Previous Section, Section V, Next Section
Chapter 17 Posted on Saturday, 11 June 2005
"Miss Bennet is in London!" cried Bingley incredulously.
"Yes." Elizabeth replied. "Did your sister not send you a letter before she left for Lincoln."
"Lincoln? Caroline is in London."
"We arrived in town on Thursday. Friday morning Jane sent a note to Miss Bingley informing her that she was to be in London for six weeks. Miss Bingley then wrote back with regrets that she could not call, because she was leaving for Lincoln to visit her Aunt the next day. She also said she did not expect you to be able to leave Manchester before March."
"Then your sister is not in Devonshire visiting the Walter family?"
"Mr. Bingley, I am afraid we do not know any such family and we have no friends, to my knowledge in Devonshire." Elizabeth replied.
"I am beginning to see." Bingley pondered. "Miss Elizabeth, I WILL be calling on Miss Bennet, but I have much to do today. I should like to surprise her. Would you and Miss Darcy be so kind as to not let her know I am in town yet? I promise I will call as soon as I can, Miss Elizabeth. It has been too long since I had the pleasure of your sister's company. Could you please also give me the address where she is staying?"
"Certainly sir, Jane is staying with my Aunt and Uncle at No. 10 Gracechurch Street. I will not tell her I have seen you. I think I can comprehend the nature of your business sir. And I wish you well in concluding it in a satisfactory manner."
Elizabeth had a very good idea what his business was to delay his calling on Jane. She had seen him struggle to maintain his composure as he discovered his sister's duplicity. She only wished she could see the look on Miss Bingley's face when he called her out.
"Miss Darcy, is your brother in his study? I have an important matter I wish his advice on." Mr. Bingley asked.
"Yes, he is, Mr. Bingley. I am sure he will be happy to give you his opinion on whatever you may wish to ask him."
"Thank you. Ladies, it was a pleasure seeing you both. Now if you will excuse me, I need to see Darcy."
Georgiana and Elizabeth left in the carriage to met Jane and Mrs. Gardiner.
"Elizabeth, did what I think just happened, really happen?"
"Yes Georgiana. Mr. Bingley must have been told that Jane was in Devonshire visiting a family called Walter. Knowing Miss Bingley, she probably intimated that my sister was interested in some man there as well. Miss Bingley told Jane that she was going to Lincoln to keep Jane from calling and accidentally running into Mr. Bingley. Miss Bingley probably knew her brother was going to be coming to London soon. If she was to stop Jane and Mr. Bingley's courtship she needed to try to convince them that they were both away and that they were indifferent to the other. By the look on Mr. Bingley's face I would say that Miss Bingley is in for a very nasty surprise. I only hope your brother can help Mr. Bingley come up with a suitable rebuke, one that will teach her not to try and interfere with others like that again!"
"Knowing my brother's 'regard' for Miss Bingley, I am confident they will come up with something appropriate."
Georgiana and Elizabeth headed to their appointment resolute on keeping Mr. Bingley's secret.
Bingley entered Darcy's study highly agitated.
"Welcome back to London, Bingley. I trust you have concluded your business in Manchester to your satisfaction."
"Yes I have, thank you Darcy."
"Is something the matter Bingley? You do not appear to be in the best of spirits this morning."
"I encountered Miss Elizabeth in the entry way just now Darcy."
"Yes, she is staying with Georgiana whilst Mrs. Annesley attends her daughter awaiting the birth of her daughter's first child."
"Miss Elizabeth informed me that Miss Bennet was staying with her relatives in Gracechurch Street."
"Yes, as a matter of fact we are having dinner there Friday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are pleasant people Bingley, nothing at all like Mrs. Bennet."
"Darcy, when I arrived home last night Caroline was there. She told me Miss Bennet was staying with a family in Devonshire and that she was not expected at Longbourn until March. She also said Miss Bennet was enjoying the attentions of a young man in the family she was staying with."
Darcy was shocked.
