“I do not take your meaning, sir.” She felt her cheeks redden.
“I could see my friend admires you.”
“You are mistaken, sir. We were merely discussing his sister.”
Wickham’s eyes widened, but he quickly recovered. “He protects her with his life. If he has asked you to become acquainted with her, that is a very great sign indeed. I think I will soon be wishing you joy.”
Lydia’s head bobbed up from her cards, and she crinkled her brow.
“Please, sir!” Elizabeth hissed at Wickham. “Lower your voice and moderate your claims.”
“Very well, I will cease my teasing. I suppose you must be very well acquainted with him, then.”
“I would not say that at all. We had only seen each other in passing company these many weeks until just last week when my sister took ill while visiting Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. She could not leave, and I went to help nurse her.”
“I have heard of Miss Bingley. An insipid, mercenary London miss who forgets she comes from trade and believes herself nearly equal with most peers.” Elizabeth felt her lips twitch. “Darcy must have been very pleased with your company instead. I am certain Miss Bingley must be jealous of all the attention he undoubtedly gave you.”
“Nay, sir, and I certainly do not desire to gain his notice. Nor would I say he has given it. Everyone is disgusted with his pride. He would never offer for me.”
“Poor Darcy. His manners mistakenly give offence, and he cannot appear as he would wish, as he should. He was raised by such excellent parents who taught him very well. His familial pride has led him to be liberal and generous, to give his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, and to relieve the poor. Not to appear to disgrace his family, to degenerate from those popular qualities, or to lose the influence of the Pemberley House are powerful motives. He also has brotherly affection, which makes him a very kind and careful guardian of his sister, and you will hear him generally cried up as the most attentive and best of brothers.”
Attempting to turn the course of conversation, Elizabeth fixated on gaining information of Miss Darcy. She had enjoyed her first letter from her new friend. It was easy to tell the young lady was shy but eager for the friendship. “What is Miss Darcy like?”
“Very much like her brother. But then I can never see a fault in a Darcy. His father was the greatest of men. My father had been a successful solicitor and then became Mr. Darcy’s steward. Mr. Darcy was my godfather and excessively attached to me. I can hardly do justice to him. He provided for me amply in his will. I owe my career to the younger Darcy.”
Elizabeth furrowed her brows. Was this what Mr. Darcy and his family were like? A man with ten thousand pounds per annum was considered generous for supplying only the cost of a commission in the militia? Mr. Wickham’s very countenance proved his amiability. He was too kind to understand that he owed Mr. Darcy no great allegiance.
The thought put to mind another amiable friend of his. Elizabeth was even more certain she should find every means to attend to Jane and Mr. Bingley’s courtship. If Mr. Darcy got it in his head to leave Netherfield or that Jane was unsuitable, then that would be the end of Jane’s happiness. She had all the more reason to ensure Mr. Darcy felt appreciated, and if that meant not spurning his sentiments for the time being, she would have to bear it.
“You do not look convinced, Miss Bennet. Come, I must put in a good word for my friend as I know he is very taken with you. Do you not see any good in him at all?”
“To be a friend to gentlemen as amiable as Mr. Bingley and yourself must much be in his favour. And I have seen nothing that would appear he is unprincipled or immoral.”
“My, you are conservative with your praise.”
She chewed her bottom lip. “I choose to know an acquaintance well before assessing them. Equally, I reserve such assessments from those with whom I am not well acquainted.”
“Very sensible, I am sure.”
Keeping her latest words in her mind, she pushed aside the niggle of doubt she had over some of Mr. Wickham’s words, and supper soon put an end to their conversation. She watched Mr. Wickham for the remainder of the evening. Everything he said and did was graceful, and she went away with her head full of him and his words. She could think of nothing but Mr. Wickham and what he had told her all the way home, but there was not the time for her even to mention his name as they went. Lydia and Mr. Collins spoke incessantly of the games they had played. Mr. Collins added copious commentary on the civility of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips and the dishes at supper. At last, they reached Longbourn.
