A Beneficial, If Unwilling, Compromise

by Bronwen Chisholm

  “And you will be honest with her as you advise me to be with my future husband?” Her brow rose and she held her father’s gaze.

  Mr. Bennet’s eyes widened just before he laughed. “And Lizzy surfaces again. Janie, I am making a decisive effort to be more forthcoming with your mother. I do not reveal all to her at this time, but I hope it will come to that in the future.”

  Her eyes opened wider in surprise, and she began to truly hope the changes her father had begun would take hold. At a loss for words, she waited patiently for him to continue or dismiss her. When he picked up his book, she recognized it as the latter and stood.

  “Thank you, Papa. I will try to think of Mama’s wellbeing before I speak in the future.” The lines about her eyes crinkled with merriment, and she went in search of her sister.

  Though she had apologized to Lizzy after speaking so cruelly the night of the ball, there had been an uncomfortable distance between them. Jane, the normal peacekeeper in the family, was uncertain what to do to reassure her sister.

  She found Elizabeth pacing by the shrubbery nearest the drive, her gaze turned toward the road to Meryton. Jane was unable to hold back her joy at seeing her sister so eager to welcome her beau.

  “What if they approach through the fields?” Her question startled her sister who spun about.

  “Who?” Elizabeth asked once she had composed herself.

  “Papa told me we should expect visitors.”

  “Yes, he told me the same.” Elizabeth turned once more toward the road. “I wonder if Mr. Darcy has brought his sister.”

  Jane stepped forward and linked arms with Elizabeth. “You do not worry over meeting her?”

  “No.” Elizabeth’s gaze fell to her hands which tugged the edges of her handkerchief. “Yes. Oh, Jane, I want her to like me. What if she is expecting someone like …?”

  “Like Miss Bingley?”

  Elizabeth nodded.

  Jane shrugged. “If I were a young girl with a brother like Mr. Darcy, I would be relieved to find his betrothed someone with little resemblance to Miss Bingley.”

  Her sister’s shocked expression returned the joy to Jane’s countenance.

  “Jane, I believe that is the closest thing to an insult you have ever spoken.” Elizabeth’s cheeks pinked and she turned away.

  “No, Lizzy, it isn’t.”

  “You have apologized.” Elizabeth’s voice was low and timid; something altogether foreign.

  Jane sighed and turned her sister to face her. “I have apologized, but I have not explained myself so I am certain you think I still believe the terrible things I said.” She embraced her sister. “Oh Lizzy, I truly know not what came over me that evening. I was so angry and frustrated, mostly with Mama and Mr. Bingley, but also with myself.”

  Elizabeth drew away. “You? Why were you angry with yourself? And Mr. Bingley?”

  “I was ready to follow Mama’s directions though I knew I would be ruining many lives.” She returned to her sister’s side, linked arms once again, and began a circuit of the lawn.

  Elizabeth nodded. “I know you were uncertain of Mr. Bingley’s tendency to allow Miss Bingley to speak her mind.”

  Jane nodded, her eyes focused upon the ground before them. “I spoke cruelly to him as well. I would not be surprised if he remained in London.”

  “Oh, Jane, you do not believe that, do you?”

  She squared her shoulders. “I hope he returns and we are able to speak openly regarding his family. I fear he will allow Miss Bingley to continue in her current manner, all the while hoping it will correct itself.”

  Elizabeth’s voice was soft, almost as though she spoke to herself. “Yes. He does like to avoid conflict.”

  “Indeed, he does.”

  Jane forgot what she was about to say when she noticed Charlotte approaching and called out a greeting. She was surprised to see their friend looking slightly hesitant as she approached.

  “Charlotte!” Elizabeth clasped her friend’s hands. “I was not expecting to see you today. I thought you were to bake.”

  “I wished to take a moment to see you, Eliza. Maria is watching the pies.” Charlotte’s gaze fell to their still joined hands. “I had news I felt I must share before my mother or father had the opportunity to visit.”

  Elizabeth and Jane exchanged a baffled glance, but the younger laughed. “My, this sounds ominous. Whatever could have occurred since Thursday?”

