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Ch 47: Let no debt remain outstanding*

At six o'clock the next morning, Caroline's maid poked her head into the morning room where breakfast had been set out for the travelers. "Mr. Bingley, sir?" she said hesitantly.
 
"You have come to tell me that she is not awake?" Charles sighed as he pushed himself up from his chair. The young woman nodded and curtsied uneasily. "I shall be there directly." I should not be surprised. Why would I expect anything else? "Have her things been packed yet?"
 
"I am sorry, sir, but no. I began packing last night as you directed, but when she saw what I was doing she was furious. She," unconsciously the young woman lifted her hand to her face, "she insisted that I removed everything from the trunks." She dropped her eyes, staring uneasily at the floor.
 
Charles' eyes narrowed. "Did she strike you?" She did not respond. He took a step closer to her. "You may tell me, it is all right." Still she did not reply, but she did look up, turning the left side of her face to him. In the morning light he could see faint bruising along her cheekbone. He drew a deep breath, shaking with his effort to control himself.
 
Bennet and Gardiner shared knowing looks.
 
"I see." Charles frowned and drew another bracing breath. "You are to travel with her to London this morning, but once you arrive there…I will write you a letter to carry with you before you leave this morning. I will speak to Louisa as well and have her write another. I believe she has a friend in London who has written her of search for a new lady's maid. Louisa has been very impressed with your service. I believe her letter of introduction would result in an audience with the lady. Beyond that I cannot promise."
 
Astonishment blossomed over the maid's face, she curtsied, blushing. "Thank you, sir. That is very gracious of you. You are too kind."
 
"Not at all, for I am afraid I will be asking you to pack her things yet this morning. However, I will ask Mrs. Lance to accompany you." He smiled apologetically.
 
Bobbing once more, she said, "There are some things I can begin to pack immediately." She hurried from the room.
 
"It seems it is destined to be a difficult morning," Charles grumbled. "I shall go rouse my sister. I fear she has been unconvinced of my determination in this matter. But I remain resolved. She will leave with you at eight o'clock, regardless of the state of her trunks." He leaned against the wall dejectedly. "Are you quite certain that you wish to be trapped in a carriage with her all the way to London?"
 
Bennet dabbed his face with a napkin. "You forget that my brother and I are both fathers who have survived a number of children. Each of them has gone through a temperamental stage of their own; some, of course, lasting long than others. I believe Jane's lasted all of two hours, whereas Kitty…" His eyes glimmered teasingly. "Ah, but it would not do to disabuse you as to my daughter's charms."
 
Bingely guffawed, rolling his eyes and welcoming the momentary respite in his tension.
 
"She was not nearly as difficult as my youngest son, Silas, who spent the first four years of his life expressing his displeasure over everything! Now, of course, he is the most pleasant child you can imagine. I believe it has been a good four years since I have heard him fuss about anything. You would hardly believe he is the same child." Gardiner chuckled warmly. "He reminds me a great deal of your Lizzy."
 
Bennet laughed. "Yes, yes, that is true, I am afraid. Happily, she is out of that temper now, and is well able to be pleased." He winked at Bingley, but quickly became more serious. "We are well aware of what we are volunteering for, sir. But we are quite up to the task. It will not be our first carriage ride with a displeased young woman." He laughed with a sidelong glance at his brother. "Even if we were not prepared, it still would be quite a pleasure to be able to do a service for you since we have already trespassed so long upon your hospitality." We owe you such a debt. I do not know how I can every repay it. I could not live with my conscience if I did not attempt to do this small thing for you and your sister.
 
"But it has been no inconvenience to have you and your family with us…" Bingley argued.
 
"And escorting your sister is but three, perhaps four hours in a carriage to a destination where we are already going. So you see, there is no inconvenience to us either," Bennet declared with finality A very long three to four hours, that much is true, but still only a morning's effort. He pushed back and slowly rose, leaning on his cane. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a few final details to attend to before we leave." I do hope Bradley is up early this morning.
 
All three men left the morning room as Charles drug himself upstairs to Caroline's chamber. He drew yet another deep breath, steeling himself for the storm he was about to unleash. With his knuckles, he rapped firmly upon the door. That he received no answer did not come as a surprise. Twice more he repeated the effort to no avail. Finally, he pounded upon the door with his fist. I feel like I am back at Cambridge trying to wake a drunken classmate. Would that that was all I was about to face. "Caroline, if you do not answer me right now, I will come in."

The door creaked open slowly. "Do stop this unseemly display, Charles. What will the servants think? It is barely sunrise, why ever are you hammering at my door? Is there some tragic news?" She blinked at him innocently. "Is the house on fire?"
 
His face grew cold at the reference. A fiery rage kindled in his belly. If there was any hope of you changing my mind this morning, that last remark just ended it. "I told you last night, you are leaving for London this morning, whether you are ready or not."
 
This is rubbish! Why does he keep insisting on this nonsense? I know he does not mean a word of it. "It was quite late when we talked. I was sure you were too tired to know what you were saying." She yawned and rubbed her eyes sleepily. "I thought we had already settled this matter. I told you I would apologize to the vicar, and I will be polite to your Bennets. Is that not what you wanted?" She patted his arm condescendingly. "There now, it is settled. When the hour is decent, I will do those things, and all will be well…" She turned to return to her chambers.
 
"No, Caroline." Bingley's words echoed in the corridor.
 
Whirling on him, she threw open the door. "What do you mean, 'no?'" she demanded with a shriek, her eyes fully open, all restfulness gone.
 
I knew she was merely feigning sleep. How easily she plays these games. I suppose I am at fault for having taught her that she could get what she wanted this way. But no more. I will never make this mistake again. "Exactly what I have said: No. It is not settled, and that is not sufficient. You have had more than enough opportunity to display correct behavior. It is far too late to begin now. The damage has been done."
 
Her heart began racing at her brother's imperious tone. "Do not be ridiculous! They are not peers! They are not even of the first circles. How could you believe that they require anything more than a simple apology…" She rolled her eyes scornfully.
 
"No one wants your apologies." As insincere as they would be! He lifted a hand to stop her advance on him. "We are no longer desirous of your company. You are an unwelcome guest, and you will leave this morning at eight o'clock. That leaves you less than an hour and a half to finish whatever packing remains to be done, dress yourself, and break your fast. That is not a great deal of time. I will send Mrs. Lance to assist your maid…"
 
"I am not leaving, Charles. I will concede to do whatever you wish of me, but I am not leaving," she shrieked, her voice shrill and penetrating. London was intolerable and I have no wish to go back there.
 
Leaning in to her face, he growled, "You do not have a choice. Either you will enter that carriage under your own power with your dignity intact, or I shall carry you kicking and screaming in your nightdress and place you in the carriage like a child. Those are your only choices this day. Staying is not among them. I will see you at eight o'clock, Caroline. You decide under what circumstances that meeting shall occur." With a final angry glare, he turned sharply on his heel and left her staring dumbfounded as he marched down the hall.
 

Mr. Bennet stood at the window in Bingley's study, looking out over the quiet landscape. The last pink glow of dawn was fading as the sun took its place low in the horizon. A timid sunbeam peeked in the window, tickling at the toes of his boots. Behind him, he could hear the entrance of two confident young men. "Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam?"
 
"Good morning, sir," Fitzwilliam glanced at Darcy.
 
"You wished to speak to us before you left." Darcy stood behind a chair and waited. He looks troubled. Has there been news that I have not heard of?
 
Bennet paused a moment, then turned to look at the gentlemen. "Thank you for coming so quickly. I know it is an early hour to ask for your presence. I hope I did not wake you."
 
"Not at all," Fitzwilliam quickly assured, "I am afraid the habits of the army are not easy to give up in civilian life." Darcy merely nodded.
 
Bennet walked over to lean against the front of the large desk. "Then I will get to the point, gentlemen, since my time is sorely limited this morning." He clasped his hands lightly in front of him. "My brother and I will be taking our leave of Netherfield in a little more than an hour. I will be leaving my daughters here, with you. I have asked Mr. Bradley to act as chaperone to all of you."
 
Darcy scowled without even realizing it.
 
"You are troubled by this, Mr. Darcy?" Bennet challenged with a raised brow.
 
"No, sir, by no means," he replied, clearing his throat roughly.
 
"Good. I am pleased to hear it. I am in a difficult situation. You must agree with me that it is highly unusual for me to leave my daughters residing in the same house as the men who are courting them, with so little supervision. But alas, I have little choice. Longbourn is still not restored enough for them to abide there. My brother Philips is already hosting Mr. Jacobson. So we continue to rely upon Mr. Bingley's hospitality, even in my absence."
 
Fitzwilliam frowned. "Are you implying that we might take advantage of these circumstances?" He tapped his foot impatiently.
 
"I would not leave if I believed that were the case. However, you are young men, and even without the fond eye of a father, I can declare my daughters are lovely young ladies."
 
"Then what are you saying?" Darcy demanded impatiently. I do not know whether to be offended or angry at his insinuations.
 
A sudden sadness filtered across Bennet's face. "I am saying that I am leaving that which is most precious in the world to me in your care. I would not consider going to London as I am if I did not believe you to be gentlemen of the highest mark. Watch over them as I would, so that you may look me in the eye without a pang of conscience when I return." He sighed and looked away. "I must accustom myself to the idea that you will be their protectors soon. But it is a difficult transition for me. Be patient with this old father as he finds his way into very new territory."
 
Darcy struggled to swallow past the lump in his throat. My father would have felt the same way in the face of Georgiana's future husband. I cannot find fault with Bennet for his concerns.
 
