A ladys reputation, p.36
A Lady's Reputation, page 36
His mind returned to their parting. Elizabeth had shocked him by weeping.
He had not even known it was happening. The Bennets had kindly melted away just before he was to board his carriage, and they were left alone. She went immediately into his embrace, holding him tightly with her face in his shoulder, so buried in his coat that he wondered whether she could breathe.
He had almost begun to pull back from her when he heard it, a sad, high-pitched, little hiccup of a sob. It nearly undid him. He pressed his lips to the top of her head. She held him even tighter as he reassured her. “Only four days there and back with no delay.” Her only answer was a shuddering breath as dampness began to seep into his coat.
It was still a source of pleasure—much as he thought it dreadful to admit—that she would be so affected by his departure. He felt in equal measure sorrowful and glad, and he could do no more than kiss and comfort her, trying his best not to weep himself.
At last, she pulled back, her eyes red and her cheeks rosy and damp. “It is very good of you to show Mr Bingley such kindness. It speaks well of your character. However, for my part, he has a great deal to answer for.”
The remembrance of it was sweet, and he returned to it often in the two days spent travelling. Other, less innocent recollections also made for diverting travelling companions, but these were an impolitic indulgence. It was humiliating to arrive at a place in a state in which no stranger should see him. And he was forced to carry on his business as though he had not the most lewd images so lately in his mind.
He made excellent time on his journey and arrived at Newark-on-Trent well before dinner on his second day of travel. After making himself comfortable at a nearby inn, he went directly to the parish house where Bingley stayed.
Mrs Badisford, the lady who had written to Jane, answered the door and informed him that Mr Bingley was taking a morning constitutional with Mr Pennell, the aged vicar.
“Poor dears,” she clucked. “Mr Bingley with his bad leg, and Mr Pennell being over eighty years old—why they can scarce make it round the root garden afore they needs be coming back!”
Darcy bowed, feeling unable to summon the sympathy—at least for Bingley—to make an appropriate remark.
They went outside, having proceeded through a house that was rather substantial for a parson’s residence. Darcy saw Bingley immediately, but it took a bit of time before Bingley saw him.
When he did, his shock was immediate. He stopped in his tracks and went pale, doing no more than staring at his former friend for some moments. Then he bowed.
Darcy bowed in return, and it gave Bingley sufficient courage to draw nearer.
“D-Darcy…this is a surprise…did you…did Miss Staley…ahh—”
“Miss Staley is now Mrs Erskine,” said Darcy sternly. “And I have no more to say of that matter, for it is not a good remembrance and not something I care to recall. You need assistance, and for the sake of our former friendship, I came to provide it. Let us settle your accounts and get together whatever things you might have. I need to get home to my wife.”
He turned sharply and began to stride back towards the house, knowing Bingley would follow.
It was a small matter to settle Bingley’s affairs. He had gone to Newark-on-Trent bearing none of his possessions as someone had taken all that was on his person. Mr Pennell had written to the proprietors of the inn in Sheffield where Mr Bingley remembered staying, and the magistrate had made his enquiries. Alas, these efforts yielded nothing. Even Bingley’s carriage was gone. Darcy wondered whether Erskine had taken it all. He did not suppose they would ever know.
Mr Pennell and Mrs Badisford felt a genuine attachment to Bingley. Mrs Badisford even shed a tear at the thought of his leaving. Darcy offered them a generous sum for all their efforts. They resisted it at first, but he eventually prevailed for the good of their parish if nothing else.
He and Bingley departed the place at sunrise the next morning. Bingley was mostly recovered, or so said Mrs Badisford, but he tired easily. Darcy rather hoped he would sleep the days away rather than plague him with conversation.
An hour complete of travel elapsed before Bingley dared to speak. “It is good of you to come to me.”
“Yes, it is.”
“I do not deserve such condescension from you.”
“If you would like me to protest, you will wait a long time.”
Bingley shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “You despise me and rightly so.”
