Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley

by Fenella J Miller

  Unfortunately this was not the case. The further they travelled from the comfort of her own home, and the companionship and love of Elizabeth, the lower her spirits sunk. She made an effort to reply cheerfully to the kind enquiries of her aunt and uncle but in spite of her best attempts they realized something was awry.

  Her aunt asked solicitously. ‘My dear Jane, do you have the headache?’

  Jane nodded dumbly. ‘I am afraid that I do, Aunt Gardiner. Pray forgive me for my lack of energy, I shall be perfectly well when we have arrived and I have had time to rest.’ Jane hated to deceive her relatives even on so small a point.

  She felt it was her just desserts that by the time they actually arrived in Cheapside she did indeed have a fearsome megrim. She was almost incapable of speech, her stomach roiled, and she felt that the right side of her head was about to come asunder from the left.

  ‘Do not try to speak, my dear, and leave your belongings in the carriage, a servant shall collect them for you. Come along, lean on your uncle, we shall take you in safely, never fear.’

  Jane scarcely recalled her passage across the pavement, up the steps and into the house. She was aware of a blur of little faces peering at her eagerly through the banisters, but was far too wretched to acknowledge them. Without the physical support of her uncle she was certain she could not have reached the bedchamber allotted to her.

  ‘There you are, my dear girl, you shall be comfortable directly. A maid servant shall take care of you now. I hope you are recovered soon.’

  Someone, she was not sure who, removed her garments and replaced them with a cool nightgown. Then she was between the sheets, the bed hangings drawn, the shutters closed and she was left in the peace and darkness she craved.

  It was to be several days before Jane felt herself sufficiently recovered to do justice to her warm welcome, and the loving kindness off her aunt and uncle, by joining them downstairs.

  She had the exclusive use of a maid servant, and it was a luxury she enjoyed but believed she did not deserve. The girl shook out the folds of Jane’s skirt and stood back to admire her handiwork. ‘There, Miss Bennet, you look a treat. That green gown is perfect.’

  ‘Thank you; I believe that I am ready to face my little cousins at last. I have heard them clattering up and down outside, but until now have not felt well enough to greet them.’

  She had visited the spacious house in Cheapside on many occasions, but this was the first time she had been on her own. It felt strange to descend the stairs without Elizabeth behind her; her sister would be wondering how she did, she had promised to write as soon as she had arrived. The stairs curved round to end in a long, black-and-white tiled passage.

  ‘There you are, my dear Jane, you are looking a lot better this morning. You are still heavy eyed and far too pale, but that is only to be expected having been so sick for the past two days.’

  ‘I do feel a little weak, but I believe that after I have broken my fast and stretched my legs a little I shall be recovered.’ She looked around expecting to see her cousins waiting to greet her.

  ‘Are the children are not up yet?’

  ‘Good heavens, they have been up for hours. No, I have sent them out for a walk with the nursemaid to view the ships on the river. They shall not return until midday, so we have the house to ourselves.’

  Jane followed her aunt to the rear of the house to a small, sunny room in which the family took their meals during the day. There was a larger, more formal dining room, but this was only used in the evening when there were guests present.

  There was no sideboard with a selection of dishes waiting under silver lids in this house. Here, you asked for what you wanted and it was prepared especially. She thought that her aunt and uncle were considerably better off than her family, but did not believe in conspicuous expenditure. They liked to live simply, and she loved them for it.

  ‘I should like tea, and whatever bread your cook has baked this morning. I do not think I could face anything cooked today; I do hope I am not inconveniencing you by coming down at so late an hour when everyone else has finished their breakfast.’

  Her aunt laughed heartily . ‘You must stop apologizing to me, Jane. You know how it is; we stand on no ceremony here. We treat our staff well, and in return they are happy to deal with our irregular habits. I have not eaten yet myself, so I shall join you.’

