by Lauren King
“I do agree. However, Mr. Darcy or another family member is always with Miss Darcy, so I doubt that anyone would dare treat Miss Darcy ill.” Mrs. Hurst answers fluently; she can tell that Mr. Darcy could not care less for Caroline’s observations or advice to his sister. He looks rather annoyed that he has to be in her presence, and Caroline’s constant ingratiation is evidently irritating him. He is just too much of a gentleman to say anything directly to Caroline; however, he has Miss Elizabeth to protect now, thus Caroline should be careful with her comments towards the Bennets.
“You are correct, Louisa. Mr. Darcy is an ideal older brother, so he would never allow that to happen.” Miss Bingley flatters Darcy in a scheming manner.
No one wants to participate in this one sided conversation that Miss Bingley is having with herself; everybody is only being tolerant and standing there with a polite smile on their faces. However, once again, Miss Bingley fails to grasp this concept; therefore, she persists and resumes as if everybody is paying rapt attention to her nonsense.
“How unfortunate it is that your younger sisters could not be in town for these balls, Miss Elizabeth. I remember how much they enjoyed dancing with the soldiers – all the soldiers. Miss Mary likes to practice her singing and practicing her piano forte in front of crowds, though. How…different of your family to allow such activity. However, I surmise that without the privilege of being able to be educated by proper governesses and masters Miss Mary thinks that she can subject others to hearing her practicing on the piano forte. Thank goodness your Father was wise enough to stop her from continuing her playing at that one dinner party that we all attended. I would have thought that he would not allow her to play outside of your home; it was quite embarrassing to see her trying to display her lack of tal...well, it is what it is.” Miss Bingley states with a smirk while trying to be tactful and then she continues.
Elizabeth breathes in deeply to control her anger at Miss Bingley’s presumption to speak of all this in public to try to embarrass her and Jane in front of the gentlemen. Elizabeth squeezes William’s arm to contain herself from cutting Miss Bingley; she does not want to embarrass Mr. Bingley. She sees Mrs. Hurst, subtly, pulling on Miss Bingley’s arm, but Miss Bingley ignores Mrs. Hurst’s caution.
“I guess when you and Miss Bennet return home then your other sisters can take turns to stay with your Uncle here in town. He lives in…Cheapside, does he not Miss Elizabeth?” Miss Bingley smirks again and does not wait for an answer before resuming.
“His house must not be able to accommodate all five nieces at once. Well it is understandable; it is in Cheapside. People living out there have to be excused for their condition. I have to say that it is rather dangerous for girls to be around that area with all those types of people there; it is not becoming for any young ladies to be found in such a neighborhood. You may want to warn your younger sisters of that. However, I think your two youngest sisters may find it to their liking given that they were so friendly to all the soldiers in the militia in Hertfordshire; they did not discriminate between any of the lowly soldiers. All those soldiers got their share of attention from your two youngest sisters, at one point or another.” Miss Bingley fans herself lightly as she carries on.
“Goodness, the unseemly people you must see and meet in Cheapside, Miss Elizabeth. How can you tolerate being around such undignified people? I pity you, but I guess if that is how you all grew up, then you are used to those types of lower classes; you cannot get away from what you…oh well….” Miss Bingley calculatingly lets her comment hang to try to show her sensitivity and her superiority of not having to reside in Cheapside.
Mrs. Hurst squeezes her sister’s arm harder in order to stop her from continuing with her exchange with Miss Elizabeth. Mrs. Hurst knows Caroline can get abrasive and sound very rude with her callous, unkind remarks if she is not kept in check. However, Caroline does not seem to want to stop her discourse, so Mrs. Hurst pulls on her arm some more. Caroline does not react to Mrs. Hurst’s warning.
That did it! Elizabeth tried to stay civil and polite, but Miss Bingley went too far! “You pity me, Miss Bingley?” Elizabeth sarcastically snickers. “Yes, you are correct; I can never get away from being a gentlewoman; at least, I am a true gentlewoman. Now, what kind of unseemly people are you talking about? You mean the trades’ people? Are you not quite familiar with trades people?” Elizabeth counters cleverly and civilly. She knows that Miss Bingley’s family is from trade. There are no gentlemen in their family. Their family’s money comes entirely from trade except Miss Bingley conveniently chooses to forget about that particular part of her past.
