requested dances.”
He glanced toward Darcy who had pursed his lips and stared at his now empty plate. With no reply, Bingley’s thoughts turned back to that evening and his countenance softened.
“I was introduced to Miss Jane Bennet, the eldest daughter. She is an angel. Her beauty and grace placed her above all in the room. When we spoke, her voice was like honey and her conversation intelligent. She did not put on airs or speak of meaningless matters. She was perfection.”
He fell silent as her face drifted before his mind’s eye. She was, indeed, perfection. Not only in appearance, but in mind and affection. He realized he did not deserve her, but he also knew there would be none who compared to her.
The Colonel cleared his throat and Bingley glanced about to find everyone staring at him in amusement. He laughed at himself and took up his story once more.
“During my second dance with Miss Bennet, we spoke of her sisters and she indicated that her favourite sister, Miss Elizabeth, was currently sitting out due to the lack of partners. I saw Darcy standing a short distance from the lady and decided it was time he should dance. As we were at the bottom of the set and waiting our turn, I begged her permission and went to speak to Darcy. Though I urged …”
“Bedeviled,” Darcy inserted under his breath.
“… him to dance, he declared he would not.” Bingley felt his cheeks warm, not wanting to reveal his friend’s harsh words to his family.
“Oh, just say it, Bingley.” Darcy leaned forward. “I insulted Miss Elizabeth, saying she was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me.”
Bingley nodded. “And she heard him.”
Miss Darcy gasped while the Colonel chuckled.
“I would have to agree with you, Cousin. It appears your courtship was most unconventional. I was unaware that an insult could encourage affection in a woman.”
“It cannot,” Darcy muttered as he waved his hand in Bingley’s direction.
“Miss Elizabeth did not appear affected by his comment, laughing over it as she did with friends and all who heard of it, but it did set the course for their future interactions. A few weeks later Miss Bennet fell ill while visiting my sisters and Miss Elizabeth came to nurse her. She would join our party for dinner and in the evenings.”
Darcy held up a hand. “I believe there is something you must know before you continue, Bingley. One evening at Lucas Lodge,” he glanced at his family, “another family in the area, I inadvertently made Miss Bingley aware of my admiration for Miss Elizabeth’s fine eyes. It influenced the way Miss Bingley treated Miss Elizabeth during her time at Netherfield.”
Bingley stared at his friend. “That explains the comments regarding Miss Elizabeth’s eyes that Caroline seemed insistent upon making whenever she was about to insult the lady.”
Darcy nodded, but said no more so Bingley continued.
“Every evening became a verbal dance spurred by Caroline but executed by Darcy and Miss Elizabeth. One evening I listened to their verbal sparring, with Miss Elizabeth defending my character, but the charm of it had worn off. I demanded they consider every detail including the size of an individual in order to force them to see how ridiculous they had become.”
“You were afraid I would win,” Darcy said with a smirk.
“I sincerely doubted it,” Bingley replied with a chuckle.
The Colonel’s face split with a broad grin. “You,” he pointed his finger at his cousin, “have met your match! I cannot wait to meet her. When do we travel to Hertfordshire? I must request leave.”
“Slow your horses,” Darcy frowned. “You have not heard all.” He turned toward Bingley. “I thought you were describing the Bennets.”
Bingley glanced at the plates upon the table. Everyone had clearly finished eating and the footmen stood to the side appearing ill at ease. He checked his pocket watch. “And so I shall, but should we not retire to another room? I promise to come to the point, as I must leave in an hour for my meeting.”
As if just remembering their location and plans for the day, Darcy jumped to his feet. “Of course.” He held out his arm to Miss Darcy. “My dear, will you lead us to the drawing room?” He nodded his apologies toward the servants and they swiftly left the room.
Bingley was pleased for the respite so that he might order his thoughts before revealing the events which had played out at the Netherfield ball. He glanced at Colonel Fitzwilliam who walked beside him.
Though the man treated him as a friend, Bingley recognized the subtle differences in the Colonel’s behaviour towards others of his similar lineage. He did no
t take offense; the Colonel was the younger son of a peer after all. His sister was engaged to a Marquess who would be Duke before the end of the next season, if rumours were to be believed.
