‘Oh, my dear Jane, I never saw you looking in greater beauty. Mrs Long said so to me when I asked her whether you did or not. What do you think she said besides? “Ah! Mrs Bennet, we shall have Jane at Netherfield at last”‘
Later in their apartment, Jane turned to her sister with a degree of satisfaction. ‘It has been a very agreeable day, the party seemed so well selected, so suitable one with the other. I hope we may often meet again.’ Her sister smiled knowingly. ‘Lizzy, you must not do that. You must not suspect me. It mortifies me. I assure you that I have now learned to enjoy his conversation as an agreeable and sensible young man without having a wish beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied from what his manners now are, that he never had any design of engaging my affection. It is only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address, and a stronger desire of generally pleasing than any other man.’
‘You are very cruel, you will not let me smile, and are provoking me to it every moment.’
‘How hard it is in some cases to be believed!’
‘And how impossible in others!’
‘But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I acknowledge?’
‘That is a question which I hardly know how to answer. We all love to instruct, though we can teach only what is not worth knowing. Forgive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not make me your confidante.’
* * * *
Charles bounded out of bed believing his life was about to change for the better. He had not mistaken Jane’s affection, she had responded with such enthusiasm to his every word, he was almost certain she loved him.
Downstairs he headed for the breakfast room for the first time in many months actually looking forward to his meal. The room was empty, Darcy not yet come down. There was enough food laid out on the sideboard to feed ten people but he knew it would not go to waste. What he and Darcy did not consume would feed his staff.
He had piled ham, scrambled eggs, grilled mushrooms and tomatoes upon his plate when the door opened and his friend walked in. He turned to greet him cheerily and was surprised how serious he looked.
‘I intend to return to London, Bingley. I have business to attend to, but there is something I must tell you before I leave.’
‘You look so grave, Darcy, I do hope it is not bad news.’
‘I have a confession to make, my friend, something I should have told you long ago. Do you remember that it was my persuasion that led you to think that Jane Bennet did not hold you in the same esteem as you held her?’
‘Indeed, I do. Have you now come to a different conclusion?’
‘I am ashamed to admit, that I have. My interference in your affairs was both absurd and impertinent.’
‘What are you telling me? Those are strong words indeed. You had no right to interfere in my concerns. I would not dream of doing so in yours.’ He slammed down his plate on the table and two slices of ham shot off on to the floor. He glared at Darcy. ‘I cannot believe you would deliberately mislead me.’
‘No, at least I do not have that on my conscience. At the time I honestly believed Miss Bennet did not hold deep and lasting feelings for you. I am now certain that I was incorrect; and I do most humbly apologize for causing you both so much unhappiness.’
‘From your expression I gather there is more you have to tell me. I am waiting.’
Darcy continued to look sombre. ‘You are correct, I have not told you the whole, Bingley. There is more, and this you will not accept with equanimity, I am sure.’
‘What else did you do to keep us apart?’
‘I knew that Miss Bennet was in town for three months last winter, and I purposely kept it from you. I thought it better; it was none of my business. And I fully understand if you no longer wish to call me friend.’
Charles could not understand that Darcy had actually deceived him; that Caroline had done so he could more readily accept. He turned aside, too angry to trust himself to speak. He strode away, wishing to be on his own, to digest this unpleasant information. To think, that Jane had been in town and he had not known! What she must have thought of him to have ignored her in that way!
He remembered the letter he had written and knew without doubt that his sister had not posted it. Jane had never received it, had not known how he felt. What Caroline had done was far worse, it was done for selfish reasons, out of jealousy. Had Darcy acted out of regard or pride? Did his dislike of Jane’s relatives mean he could not contemplate his closest friend becoming part of the Bennet family?
Darcy could go to the devil. He strode out of the house and ran to the stable shouting for his horse to be saddled. Once mounted he dug in his heels, his mount reared and took off at such speed he covered the groom in gravel. He drove the animal faster and faster until his anger began to dissipate.