"Miss Elizabeth also told me that Caroline wrote Miss Bennet telling her that I was not expected to leave Manchester before March and that she was on her way to stay with our Aunt in Lincoln. Darcy, I cannot believe this of Caroline! She has willfully sought to deceive me, to separate me from the woman I intend to court! How could she!"
"Bingley, calm down. I know that you always try to see the good in people. That is one of your most endearing qualities. But my friend, not every one is as amiable as you or Miss Bennet. I hate to say this, but your sister is one of the most selfish women I know. She cares only for her comfort and her position in society. That is why she has been chasing after me for all these years even though I have tried to make it perfectly clear that I have no desire to pay her any of my attentions."
"Darcy, I know you have always been polite to her for my sake. I know she is a selfish woman but I never thought she would be willing to cause me pain just to get her own way. What am I to do Darcy? I cannot stand by and let her get away with this. If I do, she will never listen to anyone again."
Both men were silent, lost in their thoughts pondering the situation and evaluating different courses of action. Darcy was the first to speak.
"Bingley, you say Caroline claimed that she was going to go and visit your Aunt in Lincoln. Is that not the Aunt she is always putting off, trying to avoid such a visit."
"Yes," said Bingley, comprehension dawning. "Go on."
"Since Miss Bingley expressed her desire for such a journey, I think you should arrange it for her. Send an express to your Aunt warning her to expect your sister. Tell her what she tried to do." Both men shared a knowing look at this. "When you have a reply back, confront Caroline and see what she has to say for herself. If she denies everything, well, then perhaps you should tell her that the fire has greatly set you back and that she should not count on you continuing to cover her overspending of her allowance for the foreseeable future. The quarter has just started. She should have plenty of time to economize."
Bingley smiled at this last suggestion. "I think I will tell her that she must live within her allowance anyway. She will not be welcomed back into my house until she has proved she can act with the proper amount of respect to me and those close to me. This includes you and Georgiana, Darcy. She will cease her machinations towards you. You have bore them for too long. I should have stopped them long ago."
"I wish you luck Bingley. I shall inform the staff that we are not home to Miss Bingley until you have news from your Aunt. I would not want your sister to find out Miss Elizabeth is here. It would warn her of her danger."
"Thank you my friend. I shall see you when this is resolved. I have asked your sister and Miss Elizabeth to conceal my presence in town from Miss Bennet until I can call on her myself. Well, I should be off to send an express and make arrangement for my sister's removal to Lincolnshire. Goodbye Darcy."
"Good luck Bingley!" said Darcy as he shook his friend's hand.
After Bingley left Darcy sat back in his chair and reflected on this most unexpected meeting. A smile formed on his lips when he thought about Bingley confronting his sister. Bingley seemed to be coming into his own. He was ready to confront his overbearing sister and assume his rightful place as head of the family. He smiled even further when he considered that he would no longer need bare with Miss Bingley's unwanted fawning over him. At least one good thing was to come out of this mess. That was worth celebrating! Darcy went and poured himself a glass of wine. He picked it up and raised the glass. 'To Bingley! May he finally have found the resolve to be the gentleman he can be!'
Elizabeth and Georgiana met Jane and Mrs. Gardiner at the modiste's at the appointed time. Jane looked as beautiful as ever in her new gowns. Georgiana thought the blue one especially became her.
"Miss Bennet, you will look stunning in that gown."
"Thank you Miss Darcy."
"Will you not call me Georgiana now?"
"If that is your wish. Then you must call me Jane."
"Of course Jane! Now, I know of a wonderful little teashop near here. When we are finished let us meet there for lunch. We can compare our notes and plan for the rest of the day."
Mrs. Gardiner noticed the new confidence in the girl before her. When she first met her in Derbyshire she appeared so sad and withdrawn. It was pleasurable to see her blossoming into a confident young lady. Lizzy would be a perfect companion for her at this time. If she could impart more of her liveliness on Miss Darcy it would help her overcome the famous Darcy shyness. She was becoming more and more like her mother all the time.
