Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley

by Fenella J Miller

  ‘I should be delighted to go back to Hertfordshire for a week or two; I made good friends there and felt that I came away too quickly, without saying my farewells. I believe that there has been sufficient time passed by for me to return without exciting undue comment.’

  ‘Excellent! When shall you go down?’

  ‘I should send word to Nicholls tomorrow. If I allow her three days to remove the covers and fill the larder, that should be sufficient. I have only a skeleton staff at Netherfield, I shall send down my people from here. Although there will only be the two of us in residence, the house is far too large to be run without a full complement of servants.’

  The letter was duly written and sent the following morning; he was not sure if he was excited or fearful to be visiting Longbourn again after so many months absence. His future happiness depended on the reception he received from a certain member of the Bennet family.

  * * * *

  Jane was relived when the day of Lydia’s departure finally arrived. Even at the last, Lydia had made a jibe about her sisters not being married, saying that she would not have time to write to Longbourn now that she was married. She suggested that her sisters might like to write to her as they had nothing else to do.

  But life had barely settled down to normal when news arrived that Charles was to return to Netherfield! And all the hopes she thought she had put aside rose up again. Could he be returning for her?

  ‘I saw you look at me today, Lizzy, when Aunt Phillips told us of the present report; and I know I appeared distressed. But do not imagine it was from any silly cause. I was only confused for the moment because I felt that I should be looked at. I do assure you, the news does not affect me either with pleasure or pain. I am glad of one thing, that he comes alone; because we shall see the less of him. Not that I am afraid for myself, but I dread other people’s remarks.’

  ‘I am glad to hear you say so, Jane. You have had more than enough upset over the past few weeks it will do you no good to have more. Although, I do feel it is a shame that Mr Bingley cannot come to a house, which he has legally hired, without raising all this speculation.’

  ‘I do agree with you, and I, for one, shall not be expecting to see him at all. I have nothing against Mr Bingley, although I no longer wish to be intimate with his sisters, but neither do I wish to renew our acquaintance.’

  Jane was almost convinced that what she had said to Elizabeth was the truth. It had been nine months or more since she had set eyes on Charles, quite long enough to have recovered from her misapprehension. However, she knew herself to be affected by it. She jumped at every loud noise, felt her eyes fill with tears for no reason at all and was well aware that her sister knew how disturbed she was.

  It did not help that her mother began again on the subject that had been discussed at length almost twelve months ago. ‘As soon as ever Mr Bingley comes, my dear, you will wait on him of course.’ Mrs Bennet cried to her husband.

  ‘No, no. You forced me into visiting last year, and promised if I went to see him, he should marry one of my daughters. But it ended in nothing, and I will not be sent on a fool’s errand again.’

  Although her dear father did not mean to distress her by his remark Jane could not help but feel this referred to her dashed hopes. Her mother continued to demand that it was absolutely necessary for a call to be made to Netherfield; that all the other gentlemen in the neighbourhood would be visiting with their cards on Mr Bingley’s return.

  ‘It is an etiquette I despise. If he wants our society, let him seek it. He knows where we live. I will not spend my hours running after my neighbours every time they go away and come back again.’

  Mama would not give up the subject and Jane wished she could leave the room without drawing attention to herself.

  ‘Well, all I know is, that it will be abominably rude if you do not wait on him. But, however, that shall not prevent my asking him to dine here, I am determined. We must have Mrs Long and the Gouldings soon. That will make thirteen with ourselves, so there will be just room at table for him.’

  Jane was able to talk privately to Elizabeth on the matter. ‘I begin to be sorry that he comes at all; I could see him with perfect indifference, but I can hardly bear to hear it thus perpetually talked of. My mother means well; but she does not know, no one can know how much I suffer from what she says. Happy shall I be when his stay at Netherfield is over.’

  ‘I was you could say something to comfort you, but it is totally out of my power. You must feel it; and the usual satisfaction of preaching patience is denied me, because you have always so much.’

  Jane believed that she had revealed far too much of her feelings already and hastily changed the subject. When Charles arrived at Netherfield her mother continued to fret over how soon she could send the invitation to dinner, but the third the morning after his arrival they were all gathered in her mother’s dressing room when Mrs Bennet cried out in delight.

  ‘Oh! Do come and look, girls, just see who is riding towards the house at this very moment. I cannot believe Mr Bingley should come and see us before I had sent him his invite. I wonder what that can mean?’

  Jane clenched her fingers in her lap and remained where she was; Elizabeth, to satisfy her mother, went to the window, looked and hastily returned to her place. Jane noticed that she looked almost as disturbed as she by the visitor.

  ‘There is a gentleman with him, Mama, who can it be?’ Kitty cried.

  ‘Some acquaintance or other, my dear, I suppose; I am sure I do not know.’

  ‘La ! It looks like that man that used to be with him before. Mr what’s his name? That tall, proud man.’

  ‘Good gracious! Mr Darcy! And so it does!. Well, any friend of Mr Bingley’s will always be welcome here to be sure; but else I must say that I hate the very sight of him.’

