Jump to new as of January 26, 2002
A girl shouldn't come between friends, but sometimes what can end a friendship is the same thing that can strengthen it.
He brought the horse to a stop and dismounted. It was still pouring around him, and his shoes were covered in mud from the road. It would only be a five minute stop, he promised himself, because the message was urgent and his mistress's life was at stake. He walked into the smoke-filled tavern and quickly sat down.
"What'll you be havin', sir?"
"A cup of your finest ale and quickly for I'm in a hurry."
"Hurry?...in this weather?...you must be daft?"
"But I must go, a life is at stake and I haven't a moment to lose."
"Well then, I'll be getting' your ale then."
The woman returned and placed the drink on the shoddily built table. He quickly gulped down the ale and mounted back on his steed to resume his journey. He rode quickly through the night and was out of breath when he reached his destination. It was almost dawn when he reached the large townhouse in the most prominent part of London. He knocked at the door and which was opened by an aged butler.
"Please call down the master of the house; I have a pressing matter to discuss with him. I have been given this letter to deliver to him personally and then to escort him back to the home of my mistress."
"As you wish, sir. Mr. Bingley will be down shortly."
Bingley awoke with a start. Someone was knocking on his bedroom door. He carefully removed his wife's hand from his chest and quietly got out of bed so as not to disturb the beautiful woman sleeping beside him. He looked down and wondered to himself how he had been so lucky as to capture the heart of an angel. The knocking became louder now and he could hear his butler shouting his name through the thick wooden doors.
"I'll be right down, Jeeves,", Bingley shouted back, "and do be quiet. My wife is still asleep."
He quickly dressed himself for his butler's voice had sounded urgent and ran down the stairs. There he saw a man, soaked thoroughly from head to toe as if he had ridden all night through the storm. The man addressed him as he handed him a letter
"I'm sorry to disturb you at this ungodly hour, sir, but I was asked to deliver this message to you personally and await the response."
Bingley opened the letter and began to read.
Bingley,I know I have probably awakened from your sleep but there is no one else whom I could have turned to. She is dying and I can not leave her side. I fear for her life yet can do nothing. Hurry, for in this time I need my best friend beside me and call a doctor for her sake. She is my life and I can not bear to think of anything terrible happening to her.
Yours,
Fitzwilliam
The color drained from Bingley's face and a look of shock covered it.
"We haven't a moment to lose; we must leave quickly!" Bingley told the man. "First, we have to stop and call on Mr. White."
"Mr. White, sir?"
"He is my family physician. There's no one else who I would trust with my life or the lives of my friends. Jeeves, go get my horse ready. I want to leave as soon as possible. And inform my wife of my whereabouts. There is no need to alarm her now, but tell her when she awakens."
In less than ten minutes they were ready to leave. They rode to Mr. White's home and finally reached their destination, Lady Alexandra's townhouse.
Bingley rushed to the door and was embraced by a distraught Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"How is she, Fitzwilliam? How are you? I've brought my family physician, Mr. White. He is the best and will take care of everything. Calm yourself, man. It will all be well."
"No, it won't be, Bingley. I have resigned myself to that fact. She is dying and there is nothing I can do but watch her slip away right in front of my eyes."
"Take me to her, Fitzwilliam. I would like to see if anything can be done," said Mr. White.
"Certainly, sir. Please try all you can."
They walked into the room, and when Bingley saw her, he gasped. This certainly wasn't the same vivacious woman that he had met at Lord Lyon's ball. Perspiration covered her brow and blood could be seen in her auburn, graying hair. A scar covered her left cheek. He glanced over to his friend and could see the tears that were welling up in his eyes. Colonel Fitzwilliam was not a weak man, but Bingley knew the pain that could be caused with the sight of a loved one's distress. When his Jane had given birth to their first child, he was a mess and ended up being more of a hindrance than a help.
Mr. White then broke the silence.
"Could you gentleman please leave the room. I would like to examine the patient in private?"
"Come on, Fitzwilliam, we have a lot of catching up to do."
The two then proceeded to walk downstairs to the library. As soon as they entered, Bingley shut the door and made the both of them some drinks.
"Sit down, Fitzwilliam, and tell me what happened."