“No, I pity you. I fear you have had but a taste of what is to come.”
Bingley looked stricken. “You think someone else will beat me?”
“I have no doubt you likely deserve it, but no, that is not my meaning.”
“Then what?”
Darcy just shook his head. “Why did not Hurst retrieve you?”
Bingley shrugged. “I suppose he is otherwise engaged.”
“And your good friend Sir Albert?”
“Deuced if I know what became of him! He was meant to meet me at… Well, never mind that. He must have been diverted.”
“On to the next soiree no doubt.”
His sarcasm was lost on Bingley. “Yes, he is an exceedingly sought-after man.”
“Perhaps he is, but a man with a large acquaintance is not the same as a man with many friends.”
This time, Bingley was astute enough to understand him. “I know, and I do appreciate that you should overlook—”
Darcy raised one eyebrow. “I have overlooked nothing. You made an attempt to take from me the thing I hold most dear—my Elizabeth, and in her, my happiness.”
“You misunderstand me. I intended no such thing.”
Darcy gave him a cool stare. “Then, pray, what did you think might come of tossing a young girl into my bed?”
Bingley leaned forward. “With all your connexions and fortune, I believed you would be easily able to extricate yourself, more easily than I could. I did not for a moment think you would be bound.”
“I am a gentleman,” said Darcy with a fierce frown intended to censure. “And if I believed my honour engaged, then I would do as I should, unlike you apparently.”
“I never meant—”
“I am mightily disappointed to learn that, whatever value I placed on your friendship, you placed little or none on mine.”
Bingley, chastened, leaned back in his seat and lowered his gaze to his hands.
It was nearly an hour later when he said, “Darcy, I pray you will forgive me for—”
In a tone that brooked no opposition, Darcy replied, “I do not wish to speak any further on this most reprehensible and disgusting subject."
“Very well.” Bingley turned his face to the window.
The ride was long and nearly wholly silent. They did not speak again until they stopped at a coaching inn. They took a meal as they awaited fresh horses, and Darcy thought it might look odd to be utterly silent as they ate. Casting about for a moment, he hit on the subject of Netherfield.
“Mr Morris has been trying to reach you. There has been a purchase offer for Netherfield.”
“But I should buy it!” Bingley exclaimed immediately. “If I have any hope of…”
He stopped, leaving Darcy staring at him dubiously. “Hope of what?”
Bingley hesitated for but a moment then, in all earnestness, said, “It does not escape me that my life seems to have gone awry from the moment I turned my back on Miss Bennet.
Darcy rolled his eyes. “And so you suppose renewing your attentions to Jane will set your life to rights again?”
“Perhaps not…not immediately maybe, but with such a wife I could—”
“Good lord, man!” Darcy hissed, permitting some of the disgust he felt to come forth. “When will you learn to stand for yourself?”
Bingley stared.
“My advice to you has gone amiss. Do not think I am insensible of the part I played in all of this. But surely you must apprehend that, if you cannot care for yourself properly, taking care of a wife will be impossible! You should be the strength, not the weakness, in the marriage.”
Speaking slowly, Bingley asked, “Has she fallen in love with someone else then?”
Darcy threw back his head, closing his eyes against the stupidity of his former friend. “Bingley, do as you wish. My duty to you has been discharged, and I do not intend to have any connexion with you beyond this. But do understand me"—he opened his eyes to look at Bingley sternly—“Miss Bennet is now my sister, and as she is dear to my wife, so is she dear to me. I would not tell her what to do, but in this case, I do not think I shall need to.”
Darcy hoped rather than believed that Bingley understood he did not intend to continue their friendship. Change was possible in any man. Darcy knew the truth of this from his own mistakes and experience. Bingley, however, showed no sign of alteration in his character. Indeed, he showed no sign that he even understood a change was needed.
Bingley was blessedly silent for the rest of that day. He began the next day whistling a happy little tune in the carriage, which Darcy immediately quelled with only a look. After a second excessively long and silent day, Darcy found Netherfield a welcome sight.