"That is a wonderful idea, Miss Darcy. Since the weather is clear today and the teashop is just a few blocks away, why not walk? We can have the carriages meet us there later." Mrs. Gardiner suggested.
Elizabeth laughingly replied, "Aunt, Georgiana and I never refuse the opportunity for a walk. I think Jane is the only one who would refuse. But as we all know, Jane is too good to ever do so!"
"Lizzy! Stop or I shall have to tell Georgiana about you, Mr. Perkins and the beech tree!"
"Jane! I wish to keep my dignity intact for at least one more day. I relent!"
"Jane," Georgiana queried as the made there way toward the teashop, "Who is Mr. Perkins? Pray tell me."
"Have mercy on me Jane!"
Jane ignored her sister; she knew Elizabeth really did want her to tell her story.
"Just after Lizzy turned 16 a gentleman by the name of Mr. Perkins came to stay in the neighborhood. I believe he was about 5 and 30."
"At least" groaned Elizabeth.
"Well, this Mr. Perkins took quite an interest in Elizabeth and our mother did everything in her power to further the match." All the ladies rolled their eyes. "Elizabeth did everything she could to avoid being alone with him. One day she was caught outside walking when Mr. Perkins appeared. Fortunately for Lizzy, she was near a grove of beech trees. When they caught sight of each other Lizzy quickly turned into the grove. Unfortunately, there was no group of trees she could hide herself in so she did the next best thing." Here Jane paused for effect.
Georgiana took the bait. "What did Elizabeth do?"
With a triumphant smile Jane continued, "Why, she climbed up into a beech tree off course!"
"Elizabeth, you did not?"
"What else was I to do?" Elizabeth grinned.
"And you claimed I was not acting very lady like the other day when you told me about Mr. Collins! Did he find you?"
"Elizabeth was safe from him, that is until he became concerned and came back to Longbourn to organized a search party!"
"And what happened next?" Georgiana giggled.
"Fortunately my father had an inkling what was going on."
"Only because he had climbed trees with me in that same grove." Elizabeth piped in.
Jane continued as if she had not been interrupted. "Papa made sure he was the one who searched that grove where Mr. Perkins had claimed he lost Elizabeth. Once Papa had assured her he was alone she alerted him to her position and he helped her get down without anyone knowing where she was. Mama was beside herself when Lizzy walked into Longbourn on our father's arm. After that, Papa had a talk with Mr. Perkins letting him know that Lizzy did not desire his suit nor would he ever grant his own consent. I think Papa was worried that she would be forced to climb another tree to avoid him and he was concerned she would fall and hurt herself."
"Not quite Jane, he KNEW I would not fall out of a tree, he just did not want to keep going out to look for me in the trees of every grove within 5 miles of Longbourn!"
"I hope you are not scandalized by my behavior and now wish to banish me from you presence Georgiana," Elizabeth teased
"Oh no Elizabeth, you have just ensured yourself of a future invitation to Pemberley. There are so many trees for you to climb there!" Georgiana replied smoothly.
The four ladies entered the small teashop in jubilant spirits after Jane's tale. They spent a delightful half hour eating their lunch and drinking their tea.
"Well Miss Darcy, what are your plans for the rest of the afternoon?"
"I need a new bonnet. We were going to look for one, and perhaps one for Elizabeth too. Would you care to join us?"
"Aunt Gardiner, it is up to you. Do you need to be home soon?" Jane asked.
"Unfortunately, yes I do Jane."
"Mrs. Gardiner, we could bring Jane back to Gracechurch Street when we are finished if she would wish to join us."
"I have no problem if you wish to join Elizabeth and Miss Darcy for more shopping Jane."
"Then I shall be back in Gracechurch Street by 5 o'clock Aunt. Thank you."
"Do not spend all of your father's money in one place girls!" Mrs. Gardiner jokingly admonished her two nieces as she left. Not that she was worried that they would; they were too responsible to act in such a reckless manner.