"You will find your trust has been well placed, sir," Fitzwilliam finally answered with a sidelong glance at his cousin.
 
"Indeed, sir, you have our word as gentlemen," Darcy quickly agreed.
 
"Then I may leave without cause to repine my decision. Thank you both, I could not have asked for more than that."
 
"Sir," Darcy began thoughtfully, "would it be agreeable to you if my cousin and I were to visit with Mr. Pierce for the time that you are in London? We could call upon Netherfield under Mr. Bradley's watchful eye. When Miss Elizabeth and I are needed at Longbourn, we will ask her sisters to accompany us there." He paused, taking in Fitzwilliam's surprised expression. "I do not wish to do anything that might cause a shadow upon your daughters' reputations." Slowly Fitzwilliam nodded, brushing his knuckles thoughtfully across his lips.
 
Bennet could not reply for a long moment. "I could not ask such a thing of either of you. But if it is what you desire, then I would indeed be most grateful. I understand how much more pleasant it would be for you both here at Netherfield. That you would be willing to give that up for the sake of public opinion is truly noble of you, and increases the esteem with which I regard both of you." Lizzy was right when she told me she thought them the very best of men.
 
"Then consider it done, sir. I shall go to see Pierce myself directly after breakfast. I have no doubt as to his agreement with our plan. We shall remove ourselves to his cottage before luncheon today." Darcy pressed his lips together seriously.
 
"And we shall go into town this afternoon, and discuss our visit with Mr. Pierce in a place where we can surely be overheard!" Fitzwilliam laughed heartily, joined by the other two men.
 
We laugh now, but I have no doubt I will be dragged to that coffee house to do that very thing! Bennet realizes that too. Darcy cocked his head and lifted his eyebrows toward his cousin, inspiring further laughter.
 
"I look forward to seeing you both on my return then. For your sakes, I shall endeavor to do so with the greatest alacrity possible." Bennet smiled contentedly. I am leaving my daughters in the very best possible care.
 
"God speed on your journey sir. May you find your wife well enough to return home with you." Fitzwilliam offered his hand. Bennet took it and shook it warmly. Darcy shook his hand in turn, feeling the weight of the gentleman's trust heavily.
 

An hour later, the Bennet sisters gathered in Netherfield's foyer to wish their father farewell.
 
"Do be careful, Papa!" Jane cried, hugging him tightly. "Are you certain Dr. Abbot said it was safe for you to travel?"
 
"Oh, Jane, my dear, dear girl." Bennet pressed her cheek into his shoulder. "I have his blessings, do not fear. Do not forget, I have your uncle with me to ensure I will do as the doctor has ordered." I cannot believe I am leaving home once again. How much traveling have I done in these past months? Surely more than I have in these past five years together. I wonder if that will be the way of things once Jane, Lizzy and Mary are settled. Perhaps I must resign myself to this new season of life. I should consider planning to have the springs on the carriage refurbished. I must hope that Fitzwilliam settles near his cousin so that I can visit with all three of them in a single journey. But perhaps that is too much to hope for.
 
"I will watch over him carefully. I have no wish to suffer your mother's wrath!" Gardiner laughed affectionately.
 
"I have no doubt you will watch over him with all possible diligence." Mary insisted, hugging her uncle.
 
"I have every reason to take care on this trip. I have so much good news to bring to your mother." Bennet smiled at each of his daughters in turn. He stepped close to Kitty and whispered in her ear, "What should I tell your mother of your situation?"
 
"My situation?" Kitty blushed and chewed her lower lip thoughtfully. My situation? I do have a situation, do I not? She chuckled softly to herself. In the midst of my elder sisters' courtships, I would not have expected Papa to notice. I am truly surprised that he has. "Tell her nothing right now, Papa. She will be excited enough for my elder sisters that she will have little concern for me. In truth, there is nothing to actually speak of." A twinge of pain rippled through her heart as she creased her brow. She never had taken much notice of me. What a strange thing that suddenly I do not wish that to change. She will certainly not understand my desire to allow Louisa preeminence. In her fear that I might fail to 'secure' Mr. Bingley, she will ignore my preferences and make all of us miserable. She will never understand that although we have made our decisions for a future together, we wish to quietly wait for now. It is best she knows as little as possible for the time being.
 
Bennet kissed her forehead tenderly. "I understand you do not wish to bring attention to your suitor right now. And yes, my dear, he is your suitor as much as he may be undeclared to the world at large. I think your concern for your friend's happiness is quite generous. I am proud of you, dear." She smiled up at him, a tear in her eye. "But once your mother returns, I cannot promise what will happen. As you know, she is excessively attentive to all things concerning her daughters' futures. Moreover, there will be even fewer secrets once your sister Lydia returns. I am afraid she has never been the picture of discretion. Perhaps it would be wise to prepare your young man for that inevitability."
 
How much does Papa know? Has he spoken with Mr. Bingley? I will have to find out. "I know, I will." She blushed furiously. "Do you think Mama and Lydia will return with you?"
 
He noticed all his daughters were suddenly listening to him. "I cannot say right now. Unfortunately, I have to convey news of the fire. There is no way to anticipate what her reaction will be. I am afraid her return will be predicated upon the state of her nerves when I finish imparting my intelligence to her. Though word of Mr. Jacobson's decision will likely buoy her spirits, I do not wish to make too many plans just now."
 
Lizzy touched his shoulder gently. "We understand, and have faith that you will make the right decisions." What a burden you are carrying for all of us right now. I am embarrassed that it is only now that I am realizing how much you have done for your family all these years.
 
"Lizzy," he turned to her with an affectionate smile, "my dear, I am counting on you to manage things in my absence. You know better than any of your sisters what is needed at Longbourn right now. If you need any assistance, Mr. Darcy has my full confidence. I am sure the two of you will do an admirable job. If there is any other crisis, Mr. Bradley has promised his assistance. You have a good head on your shoulders, I am in no doubt everything will be well." He kissed the top of her head.
 
"Thank you," Lizzy whispered her throat a little tight.
 
"Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have informed me this morning that they plan on spending several days with Mr. Pierce, and will be removing themselves from Netherfield this afternoon." He noticed the concerned look on his eldest daughters' faces. "I have not asked this of them, but they thought it in the best interest of your reputations that they should not be here during my absence. Do not fear though, I am certain they will call often and allow Mr. Bradley the good pleasure of chaperoning you all." With a wry smile, he added, "Be good girls now, and do not make that difficult for him."
 
"The carriage is here," Gardiner called from the front door.
 
With a final hug to each of the girls, Bennet carefully followed his brother out to the waiting vehicle. A moment later, Bingley appeared at the top of the stairs, his hand firmly on Caroline's upper arm. She was dressed very plainly, her hair wrapped in the simplest of buns.
 
"How odd she looks," Kitty whispered to Lizzy.
 
"Indeed, I do not believe I have ever seen her so unadorned," Lizzy agreed, not taking her eyes off the descending pair.
 
"I do believe she is much prettier without all the ornamentation," Mary chimed in softly. "Without all her finery and the trappings of status, she is a very lovely woman."
 
"Do not let her hear you say such a thing!" Kitty struggled to stifle a giggle. "I believe she would take offense to hear the very things she so values actually detract from her appearance."
 
"Miss Caroline probably would take offense, but I think you are quite correct, Mary," Lizzy glanced at Jane who had been listening to the quiet conversation.
 
Jane stepped forward to greet the Bingleys. "Good morning, Mr. Bingley, Miss Caroline."
 
"Good morning, Miss Bennet," Charles said tightly, gripping Caroline's arm a little more firmly. She smiled thinly at the ladies and made a small curtsey. "It is very kind of your father to offer to escort my sister to London."
 
"Very kind indeed," Caroline hissed, trying to pull her arm from her brother's grasp. Her eyes traveled out the door and fixed on the waiting carriage. "Where are my trunks?"
 
"They will be brought down in just a moment. Louisa was seeing to the last of them. Had they been ready first thing this morning, they would have already been loaded on the coach. Miss Bennet, if you will excuse me," Charles led his sister through the group of Bennet women and out the front door. He carefully handed her up into the carriage and followed after her. Several moments later, he appeared again, a stern expression on his face. Squaring his shoulders, he straightened his coat and spoke with Bennet and Gardiner. Caroline's maid arrived by the carriage, standing at a respectful distance from the conversing gentlemen. A moment later Bingley nodded at her and reached into his coat pocket. He withdrew a packet of letters and pressed them into her hand. She curtsied, thanking him, then he handed her into the coach.
 
"Do you suppose she will be very difficult to travel with?" Mary wondered aloud.
 
"I am certain," Louisa announced from the stairway, "that she will make as much trouble as she can. She knows that she will not be put out on the side of the road, and there is little else that can be done to censure her while they journey." She joined her friends in the foyer.
 
"Oh Louisa, I am sorry…" Mary stammered, embarrassed.
 
"No offense, my friend. I was wondering the same thing." Louisa laughed. "I suppose all of us have been considering it. It was truly good of your father to offer us his assistance."
 
"No more so than you and your brother taking us all in during this time," Jane replied, reaching for Louisa's hand.
 
"I suppose we will have to agree to disagree on who has rendered the greater service then." Louisa's smile shined.
 
"Repay all your debts, except your debt of love," Mary murmured.
 
"A wise sentiment indeed," Darcy's voice startled them as he appeared from Bingley's study. Fitzwilliam appeared behind his shoulder.
 
"Good morning, sirs." Jane curtsied, her sisters following suit.
 