After a mile or so he drew rein and allowed his horse to drop back into a canter. He began to take stock of his surroundings, to think rationally again. He recalled the most important thing that Darcy had told him, Jane loved him, had always done so. He could not imagine how miserable she must have been imagining herself cruelly abandoned. Poor Jane, it is small wonder she treated him with some reserve when they were together this time.
‘Time to go back, old fellow, I must mend fences with Darcy and then get over to Longbourn and speak to Mr Bennet.’
The horse flicked its ears in response and seemed as eager to return to Netherfield as he was. There was no sign of his friend when he returned, the butler told him Darcy had gone out looking for him. He grinned, he would wait in the library. Shortly afterwards there came a quiet knock on the door and he was happy to greet his friend without animosity.
Charles went over and gripped his hand. ‘It is all water under the bridge, you have told me the very thing that I most wanted to hear. I had not been able to decide, even after seeing my darling Jane twice, whether she is in love with me. I have no wish to make her an offer that she might feel obliged to accept because of her mother’s influence. I shall go tomorrow and speak to her.’
Darcy not normally a demonstrative man shook his hand vigorously and then embraced him. ‘I cannot tell you how relieved I am that you have forgiven me. I have felt wretched indeed since you rode off without me.’
‘We shall put it all behind us, Darcy. All that matters now is that I love Jane and that it is likely she returns my affections.’ He grinned at the look of comical relief on his friend’s face. ‘Pray, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that I am not the only one in love with a Miss Bennet.’
Charles was delighted to see Darcy colour and turn away without denying the statement.
Chapter Twenty
Having bid his friend goodbye, Charles immediately made ready to ride over to Longbourn. His step was light, his demeanour so happy all of the staff he encountered felt their spirits lift on seeing him. It wasn’t until he was in the saddle that he realized Jane thought he had behaved badly. Although she had seemed happy in his company the other evening, was this just because she was being civil to a guest? She had certainly been quiet on their first meeting, now he was not so sure he would get a favourable reception.
However, he was warmly greeted by all the Bennet family, but it was towards Jane that he constantly turned. Did her blushes mean that he was a welcome visitor or that she was displeased with him? When Mrs Bennet made a pointed comment she looked away as if not pleased by her mother’s references. Did this mean he was still unforgiven? Had he and Darcy mistaken her feelings?
But then each time she smiled he was sure he could see love in her eyes and could not understand how he had been so blind last year as to have missed what was so obvious to him now.
If Mr Bennet had appeared to join the merry party in the drawing-room he would have asked to speak to him, but he did not wish the lady of the house to be forewarned of his intention. Jane must be the first to know how much he loved her. Having spent more than an hour at Longbourn he knew it was time to leave or he would be accused of outstaying his w
elcome.
‘Mr Bingley, would you care to dine with us tonight? Remember you are still in our debt on that score.’
‘I am afraid, Mrs Bennet, that I have a prior engagement that I cannot cancel. If I had known that you intended to ask me to dine I can promise you I would not have accepted another invitation.’
‘Next time you call, Mr Bingley, I hope we shall be more lucky.’
‘I should be particularly happy at any time to join you here, it is only this evening that I am unable to come.’
‘Can you come tomorrow?’
‘I should be delighted, I have no engagement at all for tomorrow. I thank you most heartily and look forward to coming to Longbourn.’
With their good wishes ringing in his ears he departed. Tomorrow evening he would find a moment to be private with Jane and declare himself; he was eager for that moment to arrive after having delayed so long.
* * * *
Jane waited until Sarah had left the bedroom before turning to her sister. ‘Lizzy, do you think that Charles loves me as much as I love him?’
‘Of course he does, you pea-goose, he could not take his eyes from you; I have never seen a man so besotted.’
