| The Other Bingley, Part II |
| �Mrs. Westling,� Darcy called out before the lady left later that afternoon, �I would like to thank you for being so� straightforward with me today; it was something I think I needed to hear. I have spoken to your brother and made amends. I hope you shall forgive me as he has.� He took her hand and kissed it as he bowed. Elinor smiled widely, relieved that the influence of her decidedly less amiable sisters had not completely ruined Darcy. �Well, if Charles can forgive you, I suppose I must as well. But Mr. Darcy, you must promise me never to be influenced by Caroline again. I shall be sorely disappointed and lose all respect for you if I hear of it,� she scolded, only half-joking. Darcy chuckled. �You have my word, ma�am.� �Excellent. Now, as the final step in your redemption, why do you not go with Charles tomorrow to visit Miss Bennet? Perhaps you may even hear some news of your lady.� He started. �My lady? I don�t understand your meaning,� he asked, racking his brain for a moment in the conversation when he had mentioned Elizabeth. �Why, yes. I do recall you mentioning Miss Bennet�s younger sister with a certain tenderness in your voice and blush in your cheek. I suppose I assumed too much,� she replied, quite certain that she did not assume too much at all. �Yes, you did indeed. Miss Elizabeth is a lovely and intriguing young woman, but she is not my lady by any means. Any objections I had against Bingley�s union with the family must obviously hold true tenfold for myself.� Elinor pursed her lips and raised an eyebrow. �Well, as we have determined that those objections are utterly invalid, and mathematically ten times zero is still zero�� she retorted as she walked out to her carriage. �Good day Mr. Darcy. I believe you still have quite a lot of soul searching to do.� He stared after her, amazed once again at Elinor�s uncanny ability to read him like a book. * * * * * * True to his word, Bingley called on Gracechurch Street the next morning accompanied by Darcy, who had told himself that he was going only to support his friend, and not to hear about Miss Elizabeth. After introductions were made between the gentlemen and the Gardiners, Bingley and Jane immediately isolated themselves, leaving Darcy to speak with Jane�s aunt and uncle. Much to his surprise, he found them to be very intelligent, informed, amiable people, despite their unfortunate situation of being in trade, and much enjoyed their chat. Mr. Gardiner turned out to be very well versed in country pursuits, and the two men discussed fishing extensively while Mrs. Gardiner prepared tea. By the end of the visit, Darcy had decided that the location of the Gardiner home was of almost no consequence, and that in some situations he would be proud to call them his friends. Bingley, meanwhile, was doing everything in his power to show Jane that he was utterly and completely devoted to her. He kissed her hand in greeting and held it until they were seated side by side. He spoke gently, smiled often, and complimented her whenever the opportunity arose. In return, she blushed and smiled becomingly, placed her hand on his arm when she spoke, and overall made him understand through her words and actions that she too was dedicated to him. A quarter of an hour into the visit, Bingley decided that there was no reason to wait much longer to propose, and before the gentlemen took their leave, he requested a private interview with Jane on the morrow. Her eyes shone with hope and love as she consented to walk with him in _____ Park the following afternoon. �Thank you for accompanying me Darcy. It allowed me to speak privately with Miss Bennet, and I have decided to propose to her tomorrow!� Bingley declared as they stepped into the carriage. �She has granted me a private interview in the park in the afternoon! Just think, by this time tomorrow, my angel will truly by mine!� Darcy smiled, happy for his friend, guilty that he had tried to prevent this happiness, and envious that Bingley�s situation in life made it possible for him to marry for love, not duty. �I was wondering how long it would take. Well, I wish you luck old man. Not that you need it, for Miss Bennet obviously adores you. I don�t know how I missed it before. I apologize again for trying to interfere Bingley.� Bingley clapped his friend on the shoulder, the smile never leaving his face. �Tis all forgotten old friend. Miss Bennet and I shall be together, and that is all that matters.� Darcy forced a little half-grin and looked out the window. �Are you to return to Netherfield then?� �It is likely, but I�m not yet certain when. When Miss Bennet and I speak tomorrow, I will decide; it will depend on how long she is to stay in town. Would you care to return with me when I go?