Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley

by Fenella J Miller

  MISS BENNET & MR BINGLEY

  By

  Fenella J Miller

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any method, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of The Author - Fenella J. Miller

  Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley Copyright Fenella J. Miller, 2012

  This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

  Dedication

  for

  Amanda Grange: good friend and bestselling author of many Jane Austen related books.

  Cover design Jane Dixon-Smith

  MISS BENNET AND MR BINGLEY

  Fenella Miller

  Chapter One

  ‘Darcy, what do you think of my new home?’ Mr Bingley enquired anxiously as he ushered his guests into the entrance hall where the staff were lined up for inspection.

  His friend looked around, and nodded. ‘It will do, Bingley. It is exactly as you described it. The situation is ideal, not too far from town, and what I have seen of the grounds they have been well maintained. This entrance hall is spacious, no doubt the other rooms equally so.’

  His sister, Caroline, immediately fluttered to Darcy’s side. ‘Mr Darcy, how right you are to say so. It is nothing compared to Pemberley of course, there is nothing so beautiful as your estate in Derbyshire. Hertfordshire is nothing compared to that. However, I am sure we shall all be very comfortable here, Charles. As long as we have each other we shall not be starved of acceptable company.’

  The housekeeper stepped forward and curtsied politely. ‘Shall I show your guests to their rooms, sir? There will be a cold collation served in the small dining room at noon. Cook thought you might wish for something after your journey.’

  He nodded and smiled amiably. ‘Thank you, Nicholls, I am sure you have everything as it should be. Caroline, Louisa, if you care to view your apartments, Darcy, Hurst and I shall stroll around the grounds until you return.’

  ‘Bingley, I am a trifle fatigued after the journey, I think I shall find somewhere to put my feet up for a while.’

  ‘Hurst you are a lazy devil. Come, Darcy, surely you are not tired? Nothing so trifling as a carriage ride from town will put you out, I am sure.’

  Darcy laughed. ‘Show me the interior first, my friend, if the ladies are to return in half an hour that shall not be time enough to view the grounds.’

  Bingley led him through the drawing-room, the smaller parlour, the breakfast room, the dining room before arriving at the billiard room. ‘Shall we play a frame or two whilst we wait, Darcy?’

  ‘It would be better to leave it until after we have eaten, we would scarce have got into the game before we would have to leave it.’ He strolled across to the long windows that opened on to the terrace. ‘I cannot tell you, Bingley, what a relief it is to be out of town. Although it is empty of society I still feel myself pursued every time I appear in public. Do you not find every matchmaking matron on your tail hoping to entice you to offer for their daughter?’

  ‘I do agree. It is what I most dislike about being there. Here in the country people are more natural, are prepared to walk from place to place regardless of the weather.’ He joined his friend to gaze out on to the well manicured park. ‘The deer and sheep that keep the grass looking so smart are leased to me, along with the house. I have already made myself known to the principal families in the neighbourhood, I shall introduce you at the ball tomorrow.’

  Mr Darcy yawned. ‘No doubt we shall both be fawned upon; I am certain that news of our circumstances will have been much discussed. Sometimes I am tempted to offer for the first eligible young woman and be done with it. Pemberley needs a hostess and Georgiana would benefit from a sensible female in her life.’

  ‘Is your sister still at Pemberley with her companion?’

  Mr Darcy nodded. ‘She is almost an adult and I believe I must make different arrangements for her soon.’

  ‘Bring her here for a visit some time. My sisters dote on her.’ He frowned as he considered Darcy’s last remark about marrying for convenience. ‘I shall not marry for practical reasons, I intend to marry for love.’

  The sound of the ladies in the distance cut short their conversation. ‘I am intending to enjoy myself here, and I know that both my sisters are looking forward to dressing in their finest and impressing the locals. Come, Darcy, let us join Caroline and Louisa. This afternoon we shall ride around the park and you must give me your opinion of the farms. I might consider purchasing Netherfield if you think it suitable.’

  * * * *

  The evening of the ball duly arrived and, as always, Mr Bennet refused to accompany his wife and five daughters. Jane stood obediently in front of the mirror waiting for her maid to finish adjusting her gown. ‘I own that I am pleased with this dress; the neck is not too low and so I shall not have the bother of taking a shawl.’

  ‘The turquoise beads sewn around the hem and décolletage are perfect. I have never seen you look in better countenance, I am sure there shall be none more beautiful attending the ball this evening.’

  Jane reached out to replace a strand of dark hair that had escaped from her sister’s elegant arrangement. ‘Your damask-rose silk, is equally attractive, Lizzy. I believe we have both made an extra effort to impress. It is a blessing our younger sisters are still obliged to wear white, I am sure that both Kitty and Lydia would be dressed in scarlet or emerald green if they were permitted.’

  It was somewhat overcrowded in the carriage but they were used to that. It was already dark by the time they arrived and the pavement outside glowed orange in the light of the many flambeaux. The groom jumped down from the box and let down the steps and Mrs Bennet emerged first, the many egret feathers on her burgundy turban nodding in the breeze.

