“I had thought to remain at home with my sisters, but Papa and Lizzy insisted I come.”
Her eyes were still focused upon the floor and Bingley’s nervousness increased. “Oh? Are they unwell?”
“No.” She glanced toward Miss Elizabeth and Darcy then back at the floor. When she spoke, her voice was barely more than a whisper. “They … well Lydia, accused Mr. Darcy of being unfair to Mr. Wickham. There was quite a scene and Papa informed both my sisters they were no longer allowed in public. They have been sent back to the nursery. He is arranging to hire a governess.”
“Oh.” Bingley glanced toward Mr. Bennet who was standing by the other gentlemen of the neighbourhood, but his gaze was focused upon Miss Bennet and himself. Bingley returned his attention to the lady. “But I do not understand why you would wish to remain behind.”
Miss Bennet sniffed. “I have placed such demands upon you regarding your sister, yet mine behave no better.”
Bingley shook his head. “Your sisters are young. They will outgrow this with instruction.” He glanced toward the doorway where Caroline was just re-entering. “Mine has long completed her education and should behave more appropriately.”
He watched as Caroline approached the engaged couple, a simpering smile upon her lips. “Mr. Darcy, I do hope you will be pleased by this evening’s meal. I believe I have chosen all your favourites.” She turned toward Miss Elizabeth. “Perhaps there are some of which you are not aware, Miss Eliza-beth.”
Miss Elizabeth turned toward Darcy and smiled. “Oh, I am certain Mr. Darcy’s cooks are well aware of his preferences. I shall allow them to continue as they have always done.”
Darcy raised her hand to his lips. “But you must add your own choices, my dear. As you know, all I have will be under your command.”
“Yes, well …” Miss Bingley patted her hands together before turning to the other guests. “Dinner is ready. Charles, will you lead us?”
Bingley nodded toward his sister before bowing to Miss Bennet. He was pleased that Mrs. Long had been able to attend. She was a quiet elderly lady with two young nieces who had been left in her care after their parents’ untimely deaths. He bowed deeply before her and offered his arm. She smiled, blushing like a young girl, as she laid her hand lightly upon his arm. Others took their places behind them and he began the procession to the dining room.
Upon entering, he noted name cards at each place setting and glanced back toward his sister, but she was deep in conversation with her escort. “Forgive me, Mrs. Long, I was not aware my sister had assigned seats. I am uncertain of the location of your chair.”
The woman twittered like a small bird and patted his arm. “All is well, Mr. Bingley. We shall simply look.” She lifted her quizzing glass and began examining the cards. “Ah, here I am, near the middle as is only correct.” Her voice suddenly lacked the joy it had held a moment ago.
Bingley waved the footman away and held the seat for the woman himself. If his sister was going to play this game, he would counter her as best he could. Once he saw Mrs. Long settled, he proceeded to his place at the head of the table and watched as his neighbours found their places. His frown deepened.
In what he had to acknowledge was a masterful move, Caroline had insulted nearly everyone in the room using society’s rules. There was little Bingley could say or reprimand. Each person was clearly placed based on their societal rank. Darcy, of course, was to Caroline’s right as Miss Elizabeth was to Bingley’s, since the dinner was in their honour. Mr. Hurst was to Caroline’s left with Miss Bennet beside him. Mrs. Bennet was opposite her, beside Darcy. Louisa sat to Bingley’s left, beside Sir William and Mr. Bennet was between his favourite daughter and Lady Lucas. The younger Lucases came next on either end while the Phillipses, who were invited as they were family to the Bennets, were near the middle of the table, by Mrs. Long and her nieces.
“You set a lovely table, Miss Bingley.” Mrs. Bennet’s voice was strained, and Bingley watched as she fidgeted in her seat. The pursed set of her lips declared her displeasure better than any words could do.
“Why thank you, Mrs. Bennet.” His sister’s reply held nearly as much haughtiness as her seating arrangement.
Caroline rang the bell and the first course was carried in by several footmen. Bingley played his role, attempting to ignore how his sister seemed to fawn over Darcy and neglect the remaining members of the party.