‘In which case why has he not spoken to me of his feelings? And if he intends to make an offer why hasn’t he spoken to Papa? After all, he has visited here several times already, if he had intended…’
‘Dearest Jane, you are working yourself up unnecessarily. He is as insecure as you are, but he will speak to you as soon as he is certain that he will receive a favourable answer.’
‘But I love him so much, surely he must see that in the way I behave with him? I could not survive another disappointment.’
Her sister rushed across to enfold her in her arms. ‘Enough of this, you must go to sleep, all will be well in the morning, I promise you.’
It seemed an eternity to wait until the evening when Charles was to dine with them. Somehow she muddled through the day until it was time to get ready. She was in her bed chamber when her mother ran into their room, in her dressing gown, with her hair half finished.
‘My dear Jane, make haste and hurry down. He is come, Mr Bingley is come. He is, indeed. Make haste, make haste. Here, Sarah, come to Miss Bennet this moment, and help her on with her gown. Never mind Miss Lizzy’s hair.’
‘We will be down as soon as we can, but I daresay Kitty is more forward than either of us, she went upstairs half an hour ago.’ Jane was relieved her voice did not reflect her excitement at his early arrival.
‘Oh! Hang Kitty! What has she to do with it? Come, be quick, be quick! Where is your sash, my dear?’
Their mother left them together. ‘Lizzy, I shall not go down until you are ready to come with me. I do not like the way Mama is trying to force me into his company in this way. It is most distressing; I will not be party to it.’
‘My dear Jane, we all know why Mr Bingley has arrived so early. For exactly the same reason that our mother wishes you to go downstairs alone. He has come to make you an offer.’
‘Please, do not say such things to me. I have been disappointed once before; I could not bear to have my heart broken for a second time. If Charles wishes to speak to me then I am sure that the occasion shall arise without my being pushed in his direction in this embarrassing manner.’
Mr Bennet was in fact the first to greet their guest and when Jane arrived on her sister’s arm she had no more to do than curtsy and smile warmly at him. The same anxiety by her mother to get them by themselves was visible again during the evening.
After tea, her father retired to the library, as was his custom, and Mary went upstairs to play her instrument. Jane tried to ignore her mother’s nodding and winking at both her sisters. Eventually Kitty spoke innocently to their mother. ‘What is the matter? Why do you keep winking at me? What am I to do?’
‘Nothing child, nothing. I did not wink at you.’ A further five minutes passed without interruption until Mrs Bennet could contain herself no longer and jumped to her feet. ‘Come here, Kitty my love, I want to speak to you.’
Jane looked at Elizabeth in distress knowing that her sister would not give in to such premeditation. However, moments later the door half opened and her mother called out loudly.
‘Lizzy, my dear, I want to speak with you.’
Jane watched in despair as her sister was obliged to go, leaving her alone with Charles for the first time in almost a year. She could not remain seated, she believed he would think she was sitting there waiting to him to drop to one knee and propose.
‘Miss Bennet, please do not be alarmed. I have no wish to embarrass you in any way. Come, sit down again and let us talk of commonplaces until the others return.’
‘You are too kind, sir, I do most heartily apologize for Mrs Bennet. It is not my doing, I can promise you.’ Jane glanced up and was reassured by what she saw. His expression was bland, his manner relaxed, he had not been embarrassed or put out in any way by her mother’s machinations. She returned to her seat and soon the conversation flowed as it always had, his ease and cheerfulness making him a most agreeable companion.
When he was invited to stay for supper he accepted happily and before he went away Jane heard him arrange to go out shooting with her father the next morning. She could think of only one reason why he would wish to abandon his plentiful coverts in order to shoot at Longbourn.
No sooner were they private and the bed chamber door firmly closed behind them, than Jane grabbed her sister’s hands and spun her around the bedroom. ‘Lizzy, I am so happy I believe that I might burst from it. Charles is to speak to Papa tomorrow when they are shooting together.’