  Jane turned and looked at Elizabeth with surprise and concern. She felt the awkwardness which must attend her sister in seeing him after she had revealed so much about Lydia’s disgrace. It was no wonder that Elizabeth had returned to her seat with such alacrity.

  Jane touched her hand and smiled sympathetically. It must be very difficult for her sister to be obliged to meet a man whose merit she had undervalued. Her face which had lost its colour now appeared to have an additional glow, and Jane could see Elizabeth lips trembling in a smile, and there was an added lustre in her eyes. She was at a loss to know what this could signify.

  She had no time to ponder on her sister’s reaction to the news that Mr Darcy was coming as the two gentlemen arrived in person. Jane greeted both guests politely and returned to her embroidery, and was embarrassed by the way that her mother treated Charles with such civility and was so cold to his friend.

  Jane hardly dared to raise her eyes, making random stabs at her sewing, knowing very well that she would have to unpick them when their visitors had gone. He seated himself next to her mother and she listened eagerly to what he said, just hearing him speak was a pleasure indeed.

  ‘It is a long time, Mr Bingley, since you went away.’

  ‘Indeed it is, Mrs Bennet, but I am here again now.’

  ‘I began to be afraid you would never come back. People did say you meant to quit the place entirely at Michaelmas; but, however, I hope it is not true. A great many changes have happened in this neighbourhood, since you went away. Miss Lucas is married and settled. One of my own daughters, Lydia, married Mr Wickham. I suppose you have heard of it; indeed, you must have seen it in the papers. It was in the Times and the Courier, I know; but it was not put in as it ought to be. Did you see it?’

  ‘I did, madam, and may I offer congratulations on your youngest daughter’s wedding?’

  ‘It is a delightful thing, to be sure, to have a daughter well married, but at the same time, Mr Bingley, it is very hard to have her taken away from me. They are gone to Newcastle, a place quite northward, it seems, and there they are to stay. I do not know for how long. His regiment is there; I suppose you have heard of his l
eaving the militia and of his being gone into the regulars? Thank heaven he has some friends, though perhaps not so many as he deserves ‘

  Jane saw Elizabeth flinch at these words and then her sister hastily joined in the conversation. ‘Mr Bingley, how long do you expect to stay in the country at present?’

  He smiled pleasantly. ‘A few weeks, I believe, Miss Elizabeth.’

  He had not changed; perhaps he looked a trifle older, but he was still the man she loved and she could not help herself from responding to his warm regard. On seeing her expression Charles moved across and took the seat that her sister had just vacated.

  Jane was anxious that he perceive no difference in her at all and was determined to talk as much as ever, be as open and amiable without showing any partiality, even though he seemed less chatty than she recalled.

  ‘Miss Bennet, I hope I find you well?’

  ‘Yes, Mr Bingley, thank you for enquiring.’ Jane searched her mind for something else to bring into the conversation as he seemed not to have anything further to say. ‘And Mrs Hurst, and Miss Bingley, they are both well?’

  ‘Yes, they shall not be joining me on this visit. They are busy in town.’

  Jane risked a glance at him and thought she saw admiration reflected in his eyes. Surely, after so long, she could not be so foolish as to believe him interested? ‘It is quiet at Longbourn now that Lydia has gone.’ She bit her lip in vexation, what had possessed her to mention the subject that must be embarrassing to both of them.

  ‘I must own, I was surprised to hear that your sister had married Wickham. But Darcy assured me it was a love match, so I wish them well.’

  It was then that Jane realised Charles did not know the full story; Elizabeth had been correct in believing that Mr Darcy would not reveal what he knew about Lydia’s disgrace. She was relieved, such knowledge might have made him think less of the family.

  ‘As do we all, of course. You are here for the shooting?’

  ‘I am, but I hope that I might be permitted to call at Longbourn as well?’

  Jane did not know how to answer; she dared not look at him in case her expression revealed her excitement at his words. Her feelings had not changed over the months they had been separated; could it be that he had reconsidered? That the intervening time had made him realize she was more to him than a friend?

  She was not aware that she sat in silence for much of the remainder of the visit. Her mind was so busily engaged in speculation that she forgot to speak. When the gentlemen rose to go away, Mrs Bennet was mindful of her intended civility, and they were engaged to dine at Longbourn in a few days time.

  ‘You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr Bingley, for when you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family dinner with us as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you see; and I assure you, I was very much disappointed that you did not come back and keep your engagement.’

  Jane saw Charles shift uneasily on his feet and his cheeks coloured. ‘I must apologize for not returning, but I was prevented by pressing business. I look forward to making up for my omission in a few days.’

  The gentlemen departed and Jane immediately followed her sister, who had left the room abruptly. She knew that her expression reflected her pleasure in the visit having passed so successfully without her having revealed to anyone her feelings.

  ‘Now, Lizzy, that this first meeting is over, I feel perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here on Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen, that on both sides, we meet only as indifferent acquaintance.’

  Elizabeth laughed, seeing through her words with ease. ‘Yes, very indifferent indeed! Oh Jane, do take care.’

  ‘My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me so weak as to be in danger now?’

  ‘I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.’