  “Mr. Collins visited Lucas Lodge yesterday.” She released Elizabeth’s hands. “We are engaged.”

  “Engaged to Mr. Collins! My dear Charlotte – impossible!” Elizabeth’s countenance lost all amusement and was filled instead with disbelief.

  Jane stepped forward. “Congratulations, Charlotte. I am certain you will be … quite … content … in your circumstances.”

  “Thank you, Jane. I believe I shall be.” She turned toward Elizabeth. “I see what you are feeling, Eliza. You know I am not romantic. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Collins’s character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.”

  Elizabeth lowered her eyes. “Undoubtedly.”

  “You are correct, of course.” Jane stepped closer to her sister. “We are pleased for you, Charlotte.” She smiled. “This explains Mr. Collins sentiments this morning when he mentioned returning to the area in the near future.”

  A warm blush covered their friend’s countenance. “I fear that was my doing. I begged him not to say anything regarding our engagement until I had time to tell you. I wanted you both to know before the others so I might explain.” She turned her attention once more to her dear friend. “Eliza, I hope this does not affect our friendship.”

  Elizabeth startled as though she had been lost in thought. “No, Charlotte, not at all. I will admit I am surprised, but I believe I understand your reasons.” She glanced toward the house. “Will you come inside? I am sure Mama would be pleased to see you.”

  A mischievous gleam entered their friend’s eye, but she declined. “I had best return home before Maria becomes too distracted and the pies are ruined.” She lowered her gaze and her lips twitched. “I fear your mother may not be as welcoming once she knows what has occurred.”

  Elizabeth nodded knowingly. “I fear you may be correct.” She embraced her friend. “I do wish you happiness, Charlotte.”

  “I know, Eliza.” Charlotte returned the embrace as she smiled at Jane over her friend’s shoulder. “I will see you tomorrow at services.”

  They separated and Charlotte waved as she rounded the bend that led to her home. The sisters exchanged a bewildered glance, but the sound of horses approaching forced the bizarre meeting from their minds. Elizabeth and Jane attempted to walk at a dignified pace toward the drive, but soon found themselves nearly running.

  Jane stopped, holding tight to Elizabeth’s arm, as they neared the end of the shrubbery; effectively bringing her sister to a stop as well. With a hand upon her chest, Jane attempted to slow her breathing. Elizabeth blushed and did the same, though she continued toward the front of the house at a slower pace. Jane joined her, a step behind, and they reached the corner of the house as Mr. Bingley dismounted. Mr. Darcy had already done so and was approaching the front door when he saw his betrothed and veered in her direction instead.

  “Elizabeth.” His voice was a reverent whisper as he bowed over her hand. His eyes wandered over her features and down her figure as though he were seeing her for the first time in a year as opposed to a few days. “You are flushed, my dear, have you been in the sun too long?”

  Jane stole a glance toward the overcast sky and scratched her nose to hide her smile. Her gaze fell just over his shoulder where she noted his friend lingered. She dropped her hand, allowing him to see her amusement, and stepped forward.

  “Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, we are pleased you have returned so soon. Lizzy and I were just taking
a turn about the garden. Shall we enter the house?”

  Mr. Bingley bowed to her before offering his arm. Jane reached to take it, hesitating only a moment, before lightly laying her hand upon his arm. Her cheeks warmed, but she turned her attention toward their destination.

  The door opened and Mrs. Hill took the gentlemen’s outerwear. Jane and Elizabeth led them toward the parlour, but the door to Mr. Bennet’s book room opened.

  “Gentlemen.” Mr. Bennet tipped his head in their direction; his lips twitching.

  “Mr. Bennet, sir.” Mr. Darcy bowed. He glanced toward Elizabeth, longing in his eyes, but inclined his head toward the gentleman. “I must speak to your father, my dear.”

  Elizabeth nodded and continued toward the parlour. Jane and Bingley followed her while Mr. Darcy disappeared into the book room after his host.

  “Mr. Bingley!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed as they entered the room. “It is so good of you to call upon us again, sir. We feared you would not wish to return to the quiet country after being in town.”