"Have you ladies had breakfast yet?" Fitzwilliam asked, moving to Jane's side.
 
"Not yet," Lizzy answered, feeling the warmth of Darcy's shoulder near her own.
 
Bingley appeared in the doorway, heaving a sigh of relief. "I am much indebted to your family this day." He looked straight at Kitty, who rewarded him with a brilliant smile.
 
Louisa laughed, "Come join us for breakfast, Charles, and we can continue this discussion of who is more indebted to whom."
 
* RO 13:8

Ch 48

Posted on 2011-02-20

Several days later, a letter arrived at Netherfield addressed to Jane and Lizzy. Jane intercepted it first and since her sister was away with Kitty and Louisa in town, she decided to go ahead and read it. She curled up in a soft chair in the drawing room, near the window and cracked the sealing wax bearing her father's familiar seal.
 

Jane and Lizzy,
I trust this letter finds you and your sisters well. Our journey to London was an uneventful, if not quiet, one. You may assure Mr. Bingley of his sister's safe arrival at their townhome. I daresay she was quite pleased to arrive and be done with your uncle and me. Sadly, I must report she did not appear to find in either of us a satisfactory traveling companion. She began the morning quite insistent she did not wish to go to London. After some long minutes of listening to her rather strident complaints, your uncle decided that we should spare the horses since the road had become difficult and insisted that all who were able should walk. Naturally, I was not fit to do so, but the rest of the occupants walked for over a mile if I recall correctly. She was much calmer after that and the remainder of our trip into London was much more pleasant, for your uncle and I at least. Ah, well never mind that.
 
As you might well imagine, your mother's nerves are in quite a state since I have told her all our news. She is distraught about the damage to Longbourn and wishes for me to tell Lizzy she is not to pick any of the wall coverings nor fabrics until she returns home. For, as your mother so succinctly put it, 'she does not know the best warehouses.'
 
Initially she was quite disturbed with pains in her head and flutterings of her heart when I told her of the fire and the demise of my cousin, Mr. Collins. However, she became much more sanguine when I explained to her Mr. Jacobson's situation and our agreement to be of mutual service to one another. While I do not believe she fully understood all the details of the arrangement, she was cognizant of the most important fact, the entail shall be ended and she no longer has to fear taking up residence in the hedgerows.
 
Such was the state of her nervous agitation that I did not convey the rest of my propitious tidings until just this morning. You may assure your sister Mary that your mother finds Mr. Pierce an acceptable suitor for her, though I do believe a clergyman with a living would have suited her much better. I did not tell her, but I believe in time she will be very well satisfied with Mary's settlement in life.
 
'The son of an earl!' she declared when I told her of your suitor, Jane. She was so overcome at the thought of it that Mattie was sent scurrying to bring her smelling salts. Although you must know my dear, as your mother has told you many times before, it could not have been for nothing that you are so beautiful. A man of worth would have to notice you. She did ask after his estate and was a mite disappointed to hear he had none. She rallied on the information that he is in the market to purchase one soon.
 
And Lizzy, I must inform you that you have risen in status to 'her dearest girl' upon the news that your young man's estate is worth ten thousand a year. She is quite pleased that you (and your sister Jane) will be in a position to place your younger sisters, Kitty and Lydia, into the paths of other rich men now. It pained me to refrain from telling her that Kitty is already spoken for, but I did give Kitty my word that she would have at least a few more days free of your mother's efforts to see her well settled.
 
More seriously, I regret to inform you that Lydia's transformation is not so complete as we might have hoped. Before you ask, yes, I am well aware of what happened in Brighton. Colonel Forster did indeed write me of Lydia's unfortunate deportment in that city. We had all hoped that your sister's experience would have been sufficient to affect a great change in her demeanor. While, at least to me, she seems under a good deal more regulation, it is difficult to tell whether that is due to your Aunt Gardiner's direct influence or a lasting change in her behavior.
 
Your youngest sister, I fear, was quite put out to hear that her three eldest sisters are being courted by worthy men. I suppose during her stay in Brighton she fancied she might the first among you to marry and, in some bewildering way, triumph over all of you. I do not profess to understand this reasoning, I am merely reporting it as your aunt has explained it to me.
 
The final straw, I believe, was the news that Kitty had become intimate with the sister of the new lessor of Netherfield Park. Lydia immediately discerned this must mean that it was Kitty's design to use this connection to gain access to the brother and thus secure herself a rich husband. Altogether it was too much for Lydia to bear and she quite broke down from the strain. She experienced a fit of nerves that would rival your mother's most energetic episodes. It was not until your Aunt came to attend her, and cast me from the chambers entirely, that any calm was restored to Gracechurch Street.
 
Your mother and I have discussed this unfortunate episode with your aunt and uncle at some length. Together we have decided that it would be best that Lydia remain here, in London, under your aunt's watchful eye in the hope that her improvements will continue and become more permanent. Being the oldest child in the house seems to have benefited Lydia greatly and we hope she will continue to rise to the occasion as she helps your Aunt with your younger cousins.
 
I expect that I will be returning to Longbourn at the end of the week, perhaps a day or two later. I believe it will take that long for the papers to be prepared by my solicitor and my bank. I will, of course, wait until your uncle's physician is satisfied to allow me to travel on my own. Your mother is quite insistent on that detail. Currently we anticipate your mother's return to Meryton a fortnight after I return. I will travel back to London in our carriage so I may accompany her on the trip back. She is all excitement to meet your young men and assist you in 'securing them as soon as may be.'
 
If you have any pity upon your poor father, any or all of you might consider ending your suitor's suspense prior to your mother's return, unless you truly feel yourself in need of your mother's assistance. If that be the case, then by all means delay until she is here to impart her expertise.
 
Your Aunt Gardiner sends her best wishes and is quite excited for all of you. She knows both Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam by their reputations here in town and assures me that they are as fine young gentlemen as Mr. Bradley has portrayed them to be. Moreover, if they have been under the influence of Mr. Bradley, they must be very fine gentlemen indeed for she is convinced of the worthiness of said clergyman to instruct young men in all the wisdom of life. She insisted I tell you she does not know who is to be considered more fortunate, you girls for garnering their affections or they for securing yours.
 
I am sure you are all aghast at the length of this letter. It is quite likely that I have completed a year's worth of correspondence in this letter alone. So it is fitting that I close now. I will see you as soon as I have permission to spend three hours in my own carriage without someone to watch over me.
 
Affectionately yours,
 
TB

"Good morning, Lizzy, Kitty, Louisa," Jane said as she entered the foyer. Did you find our Aunt and Uncle Philips well on your visit?"
 
"They are quite well," Lizzy laughed as she removed her bonnet.
 
"Equal parts well and bewildered I would say," Kitty countered, leading them all into the parlor.
 
"Bewildered? Why ever would that be?" Jane asked.
 
"You have met our cousin, Mr. Jacobson and you ask why they are bewildered?" Lizzy replied, as they all laughed gently.
 
"He is a most peculiar man, is he not," Jane agreed. "But, you must agree, he is nothing to Mr. Collins."
 
"Never were truer words spoken!" Kitty chortled. "I do not mean to speak ill of the dead, but I will say that our Aunt Philips is most grateful that our newest Bennet cousin is as different to Mr. Collins as night is to day." As are we all!
 
The ladies laughed heartily. "He certainly smells much more agreeable," Louisa suggested tentatively. Another round of laughter followed.
 
"It is very good of our aunt to offer her hospitality to our seemingly endless parade of distant relations," Lizzy said. "I fear we have imposed greatly upon her hospitality in these last weeks."
 
"Well at least she is not left to entertain him on her own. While we were there, Charlotte Lucas came bearing an invitation for our aunt, uncle and cousin to join them for dinner tonight," Kitty reported.
 
"Sir William is a most gregarious soul," Jane smiled warmly. "I believe there are few he does not entertain at some point in time and he seems to take great pleasure in them all."
 
"I suppose so; he does have the happy talent for making people feel quite welcome. Everyone seemed well satisfied by the invitation. But the look Mr. Jacobson gave Charlotte was rather disquieting," Lizzy confessed sheepishly.
 
"Rather? I hate to disagree with you, but it was more than that!" Kitty twirled a stray curl in her fingers.
 
"He was very attentive to her," Louisa agreed. "Although his addresses were, ah, rather unusual, I do believe he was genuine in his pleasure at seeing her once again."
 
"And was Charlotte equally pleased?" Jane smoothed her skirt, glancing at Lizzy.
 
"She has such a tranquil disposition her reactions are difficult to gauge. I hardly knew what to make of it," Lizzy shrugged.
 

That evening Darcy, Fitzwilliam and Pierce sat around the curate's dining table, enjoying the last of Mrs. Pott's pie after a satisfying dinner.
 
"I say this is fine stuff!" Fitzwilliam exclaimed, savoring the last bit of his pie. "Once I have a cook, I will have to direct her to your Mrs. Potts."
 
"Well, you may wish to make quick work of it then as I do not know if I will be here this time next year," Pierce replied, lifting his coffee cup toward Fitzwilliam. "Speaking of which, tell me again what it was that Miss Bennet told you of her father's most recent letter."
 
"Yes," Darcy agreed, leaning forward on the table, his eyes lit with anticipation. "I wish to understand precisely what was conveyed in that missive."
 
Fitzwilliam laughed heartily. "Perhaps we need to send in a spy and retrieve that letter for ourselves."
 
"Ever the military strategist, are you not!" Darcy chortled, wiping pie crumbs from his lips with a napkin.
 
"I do not believe that is necessary." Pierce smiled, shaking his head. "It will sufficient for you to simply recount your conversation once again."
 
