Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley

by Fenella J Miller

  Charles was somewhat disappointed, he had been looking forward to suffering alongside his friend. ‘Then I must endure it alone, I have given my word that I shall help Jane choose materials for her trousseau.’

  Darcy chuckled. ‘You do realize that you will be accompanied by Mrs Bennet, and be the only man in the warehouse apart from those that are serving?’

  ‘Good grief! In which case I shall cry of and restrict my shopping expeditions to those that I can do with Jane alone. There must be something is she would like to add to the furnishings at Netherfield.’

  The carriage arrived. ‘I am actually looking forward to the journey to town, it will be amusing travelling with our future wives. I hope this is the first of many such outings, Lizzy and I wish you and Jane to spend time with us at Pemberley.’

  ‘We are all coming to stay with you this weekend, are we not, to meet Georgiana?’

  ‘I was referring to visiting without Mr and Mrs Bennet in tow, Bingley, as well you know.’ They were still laughing when they arrived at Longbourn. Not waiting for the steps to be set out Charles jumped down to greet Jane.

  ‘Did the baggage cart leave first thing with our trunks, my love?’

  ‘It did, it set off several hours ago. It is so kind of you to ask my family to stay at your London house. It will be so much easier to visit the emporiums and warehouses from such a prestigious address. Cheapside is rather far out for such excursions.’

  He glanced across and saw that Darcy and Elizabeth were deep in conversation and then he heard the unmistakable tones of Mrs Bennet approaching from inside. ‘Come, sweetheart, let us get back into the coach before we are waylaid.’ He was amused to see that the other couple also moved with alacrity and they were all safely installed and the door firmly shut before his future mother-in-law arrived.

  * * * *

  For Jane the journey to London was a revelation. She saw Mr Darcy in a new light, he was amusing and as full of fun and teasing as Lizzy; between them they filled the miles with entertainment and much hilarity. When the carriage halted outside an imposing three-storey house in the best part of town she was almost sorry to have arrived.

  Two footmen had the door open and the steps let down before she and Lizzy had time to draw breath. She had no time to be nervous, and resting her hand on her beloved's arm entered what was to be her own house in a few short weeks. She was delighted to see several familiar faces standing in the group of servants waiting to be been made known to her.

  After the introductions Charles handed her over to Nicholls who escorted her upstairs to the chamber she was to share with her sister during their three night stay. ‘I am so pleased you are to be mistress here and at Netherfield, Miss Bennet, if you will permit me to say so.’

  ‘Thank you, Nicholls. I shall be relying on you to help me in domestic matters when we return from our wedding tour in the middle of December.’

  Sarah was waiting to curtsy in the delightful sitting room that led from their chamber. ‘Good afternoon, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. I have everything ready for you.’ She pointed out two girls, as like as two peas in a pod, who were standing nervously behind her. ‘These are Emma and Jenny and they are to help in any way they can.’ She lowered her voice and whispered to Jane. ‘I’ve no idea which is which, miss, but they’re good girls and ever so willing. This is a grand house, I can tell you, I’ve never seen the like before.’

  ‘Thank you, Sarah; have tea brought up directly, please. And we wish to change and refresh ourselves before we go down.’

  Jane was surprised that she had been able to take charge so easily, she was more used to letting Lizzy give directions to the staff. This was to be her home, so it was incumbent on her to take on the duties of hostess whilst she was under its roof. It would be Lizzy’s turn when they removed to Pemberley at the end of the week.

  ‘This is a splendid house, Jane. Darcy does not have a house in town, he always stays here with Bingley.’

  ‘I hope that you will continue to do so, my dearest Lizzy, the only thing that is marring my happiness is the knowledge that you will be so far away in Derbyshire. I am going to miss you dreadfully.’

  ‘We shall both be so busy learning how to be wives that we will not have time to be sad. Do not you remember how Lydia said married women are too busy to write letters?’

  This sally made her smile and restored her composure. She heard the noise of her parents being escorted along the wide corridor to their own apartments and wished that Mama had rather less to say about everything she saw.