*****
Elizabeth soon related to Jane all that had passed between her and Mr. Wickham. Elizabeth expressed it all with a mixture of incredulity and amusement, but Jane was far from agreeing.
“Why should it be so difficult to believe that Mr. Darcy admires you?”
“Because upon first sight, he declared me not handsome enough to tempt him!”
“What does that signify?”
“I certainly dressed with more care than usual that evening. My best was not good enough.”
Jane understood Elizabeth’s feelings. Their mother was forever telling Elizabeth that her beauty was nothing to Jane’s. She squeezed her sister’s hand. “You know you are lovely. You laughed at his absurd words at first. We do not know what addled his senses that evening, but it seems he has finally found them. Besides, it is better that he admires you in your ordinary appearance than for a ball.”
Elizabeth gave a small smile. “There is some sense in that.” Then she exhaled. “Which is precisely why I cannot trust it. Mr. Darcy is the sort with such standards that he must always be surrounded by the best of everything.”
“Lizzy, you cannot argue that you are inferior and also superior at the same time.”
“Oh no! I am not so silly as that. It is only that his taste is ridiculous.”
“What makes you think so beyond the words at the ball? He engages you in conversation. He has asked you to dance twice now. He attended you at the pianoforte and has encouraged a friendship with his sister.”
Elizabeth furrowed her brow. “He cannot mean anything by his admiration, then. I have nothing to tempt him to,” she looked very uncomfortable as she finished her words, “matrimony.”
“I cannot agree with that at all. He surely sees by now that you are lively, witty, and kind. You are the most wonderful of sisters.”
“Yes, but I am without fortune and connections. Our family lacks restraint. It must repulse him.”
“Do you imagine he is so proud or that it is only the prudence of his position in society?”
“Both, I daresay.”
Jane cast her eyes down. “I do hope you are wrong. For if the latter is the case, then I have been very foolish with Mr. Bingley.”
“Dear Jane! You are so much better than me! Your qualities must be enough for any sensible man who cared for his happiness in life to see how deserving you are.”
“Is that what you believe Mr. Bingley thinks?” She fervently wished for that to be the case.
“I think he has from the first moment he spoke with you.” Elizabeth smiled and squeezed her sister’s hands.
Jane returned the smile. “Then I do so very much hope his friend can see the same in you. Imagine if we married the best of friends!”
Elizabeth laughed. “Your imagination is far too rapid! I am uncertain if Mr. Darcy even admires me at all, but I am certain I do not desire his notice. I cannot return any sentiments he may have for me.”
“You do not still think he is so proud, do you? I must think him very sensible and amiable if for no other reason but his opinion of you. He is friends with Mr. Bingley, who we know to be very amiable, and now we know Mr. Wickham, who is no less gentlemanly.”
Elizabeth shook her head. “I feel as though I have seen such differing aspects of him. I cannot make him out at all.”
Jane smiled slyly and leaned forward. “Then you must speak w
ith him more. My imagination may be too rapid, but some attachments begin slowly.”
Elizabeth shook her head again and lightly laughed. “You are too much of a romantic, dear. Now, I do want to talk to you seriously for a moment. I was very concerned when Mr. Wickham explained that Mr. Darcy had been exceedingly kind to him when, in fact, all he has gained is his career is as a lieutenant in the militia.”
“But it must be more than he had ever hoped to attain as the son of a steward. Consider, one must have a letter of recommendation from a gentleman.”
“Yes, but Mr. Darcy could do so much more for Mr. Wickham. Do you not feel as though he takes advantage of his friendships?”
“How can that be when he has so much more to offer them?”
Elizabeth frowned. “I suppose that is true. I only feared that he attached himself to amiable young men who could not bear to see his flaws.”
“You believe Mr. Bingley imposed upon? Is it not easier to believe that Mr. Darcy has superior qualities? Or that he has no deficiencies that would earn the ending of a friendship?”