“I am not familiar with those people or that area of town. How dare you insinuate that I am?” Miss Bingley says indignantly and haughtily.
Bingley intercepts instantly, “Caroline, let us leave this subject now.” His eyes glare at his younger sister.
“Charles, look at how she dares to talk to me.” Caroline complains angrily and huffily.
Elizabeth states gravely as she stares unflinchingly at Miss Bingley. She will not tolerate such rotten behavior anymore or stand for any degradation. “I am not insinuating; I am stating a fact; you come, purely, from trade. How dare you talk spitefully about people you do not know just for the sake of demeaning them and for what? So that you can feel better about yourself? You need to degrade people to make yourself look better? How can you feel better about yourself when you come from the same roots as those you look down upon? I pity you.”
“How dare you! I do not have a ridiculous mother trying to marry me and my sister off to the next available man down the street. However, I have to remember that your mother is from trade, so she is familiar with that part of society, but she still should show some restraint in public. How dare she announce to others in that wretched little town that my brother would marry your sister – to be stuck with her for a mother-in-law would be the ultimate degradation to our family.” Miss Bingley declares crossly, offensively, and repulsively.
“Caroline!” Both Bingley and Mrs. Hurst grit out their sister’s name simultaneously in the middle of Miss Bingley’s statements and Mrs. Hurst pulls on Caroline’s arm noticeably, but Caroline does not give way.
At the same instant that Miss Bingley speaks her mind, Jane gasps in horror and her face is in complete shock the entire dialogue. Jane is struck still as a statue; she cannot move an inch due to the offensive insult.
Elizabeth austerely stares directly at Miss Bingley, and then she composedly says, “Miss Bingley, I am not going to argue with you in public because I was born a gentlewoman which is more than you can ever aspire to be naturally. Daughters of gentlemen will always be gentlewomen. You cannot marry into being a genuine gentlewoman no matter how much money you have from your family’s trade to buy yourself a husband.” Elizabeth’s stare is grave and unwavering; she will not back down. She does not like to flaunt her gentlewoman status, but if Miss Bingley insists on bringing that up as an issue, then Elizabeth has no choice except to point it out plainly. She only feels sorry for Mr. Bingley to have to be tied to such a sister; however, if Mr. Bingley cannot do something about this, then he will always have a problem with Miss Bingley, and he will not have a happy wife in the future.
Miss Bingley is flushed with heat, shocked, and speechless at Elizabeth’s statements. Miss Elizabeth Bennet just cut her in public!
Darcy glares straight at Miss Bingley to sternly say, “Miss Bingley, my betrothed and I will no longer acknowledge you in the future. Do not continue to claim an acquaintance with me or anyone related to me.” His words are grim and composed. He will never allow anyone to speak ill of Elizabeth. Darcy is a fair man, but he remembers all slights, especially ones towards his betrothed or his family. Then, he turns to Bingley and the Hursts to say, “Goodnight, Bingley. Goodnight Mr. and Mrs. Hurst.” Darcy displays a disappointed, curt bow before he turns to Elizabeth.
Caroline is staggered and dismayed – Mr. Darcy also just cut her in public!
Morgan replies instantly, “Yes, certainly, I will escort Miss Bennet.” Morgan says to Jane, “I am sorry that you were exposed to such things tonight; I did not know she was that type of a person. I guess looks could definitely be deceiving.” Morgan walks away with an appalled and traumatized Jane who is covering her mouth with her head downward.
Caroline cannot move – Lord, Mr. Morgan also cut her in public!
Richard escorts Mrs. Annesley away while casually saying to Bingley, “Bingley, you must see to your younger sister managing herself better, for goodness sakes. Proper ladies do not conduct themselves in this abominable manner while in public. She is not thirteen years old; therefore, it is inexcusable. You will certainly be adversely affected with such a relation.”
Caroline heard Colonel Fitzwilliam’s comments to Charles – he censured her and cut her! Good God, Lady Matlock will hear of this, and then perhaps, she will be completely shut out by the Ton.