Georgiana knew many places to go searching for bonnets and the three ladies had a very enjoyable afternoon shopping. Georgiana bought two new bonnets and persuaded both Jane and Elizabeth to buy one as well. When Elizabeth and Georgiana dropped Jane off, Elizabeth ran inside to have a quick word alone with her Aunt.
"Aunt, you will never believe it but I saw Mr. Bingley today. Let us just say Miss Bingley has not been totally forthright in her dealings with Jane. Mr. Bingley should be by to call in the next day or two but he wants to surprise Jane. I just thought you should know. I did not want Jane to suspect anything so I contrived an excuse about money to talk to you. I shall fill you in with more details when I can, Aunt. I must be going now."
"Thank you for warning me. Do not worry; I shall not say a word to Jane. Goodbye now dear, we shall see you Friday evening then."
Elizabeth and Georgiana made their way back home. It had been another eventful day.
"Georgiana, you are going to wear me out if you keep me going like this. Older women such as myself cannot maintain such a pace! Promise me we will not do anything other than attend my fittings tomorrow. I think I have shopped more in these two days than I have in the last two years!
"As you wish Elizabeth, but remember I said we were to visit my Aunt tomorrow."
"How could I have forgotten? Then we shall visit your Aunt and attend my fitting, but that is all! I have hardly set foot in your magnificent Library. Please allow me the luxury tomorrow?"
"Of course! And I told you, do not be concerned over meeting my Aunt. She will love you."
"You said that before Georgiana."
"It is the truth Elizabeth. Now, it is time to prepare for dinner. I will see you in an hour."
An hour later they joined Darcy for dinner. Conversation soon turned to Mr. Bingley.
"I assume Mr. Bingley wanted to talk to you about his sister Fitzwilliam."
"Yes he did. What do you know about this whole affair?"
"Elizabeth told me about the note Miss Bingley sent Miss Bennet. We assume from what Mr. Bingley said, that Miss Bingley is not currently in Lincoln, that she told him Miss Bennet was in Devonshire and that possibly she was accepting the attentions of another man."
"That about sums it up."
"What will Mr. Bingley do Fitzwilliam?"
"That I am not at liberty to say. However, I would not be surprised if Miss Bingley goes to go visit her Aunt in Lincoln after all." Darcy said this with a smug expression on his face. The rest of the meal was spent recalling the rest of their day. Georgiana spared Elizabeth a retelling of the tree story. She was sure Elizabeth would be mortified if she did.
Charles Bingley spent the remainder of the day planning his confrontation with his sister, and pinning for Miss Bennet. She was so very near to him but he would not see her until he had resolved things with Caroline. Caroline had betrayed him and he was determined to resolve the issue before he went to apologize to his Jane. She did not deserve this and he did not want her to worry needlessly over the matter for he was sure she would be kinder to his sister than she deserved. He was ashamed for his whole family. Hopefully tomorrow Caroline's fate would be sealed and then he could face his angel again.
Caroline misinterpreted her brother's ill mood for the success of her schemes. The fire in Manchester had come at just the right time. Soon she would see Charles fall in love again with some other pretty thing. If she had the right connections and a large enough fortune she would see her brother married before autumn. Then she would finally secure Mr. Darcy for herself. She had great plans for Pemberley. Her thoughts then strayed to the challenge it would be to redecorate such a large house.
Mr. Bingley awoke the next day counting the hours before he could expect a reply from his Aunt. If all went well, he would confront his sister before dinner. He would tell her his plans and make sure she was ready to depart first thing on the morrow. After she was gone he would go to Gracechurch Street to call on Miss Bennet. If she forgave him for his sister's actions, he would ask her fro permission to court her. If she agreed he would ride to Hertfordshire that afternoon and see Mr. Bennet the next day. If all went well, he could return to London by Saturday, happily on the way to matrimony.
Wednesday morning after breakfast Georgiana took Elizabeth for the fitting of the first of her new gowns. Georgiana was very pleased with the way they looked on her friend.
