Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, I can see what you mean. This is going to be his first holiday with no immediate family with whom he can celebrate. Do you think that is why he agreed to come and attend your wedding, Jane?”
As she shook her head, Jane advised, “No, Charles has been Mr. Darcy’s friend from their school days, and he was determined that his friend not be alone during the festive season.”
Elizabeth considered her sister thoughtfully. “Jane, what do you think about making this holiday special for Mr. Darcy? I think that he is naturally a very reserved man and with the loss of his last remaining close family he has closed himself off from everyone else. You yourself told me that Charles wanted his friend to have company.”
“I am not sure” Jane looked skeptical. “What did you have in mind, Lizzy?”
Elizabeth was honest, “I do not have a clue yet, but perhaps after dinner when the gentlemen are with Papa, we could ask Caroline. She knows Mr. Darcy and she might be able to help us cheer him.
“Come, let us return home,” her sister hesitated. “We need to talk to Mama and Papa before they come for dinner. I want to ask them to be kind to Mr. Darcy. He seems... I do not know how to describe it. Lost, perhaps? Hurry! We still need to help Mama and change.”
THE BINGLEYS AND DARCY were welcomed at Longbourn as if they were family members, which in Bingley’s case, he soon would be, but Darcy was surprised to be welcomed in such a way himself.
Mr. Bennet bowed in greeting after introductions had been completed. “So, Mr. Darcy, you decided to join us for dinner in spite of the warning my daughters passed on to you this morning?”
Darcy gaped at the man in confusion. Elizabeth stepped forward, “Papa, Mr. Darcy does not know that you are teasing him. Yes, we did warn him about my sisters, but I guess that I should have warned him about you and Mama as well.” She turned to Darcy. “Good evening, sir. Please forgive my father. If you are around my family much in the coming weeks, you will quickly understand where I get my wit and teasing nature.”
Darcy’s gaze wandered between the two. “I am not sure that I will be in your company all that much with the exceptions of small events here or at Netherfield. I really should not be here, as I am still in mourning.”
Mr. Bennet turned serious, “Forgive me, Mr. Darcy. I meant to lighten the atmosphere. I understand that you will not be able to attend all social functions that your friend, Bingley is invited to. Personally, I do not like to mix in society myself. It is not that I cannot, I just do not see the point. I have a wife, five daughters and an estate to run. My wife attends the social functions to act as a chaperone and help my daughters meet eligible men. What would I do at such an event?”
Darcy shifted uncomfortably as his gaze at his hosts intensified. “Well, Mr. Bennet, if your town is anything like the assemblies held near my estate, I would imagine that there is always a shortage of men for the ladies to dance with. You could always dance with one of your daughters or her friends so that they are not forced to sit out a dance without a partner.”
Elizabeth studied Darcy. “A good suggestion, sir. Now, be honest, would this be something that you would do, or would you be someone watching from the sidelines?”
Darcy laughed, “I would definitely be watching from the sidelines. It is safer for me there.”
Elizabeth started to reply when Mrs. Bennet joined them and addressed Darcy. “Sir, I am very glad that my daughters convinced you to join us for dinner this evening. I am sorry for your loss. I would like to offer Longbourn as a retreat for you if you need anything during your stay. Mr. Bennet has a well-stocked library, something that according to Lizzy, Netherfield does not have.”
Darcy bowed, “Thank you, Mrs. Bennet. I will keep that in mind. May I ask how you knew that I was a reader?”
Mrs. Bennet gave a sweet smile. “Mr. Bingley has spoken of you often since he received word that you would be joining him for the holidays. He warned us that you were a studious man who enjoyed reading. It would be interesting to see if my husband and Lizzy would be able to match wits with you. But I ramble on. Please come and have a seat. Dinner is ready.”
Dinner was a pleasant affair. Darcy watched the Bennet family interact with Bingley and his sister. Miss Elizabeth was indeed a witty partner who showed her intelligence exchanging barbs with Miss Bingley who often returned them. It was comical to Darcy as he had been sure that previously Miss Bingley had not even read a book. This thought left his mind as the ladies left for the drawing room.