  The visit to Pemberley was everything it should be and she thought the Derbyshire countryside quite splendid. Her father made himself at home in the library and her mother wandered from room to room exclaiming loudly on the fineness of the furniture. She knew exactly why Mr Darcy had told her sister he would not visit Netherfield once he was married.

  When they returned to Longbourn it was to find Charlotte and Mr Collins had returned from Hunsford for an extended stay. She had barely been back in residence an hour when Charlotte arrived to offer her congratulations to them both.

  ‘Lizzy, Jane, I cannot tell you how pleased I am that you are to be married and to such handsome gentlemen. Lady Catherine is not at all pleased, so Mr Collins has decided it best that we remain away until after the wedding.’

  Jane turned to her sister. ‘Shall Lady Catherine and her daughter be attending the wedding, Lizzy?’

  ‘They have been invited, but whether they attend is another matter. For my part I shall not be sorry if they do not come. Colonel Fitzwilliam will be there, but I am afraid the church will be filled with Bennet relatives.’

  ‘Do Lydia and her new husband come, Lizzy?’

  ‘Fortunately he is unable to get leave, Charlotte, it would be intolerable for Papa to have them here.’

  ‘I have exciting news to tell you, it is another reason we have come home. Can you guess what it is?’

  Jane looked at Charlotte and could see a new bloom to her countenance, a sparkle in her eyes. ‘Are you increasing, Charlotte? When is the baby due?’

  ‘Next spring, and we are both so excited. Mama cannot believe she is to be a grandparent, but I should have been disappointed if this was not the case. After all, for what other reason would I have wished to marry Mr Collins?’

  ‘You look radiant, impending motherhood obviously agrees with you. I am so pleased for you.’

  ‘It is strange to think that this time last year our lives were so different, Lizzy. I had no thought of ever being married and you thoroughly disliked Mr Darcy. But you Jane, you were already in love with Bingley were you not?’

  ‘Indeed I was, Charlotte, but it has taken a year for us to find each other again. I can hardly believe that in less than three weeks I shall be Mrs Bingley and Lizzy shall be Mrs Darcy.’ She glanced around the pretty sitting room she had shared with her sister these past five years and her eyes filled. ‘I shall miss Longbourn, and all the happy times we have had together. Being apart from Lizzy is going to be like leaving an arm behind.’

  ‘Fustian! You will be so busy you shall scarcely have time to write a letter let alone pine away for Lizzy.’ Charlotte looked at Jane in bewilderment as she and her sister dissolved into peals of laughter.

  The day for Jane and Elizabeth’s nuptials dawned fair and bright. Jane was up first, she had hardly slept all night, knowing this would be the last time she shared a bed with her sister or slept under her father’s roof.

  She walked across to the curtains and drew him back, the sun was creeping over the horizon bathing the park in crimson glory. It was a good omen. Her movements caused her sister to stir.

  ‘I am sorry, Lizzy, I did not mean to disturb you so early. I have been awake so long I could not remain in bed another minute. I will be a little sad to leave Longbourn, but miserable to be parted from you.’

  Elizabeth was immediately beside her, offering comfort and reassurance. ‘Derbyshire is not so very far from Hertfordshire, my dear. You mu
st come and visit often, Pemberley is a vast place, it needs to be filled with friends and family.’

  It had already been discussed between them that Elizabeth and her new husband would not visit Netherfield; it would have to be they that went to Pemberley. Mr Darcy found his new relatives difficult to be with, especially Aunt Philips and their mother.

  ‘I am so glad that the Gardiners are here to celebrate our marriages, Lizzy, and relieved that Lydia and Wickham could not come down from Newcastle. With Georgiana here as well it would have been impossible.’ Jane had been deeply shocked when her sister had told her exactly why Mr Darcy held Lydia’s husband in such dislike.

  ‘I can hear movement downstairs, Jane. I believe that our wedding day has now officially begun. To think, in a few hours time I shall be Mrs Darcy and you Mrs Bingley! My only regret is that poor Papa shall be deprived of both his favourite daughters on the same day. Darcy and I have decided to invite him to visit Pemberley whenever he should wish to come. Although he does not like to travel much, I believe he will come to us sometimes, if only to get away from Longbourn.’