� Darcy struggled with the question for a moment, debating the dangers of seeing Elizabeth again. He finally decided that it would be best for him to remain in town. �Thank you Bingley, I believe I shall join you,� was what he replied instead. Why in bloody hell did I just agree to go to Hertfordshire? Am I mad? But he could not renege now, and so just remained silent while Bingley spoke of his future hopes for happiness during the rest of the ride. Bingley awoke very early the next day, a full 8 hours before his 2 o�clock appointment to walk with Jane. As it is with anyone anxiously anticipating a happy event, the time moved at an unearthly slow speed for him; he had bathed, dressed, and breakfasted all before 7:30, leaving him six and a half hours to fill before becoming the happiest man alive. He looked over a few letters, replied to them, tried to read several books, and checked his appearance several dozen times. When all this was done, it was still only 9. Frantic for something to do, he at last decided to call on his sister and new nephew. By the time he arrived it was after 10, and he knew that Elinor�s conversation would keep him amused at least until lunchtime. When the doorbell of the Westling residence rang, Elinor had the sneaking suspicion that her baby brother had come to see her. She was, of course, correct. She found him not quite as she expected him though: he was terribly agitated, shaking like a leaf and grinning like an idiot. I wonder if this has anything to do with that lovely Miss Bennet� �Dear Charles! To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?� �Elinor, I confess that I need distraction. Today at 2 o�clock, I am to become the happiest of men; however, until then I must do something with myself other than pace about and wear a hole in Caroline�s favorite carpet.� �And what is happening at 2 that will make you so very happy brother?� she asked with a knowing smile. He grasped her hand and grinned even more widely. �Dear Elinor� yesterday, Darcy and I called on Miss Bennet and the Gardiners. I requested a private interview with her today. I am going to propose! Here is the ring; do you think she will like it?� It was a lovely piece of jewelry, though Elinor was certain that Miss Bennet would care more about the proposal than the ring. �I�m sure she�ll love it my dear. I wish you all the luck in the world! Now, come in and have some tea to calm yourself, and play with your nephew for a bit.� As he expected, the hours passed quickly; he ate lunch with his sister and brother-in-law, and at 1 o�clock left their house to make sure he reached Gracechurch Street in plenty of time. He knocked on Mr. Gardiner�s door at 2 o�clock sharp. Jane greeted him at the door. �Good afternoon Mr. Bingley. My aunt wishes to know if you will stay for tea after our walk.� �Thank you Miss Bennet, I would be delighted.� She smiled and replied to her aunt, then accepted his hand to lead her out of the house and to the park. They walked in silence for several minutes until Bingley found the exact spot he was looking for, a private little nook with a bench. Knowing they could not stay out long because of the cold, he wasted no time in addressing her. �Miss Bennet, I know that until two days ago, we had not seen each other for nearly two months; however, not a day has passed where you were not in my heart. I was convinced that you did not care for me, but now I believe that my sources were mistaken. Miss Bennet� Jane,� he corrected, kissing her hand, �I love you dearly, and nothing would make me happier than if you would consent to be my wife.� He took out the ring and held it at the tip of her outstretched finger. �Oh Mr. Bingley� yes, I will marry you! I love you as well!� He slipped the ring on her finger and gave her a firm kiss on her lips to seal the engagement. When he pulled away, Jane lowered her eyes and blushed; then, calling up all of her courage, she met Bingley�s eyes and after taking a deep breath, returned the kiss with an eagerness that surprised even her. He was, of course, delighted at her confirmation of affection. When their lips disengaged, he held her close and murmured endearments until he felt her shiver with cold and knew they had to return to Gracechurch Street. As they walked back, arrangements were made for returning to Hertfordshire to ask Mr. Bennet�s permission; it was decided that Jane would cut her visit short and return to Longbourn at the end of the week, and he would follow a few days later, as soon as Netherfield was ready. Delirious with a joy that a few days ago he had thought was never to be, Bingley could not resist planting one more chaste kiss on Jane�s lips and drawing an �I love you Charles� from her before they entered the house for tea. It is a truth universally acknowledged that time moves excruciatingly slowly when one is anticipating a happy event and frightfully quickly when one is dreading a not-so-happy event. Thus, a week and a half seemed interminable to Bingley, while Darcy, feeling ever more keenly the danger of seeing Elizabeth again, barely noticed the passage of the days. Indeed, they passed so quickly that the day of departure arrived to find Darcy without an excuse to keep him from accompanying Bingley to Hertfordshire. He could have always used the usual excuse of "urgent business", but even Bingley knew that this time of year was particularly uneventful, and besides, disguise of any sort was Darcy's abhorrence. Urgent business was an excuse to be used sparingly, lest it become obvious that it was usually entirely imaginary. So, Darcy found himself going to Hertfordshire with Bingley and the Westlings; after Bingley had shown a rare flash of anger towards them over their involvement in separating him from Jane, the Hursts and Caroline had decided to remain in