"These will look lovely on you Elizabeth. Fitzwilliam will be quite pleased!" Georgiana added without thinking.
"I am sure your brother needs no confirmation of your excellent taste. He sees its results on you every day."
Georgiana blushed when she realized what she had let slip. "Elizabeth, you know you are a beautiful woman, my brother would hardly be a man if he was not pleased by these new gowns on you." She covered.
"If you were speaking of Jane I would agree. She is five times as pretty as the rest of us Bennet girls."
"You sell yourself short Elizabeth," Georgiana protested. "But I will grant you that Jane is simply stunning. I know of few women who can compare to her in beauty, especially the beauty of her character."
"Yes, that is my Jane."
Changing subjects Elizabeth asked, "When do we call on your Aunt?"
"We will leave here and go directly to Afton House."
"Tell me what to expect Georgiana."
"My Aunt, Lady Matlock, is a kind, generous woman. She has a lovely sense of humor but she does not suffer fools well. I think you will like her very much as she will like you."
"Thank you, I must admit I am looking forward to meeting more of you family even if it has not seemed as I do. I was a bit tired yesterday when we spoke of it."
Afton House was very impressive indeed. Elizabeth felt that, if ever she could be intimidated meeting someone, it would be someone living in a home like this. Georgiana and Elizabeth were led into a sitting room. An elegant looking woman of about 50, if Elizabeth could guess an age, greeted them.
"Georgiana!"
"Aunt Helen, it is so lovely to see you. May I introduce my friend? Aunt Helen, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth, this is my Aunt, Lady Matlock."
Elizabeth curtseyed and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you Lady Matlock."
"So this is the famous Miss Elizabeth Bennet! It is a pleasure to meet you finally. I have heard many things about you." Lady Matlock replied.
Georgiana and Elizabeth exchanged looks and Georgiana began to laugh.
Elizabeth hastened to explain. "You must forgive Georgiana, Lady Matlock. I am afraid it is my fault. You are the fourth person associated with Georgiana that has said the exact same thing when we were introduced."
"In whose illustrious company do I now reside?" Lady Matlock asked, now much intrigued.
"Well your ladyship, first it was Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper at Pemberley. I am acquainted with her daughter Mary Clark. Then, your nephew Mr. Darcy said the same thing. Finally Mrs. Thomas, his housekeeper here in town greeted me such when I met her on Sunday."
"Knowing the character of all three of those persons I feel better about the company I unwittingly keep!" cried Lady Matlock. "Please be seated. Georgiana has spoken often of you in her letters Miss Bennet. She also informs me that you are the reason she is not staying with me right now. It is quite all right. I see that you are keeping her good company. It is wonderful that she has found someone close to her own age."
With that Lady Matlock had pronounced her judgment; she approved of this Miss Bennet. It was obvious that everyone was right about what they were saying about her. By the end of the visit she had shown herself to be a lively, intelligent woman and at the same time unpretentious, not seeking to benefit from her acquaintance with her niece other than with the rewards found only in the bonds of true friendship. London could use more women like her. Elizabeth Bennet was a welcome breath of fresh air.
Chapter 18 Posted on Saturday, 11 June 2005
An express arrived for Charles Bingley shortly after 5 o'clock. He retired to his study to read it. A sad but satisfied smile overspread his face. His Aunt Blackwell had consented to his plan. She conveyed her dismay at her niece's behavior and promised to make every effort to make her see the error of her ways. Everything was readied. He went in search of Caroline and found her sitting with their sister Louisa. Mr. Hurst was not there.
"Louisa, I did not know you were here or else I would have come to see you."
"Caroline said you had some pressing matters of business. I would suppose that after the fire you have many things to take care of in London, brother. I trust all things are getting back to normal now?"
"Things are progressing," he said cryptically. "Caroline, you never would guess who I ran into yesterday when I called on Darcy."