"Ah, but you settle for far too little, think of the intrigue, the excitement…" Fitzwilliam's eyes glittered.
 
Pierce rolled his eyes.
 
"I think you ought to answer him, before you drive our dear curate into unseemly behavior," Darcy warned with a wink.
 
"I suppose you are correct." He sighed dramatically. "Miss Bennet said that her father encouraged her and her sisters to 'end their suitors' suspense, preferably before their mother returned."
 
"Since you are the only one among us who has actually met the lady, you must give us insight into this cryptic message." Darcy looked at Pierce expectantly.
 
He paused before responding, clearly considering his words. "Mrs. Bennet is a lady with a very kind heart, but a very sensitive one as well. Her nerves are very fragile and she does not have a great capacity to contain her excitement. She, as all mothers are, is very concerned for the welfare of her daughters…"
 
"I see," Fitzwilliam interrupted, nodding thoughtfully. "You need say no more, I quite understand. It only behooves us as gentlemen to take the welfare of the lady into consideration and do our utmost to be considerate of her delicate nature."
 
"Indeed you are right, cousin," Darcy agreed energetically. "What say you, Pierce?"
 
"I believe a conversation with Mr. Bradley is in order as we must have his permission for a private interview with his charges. I have no plans for tomorrow morning, have you?"
 

Three days later, Lizzy sat with Charlotte in the Lucas' drawing room, sipping tea and enjoying pleasant conversation.
 
"So, how long do you expect your courtship with Mr. Darcy to continue?"
 
After my father's letter, I hardly know myself. Lizzy sat back and blinked, "I do not know. That is not exactly a topic for proper conversation between Mr. Darcy and myself, is it?" She laughed a little uneasily.
 
"Well, do not continue in it too long. It would not do for you to allow him to become discouraged and give up his suit. If a woman conceals her affections with skill from the man of her choice, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him altogether. It is not safe to leave any attachment to its own conclusion. There are very few of us who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. In nine cases out of ten, a woman had better shew more affection than she feels lest the man never do more than merely like her, if she does not help him on.''
 
"Your plan is a good one,'' replied Elizabeth, "where nothing is in question but the desire of being well married. However, I cannot see it as a sound way of determining anything of his character or agreeableness. Do you not believe these are significant issues to insure future happiness in marriage? I am quite convinced they are."
 
"Well,'' said Charlotte, "it is my sincere belief that if you were married to him tomorrow, you would have as good a chance of happiness as if you were to study his character for a twelvemonth. Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other, or ever so similar before-hand, it does not advance their felicity in the least." She leaned forward knowingly. "They always contrive to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of your marriage partner before the fact.''
 
"You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know it is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself.'' Surely she cannot be proposing that I act in such a manner.
 
"I am afraid then, my friend, I must disappoint you greatly." Charlotte dropped her eyes.
 
"What are you saying? I fear I do not take your meaning."
 
"I am engaged to be married to Mr. Jacobson." Do not hate me for this, Lizzy, please, do not hate me.
 
"Engaged to Mr. Jacobson! My dear Charlotte, surely you must be joking!'' Lizzy set her tea cup down on the table with a clink.
 
"Why should you be surprised? Do you think it incredible that Mr. Jacobson would be able to procure any woman's good opinion because he is so uncommonly odd? Or perhaps it his gangly appearance that you find so off putting as to prevent any woman being willing to marry him?'' Charlotte's voice turned cold.
 
Lizzy sat back in her chair, startled. This does not sound like you at all. I have never heard you so strident. "Not at all. He is an unusual man to be sure, but not so much as to make matrimony impossible. Yet you have known him for all of a week! I concede that I had not known Mr. Darcy for very long before he asked to court me, but at least we are taking time to know one another. We are working together for my father on the restorations at Longbourn and through that we are becoming quite certain of each other's character."
 
"I see what you are feeling,'' replied Charlotte, "you must be surprised, very much surprised. But when you have had time to think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am not romantic, you know. I never was. I ask only a comfortable home; and considering Mr. Jacobson's character, connections, and situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage state.''
 
"But you hardly know him! Do you feel any affection for him? Does he for you?"
 
"I am not like you, Lizzy! I am plain and well past the age most women would be considered on the shelf. I cannot wait any longer. I am a burden to my family and I have no other prospects. Nor do I expect to have any. Mr. Jacobson is a kind man and he desires to make changes in his life. He wants a helpmeet to walk with him through those changes. Like me, he has no romantic notions and simply desires a comfortable life."
 
"You do know he is quite deeply in debt, do you not?"
 
"Yes, he has been honest with me. I know, too, the great favor your father is doing him and that he will give up the entail on Longbourn in return. I do not believe he has concealed anything from me. He called upon your Uncle Philips to attest to his true situation."
 
"And you are satisfied with all you have heard?" I hope you will not regret Longbourn.
 
"I am. With the help your father has offered him, and some sound management, I believe what he says is true and that his estate, Evermere, can repay the remaining debt in just a few years. Mr. Jacobson believes this the start of a new life for him and he wishes me to share it with him. I am content to do so. In fact, Lizzy, I consider myself quite blessed." She finally met her friend's eyes once more. "I must also add that I am pleased that I shall never face the prospect of grieving your family over the matter of Longbourn. Given that Mr. Jacobson had his own estate that we believe is going to be restored to proper management, I was relieved to hear that the entail on your father's estate would be broken."
 
Lizzy smiled. "Then I am happy for you, Charlotte. May you both find this to be everything you desire."
 
"Then you will stand up with me? We will ask Mr. Pierce to read the banns beginning this week and plan to be married in a month's time. I would be so pleased to have you with me on that day."
 
"I would be honored to stand with you, Charlotte."

Ch 49: The greatest of these is love…

Posted on 2011-02-27

The following morning, four young men sat in Bingley's study with Mr. Bradley. Mrs. Lance provided an abundance of hot tea, fresh scones and jam.
 
"You do realize you have a real gem here in Mrs. Lance." Bradley smiled over his cup of tea. "You have been here less than three months and already she knows your preference of scones to muffins, your favorite jam and that you desire tea in the morning but coffee at tea time!" He laughed warmly.
 
Bingley blushed self-consciously. "I am quite embarrassed to admit I had not even noticed. Miss Kitty scolded me recently for not paying attention to such things and I fear I angered her when I laughed it off. But now that you draw attention to it, I see that I am quite inattentive. I must become more aware of such things, I suppose." He began to study the carpet.
 
"You really should, Charles," Darcy softly admonished. "You do not realize the value of a good staff until you do not have them. They are far too easy to overlook, but exceedingly difficult to replace. Mrs. Reynolds has been with my family as long as I can remember and I am quite certain that Pemberley could not have functioned so long without a mistress had it not been for her."
 
Charles scratched his head absently. "I had no idea that Caroline was mistreating her maid so until I saw the marks on her face." He blushed and looked out the window. "Louisa wrote her friend in London asking if she was still in need of a ladies maid. She thinks it likely that the girl will be offered a new position promptly. I suppose Caroline will be at loose ends without her services though."
 
"I certainly would be undone without Mrs. Potts!" Pierce laughed, setting his tea cup down softly. "I am sorry to admit, I do not know the first thing about running a household. Without her efforts, I shudder to imagine my fate!" They all laughed.
 
"I suppose then you would be much like our aunt, Lady Catherine." Fitzwilliam offered with a wry grin.
 
Darcy coughed over his teacup, eyes wide. Bradley looked away to hide a smile he could not suppress.
 
Fitzwilliam lifted his cup toward his cousin. "You know it is true as well as I, Darcy. Do not try to deny it."
 
"I assure you, Richard, I would do no such thing." Darcy's eye's twinkled.
 
"When last we were at Rosings, going over my Aunt's books we observed that very few of her servants had been with her for more than a twelvemonth and many much less. It is forever frustrating her that the new servants do not seem to know their tasks and she is quite vocal in her displeasure."
 
"Having met the great lady, I believe I can safely say she would not be the easiest mistress to serve," Bradley offered diplomatically.
 
"Indeed sir, that is a fair assessment," Darcy agreed, selecting another scone from the well supplied platter.
 
A pregnant silence filled the room. "So, gentlemen," Bradley finally said. "I cannot imagine you all dragged yourselves from your beds at so early an hour just to keep an old man company."
 
The younger men glanced among themselves uneasily. Finally Pierce cleared his throat. "I believe, sir, you have had a letter from Mr. Bennet?"
 
"Indeed, I have." Bradley nodded, his eyes betraying nothing.
 
Bravely, Pierce continued, "The Miss Bennets have confided that they have also heard from their father. We have assumed that the contents of both letters would be similar."
 
Bradley nodded noncommittally. Pierce glanced back at his companions aggrieved. I do believe that you are enjoying tormenting us far too much.
 
Taking his cue, Fitzwilliam leaned forward. "I believe what my friend is trying to say is that we would very much like to comply with Mr. Bennet's wishes…ah how was it that he put it…to allow the ladies an opportunity to relieve our suspense?" He lifted an eyebrow.
 
A broad smile bloomed over Bradley's face as he leaned back in the chair and laughed heartily. "Well said, sir, well said." Wiping his eyes, he continued. "I have received leave from Mr. Bennet to grant you permission to have such an audience with his daughters. This morning I believe they are planning to take a walk shortly after breakfast to gather honeysuckle before the heat of the day sets in. You may accompany them on their errand. I am quite certain that there will be ample opportunity for your desired conversations then. Is that agreeable?"
 