“How long do you intend to be at Longbourn?” Bingley asked as he prepared to remove from the carriage.
Darcy pulled his watch from his pocket, noting with pleasure that an excess of six hours of sunlight remained. “If Mrs Darcy has done as she intended and prepared herself to leave, we shall be gone within the hour for London.”
“London?” cried Bingley, sounding dismayed. “You are leaving today?”
“As quickly as I can.”
“But what about…”
He has at least the good sense to stop himself. “What about what?”
Bingley offered a small smile. “I hoped you might be able to look over the books with me tomorrow or the next day. I am considering purchasing Netherfield, and your opinion on the matter would be welcomed.”
Unbelievable. Darcy shrugged. “My opinion is that you should do as you like.”
“But do you think it sound?”
“Maybe.”
“But perhaps I would do better in another county.”
“Possibly.”
“The fields of Netherfield are somewhat…” Bingley gave Darcy an expectant look that went ungratified. He tried again, “But the house is…”
Darcy offered nothing but a blank look. After a long pause, he said briskly, “The apothecary will be in to attend to you later and see that your injuries are healing. I must depart now, but I offer my best wishes for your good health and prosperity.”
A knock on the roof signalled the footmen outside to open the door, and Darcy instructed them. “See that Mr Bingley is helped inside. He is not well.”
Thus, Bingley had little choice as two men leaned in, took his arms, and removed him from the carriage with very little ceremony. He was ensconced in bed in the master’s chambers almost before he knew what anyone was about.
Darcy found with great pleasure that Elizabeth was well prepared to leave. Her belongings were ready; all she required immediately was in a portmanteau near the doors. Any other particulars from Longbourn would be sent later.
“I need only to say goodbye to my father,” she told him hurriedly and disappeared down the hall to do just that.
Darcy was glad for he wished for a moment alone with Jane. He beckoned to her, asking the rest of the family who had gathered to see them off to excuse them for a moment.
“I have only a moment to speak, and perhaps I speak out of turn, but I want you to know I shall support anything you might wish in terms of your further association with Bingley.”
“With Mr Bingley?” Jane’s eyes flew wide.
“For your sake, I would forgive him. I shall not influence you—either of you—but do know that I shall accept anything that comes. If you wish to marry him, I shall not stand in your way.”
Jane’s jaw dropped. “I hardly know what—”
“I told him as much.” Darcy paused, thinking he heard Elizabeth’s voice. He stepped closer to Jane. “But do know this as well—you need not marry anyone you do not love. You can make your home at Pemberley, and do as you wish. Do you apprehend me? I am saying that if you want to marry Bingley, do so. We shall be a family circle as we ought. But if you do not wish to, do not. Either way. Entirely your choice.”
Jane gave him a little nod and whispered, “Thank you, sir.”
With that, the conversation had to end. Elizabeth appeared, her eyes bright and eager, and within minutes, they were bundled into the carriage. “We shall reach the London outskirts before night begins to fall in earnest,” Darcy assured his young wife.
“And then home,” she said. “I can scarcely imagine it. I think I should have taken Georgiana’s offer to show it to me when I visited, for now I can barely recall how to find the drawing room.”
He smiled faintly at her jest.
After a few quiet moments, she spoke again. “Mr Abell was called back to Lessing Grange. Evidently, his father is ill, and they needed him immediately. Jane had hoped he would speak before he left, but alas, he did not.”
“I am sorry to hear it. But it does make me glad that I spoke to her of Bingley.”
“Of Mr Bingley?”
“I have reason to think he might attempt to renew his attentions towards her. I told your sister that if she wishes to marry Bingley, I would not stand in her way. I shall be a brother to him for her sake—if she so wishes it.”
Elizabeth laughed until she realised it was no laughing matter. Then she fumed. “I shall never forgive Mr Bingley for trying to hurt you! He betrayed your friendship and sought to bring you harm. My good opinion of him is, I fear, lost forever, and if he thinks he can simply walk right back in where he was months ago, he will need to answer to me.”