The dinner was nearing an end when Miss Elizabeth quietly cleared her throat. Bingley startled by the sound and turned his attention her way. He noticed Mr. Bennet at her side, attempting to hide a smirk.
“Forgive me, Mr. Bingley, but are you unwell?”
He noted the sparkle in her eye and the tremble of her lips. He feared he was about to be victim to the wit which Darcy so loved.
“Quite well, Miss Elizabeth. And you?”
“Oh, I am always well. I only feared for you. You do not seem yourself this evening.”
He glanced toward Louisa whose eyes remained upon her plate, her shoulders slightly slouched.
“Do I not?” he asked as he returned his attentions to his guest.
“If I might speak freely, sir, I fear your sister’s seating arrangement has disconcerted you. You have spoken very little during the meal, and eaten even less.”
Bingley looked at his plate. Indeed, he had not had his normal appetite, fearing at any moment Darcy would have had enough of Caroline and announced his desire to depart immediately. He clenched his jaw, emitting a low grinding sound.
“Sir,” Miss Elizabeth leaned closer, “I fear for the well-being of your teeth.” This time she did not mask her amusement.
Forcing himself to relax, Bingley smiled in her direction. “You are correct, of course, Miss Elizabeth.” His mind returned to his conversation with Hurst some days prior. “I wonder … that is, I believe … Miss Elizabeth, would you …”
“I believe,” Louisa said quietly, “my brother is attempting to request your insight into younger sisters.”
“Yes.” Bingley said. “I have witnessed you speaking to your youngest sisters on occasion and it always appears to have an immediate effect. I wondered if you had some advice you might be willing to share.” He felt his cheeks warm.
He followed Miss Elizabeth’s gaze toward the far end of the table where Darcy was staring at her longingly. Bingley watched as she gave his friend an encouraging smile before turning her attention back to her host.
“I fear what may suit for Lydia and Kitty, would be ineffective for anyone else.”
“Do not be so modest, Miss Eliza.” Sir William directed his attention toward them. Bingley had thought the man completely engrossed in conversation with Miss Mary so that he could speak solely with Miss Elizabeth, but it was not to be.
“You and Miss Bennet are quite proficient at altering the behaviour of others. I would not be surprised to learn that you have redirected my own overzealous statements at times.” The man laughed heartily. “Is that not so, Bennet? You have raised two quick minded daughters.” He suddenly remembered the middle Bennet daughter at his side and bestowed upon her an apologetic smile. “Forgive me, Miss Mary. I did not mean to exclude you, but you are so quiet most do not know of your scholarly accomplishments.”
Miss Elizabeth dabbed her lips with her serviette, most likely hiding her amusement. “Sir William, I would never be so bold as to correct you. I leave that to Charlotte.”
The mention of her name drew Miss Lucas’ attention. She looked questioningly toward her friend and her father.
“Fear not, my dear.” Sir William smiled lovingly at his eldest child. “We were speaking of difficult relations and how best to handle unruly behaviour. You were mentioned as a corrector, not a culprit.”
Miss Lucas nodded, and returned to speaking with Mr. Phillips.
Bingley’s gaze travelled farther down the table where he noted Sir William’s comment had been heard clearly. Mrs. Bennet had paled, her eyes now firmly glued to her lap, and Jane
was attempting to speak quietly to her mother. He was surprised when he saw Darcy excuse himself from a conversation with Caroline and speak directly to Mrs. Bennet. The woman’s complexion returned to a normal colour and she gave him a lovely smile, somewhat reminiscent of Miss Bennet’s.
Miss Elizabeth leaned toward him, recapturing his attention. “I fear you have worried my mother, Mr. Bingley. She has been striving to improve her behaviour since the night of the Netherfield ball.”
Bingley sighed. “And I fear my sister remains unaffected.”
His gaze fell, once more, upon Miss Bennet. She did not turn his way, but he could feel her thoughts, if not her eyes, upon him. His chest tightened as he realized he could very well be losing her.
A warm hand settled over his, and he turned to see Louisa watching him. Their eyes met and she nodded. Bingley sighed and motioned for the footman to step forward.