"Quite, sir. Thank you." Pierce rose, offering his hand to Bradley. The others followed suit, bowing slightly to the vicar. They hastily moved toward the door.
 
"A moment if you will, Mr. Bingley," Bradley called back. He watched as the blushing young man returned to the space he had left only moments ago.
 
"Sir? What can I do for you?" Bingley asked a little uneasily.
 
"Do sit down. I am no headmaster calling you out!" Bradley chuckled as he slowly lowered himself to his seat again. "But I am puzzled and I hope that you can put my mind to rest."
 
"How so, sir?"
 
"I understand the errand your companions are on, but I am afraid I do not have a clear understanding of why you should require a private meeting with one of the Miss Bennets." Bradley reached for his teacup.
 
"Ahh, well, yes," Bingley stammered, rubbing his hands together uneasily. "Well, it is…that is to say…"
 
"You are not providing me with an answer, Mr. Bingley." Bradley cocked his head.
 
"I know. I just do not know how to begin." Bingley swallowed hard.
 
"Then perhaps I should just state to you my concerns and allow you to respond." His listener nodded enthusiastically. Bradley leaned forward to perch his elbows on his knees. "It was my understanding that there were three recognized courtships in progress, not four. There is truly only one reason for you to wish a private interview with Miss Kitty, and yet I have been led to believe that neither of you are ready for that step. Are you being influenced by your peers to make a decision that you are not ready for?"
 
"No, not, not that at all sir." Bingley shook his head forcefully.
 
"So then, pray tell, why is it that you need a private audience with the lady?" Bradley crossed his arms firmly over his chest.
 
Bingley tugged at his cravat. "Miss Kitty and I have spoken at length, and we have reached an understanding between us. Bradley scowled at this confession, so he quickly added, "I have spoken to her father as well, so there is no disrespect to him on the matter." The vicar's expression softened and he nodded. "She has already accepted me, that is…ah…our understanding is that…" With pleading eyes, he looked up at Bradley, "You understand me?"
 
Bradley nodded hesitantly.
 
"My only wish today is to speak with her and confirm that it is still her wish to wait, for I would marry her immediately if I could." A smile broke out over his face and words tumbled out in a rush. "I am so much better a man with her at my side. She has urged, pushed if you will, for me to come into my own. It is her influence that has permitted me to send Caroline on her way. She has given me confidence to make decisions regarding Netherfield, she sees in me something I do not even see in myself. With her, I actually believe I can be the man she already sees me to be!" His eyes glistened tellingly.
 
Bradley's posture eased and he reached for his teacup. "You wish to hurry her decision along?"
 
"No, not that. I am content with what she wishes. Louisa has received a letter from Hurst to say he shall be here in a month. So her wedding will be upon us soon, by harvest time for sure. Kitty…Miss Kitty wishes to allow my sister her moment to be the center of attention." A troubled look flashed across his face.
 
"But?"
 
"I do not wish to disparage a woman I do not even know sir." Bingley sighed and pushed himself up from the chair and walked to stare out the window. "Miss Kitty's eldest and youngest sisters have always been her mother's favorites and I fear she spent much time be compared unfavorably to them."
 
"Sadly such is the way in many families."
 
"With her three older sisters…well you know…," Bingley sighed, trying to bring his racing thoughts into order. "I just want to be sure that she is not going to be hurt by the attention the coming nuptials will bring. I do not wish her to feel somehow less than her sisters because we choose to wait a while."
 
Bradley carefully rose and made his way to the young man's side, laying a warm hand on his shoulder. "You wish to protect her."
 
"Yes," he turned to look Bradley in the eye. "That is exactly right. Compared to Darcy's fortune, Fitzwilliam's connections, and the favor Pierce has found from you and Darcy, I am but a poor second. With that, and her less than favored status with her mother…I shudder to think how she might be made to feel lower than her sisters--and over her wedding! No sir, I cannot allow that to happen. I would have the banns read this week and wed her by the third if it were to keep her from seeing herself…" His throat closed and he could no longer speak. Turning away, he gazed out the window once again, trying to force himself back under regulation.
 
"I see," Bradley said softly. "It is greatly to your credit that you would consider such a thing. I can hardly fail to allow you to have such a necessary conversation with your young lady. Go then and see to it, but do let me know what you decide? If there is news to relay to Mr. Bennet, I would like to know of it right away."
 
Turning, Bingley nodded with a soft smile. "Thank you sir; I certainly shall." A moment later he left the room, Bradley watching after him. I do believe Darcy was correct, there is a great deal more depth to that young man than it would first appear.
 

The ladies assembled in the still room, gathering baskets and shears to cut the vines. Mrs. Lance surprised them when she burst in suddenly.
 
"I am so pleased to see that you have not yet left! I just found these," she handed Jane a small pile of gardening gloves, "and though that you might wish to use them this morning. It would not do for you to injure your hands cutting flowers."
 
"Thank you, that is so thoughtful!" Jane smiled broadly.
 
"It was Miss Bingley's idea, madam. She remembered having seen them and asked me if they might be helpful to you." Mrs. Lance curtsied.
 
"I am so disappointed that she cannot come with us." Kitty pouted. "She has never been out to gather flowers before, I hate that she is missing the fun."
 
"Her arm is still so freshly healed," Mary cautioned."As much as I would like her to join us, it really is best for her not to risk injuring herself again." She took a pair of gloves from Jane.
 
"I know you are right," Kitty grumbled. "But I am disappointed nonetheless."
 
Oh, the poor dear! "The gentlemen came to call this morning," Mrs. Lance offered hopefully. "They just asked me where you might be found. It sounded as if they might wish to accompany you." She smiled broadly as she saw Kitty's countenance brighten. I know Mr. Bingley is often in her company. I do not like to interfere with such matters, but Miss Kitty would be a lovely mistress here. Not that Miss Bingley is not, but she shall be married soon and it would be a shame to lose Mr. Bingley for lack of a mistress for his house.
 
"Well then, I suppose we have all that we need from here," Lizzy observed with a soft smile.
 
"I suggested the gentlemen wait for you in the front parlor." Mrs. Lance gestured toward the door and ushered the ladies out. A few moments later, the Bennet sisters joined the anxiously waiting gentlemen.
 
"Mrs. Lance said that you were looking for us," Lizzy stated with a smile toward Darcy.
 
Immediately he moved to her side. "Would you permit me to join you on your errand this morning?" he asked softly, taking her hand.
 
"I believe you company would be most welcome." She allowed him to tuck her hand into the crook of his arm.
 
Fitzwilliam approached Jane and leaned down to whisper, "My angel, I could not spend another moment apart from you, ease my heart and allow me to walk with you." He looked into her eyes hopefully.
 
"Of course, how could I deny you?" Jane blushed at the intensity of his gaze.
 
Fitzwilliam grinned as he offered his arm and led her from the room, following Darcy and Lizzy. Pierce and Bingley looked wistfully at the younger two sisters who took pity on their suitors. Mary placed her hand on Pierce's arm and urged him toward the door.
 
Kitty handed Bingley her basket. "I suppose we ought to follow quickly. They are clearly in need of chaperones!" She giggled and skipped away, beckoning him to follow.
 
Bingley stood watching her. She is such a breath of fresh air. I believe she is more intoxicating than the flowers we are going to collect. With a sigh he hurried after her.
 

Rays of sunlight were just beginning to lick the dew off the leaves as the small party departed from Netherfield. Bathed in the morning's golden light, hearts warmed and none felt the need to break its spell. So the party walked on in affectionate silence. As they progressed down the heavily wooded path, the fragrance of honeysuckle, faint at first, tinged the breeze. Soon they saw the vines winding their way up the trees, heavily laden with white and yellow blooms. Over their heads, the tree branches formed a canopy shading them even as beams of gold forced their way through to dapple the ground in front of them. Without the need to speak, the couples parted ways as the perfume in the air grew stronger.
 
Mary and Pierce passed a bend in the path and stopped. The air now filled with a heady fragrance and they were surrounded by heavy vines dripping with flowers. She pulled a tendril closer and buried her face in the tiny blossoms.
 
"Is it not an amazing thing to take such a gift and be able to preserve its essence for the days ahead?" she wondered aloud, clipping the vine and tucking it into her basket.
 
"I am always amazed at the Good Lord's ingenuity." Pierce laughed, plucking a blossom and putting it to his lips. "Tucking such sweetness into a tiny bloom…"
 
"Or healing properties into the hips a rose leaves behind?" she teased peeking at him though a curtain of petals.
 
He laughed heartily, the rich sound startling several birds from their hidden perches.
 
He has the most amazing laugh. What a wonderful sound.
 
Pierce stepped closer to her, gazing into her face with a peculiar intensity. "Or such beauty in the eyes of a young woman."
 
"Oh," she gasped.
 
He pushed through the branches to stand beside her and took her hand. "I know it was not long ago that I asked permission to court you, Miss Mary. But so much has happened in that time, it seems a life time."
 
Her face flushed and her heart raced. She gazed deep into his hazel eyes. He has such soulful eyes. "It has certainly been a tumultuous season with Lydia's trip to Brighton, the Carver's departure, my mother's removal to London, Mr. Collins," her voice caught in her throat, "and all that ensued with him. Then the spate of illness in the parish…"
 
"So very many things in so short a time," he agreed softly. I cannot believe what we have walked through together in just these short weeks. Your strength amazes me. "Because of that, I know this might be the worst possible time to ask this of you…" But I hope not. "Especially with your father away to London."
 
