by C. P. Odom
“How?”
“As she usually does—by her words. You were too far away to hear, but she crowed aloud about her good fortune. She would soon have one daughter well settled in Derbyshire and another at Netherfield Park. And the other girls would then be in company with other rich men. She did not say these things quietly, but announced them to all about her with Mr. Darcy and me sitting less than ten feet away!”
Jane closed her eyes in shared pain.
“Everything changed. Suddenly, Mr. Darcy was his haughty, prideful self, and all my dreams were less than mist—gone as though they never existed. Mr. Darcy reverted to the man I first met, a man of his class, a man who will choose a wife who can bring fortune or station to the marriage. I can bring nothing.”
“But Bingley—”
“—is not Darcy. Those things matter little to him. His fortune was earned in trade by his father. While our own father’s fortune may not match his, our family has been part of the gentry for generations. But Darcy is different. That is why he only gave a disguised farewell tonight. We agreed to as much at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth could say no more for she could not hold back her sobs any longer. Jane opened her arms to her, embracing her fiercely and pulling her down to the bed beside her while her brave and independent sister wept uncontrollably for a love that could never be.
Jane said nothing, for there was nothing to say. She just held Elizabeth close until her poor sister finally cried herself to sleep.
Chapter 18
Bereavement is the deepest initiation into the mysteries of human life, an initiation more searching and profound than even happy love.
— Dean Inge, Dean of
St Paul’s, London
Saturday, November 30, 1811
Hertfordshire
Mr. Collins was to leave Longbourn on Sunday, and because he was to begin his journey far too early in the morning to see any of the family, the ceremony of leave-taking was performed just before the ladies retired for the night. Mrs. Bennet was effusive in her wishes to see him again soon for she was exceedingly anxious to have Mary safely married to this savior of their family.
“We shall be most delighted to host you again at Longbourn whenever you should be able to come back, but we do hope the occasion will be as soon as may be. I know Mary is waiting on pins and needles for the happy event to follow your return.”
Whether this statement was strictly true could not be determined from Mary’s expression since there was little to read in it of her mother’s enthusiasm. There was, however, no animus to be seen either, so Elizabeth considered her sister was rather content with being married to this man.
“My dear madam,” Mr. Collins replied, “I shall return as soon as I have secured the blessing to my marriage of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. We may then finalize all necessary arrangements so I may become the happiest of men. You may be very certain I shall avail myself of your hospitality at that time.”
Mr. Bennet had no wish for such a speedy return by this man even if he was to wed his daughter. “Is there any danger of Lady Catherine’s disapprobation? You had better delay your return than to run the risk of offending your patroness.”
“I am particularly obliged to you for this friendly caution, and you may depend upon my not taking so material a step without her ladyship’s concurrence. But she has already commanded me to take a wife, and I have no doubt she will be delighted with my inestimable good fortune.”
Mary colored slightly at hearing herself described in such terms, but she was pleased with his method of delivery. She again thought, with her to advise him, that Mr. Collins might eventually make a tolerable companion.
Further exchanges of a similar nature were made before the ladies retired, but Elizabeth missed most of them, seizing a chance to escape when her mother was delighting in the satisfaction of at least one daughter married.
And I hope she will soon have two, thought Elizabeth, remembering the message Darcy had brought from Bingley. He enabled Jane to find a measure of contentment, but he also made clear he would abide by my parting suggestion.
With this melancholy thought, she entered her room and undressed in the dark, deigning even to light a candle. She knew Jane would notice the lack of a light at the bottom of her door and would thus refrain from visiting, and she was not up to any further conversation, even with her beloved sister.
***
Sunday, December 1, 1811
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
True to his plans, Collins departed early the next morning, unseen by any of the Bennet family. Any despair at the absence of the clergyman was more than compensated for by the arrival of Mr. Bingley in the afternoon. Lydia had been the first to see him turn up the drive, and she immediately made the announcement in her usual loud voice. Thus, all the sisters learned of their visitor at virtually the same time and were thus waiting in the parlor when he arrived.
“I decided to call for just a few moments before continuing on to Netherfield, Mrs. Bennet. I hope my arrival poses no imposition,” he said, and Jane had to lower her eyes when his gaze immediately turned toward her. A rush of optimism filled her heart near to overflowing since she had hardly dared to hope, even after Mr. Darcy’s unexpected visit.
“You are always most welcome, sir!” Mrs. Bennet said. “And you must stay far longer than only a few moments. This evening would be the perfect opportunity for you to partake of a family meal at Longbourn! I always keep a very good table, so it will be no trouble at all to set another place.”
Bingley was quick to agree since he knew the obliging Mrs. Bennet would ensure he was seated next to Jane. Her covert glances through her lashes were a sure indication she was pleased by his arrival, which made a shambles of the ridiculous arguments Caroline and Louisa had made earlier.
Jane was gratified to find his attentions as they had been at the ball. That thought, however, did bring a pang of pain to her for it reminded her how his sisters had proven themselves so false. Jane would cheerfully have lived her whole life without finding anyone capable of such deceit.