“I speak as I find. As I said, I have seen too many sides to his character to be sure of anything.”
Jane was silent before replying, “I do hope you are wrong. Mr. Bingley would suffer greatly if that is the case.”
Their conversation was brought to an end by the arrival of the formal invitation to the ball at Netherfield. It was planned for the following Tuesday.
As Jane considered how the evening might pass in the company of her two friends and with the attentions of their brother, she was surprised to overhear Mr. Collins ask Elizabeth for the first set. She agreed with some reserve, which Jane attributed to believing Elizabeth had desired to be engaged with Mr. Darcy during those dances. Their mother was very pleased, and most curious of all, Mr. Bennet seemed to be as well.
The warm, dry weather they had been experiencing finally ended that evening, and with the return of colder air came a torrent of rain lasting until the morning of the ball. The women of the household were at odds with each other, and their father was hardly in a more agreeable state. Even the shoe-roses had to be delivered by proxy. Jane frequently wondered how the inhabitants of Netherfield fared. She missed her friends and could not hide the truth from any of her family that she felt impatient to see Mr. Bingley again. She allowed herself to wonder, even to almost hope, that an offer would soon be made, perhaps even the night of the ball. If distance made the heart fonder, she would not repine even the rain.
*****
Glaring at the missive in his hands, Charles Bingley crumpled it. An important meeting was called for the following Wednesday, the day after the ball, and he could not miss it. His annoyance came from the dislike of having anything to think about in the hours between now and the ball. It was critical that the evening went as planned, for he hoped to make Jane Bennet an offer of marriage.
Now instead of anticipating such a joyous event, he had to consider this business in London. Bingley pored over his previous correspondence and notes for hours before coming to the conclusion that he must ask for Darcy’s assistance. Yet Darcy was still abed, having retired early the previous evening, and Bingley suspected he was coming down with the same cold as the ladies of the house.
Just then, Bingley heard a step outside the door. Only Darcy would come down this wing to the library. Leaving his study, he quickly found his old friend.
“Darcy, are you well?”
Darcy stood staring blankly at a chair. Bingley walked up and touched him gently on the shoulder. The man startled and jerked his head.
“Just like you to frighten me, Bingley!”
“I called to you when I entered the room.”
Darcy’s eyes again returned to the chair.
“I do not believe you are well. You should return to your room. My sister would never forgive me if you caught your death from a cold. She has such big plans for you.”
Darcy quickly turned to Bingley then stumbled and touched his head.
“Now I have done it. You had better sit.” Bingley guided Darcy to the settee across from the inexplicably fascinating chair. “I shall call Mrs. Parker to attend you.”
“No, I am well. The fever has broken.”
“You are far from well. How Caroline will recover from the heartache of hosting a ball and not dancing with you, I know not.”
“I have no plans to take a wife.”
Bingley looked at his friend in confusion. It was a strange wording, even if he only meant he would never marry Caroline, which they both well understood. Believing it simply a matter of illness, he did not address it. “I am glad to speak with you before the ball. I have had an express from my uncle. I will need to leave for London on Wednesday morning.”
“You should have no plans to take a wife either!” Darcy said rather forcefully.
Bingley sat back, prepared to do battle. “My wealth may only be half of your reported income, but it is quite sufficient.”
“Yes, but your children may not find it quite so sufficient if you marry a woman with no standing or income.”
Bingley shook his head. “I have heard all your arguments before. Spare me. I will act how my conscience dictates.”
“You are blinded by love,” he said with disdain.
“I am not like you. I wish to marry for love and be loved in return.”
Darcy pinched the bridge of his nose before meeting his eyes. “That is exactly your problem. There is no way to know for certain a woman loves you, with all the money you have. Consider the pain you will feel when you discover it was all a lie.”
