Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley

by Fenella J Miller

  His sister stopped in the passageway and her eyes narrowed. ‘If you would prefer that I did not come, you only had to tell me so, Charles. There was no need to be offensive.’ She turned and stalked back into the drawing-room leaving him feeling decidedly uncomfortable.

  ‘Never mind, Bingley, I shall go back and smooth her ruffled feathers. I can select a book for myself tomorrow.’

  ‘Mr Bingley, this is a delightful room. I am certain we shall find exactly what Jane likes best.’

  Twenty minutes searching produced a gothic novel and two beautifully illustrated books on the wildlife of Scotland. ‘Thank you so much for your assistance in this matter, I do so wish Miss Bennet to be comfortable whilst she is here. I feel responsible for her illness.’

  The young woman whom he was beginning to like very well, smiled warmly. ‘Good grief! There is absolutely no need to blame yourself. Important as you are in the neighbourhood I do not believe you have power over the weather, Mr Bingley.’

  He chuckled at her wit. Her sister did not have such a facility with words, but he did not consider it necessary to be erudite in order to be interesting. Being able to converse on commonplaces was far more important in his opinion.

  ‘I shall not come back into the drawing-room, sir, I have been away too long from my sister. I must go up and see how she is.’

  He watched her run lightly up the wide oak staircase and thought how pretty she was; not as lovely as her sister, of course, but with a ready wit and fearless disposition she would make someone an excellent wife. He was smiling as he returned to the drawing-room and Darcy caught his eye, raising an eyebrow in characteristic fashion.

  He grinned and walked across to join him, speaking quietly so that they would not be overheard. ‘I have been enjoying a pleasant interlude in the library with Miss Elizabeth. She has taken up the books I selected, but shall return with news on how the patient does.’ He waited for his friend to comment but was to be disappointed on that score. ‘No doubt there is an extensive library at Longbourn and she has learnt to love reading from being there.’

  ‘Very possibly; however she would do better to listen more and voice her opinions far less.’

  ‘By that, I must assume that she did not defer to you?’

  ‘No, she did not.’

  Bingley was not sure from this conversation whether his friend was attracted or repelled by the Elizabeth’s outspokenness.

  He joined the card game, but was interrupted when Elizabeth returned to say Jane was far worse than that she could not leave her alone.

  ‘I shall send for Mr Jones at once, it does not matter how late the hour, I shall not rest easy until I know that Miss Bennet is in no danger.’

  ‘I do not think that a local apothecary shall do in this case, Charles. Rather send to London for an eminent physician tomorrow.’

  ‘Oh no, Mr Bingley, Miss Bingley, that is too kind, but quite unnecessary. Mr Jones will do very well, and could be sent for in the morning, if my sister is not decidedly better.’

  Charles no longer had any pleasure in the evening. He felt miserable at the thought that the young lady, who had become dear to him, was tossing and turning in discomfort upstairs whilst they were enjoying themselves below. His sisters agreed that it was a wretched business, but soon repaired to the pianoforte to sing duets. He would go to find the housekeeper and give her directions that every possible attention must be paid to the patient and her sister.

  He left the drawing-room in search of Nicholls. During that time he had spent in the library he had learnt a deal about Jane’s preferences. He would order her the food she liked, that was the least he could do in the circumstances.

  Knocking on the housekeeper’s door he waited until it was opened to him. ‘I was about to come and speak to you, sir. Miss Bennet has taken a turn for the worse, I have sent up cool water to bathe her temples and a tisane to help reduce the fever.’

  ‘Excellent; however I wish you to note down a list of Miss Bennet’s favourite food. She likes scrambled eggs, but not soft boiled; she prefers tea to coffee and hot chocolate not at all. Her preferences are sweet rolls and fresh butter and honey, and sometimes she enjoys a muffin toasted at the fire.’

  ‘I shall ensure that she gets tea on her tray in future, and as soon as she is able to eat I shall make sure she has the things you mentioned.’