“Then you will be glad to know I made certain she understands that she can make her home with us—that she need not marry Bingley or Abell or anyone else she does not truly love.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “You are too good. I hope she remains steadfast in her resolution to avoid him.”
“Bingley could…he might be made into a good husband for her. It would not be my choice, but…if she wishes it, I shall do what I can for them.”
“I think you need not worry. Jane has taken the true measure of Mr Bingley and understands what evils must come with such a weak nature.” She kissed him before adding, “The more I know of you, the more I am impressed by your goodness and the strength of your character. You are truly the best man I have ever known. I could not wish less for my sister.”
“Thank you. I do not know whether I deserve such—”
“Such adoration?” She began placing kiss after kiss on his jaw. “Adoration and admiration and the most violent, ardent sort of love—you do deserve it and more.”
Mr Bingley, under the mistaken notion that his calls were welcomed at Longbourn, became a regular visitor in the days after the Darcys left. Jane realised she would need to put an end to it, but she knew not how. In truth, a bit of her hoped it would not come to that, but one fine day when a storm had cooled the air, he invited her to walk. She accepted with dread, seeing in his eyes there were weighty matters to be discussed.
As they began to walk, Mr Bingley spoke of his personal dilemmas and tribulations. He found himself in somewhat straitened circumstances. “Nothing to worry over,” he assured her warmly, “nothing a bit of retrenching will not mitigate. I need only to exercise prudence for some time.”
Evidently, Mr Bingley had been quite unaware of how much his debauchery cost him, but his man of business had been to Netherfield and apprised him of the situation. His father had left him a fortune of one hundred thousand pounds, but somehow in the past year or so it had been significantly reduced—and the bills were still coming.
Mr Bingley went on at length about his plans to re-establish his credit and restore his fortunes. Jane recognised she ought not listen and tried to demur, but he blithely paid no attention. Soon, she realised that he wished for her advice or, failing that, the advice Darcy might give him if only Darcy would speak to him.
The cost of purchasing Netherfield and all of its grounds and farms was rather beyond Mr Bingley’s touch due to his imprudence. He felt it would not be impossible for him to buy it if he could persuade the current owners to agree to a lower price, but it would leave him rather bereft of funds to live on. Mr Bingley did not think Darcy would count it wise to deplete his ready capital in such a way, particularly as the prosperity of the estate under Mr Bingley’s management would be uncertain for the first few years.
“But what say you to that?” he asked. “Do you think Darcy would think it sound?”
“Mr Darcy?”
“Yes. In such a circumstance, what do you think Darcy would do?”
"I am sure I do not know."
"You must have some notion. What do you imagine Darcy would do?"
“I suppose I must say Mr Darcy is unlikely to have gambled his money away in the first place.”
Mr Bingley appeared disappointed but nodded in agreement and asked no more.
By this time, Kitty, their unnecessary chaperon, had fallen back, and Mr Bingley took advantage. “Miss Bennet, I have been most eager to speak privately to you. I pray you will indulge me for a moment.”
Oh lord, here it comes. Jane gave him a small smile and a little nod.
“These months we have been apart have been…enlightening for me, I must say. I have learnt much of my flaws and my tendencies. I have seen so much in myself that I must correct and change to be a man worthy of the love of an exceptional lady.”
He seemed to want something here, so Jane smiled again.
“My illness has proven valuable in this regard. It required me to spend time in contemplation and in improving my character. Why, I have even read three books! Complete!”
Another pause ensued before Jane murmured something to the effect of well done. She wondered whether it would be presuming too much to stop his speech now.
He appeared satisfied for a moment, and his countenance wore an earnest appearance. “But one thing has emerged in my study of myself, and that is my love for you, dearest Jane. I love you as I have no other. Your sweetness, your goodness, and your beauty… I could search the whole world and not find another who compares to you.”