Richard is incredulous that Bingley could not stop his younger sister. She is an embarrassment who thinks that she is proper and good. Darcy and Elizabeth set her down appropriately. He knows that they could have been harsher except that they still consider Bingley a friend. Bingley is in a very tight spot; however, he has to recognize that his sister was rude and insolent to be considered a real lady with proper upbringing. She will definitely be a detriment to Bingley if he does not do something about her.
Bingley is so humiliated, embarrassed, ashamed, and aghast right now; he cannot hide his face fast enough. He does not have any more words for Caroline. He could only nod at Colonel Fitzwilliam’s statement which was completely true. He probably just lost one of his best friends and four other friends who are utterly shocked by Caroline’s indecent exchange. Bingley cannot take it anymore. He hopes that the people adjacent to them did not hear Caroline’s comments and the cuts that Darcy, Miss Elizabeth, Morgan, and Colonel Fitzwilliam delivered to Caroline. How is he ever going to fix this with Darcy, Miss Elizabeth, and Miss Bennet? His opportunity at getting back with Miss Bennet is nonexistent now – he is certain. After this mess, who will want to associate with Bingley or Caroline except to get to their money? Such disgrace and mortification; it is beyond anything he ever thought could happen, due to Caroline.
“I think it best that we all leave now, Charles,” says Mrs. Hurst with great embarrassment. She felt all four cuts even though it was not directed at her; however, the truth encompassed her entire family. This has been a most demeaning night. There goes the association with the Darcys. Caroline just made a grave social faux pas; now, they all will have to pay for it. Stupid, stupid Caroline!
“Yes, I do too, Louisa. Hurst, will you escort Louisa and Caroline out to our carriage? I need to apologize to Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, and Darcy straight away.” Bingley says most seriously before stepping away without waiting for an answer.
“Certainly, Bingley. I hope Darcy will be forgiving; Caroline did insult his betrothed and her entire family. Good luck.” Mr. Hurst says critically as he glares at Caroline, but she does not care that her brother-in-law is upset. Mr. Hurst is beyond tired of Caroline; he has been tolerant of her because of his wife, but after tonight he cannot condone it any longer. Now, he and his wife will also be excluded from certain society that he has aspired to travel in. Miss Elizabeth is a nice person, but Caroline hates her so much due to Darcy’s interest in her. Well, it is too late now; Darcy will not forget or forgive Caroline’s demeaning outburst. “Louisa, you walk out with her, and please be quick about it. I am not going to be seen with her. I will see you at the coat check area.” Mr. Hurst walks away without another glance back.
Bingley approaches Darcy’s group. He just wants to apologize and then leave because he is simply too mortified.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, Darcy – please, allow me to apologize for the horrendous display by Caroline. I hope that this unfortunate incident will not prevent us from remaining friends.” Bingley states humbly and with great regret. He has never had to apologize for something so upsetting and so humiliating.
Elizabeth feels bad for Mr. Bingley because he is caught in an awful position. She feels she has to say something because she was the most vocal during that incident. Elizabeth looks at William and then at Jane; both are quiet. Since Jane and William do not seem to want to respond, Elizabeth wants to say something to relieve Mr. Bingley from the guilt he seems to be carrying. He should not have to apologize for his abysmal sister’s outburst.
“Mr. Bingley, I will speak since I was the one that Miss Bingley targeted and I responded to her vocalizations. I should not have fallen for her goading, but it is very difficult not to defend justice. You did not deliberately say those callous things to demean us; therefore, I do not personally hold anything against you.” Elizabeth says calmly.
“Thank you, Miss Elizabeth. You are a fair and a good person. I wish you and your family a happy new year.” Bingley is humiliated beyond imagination; he does not know what else to say to his friends.
“Happy new year to you too, Mr. Bingley.” Elizabeth responds courteously. She sees that Jane does not want to respond.
“Darcy, Fitzwilliam, Morgan – I wish you all a happy new year.” Bingley is embarrassed…no words can describe his embarrassment at this point; he just hopes that he does not lose these friends.
All three gentlemen respond succinctly and positively to Bingley. Afterwards, Richard says that he will greet a friend across the room. Bingley requests to speak to Jane privately for just a minute; she hesitantly agrees. They take a few steps away from the group. At this point, Elizabeth starts to converse with William and Mr. Morgan so that it is not awkwardly silent while they wait for Jane and Mr. Bingley to finish talking.