Elizabeth was overjoyed to see her sister so happy, and it was enough to put her own concerns aside for this one night. She was also pleased to hear Bingley casually mention that Caroline was remaining in town and would no longer manage his house and table.
That is most excellent news for Jane, she thought gleefully at this evidence Bingley was aware of his sisters’ machinations. I do not doubt both sisters will return just as soon as Bingley makes his declarations. It is just like them, and I am equally certain they will proclaim their everlasting love and affection for their dearest friend, soon to be their sister! What a pair those two are!
Rigidly, she forced herself to put aside what she knew to be vindictive thoughts and just enjoy Jane’s happiness. Though she was much more of a critical observer than her elder sister, Elizabeth knew such angry thoughts were unlike her, and she could only suppose they were caused by her own unhappiness.
***
Saturday, December 14, 1811
Longbourn, Netherfield
Elizabeth was on one of her walks when Bingley took the long-anticipated step. Before she opened the front door on her return to Longbourn, she heard her mother in the throes of an ecstatic celebration. When she entered the room, her father was talking quietly with Bingley, who wore the broadest smile she had ever seen on that always-amiable man. At his side stood Jane, who smiled less but looked just as happy.
Elizabeth needed no explanation as to what had occurred—not with her mother all but dancing about the room. Clearly, Bingley had declared his intentions, her father had given his approval, and her mother was overjoyed at her family’s good fortune.
That led to the dour thought that, when two daughters were safely married, her mother’s thoughts would again turn to Mr. Darcy and he
r delusion about him desiring a similar connection to Elizabeth. Only she and Jane knew how impossible such an event was although Jane sometimes tried to convince herself it was not as hopeless as her sister knew it to be.
“Ah, Lizzie,” her father said, catching sight of her. “I presume you can discern what has just transpired.”
“I can indeed, Papa, and I would like to tender my congratulations to all,” Elizabeth replied, giving Bingley a curtsey in response to his bow.
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth, thank you,” Bingley said cheerfully, and then he gave his soon-to-be sister a sly smile before he continued. “Of course, Miss Eliza, you will soon inherit the title your sister bears once we are married. Your father and I will be going to your parson to obtain a license presently, which will allow us to make arrangements for the ceremony.
“A special license, sir!” Mrs. Bennet exclaimed thoughtlessly. “You must and shall be married by a special license! Oh, I am so happy for you, Jane!”
Elizabeth saw the sour look her father gave his overly enthusiastic wife since a special license could only be obtained from the archbishop himself. Few other than the nobility or those with great wealth would go to either the trouble or the considerable expense. Her father knew such a license was a frivolous notion, even for Bingley.
Of course, his wife was blithely unaware of her ignorance, and neither he nor Elizabeth was inclined to try the fruitless endeavor of educating her.
***
Monday, December 23, 1811
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
Mr. Collins had been timely on his return, arriving on the sixteenth as all had expected, and Mr. Bennet had had the bittersweet duty of arranging the marriage of two of his daughters. Eventually, all plans had been completed to the satisfaction of all save Mrs. Bennet, who had stridently wished for more time to engage in these most satisfying endeavors. But Mr. Bennet had made one of his rare exertions, mandating that both ceremonies would take place soon after the start of the New Year with Collins and Mary scheduled to marry on January 9 while Bingley and Jane’s nuptials would follow a week later on the sixteenth.
Accordingly, Mr. Collins had returned to Kent five days later while the Bennet family enjoyed the continual presence of Bingley as he visited Jane. Mrs. Bennet herself was quite busy preparing for the arrival of her brother and his wife, who were coming to spend Christmas at Longbourn, as was their custom.
Mr. Gardiner, the younger brother of Mrs. Bennet, was most unlike her in nature or education, having had the good fortune to earn a scholarship to attend the University of Edinburgh. Unfortunately, he had been able to attend for only two years due to the unexpected death of his father, which required him to take up the reins of the family business. It was due to his education, combined with his own amiable nature, that he had become such a sensible, gentlemanlike man, greatly superior to either of his sisters in both civility and conduct. Caroline Bingley and her sister would have flatly denied that such a man, who lived by trade and within view of his own warehouses, could be so well-bred and agreeable.
His wife was a year older than her husband but several years younger than either Mrs. Bennet or Mrs. Philips. She possessed an amiability and intelligence similar to Mr. Gardiner and was a handsome, elegant woman who was a great favorite with all her Longbourn nieces. She had an especially close relationship with the two eldest, and they had frequently stayed with her in town.
The Gardiners also brought their four children, all of whom were loved by both Jane and Elizabeth. Jane was their particular favorite due to her steady sense and her sweetness of temper, which prepared her for teaching them, playing with them, and loving them.
The first thing Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did after they arrived on the Monday before Christmas was to issue their congratulations to both Jane and Mary since they had been well informed of all the related events by the correspondence of Elizabeth, the most prolific letter writer in the household. After discharging this first duty, Mrs. Gardiner proceeded to distribute her presents to all her nieces, who received them with exactly the same courtesy one would expect—appreciation by Jane and Elizabeth, politeness by Mary, and a general air of inattentiveness by the younger girls.