He had not even known it was happening. The Bennets had kindly melted away just before he was to board his carriage, and they were left alone. She went immediately into his embrace, holding him tightly with her face in his shoulder, so buried in his coat that he wondered whether she could breathe.
He had almost begun to pull back from her when he heard it, a sad, high-pitched, little hiccup of a sob. It nearly undid him. He pressed his lips to the top of her head. She held him even tighter as he reassured her. “Only four days there and back with no delay.” Her only answer was a shuddering breath as dampness began to seep into his coat.
It was still a source of pleasure—much as he thought it dreadful to admit—that she would be so affected by his departure. He felt in equal measure sorrowful and glad, and he could do no more than kiss and comfort her, trying his best not to weep himself.
At last, she pulled back, her eyes red and her cheeks rosy and damp. “It is very good of you to show Mr Bingley such kindness. It speaks well of your character. However, for my part, he has a great deal to answer for.”
The remembrance of it was sweet, and he returned to it often in the two days spent travelling. Other, less innocent recollections also made for diverting travelling companions, but these were an impolitic indulgence. It was humiliating to arrive at a place in a state in which no stranger should see him. And he was forced to carry on his business as though he had not the most lewd images so lately in his mind.
He made excellent time on his journey and arrived at Newark-on-Trent well before dinner on his second day of travel. After making himself comfortable at a nearby inn, he went directly to the parish house where Bingley stayed.
Mrs Badisford, the lady who had written to Jane, answered the door and informed him that Mr Bingley was taking a morning constitutional with Mr Pennell, the aged vicar.
“Poor dears,” she clucked. “Mr Bingley with his bad leg, and Mr Pennell being over eighty years old—why they can scarce make it round the root garden afore they needs be coming back!”
Darcy bowed, feeling unable to summon the sympathy—at least for Bingley—to make an appropriate remark.
They went outside, having proceeded through a house that was rather substantial for a parson’s residence. Darcy saw Bingley immediately, but it took a bit of time before Bingley saw him.
When he did, his shock was immediate. He stopped in his tracks and went pale, doing no more than staring at his former friend for some moments. Then he bowed.
Darcy bowed in return, and it gave Bingley sufficient courage to draw nearer.
“D-Darcy…this is a surprise…did you…did Miss Staley…ahh—”
“Miss Staley is now Mrs Erskine,” said Darcy sternly. “And I have no more to say of that matter, for it is not a good remembrance and not something I care to recall. You need assistance, and for the sake of our former friendship, I came to provide it. Let us settle your accounts and get together whatever things you might have. I need to get home to my wife.”
He turned sharply and began to stride back towards the house, knowing Bingley would follow.
It was a small matter to settle Bingley’s affairs. He had gone to Newark-on-Trent bearing none of his possessions as someone had taken all that was on his person. Mr Pennell had written to the proprietors of the inn in Sheffield where Mr Bingley remembered staying, and the magistrate had made his enquiries. Alas, these efforts yielded nothing. Even Bingley’s carriage was gone. Darcy wondered whether Erskine had taken it all. He did not suppose they would ever know.
Mr Pennell and Mrs Badisford felt a genuine attachment to Bingley. Mrs Badisford even shed a tear at the thought of his leaving. Darcy offered them a generous sum for all their efforts. They resisted it at first, but he eventually prevailed for the good of their parish if nothing else.
He and Bingley departed the place at sunrise the next morning. Bingley was mostly recovered, or so said Mrs Badisford, but he tired easily. Darcy rather hoped he would sleep the days away rather than plague him with conversation.
An hour complete of travel elapsed before Bingley dared to speak. “It is good of you to come to me.”
“Yes, it is.”
“I do not deserve such condescension from you.”
“If you would like me to protest, you will wait a long time.”
Bingley shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “You despise me and rightly so.”
“No, I pity you. I fear you have had but a taste of what is to come.”