  Laughing, Jane ran to her sister and they embraced fondly. ‘He shall always be welcome at Netherfield, but I expect he will often be accompanied by our mother. I am not sure whether living so close will be an advantage or disadvantage. But I shall not think of that today, I am too happy to consider anything else apart from what will take place at the church this morning.’

  Downstairs they were to eat their final breakfast as a family, even their father was there. Kitty and Mary were almost more excited than Jane was herself. They both had new gowns and bonnets and were looking forward to being the only Bennet girls in residence.

  ‘My dear girls, Lizzy, Jane, are you both absolutely certain that you wish to go ahead with the ceremony this morning? It is not too late to call the whole thing off.’

  ‘My dear Mr Bennet, how can you say such a thing on the morning of their wedding? Of course they do not wish to call it off, they have their bride clothes sewn and the wedding breakfast is being made ready even as we speak. I do not understand why you should wish to have them cancel the ceremony.’

  ‘Mama, of course we do not wish to cancel, do we Lizzy? We are both eager to become married women, to have own establishments, to marry the men we love.’

  Her father answered. ‘In which case I shall say no more on the subject, I shall be sad to see you go, but happy that you marry such sensible men. I shall be visiting you both frequently, so be prepared for it.’

  ‘You will be most welcome at Pemberley, Papa, but remember we shall not be there until the spring. We do not return from our trip until the middle of April.‘

  ‘Mr Bennet will not be travelling about the countryside, Lizzy, even to visit you and Mr Darcy at Pemberley. He does not like to travel you know, and certainly not when the roads are bad and the weather inclement. Do not expect to see him before the summer.’

  Jane saw her father wink at Lizzy and was astonished at it. She rather thought her mother was going to discover that her husband developed a decided interest in travel, especially to Derbyshire.

  She noticed that Lizzy ate as little as she did, and was glad when Mama declared it was time they go upstairs to get ready. ‘I shall be along very shortly to oversee your preparations, I cannot understand why you should have chosen such plain dresses both of you, I saw fabric that would have done better than the silk that you both selected.’

  ‘It is our wedding day, Mama, and God will bless our union. Neither Lizzy, nor I, wished to wear anything elaborate. Your ensemble is splendid enough for both of us.’

  A strange noise coming from her sister made her glance in that direction and she wished she had not. Now was not the time to succumb to a fit of giggles. ‘Shall we go upstairs, Lizzy, Hill said the hot water would be in the bath at this time.’

  * * * *

  When the carriage containing the wedding party arrived outside the church it was greeted by cheers and applause from the assembled villagers. Jane in her gown of cream silk, her sash of emerald green, her bonnet trimmed to match, looked even more beautiful than usual, if that were possible. Her sister was wearing a matching gown, but her sash was gold and her bonnet ribbons also.

  ‘Dearest Lizzy, if I look half as lovely as you do at this moment, then I shall be happy indeed.’

  ‘Jane, you look twice as beautiful, and it is our husbands who shall be happy. I do not believe there can be two such accomplished and delightful brides anywhere in the country.’

  Mr Bennet smiled at Jane. ‘Well, my dears, are you ready?’ He beamed in pride. ‘I must own that today I shall gain two of the best son-in-law’s any man could hope to have. I wish I did not have to lose my favourite daughters in order to do so.’

  He held out his right arm and Jane placed her hand upon it. Her heart was full. It was the moment she had been dreaming of for so long, but although it was the beginning of her life with the person she loved most in the world, it was the end of her life as Miss Jane Bennet.

  * * * *

  Inside the church Charles turned as the congregation stood. His heart filled and his eyes glistened as he watched the woman he loved more than life itself glide towards him down the aisle. He heard Darcy move to the left of the aisle; but he saw only his bride, he scarcely noticed Elizabeth on the left arm of Mr Bennet. Jane looked so lovely in her wedding finery he could see nothing else.