Once Elizabeth and Jane were in the drawing room, Elizabeth turned to Bingley’s sister. “Caroline, come and sit with us a moment, please. We need your assistance.”
Caroline sat next to Elizabeth. “Of course, I would be happy to help. What assistance may I offer you?”
Elizabeth explained, “Jane and I met Mr. Darcy this morning when you were out paying calls and we observed how downcast he was. I was wondering if you knew of any way that may brighten his stay here?”
Caroline chewed her lip. “I am not sure that I could answer that. Yes, I have known Mr. Darcy for several years, but I have discovered that I did not know him as well as I thought I did.”
“What do you mean?” Jane questioned. “I know that the loss of his sister has really affected him, but you make it sound like there is more to it than that.”
“I do not know if you know much about Mr. Darcy,” Caroline related, “but he is a rather wealthy gentleman who owns a large estate. He has been hunted by the ladies of society since he came of age. Mr. Darcy always has seemed cold and unfeeling, but I always thought that he would make the same society marriage that everyone expected him to make. I would agree with him on everything and I would be condescending to other ladies or act superior in their presence. I am sorry to say that I was one of the ladies who used to hunt him and hope that I would be the next Mrs. Darcy.”
Gently, Elizabeth probed, “What changed, Caroline? You are not the person you are describing. I find it hard to believe that you were as bad as you say you are. I believe you are being too harsh on yourself.”
Caroline gave a rueful smile. “Sometimes you are as kind as Jane, Elizabeth, in that you do not see that I could have truly been that bad. I was worse, actually. You could ask Charles. He would attest to the fact that I was a harpy. As to what changed all that, well, that is simple. I caught a glimpse of Mr. Darcy in an unguarded moment at the funeral reception for his sister and I saw the devastation in his face and the grief that he was suffering. I made the decision to make myself a better person. What if I lost a brother or sister? Would they grieve me when I have acted the shrew for so long? With Darcy in mourning, it gave me the opportunity to rethink my life and how I really wanted to act and mingle in society. When Charles decided to lease Netherfield, it was the perfect chance for me to start fresh. I have enjoyed meeting everyone and making new friendships and soon I shall have new sisters as well.”
“Would you be willing to come to visit tomorrow morning?” Elizabeth wondered. “I have an idea, but I do not wish to be overheard here and Jane and I thought you would be able to help us decide what to do.”
Caroline agreed. “Of course. I would be happy to come and visit with you. Shall we say ten o’clock? I know that ten o’clock is a little early for social calls, however I believe that this might turn into an extended visit.”
Elizabeth lifted an eyebrow. “You might be correct. We look forward to your visit tomorrow.”
Chapter 4
ELIZABETH AND JANE sat alone in the drawing room when Caroline arrived the next morning for their planned meeting. After exchanging quick greetings, Caroline sat in an armchair across from the couch the sisters were sitting on. She observed the room with her eyes, “I am surprised to see you two alone in this room. Is your family well?”
“Our family is indeed well,” Jane answered. “They are enjoying some quiet after the dinner party last evening. Well, all but our father who is retreated to his library. He told our mother that he
was at the dinner party last evening and does not need to dissect every conversation that took place.”
Caroline studied the sisters. “Last night you indicated that there was something you wanted to speak to me about. What is that I can do to assist you? Has there been a problem with the wedding arrangements?”
Elizabeth denied. “No, Caroline, it is nothing like that. It is actually in regard to your guest, Mr. Darcy.”
Astonished, Caroline spat, “Mr. Darcy? Why is it that no one can leave that poor man alone? I thought you were different, Lizzy. I cannot believe you brought me over here to talk to me about a man in mourning. I think it is best if I leave. I will not help you trap that man. Did you hear nothing I told you last night?”
Elizabeth broke out in laughter. “Caroline, please sit down. You misunderstand what I meant. I am well aware that Mr. Darcy is in mourning and I am not one to chase a man. I believe I have told you before that I will only marry for love and I only met Mr. Darcy yesterday.”