“Yes, Mr. Bingley?” Jane asks impassively; she is angry, embarrassed, and mortified all at once.
“Miss Bennet, please allow me to say how sorry I am for Caroline’s dreadful comments. I am fully humiliated and ashamed of her behavior. I am very sorry you had to witness her unpardonable display of disgusting arrogance and false superiority. I was shocked, myself.” Bingley takes a deep breath before continuing. He really hopes that Miss Bennet will not extinguish his dream. “Miss Bennet, may I call upon you tomorrow? I would like to talk to you about something very important.” Bingley states seriously and penitently.
“Mr. Bingley, you are not the one that needs to apologize; I know you are not anything like Miss Bingley. However, I do appreciate your words. As for calling upon me, I do not think there is anything else for us to talk about. I accept your apology for the earlier incident. There is no need to talk about it again.” Jane assures Mr. Bingley; she has the feeling that he wants to talk to her about their past relationship.
“Miss Bennet, please; I need to talk to you about our situation.” Bingley implores nervously. He has a bad feeling about this.
“Sir, we have no situation.” Jane counters conclusively.
Bingley beseeches, “Miss Bennet, may I please speak with you tomorrow or any other day that is convenient for you?”
“I do not think there is anything more to say except to wish you a happy new year, Mr. Bingley. Good night, sir.” Jane says with finality and then curtsies before walking back to her group.
Bingley is distraught as soon as Miss Bennet declines on seeing him. He thinks Morgan is fond of Miss Bennet; Bingley has seen how Morgan has talked to her. Good Lord, what has he done?! He has made a huge, life-changing mistake with Miss Bennet. He needs to talk with Darcy immediately. Bingley dejectedly follows right behind Miss Bennet back to her group.
“Darcy, would it be possible for me to call upon you tomorrow? I would like your advice about Netherfield.” He
feels horrible for using Netherfield as an excuse, but he does not want to give Darcy a chance to turn down his visit. Bingley knows that Darcy is a good friend who will not turn down his plea for assistance.
“Yes, Bingley. How about noon?” Darcy knows that Bingley does not want to talk about Netherfield; Bingley wants to talk about Jane and Miss Bingley. Darcy feels sorry for anyone with a sister like Miss Bingley; therefore, he will try to help Bingley as much as he can.
“Yes, that is fine. I will see you tomorrow at noon, then. Good night everyone; happy New Year.” Bingley makes a last bow and turns to leave in mortification. He will not forgive Caroline for costing him such great friends because of her maliciousness and her delusions of grandeur.
The rest of the ball is filled with fun, dancing, and conversations. At the stroke of midnight, Darcy and Elizabeth delightfully clink wine glasses with each other and wish one another a joyous New Year. Darcy bends down a little so that Elizabeth will be the only one to hear him say, “I love you with all of my heart, dearest. Imagine my kiss to your lips, at this moment.” After which, he smiles most handsomely and mischievously with a bright sparkle in his blue eyes.
Elizabeth blushes and responds affectionately while looking up at him innocently. “I love you so very much, William. Your lips are very soft; I enjoy your kisses immensely.” She gives him her enticing smile which she knows affects him all the time, and then she gently licks her lips.
Darcy takes a deep breath and closes his eyes briefly before opening them with great satisfaction after he heard Elizabeth’s comment and sees her licking her lips. Good God! Thirty one more days!
Throughout the night, Morgan does not feel that Miss Bennet has acted any differently towards him after that shocking display from Miss Bingley. Morgan was surprised that Bingley requested to speak to Miss Bennet separately. Morgan can only assume that Bingley wanted to personally apologize to her because she was in such a state of shock caused by his sister. However, he senses that Bingley may be interested in Miss Bennet or has been interested in her. This would not be a stretch of the imagination for Darcy to introduce Bingley to her since Darcy is very good friends with him ever since Oxford. It is more surprising to Morgan that Bingley has not pursued Miss Bennet; has he ever pursued her? Is Jane the person who Miss Bingley was referring to about marrying Bingley?