town. (Caroline's decision was also probably helped by Darcy's reply when she had begged him to keep Charles from "that little troublemaker"; in a moment of impulse, he had asked, "Why do you want me to keep Charles from you?" and walked away. Though he later acted as if he had been teasing, Caroline got the point for once.) Elinor, like her brother, was most keen to go to Hertfordshire, for it meant seeing for herself the lady who had caught Darcy's eye. He may have wanted to deny it, but Elinor had never seen Darcy blush at the mention of a woman, and he had most certainly blushed when he spoke of this Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Now that she knew her brother's happiness was secure, she decided that it was time to see to Darcy's; it was an added inducement that Caroline would be most put out if Darcy were to marry this girl, though Elinor chose not to dwell on that motive lest she feel guilty for thinking so ill of her own sister... not that Caroline didn't deserve it, of course. The closer they came to Netherfield, the more anxious Bingley seemed. He was fairly certain of Mr. Bennet's favorable reception to his suit, but that did not soothe his easily excitable nerves. Darcy just rolled his eyes and smiled indulgently, trying to keep his mind free of images of Elizabeth. With each passing mile, another memory would creep into his mind, from the first night he saw her; running into her looking deliciously disheveled on the grounds after she had walked to Netherfield; her stay at Netherfield with Jane; the night, or rather, nights she had refused to dance with him; the night he had last seen her, when she had finally accepted the offer. That had been a vexing night indeed, for not only had he indulged his weakness for her, but she had been more than usually impertinent, particularly as regarded Mr. Wickham. He clenched his teeth, remembering that he would probably have to cross paths with that scoundrel again. If he has not been run out of town by his creditors yet... "There it is Elinor, Robert. Netherfield Park. What do you think?" Bingley called to the carriage from his horse. "It is a fair prospect, Bingley," Mr. Westling replied. "But I do hope there are not too many fineries inside; the boys wreak havoc wherever they go!" "Fortunately all the finery that was here in the autumn belonged to Caroline, and has stayed in town!" Bingley joked. The Netherfield servants were ready to greet their master and his guests as soon as they pulled into the lane, and were quite relieved not to see Caroline or the Hursts in the party. The Westlings were immediately friendly and respectful to the servants, instantly earning their loyalty. Because of the children, their journey had been delayed in starting and extended in duration, so the Westlings retired early to prepare for the visitors who would inevitably come to pay their respects on the morrow. Bingley retired to practice his speech for Mr. Bennet, leaving Darcy alone to walk through the still-familiar rooms of Netherfield, haunted by Elizabeth Bennet. The drawing room... how many verbal skirmishes had they waged there? He could remember each one, the delightful fire in her eyes when she was vexed, usually with him... how she bewitched him with that alluring mixture of sweetness and archness that was completely without artifice! The library... she was quite fond of reading, he remembered, though she claimed not to be a "great reader". She always looked so lovely while engrossed in a book, a few tendrils of hair resting on her neck, a slight frown of concentration on her brow, her finger occasionally touching her lips in absentminded thought... how often had he wished to be in that lucky appendage's place! The billiard room... her first night at Netherfield while caring for Jane, when she had walked in on him accidentally. What a strange rush of passion he had felt for her at that moment! Bingley probably would not have approved of the use he had wanted to make of the billiard table at that moment. This is ridiculous. I cannot go through every room thinking of how it is associated with Elizabeth Bennet! he chastised himself. I believe it is time to retire. Unfortunately, his bedchamber turned out to be most distracting room of all. He had spent several rather uncomfortable nights in that very bed involuntarily (or so he claimed) fantasizing about having Elizabeth lying next to him (or underneath him) in a most unladylike manner, and the memory of those conscious dreams kept him as awake now as they did then. Several glasses of port were required to allow him some rest. * * * * * * As had been the case in the autumn, Sir William Lucas was the first to call on Mr. Bingley the next day, though he was quickly joined by many others. The whole town was in an uproar, and rumors were flying about Bingley's reasons for returning, especially as it coincided so neatly with the return from town of Jane Bennet. When Mr. Bingley called at Longbourn that afternoon instead of receiving more visitors, the gossip became even more furious. He arrived with a portfolio of what appeared to be business papers, asked to see Mr. Bennet directly, and was closeted with him for nearly half an hour. The entire process of settling on Jane took no more than ten minutes, but Mr. Bennet could not