  Jane hurried away to the kitchen to collect the trug in which she was to pick plums for Hill to make a crumble. Once outside in the tranquillity of the orchard she thought back to what her sister had just said. Could Lizzy be right? Had Charles come back to Netherfield just to resume his courtship of her?

  She must not get her hopes raised, she could not bear to have them dashed a second time.

  But if this was true, why had he not come to see her while she had been staying in London? The only explanation could be that Caroline had not told him she was there.

  * * * *

  As Charles rode away from Longbourn he was well pleased with how the visit had progressed.

  ‘I think that Miss Bennet looks remarkably well, and Miss Elizabeth also, do not you think so, Darcy?’ He called across as they exited the paddock.

  ‘I do, my friend. I have never seen two more healthy young ladies. I am, this time, anticipating our next visit here.’ Darcy kicked his horse into a canter making further conversation impossible.

  After dinner Darcy said he had letters to write and would join him in an hour, leaving Charles to his own devices. He settled in his favourite armchair in the library to think about what had happened that day. Jane was a little thinner than she used to be, but still as lovely. He was certain he had not imagined her pleasure in his company and he had loved every moment he had spent with her.

  This time he would not leave Netherfield until he had asked her to marry him, if she refused, then so be it. He had had enough of being solitary, he would go and find Darcy immediately, and insist that they play a game of billiards and talk about Jane and Elizabeth.

  Not liking to presume, Charles decided not to call again at Longbourn until they were to dine. Instead he spent his time visiting old friends and very soon realized the pleasures of Hertfordshire had not faded in his absence. He would rather be there than anywhere else, even Pemberley. He knew the fact that the woman he loved resided close by made Netherfield the most attractive place in the world.

  He had been unable to ascertain from their brief visit exactly how Jane felt about him. She had looked at him and she always had, but she had often fallen silent and that was something he was not used to in her company. He did not like to ask his friend what that might signify; if it meant she was not interested he did not wish to know.

  * * * *

  On Tuesday, the day that Charles and Darcy were to come to dine, there was to be a large party assembled at Longbourn. Jane had done her best to appear unmoved by all the preparations and knowing winks and arch looks that her mother sent in her direction. She took no more time on her preparations that evening than usual.

  ‘Jane, you look lovely tonight. Your eyes are sparkling and your complexion perfect,’ her sister said to her as they were leaving their chamber, ‘and I have always loved that particular leaf green gown on you.’

  ‘Thank you, Lizzy. It is a favourite of mine, but I have worn it many times before. However, I do not believe I have seen your gown before this evening? I believe that we both look our best.’ Jane slipped her arm through her sister’s. ‘I intend to enjoy this evening, it is such a relief that neither of us are embarrassed to meet the Netherfield gentlemen.’

  Those that had been invited to dine gathered in the drawing-room to sip sherry wine and exchange pleasantries. When the butler announced that dinner was served they repaired to the dining room. Jane headed towards her usual position at the far end of the table and as she reached her place she happened to glance round and saw Charles hesitating in the doorway. She could not help herself, she smiled and he took that as an invitation.

  Politely he pulled out her chair and when she was seated, sat next to her. As the rest of the party found their places she was aware that Elizabeth glanced towards Mr Darcy and Charles did the same. Then she forgot about the other guests as he turned to her with the sweet smile she remembered so well.

  ‘Miss Bennet, it has been far too long since we had occasion to be together. I cannot tell you how pleased I am to be back at Netherfield, and able to see you again.’

  �
��I am glad that you have returned, it is a great shame to have such a grand house standing empty.’

  ‘Well, I am back now and considering holding another ball. Do you think this a good idea? ‘

  Jane glanced at him, smiling. ‘As long as we do not receive a plate of apple pie and roast beef.’

  He chuckled. ‘I remember, I should certainly not employ a groom to wait at table again. Neither shall I have Caroline as my hostess. I am hoping…’ He stopped abruptly and looked conscious. Jane’s heart lurched, she was almost sure he had been going to ask her to stand in Caroline’s place.

  ‘Perhaps you could have something less formal than a ball, remember the delightful evening we spent at Lucas Lodge? We danced and enjoyed our supper on that occasion.’

  ‘Then that is what I shall do. As long as I can dance with you I shall be content.’ The warmth in his expression was unmistakable.

  The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the soup, which was followed by venison and partridges and various other side dishes which Jane scarcely noticed. When her mother rose to lead the ladies into the drawing-room she thought that Elizabeth seemed a little quiet. But she had no time to dwell on that as her mother asked her to preside over the tea and for her sister to pour the coffee.

  After the tea things were removed the card tables were placed and Jane had no further opportunity for private conversation with Charles. However she was conscious of his eyes turning frequently in her direction and he smiled whenever she looked his way. Jane nodded and smiled whenever she was addressed but had no recollection of what had been said to her. All she could think about was the possibility she could hope again. That Charles was going to spend all winter at Netherfield and hold parties and soirees. How different her life was today, a few short weeks ago she could never have imagined such happiness ahead.

  There was no further opportunity for private conversation as Charles and Darcy were obliged to leave first when their carriage arrived before the others. No sooner had they departed than her mother smiled across at her.