Confused, Caroline returned to her seat and almost whispered, “Why then did you ask me here to speak of Mr. Darcy? In the past, when any of my previous friends would ask me over to speak of the gentleman, it was what was the best way to win his affection. I apologize for thinking you were anything like them.”
“No harm done,” Jane gently assured her. “I can see where this could cause some confusion. Lizzy and I were speaking on our way home yesterday before the dinner party and she observed that Mr. Darcy needed something to brighten his stay during the last of his mourning period. Lizzy discerned that while Mr. Darcy acted proper at all times, she noticed a sadness around his eyes and mouth when he thought no one was looking. We wanted to speak to you as you know the gentleman better than we do and we wanted to know what you thought about this.”
“I am not sure I understand what you are suggesting,” Caroline advised. She queried.
“How would you make his days brighter? I am sorry to say that the one person who had that ability is gone from this world forever. I think that making Mr. Darcy’s days brighter might be somewhat of an impossible task.”
Elizabeth clarified, “I thought if we gave the gentleman something to look forward to each day, he might slowly stop thinking so much about how alone he is and help him realize that he has friends that care for him. I am sure that his family cares for him more than he realizes.”
“Yes, the Fitzwilliams care for Mr. Darcy very much,” Caroline confirmed. “It is simply the fact that his cousin’s wife is due to deliver the heir of Matlock and the earl and countess of course wish to be there. Mr. Darcy’s other cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, is in the army and currently out of the country.”
Jane turned to her sister. “Lizzy, I think you need to explain to Caroline and me a little more before we will fully understand what it is you are wanting to do.”
“I understand, Jane,” Elizabeth answered, “but before I can fully develop this idea, I need to understand the gentleman a little more. Caroline, was Mr. Darcy generous with his sister?”
Caroline shook her head, confused. “I am not sure I follow what you mean.”
Elizabeth exhaled. “Was Mr. Darcy generous in spending time with his sister or did he try to buy her affection with gifts? I am trying to understand his character so as to find the best way to make his final days of mourning a little brighter and the first Christmas holiday without his sister a little less painful.”
Caroline exhaled loudly. “I see. If you had asked me this question a year ago, I would have told you that he bought her the best of everything and that Miss Darcy never lacked for anything. I saw only the money he spent without thought to what Mr. Darcy had to do to support his sister and their family estates. I was so like the ladies of society who were only interested in gaining access to him for his money and grand estates. We never saw all the work he was required to do as well.”
“Caroline, you have made changes in yourself and Mr. Darcy did not appear uncomfortable in your company at all last evening,” Jane interjected. “I believe you can safely put that behind you. You describe Mr. Darcy as hardworking and generous. Do you know if anyone did the same for him?”
Caroline lifted a shoulder. “No. Only his sister, Georgiana, would ever give him gifts and they were usually not something that he could keep but rather a new piece of music. Miss Darcy was quite gifted on the pianoforte.”
Elizabeth relented. “Thank you, Caroline! You have just given me the perfect idea to help brighten Mr. Darcy’s day.”
Confused, Caroline questioned, “I have? What is this idea of yours?”
Elizabeth told her audience, “As you know, Charles is taking Jane on an extended wedding trip and they are not due to come back until right before the final days before Christmas. So, my idea is starting on the first day of December and continuing until Christmas, we will give Mr. Darcy a small gift.”
Jane interrupted, “Lizzy, you know that we cannot do such a thing. It would not be proper. Besides it would be too easy for him to guess it was from us.”
Elizabeth explained, “Jane, I am not suggesting that we sign our names to the gifts but rather that they are given anonymously. These would be little items. Caroline, you could help us with this. For example, we could do a painted rock, an inexpensive book, a button made by a child.”
“It is an interesting idea, but how would you have these ‘gifts’ delivered to Mr. Darcy every day?” Caroline wondered.
Elizabeth shared, “I am not certain, but we have time to work on that. I am thinking that we will need some outside help. Should we tell Charles of our plan?”