Bingley looked stricken. “You think someone else will beat me?”
“I have no doubt you likely deserve it, but no, that is not my meaning.”
“Then what?”
Darcy just shook his head. “Why did not Hurst retrieve you?”
Bingley shrugged. “I suppose he is otherwise engaged.”
“And your good friend Sir Albert?”
“Deuced if I know what became of him! He was meant to meet me at… Well, never mind that. He must have been diverted.”
“On to the next soiree no doubt.”
His sarcasm was lost on Bingley. “Yes, he is an exceedingly sought-after man.”
“Perhaps he is, but a man with a large acquaintance is not the same as a man with many friends.”
This time, Bingley was astute enough to understand him. “I know, and I do appreciate that you should overlook—”
Darcy raised one eyebrow. “I have overlooked nothing. You made an attempt to take from me the thing I hold most dear—my Elizabeth, and in her, my happiness.”
“You misunderstand me. I intended no such thing.”
Darcy gave him a cool stare. “Then, pray, what did you think might come of tossing a young girl into my bed?”
Bingley leaned forward. “With all your connexions and fortune, I believed you would be easily able to extricate yourself, more easily than I could. I did not for a moment think you would be bound.”
“I am a gentleman,” said Darcy with a fierce frown intended to censure. “And if I believed my honour engaged, then I would do as I should, unlike you apparently.”
“I never meant—”
“I am mightily disappointed to learn that, whatever value I placed on your friendship, you placed little or none on mine.”
Bingley, chastened, leaned back in his seat and lowered his gaze to his hands.
It was nearly an hour later when he said, “Darcy, I pray you will forgive me for—”
In a tone that brooked no opposition, Darcy replied, “I do not wish to speak any further on this most reprehensible and disgusting subject."
“Very well.” Bingley turned his face to the window.
The ride was long and nearly wholly silent. They did not speak again until they stopped at a coaching inn. They took a meal as they awaited fresh horses, and Darcy thought it might look odd to be utterly silent as they ate. Casting about for a moment, he hit on the subject of Netherfield.
“Mr Morris has been trying to reach you. There has been a purchase offer for Netherfield.”
“But I should buy it!” Bingley exclaimed immediately. “If I have any hope of…”
He stopped, leaving Darcy staring at him dubiously. “Hope of what?”
Bingley hesitated for but a moment then, in all earnestness, said, “It does not escape me that my life seems to have gone awry from the moment I turned my back on Miss Bennet.
Darcy rolled his eyes. “And so you suppose renewing your attentions to Jane will set your life to rights again?”
“Perhaps not…not immediately maybe, but with such a wife I could—”
“Good lord, man!” Darcy hissed, permitting some of the disgust he felt to come forth. “When will you learn to stand for yourself?”
Bingley stared.
“My advice to you has gone amiss. Do not think I am insensible of the part I played in all of this. But surely you must apprehend that, if you cannot care for yourself properly, taking care of a wife will be impossible! You should be the strength, not the weakness, in the marriage.”
Speaking slowly, Bingley asked, “Has she fallen in love with someone else then?”
Darcy threw back his head, closing his eyes against the stupidity of his former friend. “Bingley, do as you wish. My duty to you has been discharged, and I do not intend to have any connexion with you beyond this. But do understand me"—he opened his eyes to look at Bingley sternly—“Miss Bennet is now my sister, and as she is dear to my wife, so is she dear to me. I would not tell her what to do, but in this case, I do not think I shall need to.”
Darcy hoped rather than believed that Bingley understood he did not intend to continue their friendship. Change was possible in any man. Darcy knew the truth of this from his own mistakes and experience. Bingley, however, showed no sign of alteration in his character. Indeed, he showed no sign that he even understood a change was needed.
Bingley was blessedly silent for the rest of that day. He began the next day whistling a happy little tune in the carriage, which Darcy immediately quelled with only a look. After a second excessively long and silent day, Darcy found Netherfield a welcome sight.