A smile lifted the corners of her mouth giving him hope to continue. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a fallen log and led her to sit down. Looking up into the sky, he sighed and drew a deep breath. "I suppose it is strange that I, who earn my keep through my weekly oration, should now be at a loss for words." He shook his head, laughing, his sandy hair falling into his face.
 
She laughed with him. "I hardly think you can rightly compare the two situations. They are so very different. As you do not typically read from someone else's prepared sermons, would I be greatly mistaken to believe that you spend many hours studying and considering what you will say on Sunday mornings? I have seen you carry extensive notes with you. I might even guess that nearly every word you speak is written there before you, is it not?" He smiled sheepishly, nodding. "I see no notes in your hands this morning." She raised her eyebrow. "So it does not surprise me that words are not so readily available to you now."
 
"Perhaps I should have thought ahead to write a few. I shall remember that for the future." He chuckled softly. "How is it you always seem to know what to say to set me at ease?" It is as if you know what troubles me most and unfailingly give me comfort.
 
Blushing, she shrugged, dropping her gaze shyly.
 
"It is true Miss Mary. I have watched you as you have helped me call upon the sick in the village and you have the most wonderful gift for knowing exactly what to say to bring ease in the most disconcerting of moments. Time and time again, I have watched you ease the suffering of those around you with your compassion and your wisdom." He tried to catch her eyes, but she did not look up. "I have come to rely upon your good judgment recently. I do not wish to ever be without it."
 
She lifted her eyes, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. I cannot believe that you would say these things to me. You think so well of me.
 
"This is a season of great change for me. Mr. Bradley's kind offer means there will be many decisions I have to make in the near future. I do not want to make them alone." He reached for her hands and clasped them in his. He stared into her eyes for a long time, a smile spreading across his expressive lips. "In exchange for the kindness you mother has done me in raising such a beautiful young lady, I would like to offer her the kindness of returning to Meryton to find you engaged. I know it would ease her heart." That is not what I meant to say! Pierce grimaced as they laughed softly. "Please, Mary, would you consent to become my wife?"
 
Her green eyes twinkled mischievously. "If I were Lizzy I would surely have to tease you that it is a rare man indeed to think of his potential mother-in-law's wellbeing rather than his future wife's at such a time as this."
 
Pierce's eyes grew wide and his face blanched. I am truly an idiot! How could I have said such a thing to her? He stammered, unable to find words as he raked his hand through his hair.
 
"But," she slipped one hand out of his grip and laid it softly on the side of his face. "I am not my witty elder sister. I find it charming and quite like you to be so good as to consider the frailties of my dear mama at a time which most men would consider only their own happiness." She smiled loving, tracing the edge of his jaw with her fingertips.
 
"I am so sorry, my dear, I wished to…" You deserve so much better…
 
She laid a finger on his lips. "I would be most honored to be your wife…Ethan." Her voice dropped as she used his Christian name for the first time.
 
"Mary," he sighed, pressing her hand to his cheek. "You have made me the happiest of men."
 
"I would say I am the happiest of my sisters this morning, but somehow I believe that there are at least two others on errands similar to yours today." She cocked her head knowingly.
 
"Mr. Bradley gave us his blessings this morning. Your father had already written to offer his, something about not keeping your suitors in suspense any longer." He smirked at the thought of Mr. Bennet's words.
 
"I thought no less. My father's sense of humor is rather distinct, is it not? But I suppose having five daughters to marry off does take a toll on a man." She sighed softly. "But having none takes a toll as well. I cannot help but think of Mr. Bradley's tragedy. He is so very dear to me now, the grandfather I have never had."
 
"He will be so excited to know we have settled things between ourselves. He has been anxious to speak with you about the manse and what must be done to make it ready…" He saw the questions on her face. "Mr. Darcy's father had the manse built for Mr. Bradley many years ago when the old vicar refused to quit the parsonage even though most of his time was spent in London." She nodded understandingly. "The Darcy family has been quite generous. Mr. Darcy has promised to supplement what Mr. Bradley has already offered…oh, we must get those papers drawn up…" A faraway look came over his face.
 
She silenced him with a soft finger again. "All those things are important, no doubt. But it can keep for a little while. Let us just take time to savor these moments, for like these flowers, they will fade away far too soon."
 
He kissed her finger softly. "Of course my dearest, you are correct." Beaming at her, he rose and helped her to her feet. Wrapping her arm in his, he led her down the path, breathing deeply of the air's sweet perfume.
 

Fitzwilliam stood a few steps off, watching Jane as the sunlight glistened golden off stray locks that had escaped her bonnet. She hummed to herself a soft folk tune that Fitzwilliam recognized from some of the men he had served with on the continent. His mind wandered back to those days. All too soon his thoughts were filled with the screams and stench of the battle field. Groaning softly, he sat heavily on a large rock and dropped his head into his hands.
 
How can I do this? Look at her. She is so beautiful, so serene, so happy. Even in the midst of the news of her sister or the fire at Longbourn, I cannot think of a moment when she was without that air of tranquility that always seems to surround her. Then look at me, in the midst of this idyllic spot I am tormented by the screams of terrified, dying men and the sound of cannon fire.
 
What am I thinking? I am no fit match for her. She is a Greek goddess, she deserves a Hero. I am nothing but a broken down old soldier, with not even a home to call my own. What made me dare think I could even approach her…
 
A woman's scream drove him from his thoughts. Looking up, he saw a frightened horse bearing down upon Jane. Without thinking, he raced toward her, rushing her from harm's way. Turning back to the creature, he caught its reins and expertly soothed the animal, quickly bringing it under control.
 
A moment later, a young boy ran up to the still panting animal. "Beggin' your pardon sir! Is the young lady all right? I'm so sorry. The horse ain't properly trained yet. A dog scared 'im 'n 'e run off." A look of terror haunted the boy's eyes.
 
"All is well, do not fear." He handed the reins to the boy. "That's a fine animal you have there, though he is a bit high strung. Just keep to your training and you should have a fine mount soon enough."
 
"Thank ye' sir," the boy bobbed in an awkward bow, relieved at the man's good humor. He quickly led the horse back down the path he came from,
 
Fitzwilliam turned his attention back to Jane. He was not certain how, but a moment later he held her in his arms, quieting her frightened sobs.
 
"I'm so sorry! You must think me quite the fool. I am terribly afraid of horses," she cried into his coat, clinging to his lapels.
 
"All is well, dear Jane. I shall not allow that creature to harm you," he soothed, a gentle hand on her back. "A beast out of control like that is a frightening sight for sure." I have never seen you so discomposed before. I had no idea horses frightened you so much.
 
She pulled back, brushing tears from her face until he handed her a handkerchief. She mopped her eyes with the fine linen. "Silly girl that I am, I did not even bring a handkerchief with me!"
 
"You are many things, but a silly girl is not among them," he admonished firmly, guiding her to sit with him on a tree stump.
 
She looked down at her hands, clutching the embroidered square in her hand. "Thank you for rescuing me, sir. I suppose it is not a proper thing to say," she looked up, tears still filling her eyes. "but have I ever told you how safe I feel in your presence?"
 
He brushed a stray hair back from her forehead. "No, you have not." A smile lifted the corner of his mouth.
 
"When we were small girls, Lizzy would make up stories and tell them to me at night. She is a most delightful storyteller, most of the time. But sometimes she would devise tales the most fearful stories."
 
"Why would she do that?"
 
"I suppose it was difficult for her sometimes. I am sorry to say that my mother has always favored my youngest sister and I. She was not always patient with Lizzy's more adventuresome side. There were times she would admonish Lizzy to be more ladylike, more like me. I am certain she hated that. But she was far too good to be spiteful to me. I think though she was angry with our mother and it came out in those frightening stories of beasts in the woods and highways men…" Jane shuddered. "I know it is silly of me, but the woods still frighten me. This was the first time I can remember not being afraid out here." She blushed hotly with the admission. "When you whisked me away from that horse I felt like a princess delivered by her knight in armor." She glanced up at him shyly.
 
"Would that I could always be such a man for you," he murmured glancing back down the path. "You deserve so much more than I can give you. I am no knight, just a soldier, broken and scarred from battle. I have no castle, not even a town house. What I have saved, though sufficient for my desires does not nearly constitute a treasure. A woman such as you deserves a prince…"
 
"I do not want a prince," she declared firmly.
 
"What do you want then?" He turned to meet her eyes.
 
She paused for only a breath before replying, "Though my parents tried to shelter us from the reality of my mother's experiences, my Aunt Phillips shared with me more than she should have. I have walked in fear from that every day since I was twelve. More than for castles or treasure or princes, I wish to feel safe." What a weak fool he must think I am. I can hardly believe I have said such a thing.
 
"I never knew you were fearful. So much has happened in the last weeks and never once have you been anything other than a tower of serenity." Wonder filled his eyes. I can only image what must of happened to her mother. Life can be incredibly cruel.
 
"My mother's nerves are very fragile and she is very fearful. I discovered quickly that if she saw fear in any of us it discomposed her severely." She whispered, staring over his shoulder.
 
"So you learned to hide it from her and from everyone. No one knew, not even your dearest sister, so there was no one to comfort you." He pressed her chin up to make her look into his eyes.
 
She nodded slightly, swallowing back the lump in her throat. "That is what happened. I do not regret it, but…" she bit her lip and sighed.
 
"There are few things in my power to give you, dearest Jane, but one thing I can promise you. I promise to protect and comfort you always." His heart pounded so loudly he could hardly hear. "Would you be willing to allow me that chance?"
 
Tears spilled out over her cheeks as she whispered, "Yes, Richard, I would most gladly do so."
 