  ‘Come along, girls, we do not wish to be tardy. There, Lady Lucas is ahead of us, do hurry up, and make sure you do not mire the hems of your gowns on the path. I noticed it has been swept, but one cannot be too careful.’

  Jane exchanged a smile with Elizabeth. Their mother said the same thing every time they attended. They followed dutifully up the stairs and into the assembly rooms; she could hear her three younger sisters chattering like sparrows behind her.

  The band was tuning up ready to start playing the first reel. Already the place was a buzz with noise and the crystals on the chandeliers glittered in the candlelight. Jane looked around the crowded room and was relieved to see Lady Lucas had saved the usual spot for their mother and themselves close to the entrance, where anyone coming or going could be clearly seen.

  ‘There are not nearly enough gentleman here tonight, I fear I shall be obliged to sit out several of the dances as usual.’

  ‘Things will be better when the regiment is established nearby. Do not despair, Lizzy, I am sure we shall both have sufficient opportunity to dance this evening.’

  Jane threaded an arm through her sister’s and they swept across the ballroom, not unaware of the many admiring looks they received from the gentleman that were in attendance. Not wishing to crush their gowns, they gathered like gossamer butterflies in the space behind the matrons’ chairs, talking animatedly to each other, but their eyes were on the door waiting to see the arrival of the party from Netherfield.

  * * * *

  Charles found himself as eager to attend this local gathering as ever he had been when attending a smart occasion in society. He took more care with his appearance, and
was ready and waiting in the drawing-room long before the appointed hour. Darcy was there before him. He grinned, it was ever thus. His friend was always first at everything. ‘I must say you look very fine, my friend, you shall have the ladies a flutter when you enter the assembly rooms this evening.’

  Darcy raised an eyebrow. ‘I have no interest in so doing. As you are well aware, Bingley, I prefer to be in the company of friends. I dislike dancing unless it is with someone that I know well, and I am sure that the whole evening will be tedious in the extreme.’

  ‘You are a deal too particular, Darcy. I am certain it will be a delightful evening, I have heard so much about the beauty of the Bennet girls, and I intend to dance with every one of them.’

  ‘If I am particular, Bingley, then you are a deal too easily pleased. However, I shall not spoil your pleasure in the occasion. Only, I beg you, do not insist that I mingle. You know I detest small talk and especially with parochials such as these.’

  They travelled in two carriages, Charles, Darcy and Hurst in one, the ladies in another. Caroline and Louisa had no intention of having their new ball gowns creased. The carriage halted in front of the assembly rooms.

  ‘My word, this is far larger than I anticipated. And it is already bustling. Gentlemen, I am determined to enjoy myself.’ He glanced at his friend, who was looking bored. ‘And even your disapproving face, Darcy, shall not spoil the evening for me.’ Darcy smiled, making him look less austere. He was a good fellow, and he valued his advice above anything.

  They entered the noisy rooms and he and his party were immediately surrounded. He smiled and bowed, rather enjoying the attention he was engendering. He knew his friend, who was much handsomer than he, and far richer, was gaining a great deal of admiration from the assembled crowd. He wished Darcy would smile more, appear less forbidding and disagreeable, and was determined to make up for his friend's lack of humour by being more open himself.

  He was soon acquainted with all the notable people in the room. He danced every dance and was angry when he heard that the ball was to close so early and talked of giving one himself at Netherfield. However, although he danced with most of the young unattached females, he had eyes only for one. He had not been misled, all the Bennet girls were pretty, but Jane, the oldest, was a diamond of the first water. He led her out for the first of the two dances he was permitted to have with any one partner, and found her company to be as enchanting as her appearance.

  ‘Miss Bennet, tell me, do you ride out around Longbourn?’

  The young lady smiled as she dipped and curtsied in the dance. ‘Indeed I do, sir, I am the only one in my family, apart from the my father, who likes to ride. My sisters prefer the carriage or their own two feet.’

  As their hands met again he felt them tremble in his grip. She was an angel, so sweet and kind, and the loveliest girl he had seen in his whole life. He finished this dance and bowed low. ‘I believe our second dance, Miss Bennet, follows immediately. I wish it was possible to lead you out for every dance, but I know it would be frowned upon.’

  ‘I should not accept the offer of a third dance, Mr Bingley. But I look forward to dancing with you once more this evening as soon as the music starts again.’

  She whisked away in a whirl of green taffeta and he glimpsed an enticing, well turned ankle as she did so. He noticed that Elizabeth Bennet, almost as handsome as Jane, had been obliged by the scarcity of gentlemen to sit down for two dances. This would not do, when his friend was standing beside him. ‘Darcy, I must have you dance. I hate to see you standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You must dance.’

  ‘I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am well acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as this, it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, there is not another woman in the room that it would not be a punishment for me to stand up with.’

  ‘I would not be so fastidious as you are, for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls in my life as I have this evening; there are several here that are uncommonly pretty.’

  Darcy half smiled at him. ‘You are about to dance again with the only handsome girl in the room.’ He nodded towards the eldest Miss Bennet.