“How long do you intend to be at Longbourn?” Bingley asked as he prepared to remove from the carriage.
Darcy pulled his watch from his pocket, noting with pleasure that an excess of six hours of sunlight remained. “If Mrs Darcy has done as she intended and prepared herself to leave, we shall be gone within the hour for London.”
“London?” cried Bingley, sounding dismayed. “You are leaving today?”
“As quickly as I can.”
“But what about…”
He has at least the good sense to stop himself. “What about what?”
Bingley offered a small smile. “I hoped you might be able to look over the books with me tomorrow or the next day. I am considering purchasing Netherfield, and your opinion on the matter would be welcomed.”
Unbelievable. Darcy shrugged. “My opinion is that you should do as you like.”
“But do you think it sound?”
“Maybe.”
“But perhaps I would do better in another county.”
“Possibly.”
“The fields of Netherfield are somewhat…” Bingley gave Darcy an expectant look that went ungratified. He tried again, “But the house is…”
Darcy offered nothing but a blank look. After a long pause, he said briskly, “The apothecary will be in to attend to you later and see that your injuries are healing. I must depart now, but I offer my best wishes for your good health and prosperity.”
A knock on the roof signalled the footmen outside to open the door, and Darcy instructed them. “See that Mr Bingley is helped inside. He is not well.”
Thus, Bingley had little choice as two men leaned in, took his arms, and removed him from the carriage with very little ceremony. He was ensconced in bed in the master’s chambers almost before he knew what anyone was about.
Darcy found with great pleasure that Elizabeth was well prepared to leave. Her belongings were ready; all she required immediately was in a portmanteau near the doors. Any other particulars from Longbourn would be sent later.
“I need only to say goodbye to my father,” she told him hurriedly and disappeared down the hall to do just that.
Darcy was glad for he wished for a moment alone with Jane. He beckoned to her, asking the rest of the family who had gathered to see them off to excuse them for a moment.
“I have only a moment to speak, and perhaps I speak out of turn, but I want you to know I shall support anything you might wish in terms of your further association with Bingley.”
“With Mr Bingley?” Jane’s eyes flew wide.
“For your sake, I would forgive him. I shall not influence you—either of you—but do know that I shall accept anything that comes. If you wish to marry him, I shall not stand in your way.”
Jane’s jaw dropped. “I hardly know what—”
“I told him as much.” Darcy paused, thinking he heard Elizabeth’s voice. He stepped closer to Jane. “But do know this as well—you need not marry anyone you do not love. You can make your home at Pemberley, and do as you wish. Do you apprehend me? I am saying that if you want to marry Bingley, do so. We shall be a family circle as we ought. But if you do not wish to, do not. Either way. Entirely your choice.”
Jane gave him a little nod and whispered, “Thank you, sir.”
With that, the conversation had to end. Elizabeth appeared, her eyes bright and eager, and within minutes, they were bundled into the carriage. “We shall reach the London outskirts before night begins to fall in earnest,” Darcy assured his young wife.
“And then home,” she said. “I can scarcely imagine it. I think I should have taken Georgiana’s offer to show it to me when I visited, for now I can barely recall how to find the drawing room.”
He smiled faintly at her jest.
After a few quiet moments, she spoke again. “Mr Abell was called back to Lessing Grange. Evidently, his father is ill, and they needed him immediately. Jane had hoped he would speak before he left, but alas, he did not.”
“I am sorry to hear it. But it does make me glad that I spoke to her of Bingley.”
“Of Mr Bingley?”
“I have reason to think he might attempt to renew his attentions towards her. I told your sister that if she wishes to marry Bingley, I would not stand in her way. I shall be a brother to him for her sake—if she so wishes it.”
Elizabeth laughed until she realised it was no laughing matter. Then she fumed. “I shall never forgive Mr Bingley for trying to hurt you! He betrayed your friendship and sought to bring you harm. My good opinion of him is, I fear, lost forever, and if he thinks he can simply walk right back in where he was months ago, he will need to answer to me.”