  She picked up the little brass bell from the table and rang it loudly. Immediately the door opened and an elderly maid appeared, her apron pristine, her cap white. The woman bobbed in a curtsy. ‘Are you ready to order your breakfast, madam?’

  ‘We are; Miss Bennet would like fresh bread, butter, and honey.’ She turned to Jane who nodded. ‘Also we should like tea and whatever pastries are freshly made this morning.’

  Jane was not sure that her stomach was ready for any sweet treats, but she did not wish to disappoint her aunt by refusing.

  The tea, and other things, arrived within a few moments and she was pleased to find she was able to eat an acceptable amount of what was provided, even managing to eat one of the freshly baked scones; this, spread with strawberry conserve, was quite delicious.

  ‘What do you wish to do today, Jane? I expect you would prefer to remain quietly in the house, but if you wish to go down to the Honey Lane market, I should be happy to accompany you.’

  ‘That is kind of you, Aunt, but I have letters to write. I promised I should write to Lizzy when I arrived, she will be worrying if I do not send a note today.’

  Jane sharpened her pen, uncorked the ink bottle and sat pensively, wondering what to write. She could not tell Elizabeth she felt so low in spirits that she was finding it an effort just to get out of bed. No, that would not do. She must forget about Mr Bingley. He was the most amiable man she had ever met, and was certainly the first gentleman she had been in love with. She had no notion how long the pain of losing him would remain with her having not been unrequited in love before.

  Her letter to her sister was brief, apologizing for its tardiness, explaining that she had a particularly unpleasant megrim from which she was now fully recovered. Jane said the house was, as usual, warm and comfortable, her aunt and uncle perfect hosts, and that she was eagerly anticipating being re-introduced to her young cousins. There was nothing else of importance to say, she sanded the paper, folded and addressed it.

  She had brought with her a small amount of pin-money, her father was not ungenerous in this regard, but as she did not know how long her visit was to last, she had gratefully accepted the offer of having all her correspondence sent at the expense of her uncle.

  * * * *

  A week passed before she received a reply from Longbourn. Jane occupied the time by entertaining the children. Her steady sense and sweetness of temper exactly adapted her to tending to children in every way, of teaching, playing with them and loving them. She did not go out on morning calls, and no one came to visit. She thought she would write to Caroline and tell her again that she was staying in London with her relatives. Jane spoke to her aunt about sending a note round to Grosvenor Street and it was soon done, but she waited in vain for a reply.

  * * * *

  By Christmas Mr Bingley had given up hope of receiving a favourable reply from Jane. He could only believe that she had been so distressed by his letter that he could not bring herself to answer. He was so low in spirits that even his sister remarked upon it.

  ‘Charles, you must make more of an effort to be sociable. Upon my word I do believe you are becoming as difficult to please as Mr Darcy. Will you not come and join Georgiana, Louise and I for afternoon tea?’

  The last thing he wished to do was make small talk with the painfully shy Miss Darcy. However, whilst he was staying in Pemberley he must make the effort; he was a guest in his friend’s house and he did not like to think that he was being found wanting in his duties. He must push his own sadness to one side and pretend that he was enjoying the carol singers, figgy pudding and other festive treats.


  They stayed up to hear the bells ring in the New Year and as he raised his glass of champagne with the others he made his own resolution. He would leave Derbyshire as soon as the weather improved and ride down to see Jane. He would not believe she had rejected him until he heard it from her own lips.

  Ten days later he cantered into Meryton, a groom in attendance. He was unrecognizable under his many caped coat, tall beaver hat and muffler. He had deliberately taken a horse from his stables that had not been with him in Hertfordshire.

  ‘Jenkins, you know what you have to do? Go into the general stores and enquire after the Bennet family at Longbourn. Remember, you have a parcel to deliver to Miss Jane Bennet.’

  The man swung down from the saddle and nodded, touching his cap with his whip. ‘I ain’t to tell them who the parcel’s from, nor say you’s outside.’