“James, tell Mrs. Nicholls to order the carriage be readied at first light tomorrow.” He turned to find Caroline watching him, her eyes wide.
“Yes, sir.” The footman bowed and exited the room.
“Louisa, I believe it is time for the ladies to leave us.” Bingley smiled at his older sister.
“Of course, Charles.” She wiped her lips and laid her serviette on the table before standing. “Ladies, if you will follow me.”
There was a moment of confusion as the guests glanced between the Bingley sisters, but Caroline stood before anything was said.
“Of course, Louisa, allow me …”
“No, Caroline.” Bingley waited until she turned his direction. “I believe you should retire for the evening. After all, you will be leaving quite early tomorrow.” He smiled at his guests. “We neglected to tell you, my sister will be leaving tomorrow to visit our relatives in Scarborough. This dinner serves many purposes: to congratulate our dear friends and to say farewell to my sister as we are uncertain of the length of her stay.”
“But, Charles,” Caroline simpered. “I could not possibly leave now. I will miss the wedding.”
“And so you shall. We will, however, write to you with all the details.” He turned toward Louisa and nodded once.
The gentlemen stood and held out chairs for the ladies. Darcy made his way to Elizabeth’s side and Bingley saw him kiss her hand before she followed Louisa from the room.
When most of the women were gone, Caroline still remained. “I do not see …”
“Yes, I am sure you do not.” Bingley stepped closer to his younger sister. “You are so focused on your own designs you do not realize how ridiculous you appear.” He glanced toward the gentlemen. “Forgive me. Hurst will you do the honours while I handle this situation?”
“Of course, Bingley.” Hurst called for the port and brandy to be brought out while Bingley took his sister’s arm and escorted her from the room.
As they entered the hall, he noted the drawing room door was yet open, but a footman was walking in that direction.
“Charles, please. I do not know what I did to displease you, but I will behave. Do not send me away.” Caroline sniffed and sobbed, but her eyes and cheeks remained dry.
“Enough, Caroline!” He pulled her toward the stairs. “Mrs. Nicholls has been told to have the carriage readied, and therefore your maid has already been ordered to pack your things. You need not assist her, but you do have to retire. I will not have you sullying the remainder of our evening. I told you this would happen, but you had to try me.
“That stunt at dinner was tasteless. Arranging our guests by social standing and ignoring all but Darcy. No, I will not stand for this display of obstinacy any longer. It is time you remember your origins.” He released her arm and pointed up the stairs.
A soft voice was suddenly heard and he turned to see Miss Bennet approaching.
“I apologize, but the door was open and your voices could be heard.”
He glanced back and saw the drawing room door now closed.
“No, it is I who must apologize, Miss Bennet. My sister was …”
Miss Bennet stepped forward and placed a hand upon his arm. Their eyes met and she smiled.
“I am certain Miss Bingley now recognizes your resolve.” She turned toward Caroline who stared open mouthed back. “She must understand she has pushed you beyond even your amiable bounds, sir. I believe I may safely say she will think twice before speaking in the future.”
Bingley looked at his sister expectantly.
Caroline nodded. “Miss Bennet is correct, Charles. Please do not send me to Scarborough.”
Miss Bennet squeezed his arm gently.
“Though I am loath to do so,” he turned toward Miss Bennet. “It appears Miss Bennet would prefer I allow you to remain.” He looked back at his sister. “I will grant her wish, but mark my words, Caroline. The next time I call for the carriage, you will be sent away.”
“I understand, Charles.” She turned toward her rescuer. “Miss Bennet, please forgive my behaviour.” She smiled as she took her guest’s arm. “Would you call me Caroline?”
“If you would call me Jane.” Miss Bennet glanced over her shoulder at Bingley, a smile lighting her eyes.
When the two disappeared through the drawing room door, he slowly took a deep breath, allowing the tension in his neck and shoulders to drain away. Surprised by the outcome of the evening, he headed back to the dining room.
“Well?” Hurst bellowed as he entered. “Is she packing?”
“Oh, I nearly forgot.” Bingley caught the footman’s eye. “Tell Mrs. Nicholls to disregard my order.”