“Then you will be glad to know I made certain she understands that she can make her home with us—that she need not marry Bingley or Abell or anyone else she does not truly love.”
“Thank you.” Elizabeth gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “You are too good. I hope she remains steadfast in her resolution to avoid him.”
“Bingley could…he might be made into a good husband for her. It would not be my choice, but…if she wishes it, I shall do what I can for them.”
“I think you need not worry. Jane has taken the true measure of Mr Bingley and understands what evils must come with such a weak nature.” She kissed him before adding, “The more I know of you, the more I am impressed by your goodness and the strength of your character. You are truly the best man I have ever known. I could not wish less for my sister.”
“Thank you. I do not know whether I deserve such—”
“Such adoration?” She began placing kiss after kiss on his jaw. “Adoration and admiration and the most violent, ardent sort of love—you do deserve it and more.”
Mr Bingley, under the mistaken notion that his calls were welcomed at Longbourn, became a regular visitor in the days after the Darcys left. Jane realised she would need to put an end to it, but she knew not how. In truth, a bit of her hoped it would not come to that, but one fine day when a storm had cooled the air, he invited her to walk. She accepted with dread, seeing in his eyes there were weighty matters to be discussed.
As they began to walk, Mr Bingley spoke of his personal dilemmas and tribulations. He found himself in somewhat straitened circumstances. “Nothing to worry over,” he assured her warmly, “nothing a bit of retrenching will not mitigate. I need only to exercise prudence for some time.”
Evidently, Mr Bingley had been quite unaware of how much his debauchery cost him, but his man of business had been to Netherfield and apprised him of the situation. His father had left him a fortune of one hundred thousand pounds, but somehow in the past year or so it had been significantly reduced—and the bills were still coming.
Mr Bingley went on at length about his plans to re-establish his credit and restore his fortunes. Jane recognised she ought not listen and tried to demur, but he blithely paid no attention. Soon, she realised that he wished for her advice or, failing that, the advice Darcy might give him if only Darcy would speak to him.
The cost of purchasing Netherfield and all of its grounds and farms was rather beyond Mr Bingley’s touch due to his imprudence. He felt it would not be impossible for him to buy it if he could persuade the current owners to agree to a lower price, but it would leave him rather bereft of funds to live on. Mr Bingley did not think Darcy would count it wise to deplete his ready capital in such a way, particularly as the prosperity of the estate under Mr Bingley’s management would be uncertain for the first few years.
“But what say you to that?” he asked. “Do you think Darcy would think it sound?”
“Mr Darcy?”
“Yes. In such a circumstance, what do you think Darcy would do?”
"I am sure I do not know."
"You must have some notion. What do you imagine Darcy would do?"
“I suppose I must say Mr Darcy is unlikely to have gambled his money away in the first place.”
Mr Bingley appeared disappointed but nodded in agreement and asked no more.
By this time, Kitty, their unnecessary chaperon, had fallen back, and Mr Bingley took advantage. “Miss Bennet, I have been most eager to speak privately to you. I pray you will indulge me for a moment.”
Oh lord, here it comes. Jane gave him a small smile and a little nod.
“These months we have been apart have been…enlightening for me, I must say. I have learnt much of my flaws and my tendencies. I have seen so much in myself that I must correct and change to be a man worthy of the love of an exceptional lady.”
He seemed to want something here, so Jane smiled again.
“My illness has proven valuable in this regard. It required me to spend time in contemplation and in improving my character. Why, I have even read three books! Complete!”
Another pause ensued before Jane murmured something to the effect of well done. She wondered whether it would be presuming too much to stop his speech now.
He appeared satisfied for a moment, and his countenance wore an earnest appearance. “But one thing has emerged in my study of myself, and that is my love for you, dearest Jane. I love you as I have no other. Your sweetness, your goodness, and your beauty… I could search the whole world and not find another who compares to you.”
