by Kate Speck
Miss Bingley nodded graciously, “I am most thankful, sir. My brother will tend to me and we shall be quite safe here. It is a beautiful home, Mr. Darcy.”
William smiled and kissed the lady’s hand. “I shall return as quickly as I can. Please excuse me.” He rushed up the stairs to change his dirty clothes. He was eager to speak with the beautiful woman again as soon as possible and gather more information about her.
~*~
“Oh, Charles,” Miss Bingley spoke as soon as they were left alone. “I should murder you for causing the accident but it was most fortuitous that we literally ran into the most prestigious gentleman in all of England. Mr. Darcy is absolutely the most eligible bachelor and he seemed very pleased to meet me. Wait until I tell Miss Grantley about our meeting such a distinguished man. He is so handsome. I never thought I could catch such a man; or rather, he caught me!” She tittered in exhilaration.
“He is a very good man. He could have called for the constable or yelled at me and he had every right to be angry but he was only concerned for your wellbeing and was patient. I am so sorry, Caroline. I hope your ankle is not causing you too much pain.” Bingley replied.
“Ankle? Oh, yes. My ankle is fine. It will be right as rain in no time.” Caroline replied. “This house is magnificent. I heard all about Pemberley and young Mr. Darcy is the sole heir to an estate of ten thousand a year. Can you believe it? We are now acquainted with such a man! I plan on capturing him for a husband and you might call him brother by the end of the year!”
Bingley’s brows rose, “I did not think you knew anything of him by what you said to him, Caroline. He is a very kind gentleman and I am glad to have met him, though. I need to write the note to papa and will ask him to come here directly. His carriage will need fixing and I am going to be punished for the rest of my life.”
Bingley took a seat and began to write. Miss Bingley looked around the drawing room and noted the elegant furnishings and the beautiful decorations that exuded affluence. She stood to walk to the mantle and touched several of the shiny items and dreamt of residing in such a home.
She turned her head when she heard a young voice call out into the room, “Lizzy! Are you hiding in here? I am going to find you soon!”
Georgiana gasped when she saw the guests in the room and blushed. She stood for a moment, contemplating whether to run away or greet them.
As she stood frozen, Miss Carter, her governess, coughed from behind. “One does not stand about at the door, Miss Darcy. What should you do?”
“I will enter, Miss Carter.” Georgiana shyly answered and stepped into the drawing room.
Miss Carter smiled and turned to the guests, “Young Mr. Darcy sent word to me that he has visitors and that he will be joining us very soon. I am Miss Carter, the governess, and this is Miss Darcy. It is a pleasure to meet you both.”
Georgiana curtseyed and took a seat quietly to observe the pair. Mrs. Mason also brought in the refreshments and exited quickly.
“I am Miss Caroline Bingley and my brother Charles Bingley. Mr. Darcy was of a great service to us and we are most grateful for his assistance.” She spoke as she sat back down. “Charles is writing a note to our father and we are devastated by the injury my brother caused Mr. Darcy.” She turned to the young girl, “You are so pretty, Miss Darcy. Your dress is very fine and I am pleased to make your acquaintance. How old are you?”
“I am nine years old, Miss Bingley.” Georgiana answered quietly.
Miss Bingley smiled as she began the tea service, “I remember being nine. You must think me so old compared to yourself but I have only come out into society this month and I am already meeting the most wonderful people in town. My special friend, Miss Grantley, will be having a ball for her coming out in two days and I am to be her guest of honour. Do you know the family?”
Miss Carter raised her eyebrow and answered, “I know the family, Miss Bingley. I believe the Darcys have been invited and they plan on attending.”
Georgiana hid her amusement, knowing that Miss Carter had been Miss Grantley’s governess for three years before coming to the Darcy household.
“How wonderful! I hope to dance with the handsomest gentleman there.” Miss Bingley cooed. “I am eager to meet Mr. and Mrs. Darcy as well. Do you know when your parents will return?” She asked Georgiana.
The young girl looked at her governess to answer for her.
“Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne,” Miss Carter clarified, “will be returning later this afternoon. Mr. Darcy had businesses to attend and Lady Anne is shopping on Bond Street with her houseguests. It was one of the girls’ birthday last month and there is another birthday in a few days. The younger children are at the park with their governess.” She smiled at Georgiana.
Miss Bingley gasped, “Lady Anne! That is right. I had forgotten that Mr. Darcy’s mother was of noble descent. Can you tell me more? Who are the houseguests? Are there many children? No young ladies... that could possibly become... the future mistress here?” She hoped the governess would share all the gossips.
Miss Carter calmly replied, “Lady Anne is the daughter of an earl, Miss Bingley. The Darcys are hosting a family from Hertfordshire where they have a summer residence and there are five girls, none of whom are out yet. Miss Darcy has been most fortunate to gain many friends nearer her age.”
Then, William entered the drawing room in his pristine suit and cravat. “My apologies for the delay. I hope you are all well. I am pleased to see you have been taking your refreshments.” He sat next to Miss Bingley and smiled, “I hope you are feeling better, Miss Bingley. You are looking well. Very well, indeed.”
Miss Bingley fluttered her lashes as she beamed. “You are too kind, sir. I was getting to know your sister and her governess better, Mr. Darcy. I understand you are likely attending the Grantley Ball in two days. I explained to your sister that I will be there also and will be a guest of honour there.”
“How wonderful! I will certainly be there now.” William declared. “I hope you will save me a dance, Miss Bingley. It would be my pleasure.”
“But of course, Mr. Darcy.” Caroline answered. “It would be an honour. Which set woul...”
There was a knock on the door. “The doctor is here, Mr. Darcy,” the butler announced.
“Ah! Mason, please escort Miss Bingley to a guest room for the examination. If Mrs. Mason can assist, or have a maid attend to Miss Bingley’s needs. Thank you.” William ordered.
Miss Bingley stood and held William’s arm with a smile. She began to limp her way out of the drawing room when William stopped their steps and asked his sister, “Georgie, where is Lizzy? I thought she was here with you. I would like for her to make Miss Bingley’s acquaintance.”
Georgiana stood and gasped loudly, “Oh, no! I was playing hide-and-seek with her and then I was distracted with your guests. I completely forgot!”
William nodded to Mr. Bingley, “If you would please go with your sister, Mr. Mason will show you the room. I will wait for the doctor to see Miss Bingley first before my own examination, Mason.” He turned to Georgiana, “Come, let us go find that silly girl. She probably fell asleep in the library by now.” He smiled tenderly and held her sister’s hand to look for Lizzy.
After everyone emptied out from the drawing room, the little girl who had been hiding quietly peeked her head out from behind the drapes and sighed deeply. Lizzy had heard everything and wondered what kind of woman Miss Bingley truly was, and how she could protect Will from the woman who sounded mercenary.
Chapter 13
“I am pleased to meet you, Mr. Bingley.” William greeted the elderly gentleman at Darcy House. “Your son is a bit shaken up from the incident but he is faring well and your daughter is resting in one of the guest rooms.”
“I cannot thank you enough, sir. It was most irresponsible of Charles to take the carriage without my driver, and in this area, too. He is fifteen, sir, and has been eager to be more independent but the busy city is not an ideal locatio
n to learn to drive a carriage.” Mr. Bingley looked at his son and smiled, “He has been begging me for a curricle and I suppose this will mean it will be delayed.” He laughed as he watched his son’s disappointed face. “I have begun to look for an estate to lease and perhaps when we are in the country, he may have his wish then.”
William asked in surprise, “You are looking for a place to lease? May I ask where you wish to reside?”
“Anywhere within thirty miles or so from London would be ideal. I have been a tradesman all my life but my business has been very successful and I am attempting to become a gentleman. I still have some ties here to oversee but I wish to be a landowner someday. Since I have no experience of it, I know I will need to lease first to learn the skills, and I am hoping my son will also learn much and become a good landowner later. He has been attending Eton and my daughter is coming out this season. My eldest daughter, Louisa, is recently betrothed to a gentleman, whose father has an estate in Shropshire and will be married this summer.” Mr. Bingley sighed, “I wish my wife were still with me to guide me but I must believe that good will come with the blessings I have now.”