“No!” Hurst rushed forward. “You cannot have given in to her.”
The other gentlemen watched him closely. It was clear everyone understood the import of the events.
“I stood firm.” He glanced toward Mr. Bennet. “Miss Bennet requested another opportunity for my sister. I granted it, but they both understand I will not do so again.”
Mr. Bennet laughed heartily as he approached and clapped Bingley on the back. “Well done, son. Though Jane is a sweet thing, it is good for her to know she cannot always have her way.”
The remaining time was filled with the married gentlemen advising the younger men of the most effective steps to gaining a submissive wife. Darcy, Bingley, and Sir William’s sons murmured their suspicions that most of the means were fictional. Some were deemed too risky to attempt, and others merely the talk of men when their ladies could not hear.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Jane stared into the darkness moving swiftly past the carriage window as she remembered Mr. Bingley’s warm gaze. His sister had stayed by her side the remainder of the evening, performing the role of gracious hostess. She had even paid Lizzy a compliment, and without displaying excessive distress. Mr. Bingley had watched from a short distance away; his eyes frequently on his sister. It was not until he handed Jane into the carriage that he had met her gaze directly, causing shivers to run the length of her spine. Her body remembered the reaction and responded once more.
“Forgive me, Jane. Are you cold?” Mary removed the blanket from her lap and draped it over her eldest sister’s legs.
Jane nodded distractedly, but did not turn away from the window as her mind was otherwise pleasantly engaged. Shortly after their stay at Netherfield, Jane had acknowledged, to herself if no other, that Mr. Bingley was the man she most desired to marry. He was just what a young man ought to be: sensible, good-humoured, lively, with happy manners and perfect good breeding. In addition, he was handsome, with crystal blue eyes that caused her heart to flutter when he looked at her. Now, she could add one more item to her list; he had slayed a dragon for her. Oh, not a living, breathing dragon, but he had overcome his previous habits of inaction simply because she had asked him to do so. She could not help but sigh romantically.
Her father’s soft chuckle finally drew her attention from the perusal of her thoughts. She could just make out his features in the pale light cast by the quarter moon, but his amused expression was focused
upon her.
“Well, my dear,” Mr. Bennet said as he took his wife’s hand. “I believe it is safe to relinquish some of your strictures.”
Mrs. Bennet inhaled sharply. “Why, whatever do you mean, Mr. Bennet?”
“I do believe Jane will soon share Lizzy’s fate. Though you may not discuss the possibility in public or advise your daughter on taking steps to hurry the man along, you may discuss her wedding preferences with her. As with Lizzy, you will bow to her desires.”
“Oh!” Mrs. Bennet clasped her free hand to her chest as her words tumbled from her lips. “Do you truly believe it will be so? I was so concerned that Mr. Bingley was displeased this evening. Has he proposed, Jane?” She suddenly stopped, took a deep breath, folded her hands in her lap, and began again, speaking much slower this time. “Forgive me, my dear. Though there was a time I hoped for you to marry Mr. Bingley due to his wealth and standing, I would also want you to be happy. Does Mr. Bingley do so? Does he make you happy, Jane?”
The carriage fell silent as all within waited for her reply.
“Yes,” she finally whispered. “I believe he and I would be exceedingly happy together.”
“Oh! It is just as I said it would be!”
The return of Mrs. Bennet’s shrill voice caused Jane to laugh. In a way, she had missed her mother’s silliness. Longbourn had seemed a foreign place since the night of the Netherfield ball. She glanced toward her father who also seemed to be enjoying his wife’s momentary exuberance.
The carriage slowed as it made the final turn into the lane leading to Longbourn. As if it were a sign, Mrs. Bennet’s voice lowered and her more serious persona returned.
“I wonder,” she muttered as she tapped a finger against her lips.
“Wonder what, Mama?” Jane asked, her curiosity peaked.
“Oh, were Mr. Bingley to come to it, would it not be wonderful to have a double wedding? I wonder if Mr. Darcy might be persuaded to … nudge his friend along.” Mrs. Bennet finished with a seeming direct glance at her second daughter.
A Beneficial, If Unwilling, Compromise Page 17