  ‘Indeed! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, and she is very pretty, and I daresay, very agreeable. Let me ask my partner to introduce you.’

  ‘You mean her?’ Turning round he stared at Miss Bennet’s sister, then catching her eye withdrew his own and said rather coldly. ‘She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who have been slighted by other gentlemen. You had better return to your partner and enjoy her smiles, you are wasting your time with me.’

  Charles watched him walk off, disappointed by his attitude. He wished Darcy would be less particular, would put himself out to be more agreeable. He turned and went to claim his partner for the second time, pushing the unpleasant incident to the back of his mind.

  ‘Miss Bennet, I have never had such a delightful evening in the country before this. And your sisters, so amiable and pleasing.’

  ‘It is kind of you to say so, Mr Bingley. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst are charming; I believe that Miss Bingley is closer to you in age than Mrs Hurst?’

  ‘Yes, she is indeed. I am most grateful to her for agreeing to be my hostess, my sister knows exactly how things should be done.’ He saw her glance admiringly in Caroline’s direction. ‘Do you know, she has hired the extra servants that I require for my stay at Netherfield, she is so much better at dealing with the staff than I.’

  They were separated by the dance but when they were rejoined Charles smiled at his partner.

  ‘It is fortuitous that Caroline is still unmarried, I do not know what I should do without her. I should not be able to entertain, neither have my friends around me.’

  ‘I am sure, sir, that she does everything with elegance. I do so admire her gown, it is the height of modernity, I have seen every lady present admiring it.’

  ‘That is kind of you to say so, I shall be sure to pass on your compliments. It is her suggestion that I purchase an estate of my own, but I decided it would be more beneficial to rent initially.’

  The music paused whilst the set regrouped for the second part of the dance. Charles kept her hand firmly through his arm, he was not going to allow any other gentleman to steal her away. ‘Louisa has recently married Hurst and Caroline was her bridesmaid. Louisa is dependent on her judgement, she is very much attached to her sister consequently they are often with us.’

  ‘Lizzy, Elizabeth, is my dearest friend and closest to me in age. She is kind and clever, but not a bluestocking like Mary. Kitty and Lydia are different again, there’s no doubt you have noticed they are popular and high-spirited, but good girls and I love them dearly.’

  He saw her glance to the group of military men who surrounded these younger Bennet girls. Lydia stretched up and whispered into a gentleman’s ear, causing a ripple of dismay to pass along the row of seated matrons.

  ‘Oh dear! She should not have done that.’

  He laughed down at her rueful expression and she returned his smile. He liked the way she loved her sisters in spite of their foibles. Miss Bennet must be the most amiable girl in the room. The violins began to play and he whirled her away down the line admiring her grace; she danced quite as well as anyone he partnered at society balls, he doubted there was anyone more elegant than his current partner.

  ‘Miss Bennet, I had thought of giving a ball at Netherfield. Do you think I shall have enough acquaintances to fill the room by then?’

  ‘More than enough, Mr Bingley. I suspect that everyone here would consider themselves most favoured if they were to receive an invitation to such an event.’

  ‘But would you? Would you come if I invited you?’

  She blushed and in her confusion trod on the hem of her gown and he was obli
ged to lead her to one side for a moment. ‘I do beg your pardon, Mr Bingley, for being so clumsy. There, I have been lucky, I have not torn the silk.’

  ‘Shall we rejoin the set, Miss Bennet? I have no wish to miss a moment longer of the dance.’

  The dance ended far too soon and he was obliged to relinquish his partner and seek the next.

  He was satisfied with the evening, had enjoyed every moment he had spent with the delightful Miss Bennet. It was Darcy’s loss if he chose to remain aloof from the company.

  When eventually the evening ended and they returned to their carriages he was pleased with the outcome of his first venture into local society. He was determined to further his acquaintance with Miss Bennet and was hopeful that an invitation to dine at Longbourn would arrive the following day. Indeed, he would send his sisters to pay a morning call on the Bennets to ensure that this was forthcoming.

  Chapter Two

  It was after midnight when the Bennet family returned to their carriage. The distance to the village of Longbourn was short, but no one of any consequence would consider walking to an assembly. Jane sat in the corner, Mrs Bennet next and Elizabeth in the other. Kitty, Lydia and Mary occupied the seat opposite.

  It was a sad squash. The rattle of the wheels over the cobbles as they pulled away was accompanied by a continuous stream of chatter from the three youngest Bennet girls and their mother. Jane and Elizabeth were happy to sit quietly each lost in her own thoughts.

  Jane recalled every moment she had spent in the company of Mr Bingley and the way he had smiled down at her. She felt her cheeks flush as she recalled how particular he had been in his attentions. He had not danced twice with any other young lady. The younger girls had danced every dance, not being as particular in their requirements as Elizabeth and she, and Mrs Bennet had not seemed to object.

  They descended from the carriage in high spirits, to find that Mr Bennet was still up. If he was not exactly eager to hear how the evening had progressed, he was at least willing to sit and listen with a degree of attention.