As a young man whose fortune came from trade, Bingley knew his place in society. Indeed, had Darcy not befriended him at university, Bingley would never have dreamed of being admitted into the homes he now frequented. Understanding this, gave him a clear perspective of his friend’s dilemma.
Darcy was the grandson of an earl on his mother’s side. His father’s family, though untitled, was well respected. In addition, he was wealthy; a thing not all titled families could claim. Any earl and a few dukes would be eager to accept him as a son-in-law. But Darcy had passed over their daughters and chosen from an unknown family with relations in trade.
Bingley shook his head as he considered what lay ahead for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The scorned young ladies would be bitter while their mothers would be dismissive. Only those who sought to gain something from the Darcys would befriend her; though they would seek any opportunity to disparage her to the rest of society. He exhaled sharply through his nose. Jane was right.
The Colonel’s voice broke through his woolgathering. “Bingley, I do not believe I have ever witnessed such an embittered expression upon your countenance.”
Bingley turned toward his companion as he considered his response. “I was thinking of Miss Bennet’s observations of high society.”
“If your countenance was a true reflection of her thoughts, I imagine she does not think well of us.” The Colonel’s smile was limited to his lips.
Realizing the astute gentleman was capturing every hint available to draw a picture of the Bennets, Bingley shook his head. “I would instead say that she prefers to weigh the value of an individual without first considering their social standing.”
The Colonel grimaced. “I fear she will find many of the ton wanting then.”
“And I fear they will not see her true worth.”
Bingley’s reply held a hint of warning and he hoped the officer recognized it. He knew how close the Fitzwilliam family was, and hoped Darcy’s marriage did not place a strain upon their relations.
They entered the drawing room and found seats. Bingley met Darcy’s gaze, seeing the worry hidden behind his normally tranquil mask, and smiled reassuringly. He sat back in the wingback chair and crossed one ankle over the other as he considered again how to begin the description of the Bennets.
“The most important thing to know about the Bennets is that their home, Longbourn, is entailed upon a distant cousin.”
Darcy nodded solemnly. “A fool of a man.” He met the Colonel’s eye. “Lady Catherine’s Rector.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam shook his head. “Is he anything like the previous man?”
“Worse.”
“God help them,” the Colonel muttered and turned his attention back to Bingley.
“As I said earlier, Mr. Bennet is an odd man. He is quick to see the humour in situations. In truth, he appears to make light of serious events.”
“Such as the futures of his wife and daughters once he is gone from this world,” Darcy clarified.
“His wife is of a nervous nature. Darcy has told you of her family origins. She wants to see her daughters married well, to gentlemen befitting their station or higher. They are the highest ranking family in the immediate area.”
“They were, before you let Netherfield,” Darcy interjected and Bingley nodded.
“She aspires for the first circles?” The Colonel asked.
Darcy and Bingley exchanged a glance before Bingley replied. “I would not say that is her goal, though she would not turn up her nose should one of her daughters catch the eye of a duke or earl. She wants to see them well situated.”
“In that way she does not differ from any mother.” Darcy brushed a hand over the leg of his trouser.
Miss Darcy tilted her head as she considered their words. “Then in what way does she differ?”
Bingley felt his cheeks warm. “She is a bit more vociferous regarding her hopes. She has also decided it best to have all her daughters seeking husbands at once.”
“At once?” the Colonel exclaimed as Miss Darcy gasped, “All five?”
Bingley’s brow pinched together in the middle. “I believe she truly fears they will be dismissed from their home should Mr. Bennet pass.”
The cousins exchanged a glance, but said nothing more, so Bingley continued.
“The day of the Netherfield ball, Mrs. Bennet found a piece of her husband’s correspondence which disconcerted her. She believed he was dying.”
Miss Darcy and the Colonel exchanged another look and turned toward Darcy.
He cleared his throat and brushed at his trouser once more as he spoke. “In her defense, Mr. Bennet is not overly forthcoming to his wife. He finds it amusing to see her reactions, so he waits to reveal pertinent information. She feared he would die before any of the ladies were settled.”
Darcy glanced at Bingley meaningfully and the Colonel followed his gaze. “Were you the most likely candidate, Bingley?” he asked with a gleam in his eye.
Bingley swallowed. “I have already expressed my admiration for Miss Bennet.”
“Then I do not see her concern.” The Colonel turned back to Darcy.