“What a coincidence that my father is looking for a tenant in Kent. It is not far and might meet your needs, Mr. Bingley.” William was pleased to share. “I have been speaking with your son for the past half hour and I have found him a very jovial young man. We spoke of my former professors at Eton and was shocked that Professor Snipe is still teaching there. I thought he was nearly a hundred years old when I attended!”
The younger men laughed together while the elder smiled at their easy manners. Young Mr. Darcy had been most forgiving and very patient with his dear son. “Thank you again.” He stood up to take his leave. “I will send a note of apology to your father and I insist that you take this as a recompense for your injury.” He handed the young man an envelope. It contained £200 in banknotes inside and Mr. Bingley hoped it was enough to appease Mr. Darcy for the inconvenience.
William held the elder man’s hand as he returned the envelope. “I assure you, I have not the need nor the desire to accept anything in payment, sir. My shoulder will be fine in a day or two and I am most pleased to have met Charles today. I did not have a chance to speak with Miss Bingley much but it was imperative that she recover from her injury so she can enjoy the Grantley Ball this week. If you will call on my father tomorrow, Mr. Bingley, I am sure he will enjoy meeting you and you can also speak with him about the possibility of leasing my cousin’s estate.” William walked him to the foyer as they waited for Miss Bingley to come downstairs.
Charles Bingley enthusiastically shook his new friend’s hand. “Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Darcy. I hope to see you again soon. I look forward to learning from you and getting myself to Cambridge. You have already been a great mentor to me today!”
William smiled, “You will see me again soon. I am off on my Grand Tour this summer but we will have time to converse after I complete university. I would not mind calling on you in a few days. After...” he turned around to see Miss Bingley approaching with a maid’s help, “after your sister recovers and can accept visitors.” He smiled at the pretty woman who was beaming.
“Of course, you can call on us anytime, Mr. Darcy,” Caroline grinned. “My ankle will be fine and if you will call on us tomorrow, so long as I am allowed to sit, you can come and see me anytime, sir.” She fluttered her lashes flirtatiously.
Mr. Bingley assisted his daughter after bowing to William. “Let us get you home, Caroline. Your sister will fret that Charles nearly killed you today.” He laughed as his daughter glared at her brother. “Come now. The doctor declared that nothing appeared severe and you only need to rest.”
William saw to their departure and smiled at Miss Bingley after closing the carriage door. “I will call on you tomorrow, Miss Bingley, Charles.”
The carriage departed and William returned indoors with a broad grin on his face. It had been an exciting day and he was elated with meeting the fine lady, who could possibly be his future wife.
~*~
“I think I am in love, Lizzy.” William gushed as he sat down next to her in the library where Lizzy had been reading alone. “I was wishing for my future wife to drop from the sky and the most beautiful angel literally crashed into me. Her carriage, actually, but it must be providential. She is pretty and witty and apparently has a large dowry. I think she is perfect.”
Lizzy smiled to see her friend in bliss but was concerned what kind of a woman this Caroline Bingley truly was. Her speech with her brother when alone made her appear grasping and mercenary but until she met the woman herself, Lizzy was determined to be cordial and non-judgmental. “I’m glad your holiday has been an eventful one. I know you have had many gatherings and invitations with your friends and their families, and my mother has been delighted with the parties she has been able to attend with your parents.”
William smiled, “It has been better than my expectations and I have never been happier. Meeting an attractive lady, finishing school, and preparing for my trip this summer, I am truly excited for my future and it seems everything is coming together perfectly. The lady I admire, she has a younger brother who is also pleasant and is a cheery fellow. Charles Bingley is only fifteen but I think he will become a fine gentleman and perhaps he might marry one of your sisters someday. I spoke to him for a while and he is genuine and intelligent. He might not be bad for Georgiana if my parents approved.”
“You, matchmaking,” Lizzy giggled, “you must be in love. Tell me how you met her. I hope I will meet her soon, Will. I would like to see... you did ask me to help you choose, remember?”