  ‘Good. As to other meals, a nourishing fresh vegetable soup is a great favourite of hers. As soon as she is well enough I wish her to be given breast of chicken with lemon sauce and potatoes mashed with butter and cream.’ He rubbed his chin; had he recalled everything he had been told? Yes; the housekeeper would not wish to know that she did not sketch but played the piano, although he had been pleased to glean these details for himself.

  Chapter Five

  ‘Jane, I am going to write a note to Longbourn and ask our mother to visit and then she can decide if you are well enough to leave.’

  ‘I am so sorry to be a nuisance, Lizzy, such a lot of trouble. I am feeling hot, but a little better than I did last night.’ Jane wished that her family were not obliged to come to Netherfield. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst were everything that was kind, but she knew they found Mrs Bennet and her younger sisters rather too lively.

  ‘I shall get dressed this morning, I have no wish to receive visitors lying in my bed as I did yesterday.’

  ‘I shall allow you to put on your robe and sit in front of the fire in the parlour, but dressed you shall not get.’

  When Jane was settled Betty brought in a tray upon which was a small portion of scrambled eggs, a single sweet roll, a pat of butter and small dish of honey. The chambermaid followed with the tray of tea.

  ‘Lizzy! Look at this! It is all my favourites; how could the cook know what I liked?’

  ‘Because Mr Bingley asked me last night. Which reminds me he also selected three books for you to read when you are feeling better.’

  She handed them to Jane who saw at once they were exactly what she enjoyed. ‘How kind of him to think of me in this way. I hate being a trouble to him.’

  ‘He is not at all put out by us being here; in fact you must stop worrying immediately about putting him out in any way. He would not have spent so long selecting your books and organizing your breakfast if he did not wish you to be here.’

  ‘I am glad that he cannot come up and see me as I am. Is my nose very red? I am sure that I look a sorry sight. I can not imagine what Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst must think of me. They are so elegant, do not you think so, Lizzy?’

  ‘I shall not tell you my opinion of those two ladies - for you already know it - although I am forced to admit they dress to advantage. However, I must admit that Miss Bingley has appeared to be showing you the correct amount of solicitude. I cannot fault her there.’

  Everything on the tray looked so appetizing. ‘I believe that I shall try this breakfast after all.’ After eating Jane felt a little stronger. She blew her nose and sniffed loudly. ‘Do you remember, Lizzy, your first assembly at Meryton?’

  Her sister smiled. ‘I do indeed; I had my regulation white muslin gown, had talked of nothing else for weeks and then on the morning of the dance I came out in a rash. It was all you could do to persuade me to accompany you.’

  ‘I can recall you spending the entire evening hiding behind your fan whilst I enjoyed the dancing. It all seems so long ago, and now our sisters are following in our footsteps.’

  Elizabeth removed the remains of the breakfast tray and joined her sister in a second cup of tea. ‘I could wish that Kitty and Lydia were more like us. They have little reserve and although we had our come out early, I do not believe we have ever behaved as they do.

  ‘What about that young man we met when we were staying in London who fancied himself in love with me and wrote me poetry?’

  ‘Yes, it was execrable. What I remember particularly is that we were walking into Meryton and I was reciting parts to you when the very gentleman we were laughing at popped unexpected
ly out of the general stores.’

  ‘I was never so embarrassed in my life; In my shock I stepped sideways and was up to my ankles in a puddle and covered you in muddy water.’

  Her sister laughed out loud at the memory. ‘It was no more than we deserved. He was a pleasant gentleman; I wonder what happened to him?’

  ‘And what about the young man who was staying in Meryton two summers ago? He was madly in love with you - he was forever calling at the house. I believe that our mother thought you had made a match of it.’

  ‘The man was a simpleton - he could scarcely string a coherent sentence together.’ She smiled at Jane. ‘But I must admit he was prodigiously handsome and according to Aunt Philips had a fortune of three thousand pounds a year!’

  ‘Not enough to tempt you, Lizzy.’

  ‘Absolutely not; only love would make me contemplate giving up my independence to any man.’