  The ceremony passed in a haze, they repeated their vows in turn and before he knew it he was staring into the eyes of his wife. The congregation broke into a round of spontaneous applause much to the annoyance of the vicar. As Jane was the eldest she was to leave the church first, her sister to follow behind with Darcy.

  ‘Mrs Bingley, would you care to take my arm?’

  Her eyes were sparkling as she gazed up at him. ‘I believe that I would, Mr Bingley.’

  They paraded down the aisle nodding and smiling at the assembled guests until they were outside, the bells were ringing, the sun was shining and the villagers were cheering and tossing their caps in the air.

  He turned to Jane, he could not help himself, knew it was unseemly, but she was his wife now, and her actions his responsibility. In front of the gawping crowd of spectators he gathered her into his arms, holding her tight to him for the first time. He did not need to tilt her head she did it for him and he lowered his mouth to cover hers in a kiss of such sweetness he thought his heart would burst with happiness.

  His action was greeted by a second roar of delighted appreciation, reluctantly he loosened his hold, but kept his arm firmly around her waist. As they turned together he saw Darcy not just kiss his bride, but lift her from her feet in order to do so. Oblivious to the third cheer they continued their embrace until Mrs Bennet emerged from the church.

  ‘Darling Jane, I love you so much, I am going to make you the happiest bride in England.’

  Darcy overheard his comment. ‘I wager that Lizzy shall be the happiest, if I have anything to say on the matter.’

  ‘We shall all be happy, when two couples marry for love how could there be any other outcome?’

  ‘Lizzy, as always, you have said exactly the right thing.’

  * * * *

  Jane and Charles returned after their wedding trip to London eager to settle into their married life at Netherfield. In the flurry of morning calls and invitations they scarcely had a moment to themselves. Then it was Christmas and it behoved them to hold dinner parties and a dance for Jane’s family and their neighbours. Mrs Bennet treated Netherfield as her own

  The sound of carriage wheels on the gravel alerted Jane. She took a deep breath and tried not to wish it was anyone other than her mama and her younger sisters.

  Charles looked up from his newspaper and frowned. ‘If that is Mrs Bennet, Jane, I’m retiring to my library until she has departed.’

  ‘I have no idea who it is, dearest, and you must go wherever you please. I’m sure that no one expects you to be present at a morning cal
l.’

  She had sounded more acerbic than she’d intended. He tossed his newspaper aside and stood. ‘No doubt I shall see you at dinner, my dear.’

  Without a further word he strode from the room. Jane wrung her hands. Things had not been as easy between them since they had returned from their wedding trip. It was so difficult to balance the demands of her family and her obligations to Charles.

  The door opened and the butler announced formally. ‘Mrs Bennet, Miss Bennet and Miss Kitty to see you madam’

  ‘Thank you, Peterson, kindly ask Nicholls to have refreshments sent to the drawing-room directly. There will be no need for a cup for Mr Bingley.’

  She braced herself and her mother bustled in all smiles, her happiness writ plainly on her face. ‘My dearest girl, I have such news for you, I could not wait another moment to come over and tell you in person.’

  ‘Come in, Mama, Kitty, Mary, I am pleased to see you. What can possibly have happened since you came yesterday?’ Her visitors had already dispensed with their outer garments and, as always, took the seats closest to the roaring fire.

  ‘It is Charlotte Collins, my love, she has been brought to bed with a daughter.’ Her mother looked pointedly at her own slim shape and pursed her lips in disappointment. ‘I imagine she will wish to produce a son next time. I do hope you and Bingley are not going to keep me waiting for grandchildren too long?’

  Jane flushed, she had no wish to discuss such a delicate subject with anyone, and especially not with her garrulous mother and her two unmarried sisters.

  ‘I must write at once to Charlotte and give her my congratulations. No doubt Lady Lucas will be going up to visit them as soon as the weather is more clement.’ The windows rattled and a swirl of hail hit the glass making them all jump.

  Kitty came to sit next to her, she had come to like her sister a great deal better. Now she was without the pernicious influence of Lydia the girl was turning into a mature and obliging young lady.