"Is that enough for you? You are worthy of so much more than I have. Will you be my wife, despite all that I lack?" Without realizing it, he held his breath.
 
"Because of all that you are, I will be proud to be your wife." She smiled lovingly at him.
 
Unable to help himself, he pulled her into a tight embrace, crushing her to his chest. "I promise you will not regret me, Jane."
 
"I know." She melted into his arms and drank in his warm scent, memorizing it against the backdrop of the honeysuckle.
 
Her bonnet slipped back and he kissed the top of her head. Perhaps this old soldier can be your knight after all.
 

Darcy suddenly found himself alone with the woman who would forever be linked with the scent of honeysuckle in his mind and heart. It seems my brothers to be were even more anxious than me. He glanced over to see Lizzy silhouetted in a sunbeam, surrounded by flowery boughs. If there were but a way to capture this image! She is breathtaking.
 
"Would you be so kind as to help me reach that branch?" she softly asked, startling him from his reverie. She stepped past him, shears in hand.
 
Obligingly, he reached to pull the vine laden branch toward her hand and held it while she clipped the blossoms and tucked them into her basket. When she reached for more, he caught her hand and stopped her. She looked at him quizzically as he held her hand, gently entwining his fingers with hers. He pulled her slowly toward him and pressed the back of her hand to his lips. Turning his face toward her, he pressed her hand to his cheek and cradled it there.
 
"You seem quite distracted this morning," she said softly, staring into his dark eyes. What are you thinking, your expression is so odd.
 
"So I am, Miss Elizabeth." He nodded solemnly. "I was just recalling the first time we walked through this grove together."
 
"And what of it are you remembering?"
 
"It was the first time you allowed me to call myself your friend." He pressed his lips to the back of her hand again. She blushed deeply. "We spoke of preserving the essence of spring to stay us through the winter months."
 
A gentle smile lit her face as she looked away. "We did. I remember that conversation well." She looked up, caressing him with her eyes. "It is a rare man who would have such a conversation and a rarer one still who would recall it with such pleasure in his voice."
 
He guided her hand into the crook of his elbow and led her along the pathway, deeper into the woods. "I meant to ask you that day, but we were distracted by other things…" He felt her fingers tighten on his arm. "How is it that you go about this small wonder: putting the essence of spring in a bottle?"
 
She laughed brightly. "I am quite certain I have never heard a gentleman ask such a thing." Papa would find your question most singular.
 
He chuckled, patting her hand warmly. "I can assure you, Miss Elizabeth, I am most interested."
 
"You have such a unique range of interests, sir."
 
First among them is you. His eyes glittered as he lifted his brows.
 
"I will, however, humor your request." She offered him a sidelong glance and grinned
 
"I am your pupil; tell me where I would begin to accomplish such a feat."
 
"I should believe that it would be obvious. You have already begun. The first step is, of course, to gather the blossoms." She laughed openly now, shaking her head.
 
"Naturally. Do go on." I do so love the sound of her voice.
 
"It is best to do so early in the morning, when the dew is still fresh upon them." She removed a sprig of blossoms from her basket and held them up for him to smell. "You see how fragrant they are? In the heat of the afternoon, the perfume diminishes." Darcy nodded somberly. "After they are picked, we will take them back to the still room, and the real work begins. The flowers must be plucked from the stems and then chopped. Depending on how we wish to use the fragrance, the petals will be soaked in water or oil for several days. Then the petals are strained out, leaving their fragrance behind."
 
They walked a few steps in silence, his expression becoming more thoughtful. "I wonder if my mother did such things. I imagine she would have. She loved her gardens dearly. I am certain she would have wanted to preserve the essence of the flowers she worked so diligently to grow," Darcy mused aloud. "I do not believe my sister has ever learned how make perfume. I have never heard her mention a still room or gathering flowers for anything but a vase in the drawing room. She has missed more that I realized not having a mother or sister to guide her."
 
She squeezed his arm. "It must have been difficult trying to guide such a young girl on your own."
 
How is it that you always know what I mean to say, even when I do not say it? Darcy did not answer, but stopped mid-step and looked about.
 
"What are you searching for, sir?" Lizzy glanced back and forth, alarmed.
 
"Your old tom cat," Darcy answered with a peculiar smile.
 
"Our cat? Whatever for?" I must not have heard him correctly.
 
"I feel the need to extol your virtues, Miss Elizabeth, and you gave me strict instructions…."
 
She covered her mouth and began to giggle, then looked up at him, the merriment glittering in her eyes.
 
"But I am afraid he is nowhere to be found. What am I to do? I dare not ignore your directions." He cocked his head toward her, waiting.
 
She blinked at him, astonished. Only a short time ago, I would not have believed him capable of such humor! "I do not suppose you can quell this urge until our cat can be found." She lifted her brows, then shook her head. "No, I can tell by your face that you cannot. Since you were gracious enough to accompany me on an errand few men would condone, I imagine I should return the favor. I will give you leave, for a few minutes, to speak freely what is on your mind." She stared in wonder as his countenance changed from teasing to elated.
 
A joyful glow lit his eyes as a smile dimpled his cheeks. Suddenly he threw back his head and laughed. He laughed so hard tears flowed. Wiping them away, he grinned silently at her.
 
"I am all astonishment, Mr. Darcy. I do not pretend to know what was on your mind to say, but I must admit this is not what I had expected." She crossed her arms before her, weaving her hands through the basket handle.
 
"I am sorry, Miss Elizabeth, I can only image how very odd this must seem. I had hoped for such a moment as this, only to find myself entirely speechless the instant you gave me permission to voice my admiration." He chuckled again, dragging the back of his hand across his eyes once more.
 
She regarded him a moment before she began to laugh as well. "I shall have to remember this. Giving you permission to speak is the surest way to render you speechless!"
 
Suddenly serious, he caught her hands, "No, it is you yourself, Miss Elizabeth, that renders me speechless."
 
Her breath hitched as the warmth of his hands penetrated her gloves. His fingertips found the soft flesh of her wrists, sending a chill down her spine.
 
"I have long thought you one of the handsomest women of my acquaintance," he whispered, his breathy voice an intimate caress.
 
She felt the touch of his words, soft upon her face. She blinked several time and fell into his gaze with a heavy breath. His eyes…
 
"You are too generous to trifle with me, my dear Miss Elizabeth. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject." She drew breath to speak, but he continued, undaunted. "I know it was only a very short time ago that you graciously consented to allow me to court you. In the eyes of many I know, this is far too soon…"
 
"Mr. Darcy," she whispered, her lip catching in her teeth.
 
"Please, allow me to finish. I have only just found my words, and I do not wish to lose them once again." He looked at her beseechingly, pausing to place a kiss on the back of her hand and another on the bare skin at her wrist. She shivered at his touch. "Since the unfortunate events at Longbourn, we have been much in one another's company…"
 
"I have been so grateful for your assistance. I fear I have not been vocal enough in my appreciation. I am sure I have not been. Your help has been invaluable, and your support to my father and my family…" the words tumbled out before she could stop them.
 
Oh that you would always look at me that way."It is not your gratitude that I seek. But if you will thank me,'' he interrupted, "let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you."
 
She blushed and looked away briefly but could not long be away from his mesmerizing gaze.
 
"In my own selfishness, I have cherished these days, despite knowing the evil that was their source. Working side by side with you I have dreaded the knowledge that accomplishing the tasks we set out to do would bring them to an end. I have seen you in ways few men have the opportunity to see they woman they hope to marry. You are as beautiful in the midst of all the work and repairs going on at Longbourn with soot on your cheek and the curl at the nape of your neck escaping its pin as you were at the most recent assembly with every hair in place and your dress so finely pressed. Yours is a beauty that goes beyond that of most women I have known. It penetrates deep within to the very depth of your soul, and it is enchanting."
 
Tears filled her eyes though she struggled to blink them back.
 
He lifted his hand to brush her cheek, catching a stray tear with his finger. Do not cry my dearest one. He dropped to his knee, cradling her hands in his once more. "Say you will be my wife…Elizabeth," he spoke her name with a longing whisper. "Do not keep me waiting any further. If you wish, we can wait to wed until Longbourn is whole again, but keep me in suspense no longer." He bowed his head, pressing his forehead to her hands.
 
The knot in her throat made it difficult to speak. "My father has always stressed that above all, I must be able to respect the man that I would marry. I am ashamed to admit it, but there are in truth few men that I can look upon with respect." She saw his shoulders sag slightly, and sadness pulled at the corners of his eyes. "However, as I have worked with you these weeks, I have come to see that you are indeed the best of men. My sister, Jane, and I have often talked of our desire to marry for love. But to find a man whom I could both love and respect seemed an impossible thing." She swallowed hard, freeing her hand to touch his cheek. "But somehow I have been blessed to have found both in you, Mr. Darcy…Fitzwilliam." She smiled, her eyes glittering.
 
He drew in a deep breath and rose to his feet. Without knowing quite how, he found her in his arms, crushed to his chest.
 
She looked up at him and whispered, "I will be most happy to marry you…"
 
He cut off her words with a gentle kiss. Suddenly a deep laugh rumbled through his chest.
 
"What do you find so amusing at a moment like this?" she demanded with feigned ire. I love the sound of his laughter. I want my children to always know such a sound.
 
"When I first came to Meryton, I had a conversation with Mr. Bradley regarding the unlikelihood of finding a wife while I was here. That was certainly not my purpose in visiting here. It was indeed the farthest thing from my mind when I met you that day in your father's woods."
 