  Jane felt her throat protesting at all the talking and laughing she had been doing. ‘I agree, I shall never marry either unless I am in love - nothing else matters in my opinion.’

  She felt too fatigued to continue and closed her eyes allowing herself to daydream about marrying a man she loved. She was almost certain that she had found him already; she would talk to her sister about it when she felt a little better.

  * * * *

  Charles was waiting anxiously for news of the patient. ‘How is Miss Bennet, this morning, Nicholls?’

  The housekeeper smiled happily. ‘The young lady has eaten breakfast and much enjoyed it, sir. I believe she is feeling a lot better.’

  ‘I am relieved to hear you say so; and was most concerned when I saw that a note had been sent to Longbourn.’

  He strolled back to the breakfast room where Darcy and his sisters were gathered; Hurst rarely appeared before noon. ‘Good morning; Miss Bennet is feeling much better, but I have still sent for the apothecary. I do not intend taking chances in this matter.’

  ‘I saw a note addressed to Mrs Bennet waiting to be delivered when I came down earlier,’ Caroline said, ‘are we to expect a visit from that delightful lady?’

  Darcy looked up. ‘Well, Bingley? Are we to have that pleasure?’

  ‘Do not look so appalled, my friend, you may make yourself scarce. I am sure that Mrs Bennet will be coming to see her daughter, and shall not stay after.’

  He had not long left the breakfast room when Mrs Bennet, accompanied by her two youngest daughters, was announced. Immediately Mr Bingley went out into the hall to greet them. He nodded and smiled and allowed her babble to pass over his head. While Caroline was giving up to date information about the patient he had leisure to examine Jane’s mother.

  Underneath the plumpness of her cheeks he could detect a physical resemblance to her eldest; it was impossible to see the colour of Mrs Bennet’s hair as it was hidden under a spectacular turban of purple silk extensively decorated with matching feathers. However, the colour of her eyes was exactly the same mix of green and brown as those that he admired so much.

  Mrs Bennet suddenly turned back and addressed him directly. ‘Mr Bingley, Mr Bennet and I wish to thank you for taking care of our eldest girls; I am sure that Jane is getting the best possible consideration at Netherfield and that without your particular attention she would be far worse than she is already.’

  ‘It is my pleasure, madam, and I am certain that both the patient and Miss Elizabeth shall be delighted that you have come so promptly to visit.’

  He wandered into the drawing-room to find his friend hiding behind a newspaper. ‘It is quite safe to emerge, Darcy. They have gone upstairs for the moment. However, when they come down I shall expect you to do the pretty and not leave me on my own. I hope having both her mother and her two younger sisters visiting will not cause Miss Bennet to have a relapse.’

  ‘It would certainly send me into a decline. I believe I can feel the need to go out for a long walk around the park coming upon me.’

  Laughing, Bingley threw himself into an adjacent chair. ‘Don’t you dare abandon me; just having you glowering in the background should be enough to curtail the visit.’

  * * * *

  A little later Jane was woken by the unmistakable sound of her mother, Lydia and Kitty approaching her rooms. They had obviously responded to the note with alacrity. She barely had time to push herself upright before that the door was flung open and her mother rushed in.

  ‘My dear Jane, we have been beside ourselves with worry for you. I am most relieved to find you a little better. I do not believe that your illness is alarming, but on the other hand the longer that you remain here the better it will be.’ Her mother smiled archly and Jane knew immediately to what she was inferring.

  ‘I should like to come home at once, ma’am, I am causing nothing but a nuisance at Netherfield.’

  But her mother would hear none of it. ‘My dear, you shall not budge from here until you are quite well. Mr Bingley is all anxious attention; you must stay here as long as possible.’ She looked across at Elizabeth. ‘I suppose that you could come back with us, Lizzy, now that Jane is a little better. Then Miss Bingley would have to sit with her and that would be no bad thing.’

  ‘If Jane is to stay here, ma’am, then so shall I. Shall we wait until the apothecary visits and go by his advice?’