Mrs. Bennet, as well as Jane, was eager to hear her describe and demonstrate the newest fashions in town, and it was at this time her sister noticed Elizabeth was not at all interested in a discussion that usually held her attention. Mrs. Gardiner had no explanation at first though this deficit was soon corrected by her next and less active role—listening to Mrs. Bennet.
She nodded in acknowledgement when her sister described the wonderful good fortune of having a daughter soon to be married to Mr. Bennet’s cousin, thus breaking the entail that would otherwise have impoverished her and all her daughters. She was even more eloquent in enthusing about the splendid marriage of her most lovely daughter who would soon be well settled at Netherfield.
It was only when Mrs. Bennet turned to her grievances and complaints against Elizabeth, who by this time had slipped out of the room, that Mrs. Gardiner had an inkling of what might be afflicting her niece.
“I do not understand Lizzy’s disinterest,” Mrs. Bennet bemoaned, “for Mr. Darcy distinguished her when he completely ignored every other young lady he met. He danced with her a number of times while he danced with no one else save Mr. Bingley’s sisters, and he even escorted her to dine after the supper dance at the Netherfield ball. But he left the county afterwards and has not returned. I know not what Lizzy might have done to drive him away, and she absolutely refuses to discuss the matter with me. I suppose it is too late now but, Sister—to imagine Lizzy might have become the mistress of his magnificent estate had it not been for her own perverseness! However, I suppose I should cease my grievances regarding an opportunity now gone, so I would be very glad to hear what you can tell us of long sleeves in town.”
Mrs. Gardiner had been informed of what her sister related in the first two instances due to Elizabeth’s correspondence, but she thought it highly significant that neither Jane nor Elizabeth had said a word regarding Mr. Darcy. She had spent some time in her younger years in a village near the Darcy estate, so she was at least familiar with the family name. But she knew nothing of this latest inheritor of the family fortune, which she knew was quite extensive.
***
When she had an opportunity to be alone with Jane later in the evening, her aunt was able to speak more on the subject.
“It seems it might have been a desirable match for Lizzy, at least from the aspect of securing her future, so I suppose I am sorry it went off. But, from what I have learned, I cannot see the kind of distinction Mr. Bingley showed to you.”
Jane nodded in agreement, but she was uncomfortable discussing her sister. There were many things Elizabeth had confessed to her that she should not share.
“But these things happen so often, Jane! A young man seems to fall in love easily with a pretty girl, only to forget her when accident separates them for a few weeks. This sort of fickleness occurs frequently.”
“That is true. And you make a good point about Mr. Darcy’s attentions to Lizzy. My mother makes the most of the situation by pointing out he did not do anything similar with any other young lady, but I agree he did not show a distinct preference for Lizzy.”
“Still, what does Lizzy feel? Does she suffer much, do you think? I know it is difficult to tell with her since she has kept her own counsel for so long, but a general neglect of civility is often an indication of love concealed.”
Jane knew she had to speak carefully because she could not disclose the extent of her sister’s despair and hopelessness. But she could not deny her aunt’s quick and easy discernment.
“I cannot be sure,” she said, speaking only of what she might have observed while keeping her sister’s confidences to herself. “But there is one point that convinces me she is not happy at a
ll. She has told me she does not wish to stand up with me.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s eyebrows rose. “That is quite startling, Jane. Not to stand up with you! That is unmatched for Lizzy even if she is feeling more than she shows.”
“In truth, there is more,” Jane continued uncomfortably. “She has said she does not wish even to be present. I know it cannot be because of Mr. Bingley since I know she likes him. I have to assume it is because she does not wish to see Mr. Darcy, who will stand up for his friend.”
Jane had been unable to find another way to make this point, despite thinking on it for days before her aunt and uncle arrived. She squirmed a bit under her aunt’s searching gaze, but Mrs. Gardiner finally seemed to comprehend Jane would not—or, perhaps, could not—say anything more.
“Not even be present!” her aunt said at last. “Yes, such a desire is remarkable for Lizzy. I can see you have not told me everything, but I have to assume you have a reason. But she cannot simply remain in her room. Something more is needed. I wonder—”
Jane nodded quickly, grateful her aunt did not pursue a more explicit answer. She was even more grateful when her aunt went on.
“Do you think Lizzy might agree to accompany us to town when we leave? A change of scene might be helpful to relieve her melancholy, and she might stay with the children when we return for the ceremony. It would make it somewhat easier to explain why she will not be present.”
That brought an eager affirmation from Jane, and she said she thought her sister would readily agree to the offer. With a nod, Mrs. Gardiner said she would take the earliest opportunity to broach the subject with Elizabeth.
***
Knowing the Gardiners planned to stay a week, Mrs. Bennet had taken care to provide for the entertainment of her brother and sister, so there was not a day when they sat down to a family dinner. There were engagements with local families as well as with the officers of the regiment. And when the engagement was at home, some of the officers were always invited. Due to Kitty and Lydia’s preference as well as that of her mother, Wickham was always present though it little pleased Elizabeth.