"It does seem that the ways of Providence are not as our ways." A mischievous grin played about her lips. "To think I have agreed to marry a trespasser and a thief."
 
He stared at her, shocked then dissolved in peals of laughter. Their merriment rang out in the woods and echoed back to them, blanketing them in the warm embrace of their love.
 

"Miss Kitty! Miss Kitty!" Bingley's exasperation grew as he searched through the trees. Where has she gone? I cannot fathom how a game of hide and seek should be the first thing on her mind at a time like this! He heard the rustle of a skirt and the crunch of footfalls. "There you are!" He dashed off at a sprint.
 
Kitty took flight, giggling, and rushed off through the trees, jumping a fallen branch and dancing through a patch of thick bushes. Panting, she paused for a moment, only to feel Bingley's strong hand catch her arm. "I have you! Do not run!" He wheezed hard, bracing his other hand on his thigh and struggling for breath.
 
"Have you not the strength for a child's game of hide and seek, sir?" she teased, fighting to catch her own breath. "Come," she tried to pull away, "I will race you…"
 
"No," he said sharply. Seeing the hurt in her eyes, he softened his tone, "Please, Miss Kitty, no more games. I have no wish to run any farther this morning."
 
Chastened, she looked down, avoiding his eyes.
 
This will not do. "I wish to talk with you. Is there a place nearby where we can rest?"
 
Nodding silently, she led him a short way through the woods to several large rocks. "When we were small, we would bring a basket and our dolls out here and serve them tea," she explained shyly. "Hill would always send us with a tin of biscuits, even though she would complain she did not have time for such games."
 
"You came to this spot with your sisters?"
 
"With Lydia usually, sometimes with Maria Lucas," she replied, looking off into the distance. "Jane and Lizzy were too old for such games then and Mary rather practice her pianoforte."
 
"You seemed troubled by the memory. I am surprised, as I thought such a thing would be pleasant to recall. I have many fond memories of childhood diversions, and of biscuits." He chuckled and guided them to sit on one of the rocks.
 
"It used to be a more pleasant memory, I think." She frowned thoughtfully. "I think I was a different person then."
 
"And you do not know how to feel about that," Bingley offered knowingly.
 
"Indeed, Mr. Bingley." She glanced up at him. You understand so well, I do not know whether to be pleased or embarrassed.
 
He smiled a little sadly, "I quite understand what you mean. I find myself thinking such things often." He nodded at the question on her face. "My stay in Meryton has quite changed me, and at times, it is a disconcerting thing."You are the only one to whom I would admit this.
 
Relaxing somewhat, Kitty leaned against his shoulder. Pleased, he pressed into her.
 
"I fear I used to follow Lydia far too easily, and I am not proud of that," she mused. "I wonder that it was ever so easy to do so. I do not believe I had any idea I could tell her 'no.' How different life has become in just this short season."
 
"And I used to permit my sister to lead me in much the same way, I fear. And it is far less becoming for a man to do so than a woman," Bingley laughed, self-deprecatingly.
 
"I believe your sister and mine have some definite similarities." She pressed her lips together firmly, then sighed as she looked into the woods. "I remember being jealous that Lyddie was my mother's favorite. I sometimes dreamt of what it would be like to be so favored. I wanted that. But recently, I have begun to wonder if it is possible that being the favorite child may not be such a good thing after all. It seems to have reflected poorly in the characters of our sisters."
 
"Perhaps you are correct," Bingley nodded, looking up into the treetops. "We shall have to be very careful then with our children…" He grimaced as he heard his own words. I have gone too far!
 
"I wonder if it should be very difficult to not have a favorite among them. I admit it would be difficult not to favor one who looked very much like you…" Kitty bit her lip and blushed. What an indelicate thing for me to say!
 
Bingley stared at her wide-eyed and began to laugh. "I suppose there is no hope for it! We must simply come out and talk about this." He turned to look at her, pleased when she nodded. "Where do we begin?" He gathered her hands in his.
 
"I think perhaps it is too late to ask that question, sir, for we have already begun," she chuckled. "Perhaps the better query is when do we begin."
 
"You are quite correct, my dearest Kitty…Miss Kitty. Forgive me, for I am already beyond…"
 
"Charles," she whispered, "there is no need to apologize."
 
"Then what are we to do. Surely you know what was on the minds of my companions this morning."
 
"I must admit I have suspected their purpose. The look on their faces was rather obvious." She fell awkwardly silent.
 
"And what of the look on mine?"
 
"Charles, are you sure…"
 
"Have you changed your mind?" It is as I feared. Such a woman could not be held by such an inconstant fellow as me.
 
"No, no it is not that. But I wonder if you have? I fear I am not…"
 
"Not what?" He demanded angrily, springing to his feet and pacing. "Not as serene and compliant as Jane? Not as beautiful as her? Not as witty and intelligent as Elizabeth? Not as comforting and wise as Mary? Or is it someone else still that you are comparing yourself to?"
 
Kitty pressed her hands to her face and nodded. "How can you be satisfied…"
 
"Stop," he declared firmly. "You will stop this now." She looked up at him startled. I cannot believe I am speaking to her like this! But I cannot stop yet. She must hear me out, for somehow she has not heard me the times I have said it before. "Yes, I have heard all about how wonderful and perfect your sisters are. They are paragons of ladylike virtue and all that is good and womanly."
 
She stared at him wide-eyed. What has come over him?
 
"But I do not care to speak of them any longer. Can you not understand that I am in no way settling for you as the last remaining sister? This neighborhood has many lovely young women, and I have no doubt I could find pretty and pleasant company easily enough among them."
 
Kitty looked away angrily, tears welling in her eyes. Suddenly Bingley was crouching before her, his face close to hers.
 
"But I am not with them because I want to be with you. I have no interest in Jane. Someone once asked me if I did, and I had to tell them I did not because, to be honest, she is far too elegant for the likes of me. She frightens me." He laughed softly. "Your sister Lizzy is far too intelligent for me to keep up with her. I am not a great reader, and often do not understand half of what she says. And Mary, dear sweet Mary," he rolled his eyes. "Yes, she is a kind, generous girl, and a fount of wisdom to be sure. But I find her dull indeed. Can you imagine her leading me through these woods playing hide and seek?"
 
Kitty shook her head, "No, she never enjoyed that kind of play."
 
"But I do. I love to laugh and to play, and so do you." He ran his hand down his face. "That is not what I meant to say. How is it that it is usually so easy to speak to you, but today I cannot find the words?" The hopeful look on her face urged him to continue. "I know you look at yourself meanly, Kitty, and I understand why. But you have brought out the best in me. You have caused me to be something I never thought I could be. Never before have I been able to stand up to Caroline. Never before have I made decisions with such confidence. It is all because I have had you beside me…believing in me. You give me strength I did not know I had. I am a better man because of you."
 
She drew in a breath as if to speak, but did not. He laid his hand warmly against her cheek.
 
"I admire you so much, and I want to give you what you have given me. I want you to see yourself the way that I do." Impulsively, he leaned down and kissed her tenderly.
 
She gasped, "Charles?" I do not know if I should slap you or ask you to do that again.
 
"I know it is unfashionable, and perhaps even indecorous of me to say this, but I love you, Kitty Bennet, and I wish for you to be my wife. You know that. By luncheon today, I believe that your three elder sisters will be engaged. I know what we have talked about, but I am asking you do you wish to be included in that number, for I would gladly make our understanding official right now."
 
"I…I…I do not know," Kitty whispered, her heart in her throat.
 
"I know your desire for Louisa to have her day, and I love you all the more for it. But she would not be pleased if it came at your expense." He caressed her cheek tenderly. "I do not know your mother, and I have no way to predict how she will respond. But I do know that I would not have her disparage you because you are not yet engaged, nor do I wish you ignored because you are all engaged together, and you are the youngest and marrying the man of least consequence."
 
Kitty jumped to her feet. "Of least consequence! Least consequence, you say? How can you possibly say that? How dare you demean yourself in that way? I told you before I would not have it, and I meant it! You will cease saying those things immediately."
 
Bingley threw back his head and laughed. "This is much better! That is the Kitty who is so very dear to me." Though she protested, he pulled her close to wrap his arms around her. "My dear, dear Kitty."
 
She drank in his scent, intoxicated by the feeling of his arms around her. He truly has chosen me.
 
"So then tell me, dearest, what do you wish? I will be content to wait to announce our joy until after my sister's wedding, if that is still your desire. But I would be most happy to join my friends in their announcement today as well."
 
She pressed in close, relishing the strength of his embrace. I do not know what to expect from Mama. But it has been such fun to plan with Louisa, even though the date of her wedding is not even set yet. I would love to share this with my sisters, and if we wait, it is possible that they will no longer be here with me when it is time to plan our day. I most certainly do not want to only have Lyddie to help me prepare. She is never happy unless she is the center of attention. I can only imagine what it would be like living with her then. And if she is not here, then I will do all my planning alone.
 
Bingley saw the sadness in her eyes. "What is wrong?" He kissed for forehead tenderly.
 
"I was just considering what you have asked." She drew a deep breath and straightened herself. "I still want to wait to marry until Louisa and Mr. Hurst have wed. But there is too much joy in the preparing, and I wish to share that with her and my sisters." Tears suddenly filled her eyes. "I fear attending to all those details without them would leave me feeling quite bereft."
 
He cried out joyfully and grabbed her about the waist, spinning her in his arms. Setting her back on her feet, he kissed her firmly. "Now I will race you back to Netherfield to share our news!" He dashed away with Kitty pounding after him a moment later, both laughing joyfully all the way.