  Jane hoped this gentleman would advise her immediate return to Longbourn, but he did the opposite and also advised against removal. Resigned to staying, at least for another night or two, she vaguely listened to the chattering about this and that. Thankfully Miss Bingley appeared and invited her mother and sisters to come down to the parlour. Jane hoped that they would not stay too long, it was the outside of enough having both Elizabeth and herself to contend with, without anyone else.

  * * * *

  Mr Bingley was poised to greet his visitors as they arrived in the drawing-room. ‘Mrs Bennet, I hope you have not found Miss Bennet worse than you expected?’

  ‘I have, sir. She is a great deal too unwell be moved. Mr Jones said we must not think of moving her. We must trespass a little longer on your kindness.’

  ‘Miss Bennet removed! It must not be thought of. My sister, I am sure, will not hear of her removal.’

  Of course Caroline agreed with him. Mrs Bennet then explained to them in great detail the excellence of Jane’s character. He agreed with her on every point. She ended her monologue by asking how long he intended to stay at Netherfield, as she knew that he had a short lease.

  ‘Whatever I do is done in a hurry, and therefore if I should tire of Netherfield, I should probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, I consider myself as quite settled.’

  Elizabeth smiled encouragingly at him.

  ‘That is exactly what I should suppose of you, Mr Bingley.’

  ‘You begin to comprehend me, do you?’

  ‘Yes; I understand you perfectly.’

  ‘I wish I might take this as a compliment; but to be so easily seen through I am afraid is pitiful.’

  ‘No, as it happens. It does not necessarily follow that the deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than someone who is less complicated.’

  ‘I did not know before that you are a study of character. It must be an amusing study.’ He noticed that Darcy was taking a close interest in their conversation. Elizabeth replied at once.

  ‘Yes, but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have that advantage.’

  Mr Darcy joined in. ‘The country does not generally supply you with many subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in a very confined and unvarying society.’

  Elizabeth was having none of this. ‘But people themselves alter so much that there is something new to be observed in one forever.’

  Mrs Bennet felt moved to speak and Mr Bingley watched Darcy look at her in disdain and then turn silently away.

  The lady turned to him. ‘I cannot see that London has any great advantage over the country for my part, except the shops and publi
c places. The country side is still pleasanter, is it not, Mr Bingley?’

  He nodded vigorously. ‘When I am in the country, I never wish to leave it; in town it is pretty much the same. They have each their advantages and I can be equally happy in either.’

  Mrs Bennet scowled at his friend. ‘Aye, that is because you have the right disposition. But that gentleman seemed to think the country was nothing at all.’

  ‘Indeed, ma’am, you are mistaken,’ Elizabeth said, blushing for her mother. ‘You mistook Mr Darcy. He only meant that they are not such a variety of people to be met within the country as in town, which you must acknowledge to be true.’

  ‘Certainly, my dear, nobody said there were; as for not meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I think there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with four and twenty families.’

  Charles was obliged to turn away in order to keep his countenance. His sister Caroline was less delicate, and directed her eyes towards Mr Darcy with a very expressive smile. Elizabeth deftly changed the subject by asking her mother if Charlotte Lucas had been at Longbourn since her coming away.

  He glanced at the mantel clock. Surely Mrs Bennet and her daughters had already stayed the requisite time? He was relieved that Caroline had not offered them refreshments, then they would be here forever. Although he was inordinately fond of Jane, Mrs Bennet was not the sort of person one usually associated with. She had far more too much to say, and most of it was either offensive or nonsensical.

  One of the things that was mentioned was the fact that when Jane had been fifteen years old and staying in London there had been a young man so in love with her he had written her poetry. Perhaps he should endeavour to compose some verses himself in honour of her beautiful face and sweet smile. He looked up to see Darcy smile at Elizabeth in a particular way and wondered again about his friend’s interest. But what did she think of him? He watched her closely but could see no signs of partiality. Rather, she seemed to like provoking Darcy. Surely a novel experience for his friend!