  ‘Exactly so. I shall walk the horses whilst I wait. Do not be long, it is perishing cold standing around.’

  Ten minutes later his man emerged. ‘It ain’t the news you was expecting, sir. Miss Bennet ain’t there, she’s gone away with friends for a visit.’

  Bingley tossed the reins down and, not waiting for his groom to remount, clattered back down the High Street, his hopes in tatters. He must put all thought of a union between himself and Miss Bennet behind him. It was time to get on with his life however bleak it might seem to him at the moment.

  * * * *

  Jane was in low spirits. Not hearing from Caroline, she had at last gone to see her and had met with unexpected coldness and she knew her association with them to be at an end. She hoped to retreat to her bed chamber but her aunt heard her coming in and came out to greet her.

  ‘My dear, let me assist you in removing your outdoor garments. You look half frozen after your visit to Grosvenor Square.’

  She was gently directed towards the small parlour and did not have the energy to refuse. Her bonnet and cloak gone, she had no excuse to leave the room. Reluctantly she took her usual chair and waited for her aunt to order tea and pastries.

  ‘You are so kind to me, I do not deserve it. As you have guessed I met with a miserable reception and my connection with the Bingleys is finally terminated. Lizzy was right, I do not believe Caroline and Louisa held any real affection for me, they were bored and so took me up.’

  ‘I am sure that you are far too sensible to repine. These things can happen to anyone, even someone as sweet and kind as you. Young men frequently embark on a little flirtation in order to pass the time, they mean no harm, and if you read more into it than was intended I am quite certain you have the strength of character to put it aside and get on with your life.’

  ‘It is easy for you to say, but I am in love with Bingley. I cannot put that aside so easily.’

  ‘I am afraid, my dear, that you must try. You have four sisters behind you, and it is important for you to be settled. There are plenty of agreeable men in London, it is just a matter of you finding one that will suit.’

  ‘I cannot easily forget him, but I promise I shall make an effort.’

  ‘That is all that I am asking, just be prepared to accompany us when we go out.’ A maid appeared with the tray and Jane was relieved the conversation turned to other topics. A while later she excused herself.

  ‘I am going upstairs to write to Lizzy, she will want to know what happened this morning. She never liked Miss Bingley or her sister, and I am afraid that I now must accept her opinion of them both. It is hard to see people in a poor light, but on this occasion I believe that I must do so.’

  ‘I am not surprised, my dear, a true friend would not have kept away so long. You have no need to be associated with someone as proud and disdainful as those two.’ Her aunt did not add any condemnation of their brother, but she knew it was implied. It was small wonder he had not been to see her, she must try and forget about him; he had obviously forgotten about her.

  She sat the small table, and wrote to her sister.

  ‘My dearest Lizzy, I am sure, you will be incapable of triumphing at my expense, when I confess myself to have been entirely deceived in Caroline’s regard for me. But, my dear sister, though the event has proved you right, I still assert, that, considering what her behaviour was, my confidence was as natural as your suspicion. I do not at all comprehend her reason for wishing to be intimate with me, but if the same circumstances were to happen again, I am sure I should be deceived again.

  Caroline did not come to see me; and not a note, not a line, did I receive in the mean time.

  When I did see her, it was very evident she had no pleasure in it, and said not a word of wishing to see me again, and was in every respect so altered a creature that when I departed I was perfectly determined to continue the acquaintance no longer. I will endeavour to banish every painful thought, and think only of what will make me happy, your affection, and the invariable kindness of my dear uncle and aunt. Let me hear from you very soon.

  I am extremely glad that you have such pleasant accounts from our friends at Hunsford. Pray go to see them, with Sir William and Maria. I am sure you will be very comfortable there.

  She must make the best of things, indeed, she had the children to entertain her and her aunt had promised her they would go skating on the Serpentine tomorrow. It was a considerable time since Jane had skated, she hoped she would not have forgotten how to stay upright. Uncle Gardiner was to accompany them and this made the outing extra special for the children.