“But of course, Lizzy.” He kissed the top of her head. “What would I do without you? Allow me to tell you of my very own adventure today.” He proceeded to tell her about the carriage accident and meeting the Bingleys.
“Your shoulder!” Lizzy exclaimed. “Are you all right?” She fussed as she stood over him from the other side of him on the couch and inspected his shoulder in multiple places. “Are you in great pain?”
William laughed, “You are such a mother hen. Mrs. Gardiner told us about how overprotective you were during her pregnancy and I can see you doing the same now.” He pulled her down onto his lap with his right arm and embraced her. “I will be fine. It only smarts when I move it too much but the doctor said I should be fully recovered in a couple of days.” He rested his cheek on her head, “It means no fencing, though, my dear. I will not be able to duel you for a while but we will find something else to do. No,” he laughed when Lizzy briskly sat up to ask a question, “we cannot go shooting either. That will have to wait until you are much grown. Come, let us go and see what puzzle father left for us. He enjoys giving us riddles to solve and we still have our chess match to finish. I have not forgotten you beat me soundly last time and I will have my revenge!”
Lizzy stood and wrapped her arms around his waist as they began to walk. “I hope you get better quickly, Will. Not only because I want to fence with you again but also because I do not wish you pain. You could have died today and I would have been sad.”
“I am fine, Lizzy. Today was a momentous day and I am confident that it is a beginning of a new chapter in my life. If I find Miss Bingley as wonderful as I believe she is, I will ask her for courtship and if she will wait for me, I will have something to look forward to when I return from my journey. John Knightley and I will both have our ladies waiting for us and perhaps we can even marry in a double ceremony.”
“I have not heard of many double weddings and that would be quite an adventure.” Lizzy responded as they walked to the study. “I would love a double ceremony with my sister if I were to ever marry. I still don’t wish to marry but if I did, I would want a small ceremony by the ocean with God and only a few of my closest friends to attend. I wouldn’t need much else.”
William smiled, “And would I be invited? That is, IF, if you got married?”
“Of course, Silly Willy!”
Lizzy laughed. “You might be old and decrepit by then but I’ll make sure to have someone assist you!”
“You minx!” William laughed loudly, “I am only twenty now. Wait until you are older, little miss! I am going to tease you mercilessly that you are old and decrepit.”
Lizzy stuck her tongue out, “But you will ALWAYS be older. Come now, old man, I am going to find all the answers to the riddle and win your papa’s prize... AGAIN!” She laughed and ran off to the study while William grinned and followed after her.
Chapter 14
“How is your ankle faring, Miss Bingley? I hope you will be able to dance tomorrow.” William asked the beautiful woman who was dressed very finely. “Are you... is there a ball or a theatre outing that you are attending today, Miss Bingley? You seemed to be dressed for a formal occasion.”
“Oh, this is my normal wear, Mr. Darcy.” Caroline Bingley blushed. “I am surprised you even noticed this old dress.”
William was puzzled to her statement, as she was dressed as if to visit royalty. He thought perhaps she was attempting to flatter him and smiled. “You look very well, Miss Bingley. I understand you are a good friend to Miss Grantley. I have recently met her parents and they are a very pleasant couple.”
Caroline’s jealousy quickly erupted, knowing that Eleanor Grantley had beauty and a large dowry like herself, but that her friend was the daughter of a gentleman and had connections to families of the first circles. “She is a dear friend, but it is rather unfortunate that her family had suffered a disgrace. I have heard rumours about her elder sister who...”
“Mr. Darcy!” Mr. Bingley the elder walked in through the door. “How wonderful to see you again. I had the most pleasant meeting with your father this morning and I have decided to take a short trip to Kent after Caroline’s ball tomorrow. Has Charles told you about it?” He smiled at his son.
“No, father,” Charles replied. “Caroline was speaking of the ball and Miss Grantley and I did not have a chance yet.” He turned to his friend. “We are to see Rosings Park and father has promised to allow me to drive the carriage once we are in the country. Is that not exciting?!”