resist teasing the poor boy a bit before giving his consent. The two gentlemen made the happy announcement to the anxiously-awaiting ladies in the drawing room, and by teatime half of Meryton had heard the news. Before departing, Bingley cordially invited the whole Bennet family to dine at Netherfield the following day, a scheme that was heartily approved by all. "Do your sisters join you on this stay, Mr. Bingley?" Elizabeth asked a bit apprehensively, hoping the answer would be no. "Eh, well, Miss Bingley and the Hursts were not inclined to leave town at this time of year, but I have brought my eldest sister, Mrs. Westling, and her family. And of course there is Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth forced a smile and asked Bingley to send Mr. Darcy everyone's greetings. That is just what we need, another horrid Bingley sister and the despicable Mr. Darcy! She was not looking forward to meeting him again. "Do send Mr. and Mrs. Westling my regards sir, and Mr. Darcy of course," Jane followed. "I do look forward to meeting with them again. They are very pleasant people." "I thank you Miss Bennet. I am sure Elinor will be happy to hear from you, for she was quite taken by you," then leaning close to her ear, "and who could not be?" Jane blushed at this intimate display, and even more so when he tenderly kissed her hand. He gazed into her eyes for a few moments longer before donning his hat and cheerfully exclaiming, "Until tomorrow then!" * * * * * * Darcy paced up and down in the library, trying to prepare himself mentally for seeing Elizabeth again. More than that, though, he was practicing the mask of non-emotion he would desperately need to get through the night without his sentiments being discovered. He was extremely concerned by Elinor Westling's astute observational skills, for if she had noticed a hint of his feelings when he simply spoke Elizabeth's name, she would have no trouble discerning their entirety once he was in her presence. He could tolerate Caroline's mocking because she had only been jealous of his attention and had no idea as to the true state of his emotions; Elinor, however, was much more likely to see right through him, and he was quite sure that she would make at least one penetrating comment before the night was over. Remember Darcy: aloof, unavailable ice king. His first view of Elizabeth was from the library window; having gotten the initial blushing out of the way, he was tolerably composed when it came time to greet her at the entrance. She was as delightful as he remembered, and greeted him with a hint of impertinence that made his chest tighten with desire. Elinor watched his reaction with great interest. He wore the Darcy mask of coldness, but the one thing he could never control was the expression of his eyes. They showed much more than even Darcy would admit to himself; if he had known how good Elinor was at reading his eyes, he would have kept them closed the entire evening. It was clear to Elinor within a matter of moments that Darcy was in love with Elizabeth Bennet, whether he knew it or not. For purposes related to the quest of knowledge she was undertaking, Elinor seated Darcy across from Elizabeth at the table, while she herself was on Elizabeth's left side. Having received a warning from Charles about the temperaments of the younger Miss Bennets and Mrs. Bennet, Elinor had placed them at the opposite end, buffered by Charles, Jane, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Westling. Not five minutes of conversation had passed before Elinor realized several things: Elizabeth Bennet was definitely a kindred spirit and they would be great friends; Elizabeth Bennet was the perfect woman for Darcy; and Elizabeth Bennet hated Darcy with passion almost equal to that with which he loved her. If there was one thing Elinor knew about hate, though, it was that little else could breed an intense love the way intense hate could. If Elizabeth had been indifferent, she would have been worried. But the very fact that her reaction to him was so strong showed great promise. As it was, she was simply amused by their interaction. Elizabeth was critical and harsh with nearly every word she spoke to him; Darcy, meanwhile, relished every second of her impertinence, and probably thought that she was teasing and flirting. He met each of Elizabeth's witticisms with gallantry and more wit until she could no longer continue the argument out of frustration. It was fortunate that Darcy was pursing his lips to hold back a grin, or he would have been drooling on his plate when Elizabeth's eyes flashed with anger. "I wonder, Mr. Darcy, that you returned to Hertfordshire with Mr. Bingley," Elizabeth began with a new topic. "I understood that you found country society to be confined and unvarying. Would you not have been more amused in town with Miss Bingley?" Her voice carried a definite challenge; despite the objectionable insinuation about Miss Bingley, he could feel his breeches tightening with anticipation of the new battle to come. "You are mistaken Miss Bennet. I find the society here much more to my liking. London does not provide the same sort of... stimulation that can be found in Hertfordshire." He smiled teasingly at her and returned his attention to his plate. Elinor had to cover