  ‘Jane, will you hold my hand? I’m not very good at skating.’

  ‘I believe it will have to be the other way round, Lucy, for I am more likely to slip than you.’

  ‘No one is going to take a tumble this morning. When your Papa is present the morning would not dare to be anything but perfect.’

  The children giggled and with a deal of pushing and excitement the three adults and four children squeezed themselves into the carriage. The temperature had been below freezing for several days and Jane had been assured that the ice would be more than thick enough for skating without fear of falling through.

  The carriage bumped to a halt behind several others. She could already here shouts and cries of excitement coming from the lake. The carriage door opened, the steps were let down and the children scrambled out eager to don their blades and slide upon the ice. The youngest, Edward, was to be pulled by his father on a sled that had been carried on the luggage box.

  Jane strapped on her skates with some trepidation, she had never been an expert at this sport and was rather dreading being the only member of the party unable to glide gracefully across the frozen surface. Her aunt was not skating, she was to sit on a stool and provide encouragement and refreshments when required.

  ‘I am not sure this is such a good idea, Aunt Gardiner, I feel decidedly unstable and I am not yet on the ice.’ The others had already skated off leaving her to make her own way to the edge of the water.

  ‘Go along, my dear, it will come back to you, I am sure. If you stay close to the edge you can step back on to the grass if you feel insecure.’

  ‘It does look such fun, everyone is laughing and their faces are glowing with health and happiness.’ She glanced down at her woollen gown and heavy cloak. ‘At least if I do slip over I have several layers of material to cushion my fall.’

  With a few tentative steps she was suddenly away and travelling with increasing speed towards the centre of the ice. She knew herself to be dangerously out of control, her feet moving of their own volition, her balance precarious. She heard a warning shout behind her but could not respond.

  Suddenly there was a hideous cracking noise as the ice in front of her gave way. There was nothing she could do, she was going to plunge into the icy depths and drown. Her arms waved frantically and she threw her weight backwards hoping to avoid catastrophe. Then from nowhere someone grabbed her cloak and she was hauled away from danger at great speed. Her feet flew from under her and she tumbled, her limbs entangled with her rescuer, to the ice.

  Th
e breath was knocked from her lungs, her head spun, but she was safe. Too shocked to move she lay cradled against the warmth of another skater.

  ‘My dear Jane, are you hurt? Here, let me assist you to your feet. The gentleman who saved you is unable to move until you do.’

  Her uncle reached down and she was upright again. She leant her weight against him, needing his comforting bulk to support her. She felt someone gently lift each foot in turn and unstrap her blades.

  ‘There, you can take her to the side now, sir.’

  ‘Come along, Jane, I shall guide you to the bank. I promise I shall not let you fall, you are quite safe now.’

  It was not until she was sitting on a stool beside her aunt, cocooned in warm blankets, that her head cleared sufficiently for her to take in what had happened, how close to an icy grave she had come. She looked up to see a ring of anxious faces staring down at her.

  ‘See, children, I am none the worse for my adventure. But I think in future I shall sit on the grass and watch you skate.’

  Her four cousins smiled, the drama over, they were obviously eager to get back on the ice.

  ‘Is it safe to continue, Uncle?’

  ‘Perfectly, not only is the ice thick on this side of the pond it is also shallow water.’ He turned to speak to someone who was standing outside the circle. ‘My dear sir, we cannot thank you enough for saving Miss Bennet. Only your quick action prevented a tragedy.’

  Jane pushed herself to her feet, she wished to thank the man who had saved her life. Before she could speak the gentleman exclaimed in surprise.

  ‘Miss Jane Bennet? I cannot believe it is you. I had no idea I was rescuing an old acquaintance.’

  ‘Mr Fox! Of course, we did not recognize you at first. My word, my boy, you have certainly improved with age. I swear you have grown over a foot since we knew you all those years ago.’