"Three days ago, Alexandra received a letter from her daughter. It was a marriage invitation. You could imagine how excited Alexandra was, for she was to see her daughter after twenty years. She wanted to leave as soon as possible even though the weather was terrible. I tried to dissuade her, but she would not listen. In order to put my fears to rest, she had asked me to accompany her to the wedding, but we never made it there. The axle had broken and the carriage overturned. Fortunately, I was with her and remained unscathed so as to be able to bring her back to the townhouse, immediately. As soon as I got here, Bingley, I called for you. Bingley, she doesn't deserve this. She was finally going to be happy, but even that happiness was taken from her. "
"So you still pursued her after all these years, eh Fitzwilliam."
"I never stopped caring about her. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get her out of my mind. I know society never accepted it but hang society. I never cared what the ton thought. What did bother me and still does to this day is what Darcy said. He was family and my best friend, and yet, not even he would accept it. Have you spoken to him recently? And for that matter, how have you been? It's been five long years since I last saw the both of you. I have been on the continent for the last four years and just returned a couple of months ago. I would have spoken to you earlier but I didn't know how you would react. After the fight, Darcy wouldn't acknowledge me and I guess I just assumed you would do the same."
"How you underestimate me, Fitzwilliam. I never held it against you. We can't help who we love. Take my marriage for example."
"Wait, you got married?!? To Taylor?"
"Of course not! How could you even think that? That woman was a conniving, deceitful liar."
"Bingley, I didn't receive any news from London, when I was on the continent nor did I listen to any gossip. Being away from London was hard enough without listening to the daily gossip, for the mere mention of home brought back memories of our friendship."
"There is so much to acquaint you with then, Fitzwilliam. A lot has happened in the five years that you've been on the continent. I myself am married to an angel named Jane. We are expecting our second child and Darcy is on the verge of matrimony himself."
"Darcy? Marriage? I thought he was to remain a bachelor for his whole life. I distinctly remember him saying on a number of occasions that no woman was handsome enough to tempt him into matrimony. She really must be something."
"Oh she is. I know you would love her. My sister-in-law is very spirited and keeps Darcy on his toes. She has taken all the cynicism about life and love right out of him."
"Your sister-in-law? Much has changed since I left you five years ago. Do you remember those days Bingley? When life was so carefree and the friendship between the three of us so strong? To think that a life of trust and laughter had ended when I fell in love with Alexandra. I've heard of women coming between friends but I never imagined this."
Six Years Ago
"Lord, how I hate going to these ton parties. Everything seems so fake and superficial. However, Lyon should appreciate us attending his daughter's coming out ball. If he wasn't such a good friend and important business partner, I would have declined the invitation."
"Oh come on Darce it isn't that bad. Besides there are going to be a lot of beautiful women there."
"Yeah they're all over you, especially Caroline. No offense, Bingley, but you really need to keep her in check."
"This is easy for you two to say. You do not have to worry about all those matchmaking mamas running behind you trying to introduce you to their daughters and whispering behind them 'Pinch your cheeks and straighten your shoulders, child. He has 10,000 a year.'"
"I sometimes fear that you have become too cynical, cousin."
" Very true, Fitzwilliam. How can you say that Darcy? Women are such beautiful, loving, and honest creatures. Just look at my dear Taylor. I do not think ever I've met such a wonderful woman."
Fitzwilliam rolled his eyes and said sarcastically, "She's really something; I just don't know what yet."
"Don't slander her good name, or I might have to call you out, Fitzwilliam."
All three of them laughed heartily at Bingley's empty threat.
"Well then, men, we best be on our way, lest all the eligible women be taken. Darce, could you please try to smile. We don't want to scare the ladies away."
The three most eligible bachelors in England entered the ballroom simultaneously. All eyes turned to them and all Darcy could think about was how these people reminded him of trained circus animals. Every smile, every gesture, every word seemed rehearsed. All the women's gowns were, of course, different in color but otherwise identical in cut and style. Even their shoes were the same. He had decided that the rules and regulations of their restrictive society were their chains and longed for the freedom of Pemberley. Just once he wished there was a maverick among the group, a woman not only beautiful but could capture his attention for more than a minute.
His reveries were interrupted by the sound of Bingley's voice. With a huge grin plastered on his face, Bingley spoke, "I declare I have never met with pleasanter people and prettier girls in my life and some of them uncommonly beautiful." As he spoke, he recognized Taylor in the distance with her long, flowing raven-colored hair, jet black eyes, and flawless complexion. She was a vision and carried herself like a queen. He immediately left their company and walked toward her.