  His eyes darted in Jane’s direction, but he smiled toward her mother. “Had my business not demanded, I would not have left. I was eager to return as quickly as possible.”

  “Well,” Mrs. Bennet beamed, “we are pleased you were able to do so. Will you not join us for dinner this evening? I am certain Mr. Darcy intends to stay.”

  “I would be delighted, madam, but there are matters I must see to at Netherfield. Perhaps another night?”

  “Of course!” Mrs. Bennet stared at her eldest daughter, but said not a word. The effort caused small beads of sweat to appear on her forehead. The woman truly did seem about to have an apoplexy.

  Remembering her promise to her father, Jane motioned toward chairs before the hearth and led Mr. Bingley in that direction, away from her family.

  “Was all well in London?” she asked as she took her seat.

  Mr. Bingley claimed the seat nearest her and nodded distractedly. “If my presence was not required, I truly would not have gone. I spent most of my time waiting on Darcy.” He smiled. “And meeting your relatives.”

  “Oh.” Jane’s eyes widened. “You met the Gardiners?”

  “Yes. Darcy was commissioned to deliver messages and I accompanied him. We dined with them last night in Gracechurch Street. Your cousins were very demanding of Darcy; wanting to know everything about him before they would give their blessing on his nuptials.”

  His warm chuckle drew a light laugh from Jane. “I can only imagine what was said.” Her cheeks warmed. “My aunt can be quite inquisitive.”

  Mr. Bingley nodded. “Darcy has decided she was a great influence on Miss Elizabeth.”

  “I had not thought of it before, but Lizzy does take after Aunt Maddy at times.” Her smile faded and she studied the fire in the grate. “Did she embarrass you?”

  His voice lowered. “No. There were times I was uncertain what to say, but I have found that to be common practice recently. My tongue does not always obey my mind; or perhaps it attempts to act on my mind’s behalf. Either way, I find myself at a loss for words, or speaking nonsense.”

  Jane sat quietly, uncertain how to respond. She wanted to apologize for her behaviour the night of the ball, but she did not want Mr. Bingley to believe she no longer felt concern regarding his sister. She considered several ways to introduce the topic, but was not satisfied with any of them.

  Mr. Bingley cleared his throat. “I do wish I could stay this evening, but I must speak to my sister and her husband.”

  “Oh?” Jane turned so she could read his expression.

  His neckcloth bobbed as he swallowed nervously. “You were correct, Miss Bennet. Caroline has been allowed to behave cruelly for far too long. I have considered several options to correct her behaviour, but feel the need to determine the Hursts’ opinion and gain their assistance.”

  Tears filled Jane’s eyes. She blinked rapidly as she nodded and turned her gaze back to the fire. “You will be missed this evening, sir, but I understand that your business is important.” She raised her eyes to his once more. “I hope you are successful in your endeavours. I feared …” She dabbed the corner of her eye with her handkerchief.

  “What did you fear?” Mr. Bingley’s eyes searched her countenance as though he could read her thoughts.

  She lifted her shoulders ever so slightly. “I am not certain. Perhaps that you would do nothing in hopes Lizzy’s marriage would cause your sister to change.”

  She noted a blush cover his countenance and he looked away. A sinking sensation caused her eyes to fill with tears once more.

  “I will not deny it; I did consider it. Caroline has always desired position, and I thought she would behave once you were Darcy’s sister. However, I realized that would not fulfill your request.”

  Mr. Bingley smiled, though it was more restrained than in the past. “I want to be the man you deserve, Miss Bennet. I cannot say that I am that man at this time, but I will do all in my power to become him.”

  Jane swallowed around the tears in her throat. “I would be pleased to meet him when he arrives.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The distance between Longbourn and Netherfield passed faster than Bingley desired. Instead of dismounting in front of the house, he rode around to the stables and spent a few minutes speaking to the head groomsman before finally making his way into the house through the patio door in the drawing room.

  “Charles!” Caroline’s shrill voice caused his shoulders to hunch. “Why are you entering this way? You are traipsing mud over the rugs.”