Bingley could find no reply. There was much he did not know of his friend’s past, much he did not understand. Darcy had always been wary of sentimental attachments. Bingley knew Darcy’s parents had an arranged marriage, and yet the marriage was not bad. If it were, then it would hardly make sense that Darcy should wish to marry in a similar fashion. Yet he had never been so vehement in his argument before; worse still, Bingley had to face the reality that he could offer no assurances.
Darcy checked his watch and then stood before breaking the silence. “Assuming you are not leaving to meet with the solicitor for marriage articles to Jane Bennet, what business do you have in Town?”
“My uncle is concerned about the continued riots in Nottingham.”
Darcy frowned. “I thought those riots were about pay. There can be no concern with our mills.”
Bingley shook his head. “I am inclined to agree with you, but my uncle still worries. They might be angry that we hire outside the guilds.”
“Lacemaking is quite different from hose knitting. Apprentices are not necessary. Besides with the war…” He trailed off rather than tell Bingley what he already knew. Darcy looked at the clock. “It is nearly time for dinner. I must dress, but I would be happy to ride to London with you. If you will recall, before you requested my assistance at this ball, my intent was to leave this week.”
Bingley winced. “I actually was going to ask if you would stay on while I am away. I do not think my sisters and brother will remain otherwise.”
“London does have more diversions, even at this time of year.”
“Please, Darcy. What would it look like if the whole party left the area directly after the ball?”
“Very well, but I wish to see my sister before next week is out.”
“You are welcome to return any time, and my sisters would be delighted to host Miss Darcy.”
“Yes, I am sure,” Darcy said with a rueful smile before leaving.
Bingley sat and exhaled. Could he really be so uncertain of Jane’s feelings for him? He had not considered before that her attachment did not equal his own. Nor could he consider how to address the issue with the lady in question. He knew her to be too kind to intentionally trifle with his feelings, too sweet to use subterfuge. If he asked, she would answer. Amiable as he was, his stomach turned at the thought of suffering a rejection, not of his hand but of his offer of love. As
his sisters were sick, he had not visited her in person to give the invitation to the ball, as he had wished. Thus, he had no opportunity to secure sets with her. If she saved a space for him on her card, he would take it as clear encouragement.
The thought did not sit well with him. Darcy did not attend dinner. Instead, word came that he was ill. As the evening progressed, it became clear Bingley had caught the same cold afflicting the others, and so he determined his previous unsettled feelings were simply due to being ill.
Chapter Five
“Briggs!” Darcy called out, entering his dressing room.
“Yes, sir?” the valet asked.
“I will not be departing the day after the ball.” The servant looked at him sceptically but said nothing. Darcy hastened to add, “Mr. Bingley has asked me to remain while he goes to London on some business. When he returns, we will depart. I expect it to be next Saturday at the latest.”
“Very well, sir,” Briggs replied with a look of mild astonishment.
Darcy returned to his chamber. At first, Darcy was uncertain why his most trusted servant seemed so confused by his actions. Then it occurred to Darcy that he had delayed his departure twice now due to nothing more than the simple request of his friend. Was it only a week ago that he had debated with Elizabeth Bennet the nature of friendship and persuasion? Their debate was interrupted by Bingley’s uneasiness with arguments. And yet Elizabeth had not deferred to his opinion. She was not so eager to please him or thought so little of her own self that she withdrew her opinion.
Thinking about the conversation reminded Darcy of her words on the topic. She had argued that in ordinary cases it was perfectly natural to change one’s mind for a friend. However, this was no ordinary case. Darcy’s business was not pressing, nor did he need to see his sister at this very moment, but it was not as ordinary as a suggestion on whether to ride or play billiards.
Darcy felt an excessive regard for Bingley, often caring for him as a younger brother. While it often meant tolerating Bingley’s annoying sisters, he had never done anything he did not wish out of sake for the friendship. Not something as trifling as dancing at the local assembly some weeks before, let alone putting off seeing to his own sister’s welfare for the sake of keeping Bingley in his county of choice.
Sufficient Encouragement: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (When Love Blooms Book 1) Page 5