As Fitzwilliam observed Bingley walking away, he was arrested by the sound of laughter. He quickly scanned the room for the source of the laughter and discovered it coming from the corner of the room. It was a lady's voice, he knew, but he could not see her face for she was surrounded by a group of admirers. He turned to the waiter serving champagne and asked to whom the voice belonged.
"You mean the lady in gold sitting in the corner, sir? That is Lord Ramsey's widow, Lady Alexandra."
"Lady Alexandra? I've never heard of her before."
"She's spent most of her time in the country after the death of her husband. I suppose it's because she doesn't want to hear all the gossip about her. The ladies of the ton can be quite vicious."
"I can just imagine."
Just then the crowd around her parted and Fitzwilliam saw her for the first time. She was exquisite with her auburn hair and green eyes. She was aging; he could tell by the specks of gray in her hair, but rather than detract from her features, it enhanced them. The thing that kept him enraptured, however, was her eyes for they were the most unusual shade of green. Yet upon deeper inspection, he detected a hint of sadness in them despite her cheerful expression. Right then and there, he determined to find out the cause of her unhappiness.
While his friend was thinking about a lady in gold, Charles Bingley was walking towards his "angel".
"Bingley, old man, how are you? I hear from my wife that you intend to propose tonight."
"Pardon me?"
"Alessandra said she heard it from Taylor herself."
"Lyon what are you saying? Propose? Taylor said this? But why? I haven't told her anything. I have nothing right now, not even an estate to call my own. Marriage must wait."
"Then I believe, dear friend, you should tell Taylor this before she tells anyone else. Then it really will be a problem."
"Yes, you're right. I must find her at once."
Bingley scanned the room hoping to catch her again. He did and saw she was walking towards the terrace with her father. Bingley began to move in her direction.
I suppose it would be wrong of me to follow them but this can not wait. I'll just stand outside the door and wait for them to finish.
With that in mind, he walked towards the terrace.
"Well, child, has he proposed, yet?"
"No, mother, not yet. But he will and soon. I'll make sure of it."
"Well it must be done and quickly. A special license, an elopement, or a scandal. I care not how you accomplish it. Whatever it takes. You know our situation. We have nothing left but our name. Your father's debts have not been paid off, and his creditors have been after me ever since his death. "
"Mother, I know our situation. You remind me of it everyday."
"Taylor, I know you will do as I say and I have faith in you. However, I do have one question. Why did you pick Bingley? His friend is much richer, and I dare say you are very pretty. He would have been a better choice."
"I did try to get Darcy, at first, but he proved to be too difficult to please. His friend is much easier. All I had to do was smile in his direction, and he was captivated. It's so hard not to laugh every time I see him; I can't believe he thinks I actually love him. It's rather funny."
"Yes well keep your wits about you, child, you mustn't forget: Marry him in less than a week or else our name will be ruined."
"I understand the circumstances. Please stop repeating them over and over again. It is quite frustrating. He will be my husband, mother."
Her mother walked away leaving her daughter alone on the terrace. Bingley observed and heard all that had taken place.
How could she do this to me. How could I trust her so implicitly? It was my own mistake.
He had to leave immediately. Looking at her was too difficult.
Her heart seems to be as black as her hair. I need to leave London and quickly.
With these thoughts Bingley returned to Darcy who was standing on the other end of the ballroom. At least there he wouldn't be disturbed.
"Bingley, what is the matter? You seem as if you have received a great blow. This seems hardly appropriate coming from you. It should be me trying to find an excuse to leave."
"Darcy, this is hardly amusing. I have just realized what a great fool I have been. All of your beliefs of the ton are true, and I am just sorry I never recognized the validity of your reasoning, or otherwise I would not be so distressed at present."
"Bingley, what has occurred that has made you so distraught? You are seldom so negative."
"Darcy, I am in no mood or in the right state of mind to discuss this here. I will tell you all of what has happened as soon as we are on our way in the carriage. Now, please, tell Fitzwilliam that we must go. And not just from this ball, but from this insipid and superficial city. To believe I came in here thinking that I had never met with 'pleasanter people and prettier girls!'"
"As you wish, Bingley. I had no idea how seriously you felt about this situation. I will go to him directly. In the meanwhile, get the carriage ready."
Darcy immediately went in search of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who he soon found pleasantly engaged at staring at some lady with a sparkle in his eye that he had never before seen.