Darcy frowned. “The letter Mrs. Bennet discovered gave the impression that death was imminent. She feared Bingley would take more time to propose than was available, or he would be persuaded to abandon Miss Bennet.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam’s eyes darted from one man to the other and back. “But you, Darcy, are a decisive man and a gentleman.” He shook his head as he ran a hand over his face. “I cannot imagine you would have allowed yourself to be compromised …”
“I did not.” Darcy met his cousin’s gaze. “I compromised Miss Elizabeth.”
Miss Darcy gasped and Bingley leaned forward. Though he had some idea of what had occurred that evening, he did not know the details.
“Intentionally?” the Colonel asked in amazement.
Darcy nodded, but stared at a spot on the floor a few feet in front of him. “I had no idea at the time that Elizabeth held no tender feelings for me. I embraced her when I heard her mother and Lady Lucas approaching.”
Miss Darcy sat forward. “But, Brother, I was under the impression Miss Elizabeth returned your affection.”
“Although she has accepted my proposal of her own free will and we have come to an understanding, at this time our affections are unequal. I plan to do all in my power to change that.”
The clock in the hall chimed and Bingley glanced at his pocket watch. “I fear I must be off if I am to be timely for my meeting.” He stood and moved toward the doorway.
Miss Darcy, who had appeared disheartened a moment before, cried out. “But you have not revealed how Richard and I might be of assistance.”
Bingley smiled toward his friend. “I have told most of Darcy’s tale. I suppose he may tell mine.” He bid his adieus and closed the door of the drawing room behind him. Though he was curious to hear what suggestions would be made, he realized there really was only one solution to his predicament. He must show Jane that she would have the place of honour in his heart and in his life. He hoped this meeting was the first step to that end.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
An older, but well maintained, carriage stood before the Darcy townhome when Bingley returned from his errands. He barely noted its presence as he dashed up the steps and knocked at the door. Accustomed to being granted access nearly before the knocker came to rest, the unusual delay allowed him to recognize the sound of raised voices coming from within. Uneasily, he turned and studied the equipage more carefully. The de Bourgh coat of arms was prominent upon the side. Before Bingley could retreat, the door opened.
Mr. Grimm, Darcy’s long-time butler, stood before him. Though his countenance was the typical servant’s mask, the stress lines about his mouth revealed his unease. He held out a hand to accept
Bingley’s hat and coat, but the gentleman hesitated.
“I fear I returned earlier than necessary, Grimm. Perhaps it would be best if I did not enter just yet. I do not want to interrupt Mr. Darcy’s personal matters.”
A woman’s voice pierced the normally calm atmosphere and Bingley saw a shudder run the length of the servant’s frame.
“I fear you will not have the opportunity to escape, sir.”
The man’s words rang true as the grand Lady herself appeared at the top of the stairs. “Is that him? Is that the man who introduced you to this nobody? Step forward, sir!”
Bingley noted Darcy, just over his aunt’s shoulder, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“You can have nothing to say to Mr. Bingley, Aunt. He did not purposefully place Miss Elizabeth and myself together to arrange an attachment.”
Lady Catherine pointed at Bingley as he divested himself of his outerwear and began his assent. “It may not have appeared thus, but he is the one who profits from this travesty. I have it on good authority that, besides these Bennets,” she fairly spat the word from her lips, “he is the one who would gain the most from such an alliance.”
Bingley’s steps slowed as he stared incredulously at the woman above him. “I fear I do not understand your meaning, Madam. I have never taken any action to jeopardize my friendship with Mr. Darcy; I value his company and wisdom too greatly for such as you suggest.”
“Oh yes, I am certain you would not want to displease my nephew, lest you be thrust from the position you desire to attain.” Her eyes narrowed as she peered at him. “A son of a tradesman reaching for the first circles. You could not marry Miss Darcy as she is too young, so you chose to have Darcy marry the sister to a woman you desire. Either way, you make my nephew your brother and gain entrance to higher society.”
Bingley felt his jaw fall open, but was insensible to stop it. “I do not possess the ambition you suggest, nor am I engaged to Miss Bennet.”
“Yet, but I am certain you will remedy that as soon as you return to that place.”
A Beneficial, If Unwilling, Compromise Page 11