“No, Lizzy,” Jane laughed, “Charles cannot keep a secret, and this is one that I think needs to be kept from him so that if Mr. Darcy asks him about it, Charles can truthfully reply that he does not know anything about it.”
“You might want to consider asking his valet for his assistance,” Caroline recommended. “Adams knows Mr. Darcy better than anyone and he would tell you if this idea of yours would be offensive to his master in any way.”
“That is a wonderful idea, Caroline,” Elizabeth clapped in excitement. “How can we arrange such a meeting without cause for concern?”
Caroline offered. “Why, I shall have you and Jane visit me tomorrow. Jane can review the changes to the furnishings that Charles ordered for her. Mr. Darcy and Charles will be riding into Meryton tomorrow, so while they are away from Netherfield, I will ask Adams to come to the drawing room for a few minutes. Does that suit?”
Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a look. Jane agreed, “Yes, Caroline, that will be fine. I will check on the changes that Charles and I discussed while you and Lizzy speak to Mr. Darcy’s valet. If I may, please be careful with your plans for Mr. Darcy. He seemed to be forcing himself to be cheerful last evening. I know that he told Lizzy and I that he was happy to be amongst friends, but I sense an overwhelming feeling of sadness and guilt.”
“Of course, Jane, you are correct,” Elizabeth acknowledged. “We will discuss the idea with Adams and listen carefully to what he suggests.”
Chapter 5
THE NEXT MORNING JANE and Elizabeth arrived at Netherfield Park as previously arranged. The sisters had taken the carriage as Jane did not feel like walking. When they arrived, they were shown into the drawing room where Caroline greeted them. “Good morning, Jane, Lizzy. I trust your family is well?”
“They are, thank you Caroline,” Elizabeth confirmed. “I regret we cannot stay too long. Our mother has some wedding details that she requires our assistance with, but we told her that we could not miss our meeting with you this morning.”
“I understand.” Caroline nodded to both of them. “In that case, Jane, perhaps you should go ahead to the mistress’s chambers and make sure everything is arranged the way you would like. I will have Adams summoned directly.”
Jane answered, “Thank you, Caroline. I will not be long. Lizzy, please be...cautious when you word your questions to Mr. Darcy’s valet.”
Elizab
eth laughed. “I promise, I will be careful, Jane. I know that you think that this idea is perhaps not the best, but I think it might be helpful.”
Caroline examined Elizabeth. “Please have a seat. I will walk Jane to the door and have a footman summon Adams.”
Elizabeth took a seat and look about the room. She started to wonder if she was trying to occupy her own mind by helping Mr. Darcy find happiness so that she did not have to think about the fact that in less than a week she would no longer have her dearest Jane to speak with every day.
Caroline returned and took the seat next to Elizabeth. Elizabeth studied her future sister-in-law, “Caroline, do you feel lost? That you are losing your brother to my sister?”
Caroline thought for a moment before she answered, “I guess I never really thought about it, but I believe I will be somewhat lost. I have gotten used to having Charles to myself these last few months. I wonder what I should do now.”
Elizabeth counseled, “You could always come and stay at Longbourn for a time, if you wish. Charles and Jane will be going on a trip and you would be here alone with Mr. Darcy.”
Caroline was intrigued, “That is an interesting idea. May I think about it? I know that Mr. Darcy had planned to stay at the inn while Charles and Jane were away for propriety’s sake.”
Elizabeth opened her mouth to respond when a footman returned with a man a little older than Mr. Darcy appeared and stated, “Miss Bingley, your footman informed me that you wished to speak with me.”
“Yes, please come in,” Caroline advised. “I would like to introduce you to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. It is she who would like to speak with you.” Caroline dismissed the footman with a gesture.
Surprised, Adams turned to Elizabeth, “You wished to meet me, Miss Bennet? Why? Are you another lady, like Miss Bingley here, who is only interested in my master’s wealth and position in society? I will not be a party to answering any questions for the likes of you.” He turned to leave but was stopped.
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