"Fitzwilliam, sorry to take you away from your obviously pleasant reflections but we must leave. Bingley has received some disturbing news and wishes to leave this ball immediately and quit London as soon as possible."
"Leave the ball? London? We have just arrived. It would seem very rude to leave so early, Darce."
As Fitzwilliam was telling this to Darcy all he could think about was her. He could not leave her so quickly. He had to at least introduce himself. No, leaving was not an option. He had to meet and talk to her. With this in mind, he continued further saying:
"Darce, it is unthinkable."
"Unthinkable? Do you have any have any clue as to what you are saying? Have you had too much wine? We are talking about CHARLES, your BEST FRIEND! He is distressed and wishes to leave, and all you want to do is fawn over some woman?!? And one that is considerably older than you. I know who you have been staring at ever since we came here, cousin, and let me warn you now: It will never work out."
Fitzwilliam outraged by all the accusations laid at his door by his cousin, vehemently responded:
"Darcy, you truly have become a very cynical man. Why must you believe every woman to bad? Plus, she is not just "some woman". She is different. She is my maverick. And her age...well, her age is nothing to me. She could be ten, twenty years older than me, but nothing can change my present feelings. As to my best friend, I do care about his feelings, but this is something bigger than the three of us. I believe it is love. And I know you will say it's impossible to fall in love with someone so quickly, but as I said before this is different. You may leave with Charles, but I will stay here in London at my father's townhouse."
"Fitzwilliam, you do not know what real love is. This is just an infatuation. You know nothing of her history, and it is highly inappropriate, anyway. Charles' sister even mentioned..."
Fitzwilliam quickly interrupted him saying incredulously:
"Caroline!?! She is just a gossip. Do you truly believe everything she says?"
"It doesn't matter what she says. The entire ton knows about her and its not right to disgrace your family's good name on a passing fancy. Pursuing a relationship with a newly widowed woman who is ten years older than you is highly improper. She even has a young daughter who is more suitable to be your wife. The Matlock name need not be sullied by your carelessness."
"You are beginning to sound like Aunt Catherine, Darcy. You sit here talking about love, infatuations, and passing fancies; yet, you have never talked about a woman without mentioning some inconsequential flaw of hers. You tell me that I don't know about love, but do you? All I am telling you is what my heart wants. I know nothing about her, yet, I know I am incomplete without her. I can't help what I feel, cousin, and I can only hope you can try to understand me."
"Hmph!"
"Lord, Darcy, it is useless trying to talk to you. "
"You are quite right, cousin. Well, Bingley's waiting for me with the carriage. When you recognize the error of your ways, you may come speak to me. Until then, good-bye!"
By this time the whole ton had turned their heads toward the two, for their exchanges had become vehement and loud. The two people that everyone believed would be the least likely to create a scene were creating one that was quite interesting. After all, they had heard bits of it, especially, the word "love". Everyone was a buzz with speculation whether the two were fighting over some woman. It was certainly going to be an interesting season to see who the lady was, if there was a lady (which of course there had to be).
As Fitzwilliam stared at Darcy's retreating back, he shouted:
"Then I suppose, cousin, that it will be a very long time till we meet again for I see no error in my actions or feelings. They are noble and just."
The Following Morning
"Bingley, have you thought of owning properties lately? You have been meaning to get a country estate. That would be the perfect excuse for why you are leaving the season so early."
"Darcy, are you sure? Wouldn't this create more speculation about my relationship with Taylor? Everyone was talking about our eventual engagement. Wouldn't this be the confirmation of such a rumor by insinuating that I was looking for a place to settle?"
"Nonsense, Bingley. There can be only one course of action and this is it. First, you must write a letter to Taylor and tell her of your discovery and desire to never see her again. Then, retire to the country for the rest of the year and wait for things to settle down."
"I believe you are right, Darcy. Actually, I had given the matter of settling down some thought and already looked into several properties. One especially piqued my interest. It is located in Hertfordshire. The name of the estate is Netherfield Hall. My attorney informed me that if I wished I could be in possession of it by Michaelmas."
"Why, that is not even a week from now. I suggest you rent it first and see whether it suits you. You can worry about the purchasing at a later date. And as I have no pressing business matters at the present moment in London, I shall be glad to accompany you."
"Of course, Darcy, I shall insist upon your coming. I shall inform my sisters of my plan and ask if they, too, would care to accompany us."
"Very well. It is settled then. Hopefully, Hertfordshire will be enough of a distraction."