Dizzy from the twirling Lizzy tumbled onto the bed. ‘At last, you shall have the happiness you deserve. He is the perfect man for you and I am only sorry that it has taken almost a year for him to make up his mind. He could have saved you so much unhappiness if he had spoken after the ball as we had all expected.’
‘It is forgotten, our time apart has merely served to prove that we are steadfast in our love. Unlike poor Lydia, who scarcely knows Wickham and is unlikely to be happy in that relationship.’
‘I suppose that could apply even more to Charlotte and Mr Collins.’ She jumped up and ran to embrace Jane. ‘But they are not our concern now, we have a wedding to plan.’
‘Good heavens! He has not asked me formally, I cannot possibly think so far ahead. Can you imagine Mama’s delight when she hears? Two daughters married in the space of a few months! She will be in high alt indeed.’
‘And Papa, I am certain, will not quibble about bride clothes this time. Think of the excitement of visiting the warehouses in town. I do hope I shall be included in all the planning.’
Jane kissed her sister before turning to blow out her candle. ‘I should not enjoy it half so much if you are not by my side throughout.’
* * * *
Charles was up betimes and had rehearsed the speech he was going to give to Mr Bennet many times. He had no appetite and did not even visit the breakfast parlour before taking his gun to the stable. The head groom was somewhat startled to see him there.
‘I shall have the curricle harnessed in no time at all, sir. I beg your pardon for not having it ready.’
‘No need to apologize, I am unpardonably early. I shall assist you, then it will be done all the sooner.’ Placing his guns to one side he followed the man into the coach house. When the horses were in place and his guns beside him on the seat, he decided he needed to change his garments as they were now mired with stable dirt.
‘Take them round to the front in ten minutes, I must return to the house temporarily.’
What the man thought of his strange behaviour he had no notion, but he could not arrive at Longbourn dressed anything but perfectly. His valet greeted him with his usual aplomb and made no comment about redressing his master.
Charles glanced at his reflection, finally satisfied that he could do no more to improve his appearance, he raced downstairs and
into his waiting carriage. He grinned as his team trotted down the drive, at least he would not be embarrassingly premature.
His host was waiting for him in the stable yard and he had a sudden moment of apprehension that he was, in fact, late. He glanced nervously at the stable clock and saw that it was exactly the appointed hour. Now it was almost the time to ask for permission to marry Jane he began to worry that after the way he had treated her, her father might regard him with disapproval. He knew it was essential that he had his future father-in-law’s complete support, Jane would not be happy otherwise.
‘Good morning, Mr Bennet, it is a wonderful morning to be out with our guns, is it not?’
The older man nodded. ‘Indeed, sir. If you are ready, let us be off before the ladies descend on us. I am surrounded by clucking hens, but of course I do not include Jane or Lizzy in that clutch.’
Charles had been shooting with little success when his host leant his gun against a fence post and turned to him a quizzical expression upon his face. ‘My dear young man, your aim has been so far off this morning as to be dangerous to anyone within one hundred yards of you. Come now, we both know why we are out here this morning, let us get the matter done and then we can both concentrate the better.’
He felt his cheeks burn. He had no idea his nervousness had been so obvious. Hastily propping his own gun next to that of Mr Bennet’s he straightened his shoulders and looked his future father-in-law directly in the eye.
‘Mr Bennet, I am here this morning, as you have already surmised, to ask your permission to marry Jane. I have been in love with her since the first time we met, but did not appreciate that she had feelings for me. I believe that you know my circumstances very well; I am in a position to give your daughter everything she needs in life.’
‘My dear boy, all my Jane ever wanted was for you to love her. She has been unhappy these past months but I shall not hold that against you. Yes, speak to Jane, and the sooner the better. Mrs Bennet is like to have an apoplexy if she is kept dangling without the news she craves. I apologize in advance for the excesses you will have to suffer at her hands once she is aware you are to become part of the family.’
Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley Page 23