  Inhaling through his nose, Bingley turned toward his sister. “Because this is my house and I desire to enter through this door.” He glanced down, seeing the footprints he had left, and realized he should have used the side entrance into the hall, but was determined to show his dominance to his sister.

  With a snort, she dismissed his words. “If you wish to live in filth, perhaps you should take a room over the stables.”

  “Caroline, I will not be spoken to in this manner in my own home.”

  He frowned. Those words sounded so familiar. With a start, he realized Lady Catherine had said something similar to Darcy a day or two past. He shook his head to clear the vision.

  “If you excuse me, I must change. I will be joining you for dinner, but Darcy will not.”

  “He is unable to leave Longbourn?”

  He could hear the sneer in her voice as she continued.

  “Perhaps a dinner with Mrs. Bennet will suffice to bring him to his senses.”

  Bingley turned about so suddenly, he saw his sister start. “Enough! I had wanted to speak to Louisa and Hurst first, but I cannot allow this to pass. You will cease speaking ill of the Bennets and particularly Miss Elizabeth.”

  “Oh, Charles, what are you babbling on about?” Caroline picked up her needlework and began stitching.

  In two steps he was before her. He snatched the material from her hands, hiding a flinch when the needle pierced his finger. “Darcy has made it quite clear that he will not brook any opposition to Miss Elizabeth. He has told Lady Matlock and his sister that should they disapprove, he will cut ties with them. Do you think he will not do the same with us?”

  “You saw Lady Matlock while you were in town?” She sat back in her seat and pouted. “I knew I should have accompanied you.”

  Bingley sighed. “Caroline, you have not been, and never will be, invited to Lady Matlock’s home.”

  “That is only because you will not forward the connection.” She frowned. “You were in her home? Oh Charles, it is not to be borne. That miserable nobody will gain entry to the homes of all the elite while I, who am truly worthy, am left to only dream of it.”

  Pinching the bridge of his nose, Bingley took a deep breath and tried to determine where the conversation had gone wrong. He was certain he had reprimanded his sister, but they were now discussing entry to the Earl of Matlock’s home.

  “Caroline,” he said in a barely controlle
d tone as he lowered his hand and opened his eyes. “Please attempt to listen to what I am saying. Darcy is marrying Miss Elizabeth Bennet. He has informed his family that, should they choose not to accept her, he will cut off relations with them. He has made it clear to me that he would rather take rooms at the inn in Meryton than stay here should you continue with your thinly veiled insults toward Miss Elizabeth or any of the Bennets.”

  “Stay at the inn? Why that is ridiculous.” Caroline laughed and reached for her needlework. “Mr. Darcy was simply in a foul mood as he realized he would have to spend more time at Longbourn. Surely he will be soothed by our superior company once he returns.” She grimaced at the bit of linen before her. “Charles! You have gotten blood on my handkerchief! It is ruined!”

  Caroline stormed from the room, leaving a bewildered Bingley behind. How was he ever going to get through to her when she only heard part of what he said? Her selective hearing was driving him to …

  He glanced about, but there was no brandy in the drawing room. With a huff, he stomped from the room, no longer caring about the dirt falling from his boots. He found Hurst laid out on the sofa in his study, an empty carafe at his side.

  Snatching up the bottle, he cursed under his breath before crossing to the credenza to pour himself a finger of whiskey. Remembering his discussion with his sister, he tipped the bottle again and filled the glass halfway.

  “Caroline, Louisa, or Miss Bennet?”

  Bingley spun about to find Hurst watching him with an amused grin. He paused long enough to take a gulp of the burning liquor. “Caroline.”

  “Ha! I must say I am surprised. I had thought you would be wed at least a year before she would drive you to the bottle.” Hurst held out his glass for Bingley to fill it.

  The amber liquid splashed into the glass as Bingley stared at his brother-in-law. He remembered when Hurst had been courting Louisa. Well, not all of it; he had been at university most of the year, but when he was home the couple was often about.

  “Here, here!”

  Hurst drew his attention back to what he was doing and Bingley stopped pouring just before overflowing the glass.