her mouth with her napkin to hold back a laugh; Elizabeth's eyes widened with rage, but she quickly recovered and smiled sweetly. "I am sure you are right Mr. Darcy, though I am sure that a man of your character is able to find the stimulation he needs no matter where he goes." She innocently took a bite of her fish, enjoying the look of puzzlement and astonishment on Darcy's face that was her reward. "Mrs. Westling, this is a truly exquisite dish. I must commend you on your selection." "Thank you Miss Bennet, I am so glad you enjoy it. Do you prefer fish or meat dishes?" Elinor decided that things were getting a bit too amusing, and was relieved to be able to change the topic. They continued to discuss their food preferences (both ladies shared a taste for plain dishes over ragouts) until the gentlemen went to their port. Elinor immediately claimed Elizabeth for herself when the ladies went to the drawing room. She debated whether to use a direct or indirect approach for discovering Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy, and decided that due to the brief time of their acquaintance, it was better to be subtle. "Miss Bennet, I am so glad that I was able to meet you at last. I have heard much of you, and none of the praise has been exaggerated, I assure you." Elizabeth laughed. "Whatever you may have heard from Jane, Mrs. Westling, I assure you must be taken with a grain of salt. She is far too good to me, and makes much more of my talents than actually exists." Elinor furrowed her brow in feigned confusion. "Why, but it was not from your sister that I heard your praises." "Well, Mr. Bingley is about as accurate a source as Jane I believe." "No my dear, Charles was far too busing extolling his fianc�e's virtues to be bothered with much else. It was Mr. Darcy who told me of your wit and beauty." Elizabeth was incredulous. "I can well believe that! Mr. Darcy is my severest critic." Elinor laughed. "It would be unladylike of me to gossip by repeating his statements, Miss Bennet, but believe me, they could not be construed as critical in any way." Elizabeth was unable to formulate a response. Why should Mr. Darcy be praising me? "Well, I believe that is enough of those pleasantries. Tell me, how have the residents of Meryton been amusing themselves this winter?" Elizabeth smiled with relief at the change of subject. "Meryton has been, er, graced by the presence of a company of militia quartered here for the winter, and the officers have been an endless source of society and amusement for everyone... particularly my younger sisters I'm afraid." She rolled her eyes. "I am sure you shall meet them soon, for I believe that the colonel of the regiment intends to throw a ball for his wife's birthday, and you will undoubtedly be invited. Many of them are young and still a bit wild, but a few are sensible enough, like Mr. Wickham and Mr. Denny." Elinor's stomach dropped. "I'm sorry, did you say Mr. Wickham?" Elizabeth went on her guard; she had to remember that Mrs. Westling was a friend of Darcy's. "I did. Are you acquainted with the gentleman?" Elinor let out a short, bitter laugh. "In some respects, though I assure you that I am not eager to claim the acquaintance. Mr. Wickham is no friend of mine." She thought back with anger on the tale Darcy had told her last year about what had occurred at Ramsgate. Why had he not told her that Wickham was here in Meryton? "No, I would imagine not," Elizabeth replied coolly. "I would not expect a friend of Mr. Darcy's to also be a friend of Mr. Wickham's." Elinor raised an eyebrow. "I assume from your tone, Miss Bennet, that you feel more cordially for Mr. Wickham than I do." "You assume correctly ma'am. I am happy to call Mr. Wickham my friend." "I see. My powers of deduction tell me that you are therefore not a friend of Mr. Darcy's." Elizabeth smiled sardonically. "Mr. Darcy and I are not the best friends, no." "I am very sorry for that." Before Elinor could continue, the gentlemen returned and there was no place for further conversation with Darcy in the room. Elinor would just have to speak to Darcy later and learn more about what had happened with Wickham in Hertfordshire. After a bit of music provided by Elizabeth and Elinor, the Bennets took their leave of the Netherfield party. Elizabeth left with her thoughts in confusion; Mrs. Westling seemed like a genuine, affable, honest woman with a good deal of discernment and judgment, but she had believed whatever account Darcy had given her over Wickham. She did not have the snobbery of her sisters, so it was not merely Darcy's position blinding her. For the first time, Elizabeth admitted to herself that there might be more to the situation than she had originally credited. More information was required. Almost as soon as their guests had left, Elinor sought out Darcy, armed with a look that said she would brook no opposition to being heard immediately. "Mr. Darcy, I had a most enlightening talk with Miss Elizabeth Bennet whilst you gentlemen were enjoying your cigars," she began. Darcy's attention was entirely hers. "Oh?" he replied, trying to be nonchalant. "And of what did you speak?" "You." "Me?" "Well... not only you. Mr. Darcy, is there any new information about Mr. Wickham that you would like to give me?" Next section... |