"You called on Mr. Darcy and Georgiana? I would have accompanied you if I had known you were going Charles. I had not heard they were back from Pemberley yet."
"They arrived on Saturday."
"Whom did you meet so un-expectantly?" Caroline asked.
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet. You do remember her from your stay at Netherfield, do you not?"
Caroline Bingley turned pale. Louisa noticed this and decided to take over the conversation from her sister. She loved Caroline but this time she had gone to far and Louisa was not going to take the fall with her.
"What a surprise Charles! But Miss Darcy did seem quite taken with Miss Bennet. What news did she bring?"
"She told me, amongst other things, that Miss Jane Bennet was in town and that Miss Bennet had sent Caroline a note informing her of such. I can see by the looks on both of your faces that this is true."
"Charles," Louisa began, "I must confess I knew Jane was in town, I was here when her note came. But I did not know her sister was also."
"And did you know that Caroline told her that I was not to leave Manchester for 2 more months? Did you?" Bingley was beginning to shout now.
"No I did not. When the note came I agreed not to say anything about Miss Bennet being in London. I believe that you can do better than her, Charles. But I refused to lie to you if it came up and I certainly refused to participate in any other disguise Caroline came up with. I warned her against such things."
At this Bingley softened at his sister. "Louisa, you of all people should know the value of love in a match."
Shamed, Louisa replied, "You are right Charles. If you love Miss Bennet then you should pursue her. I believe she would make you happy. That is all I ever wanted for you, and for Caroline."
"Thank you Louisa, I shall count on your support. But you do not know what else Caroline has said?"
"I am ignorant of anything other than knowing Miss Bennet is in London."
"It seems as though our sister did not approve of my choice of Miss Bennet and sought to divide us. She told Miss Bennet that I would be in Manchester until March and that she was going to visit our Aunt Blackwell in Lincoln and would not be able to call on her. Caroline also told me that Miss Bennet was in Devonshire visiting a family by the name of Walter and that she was receiving Mr. Walter's attentions to her." Louisa could only stare at her sister.
"What do you have to say for yourself Caroline?" Bingley demanded.
"I was only concerned for your happiness Charles. The Bennets are so beneath us. Any connection would be an abomination. Mrs. Bennet would lead you around by a noose and the other Bennet girls are a disgrace. I would not want to see you burdened by such lowly people."
"You are a liar Caroline!" Bingley said in a highly incensed voice. "The only thing you care about is yourself! You are selfish, snobbish, haughty and vain. You chase after a man who cares nothing for you and you have sought to divide me from the woman I love. Do you think I would have given her up so easily? Only an engagement announcement in the papers would have kept me from honoring my word and returning to call on Miss Bennet at Longbourn. You would have us waste two months and bring us unnecessary pain. Miss Bennet is the daughter of a gentleman. She is more than my equal. I do not own an estate. I only lease one. She may not have the wealth or connections but she has the one thing you and I do not. She was born to a gentleman. I have had enough! Since you said you were going to visit Aunt Blackwell, to Lincoln you shall go. She is expecting you. You shall pack your things and leave first thing in the morning. You will not be allowed to return to my home until you can prove that you are capable of behaving in a civil manner again to me and those I hold dear. You will cease to pursue Darcy and you will stop fawning so insincerely over Miss Darcy. If I hear another unkind word about Miss Bennet or her family I will cut your allowance completely. As it is, the fire has set me back. You will still receive your quarterly allotment but I warn you not to exceed it. I will not be covering any additional expenses of yours. The quarter has just begun. You have enough warning to economize. Do you understand what I have said or do I need to explain further?"
"You are perfectly clear Charles. Louisa, if you will excuse me. I will have dinner sent to my room so I may supervise the packing of my things. Good night Charles." Miss Bingley left the two without any sign of remorse.
"For what it is worth Charles, I think you handled that very well. Caroline needed someone to bring her in line." Louisa offered.
"Unfortunately, the only thing she is sorry for at the moment, is that her schemes were found out!" sighed Bingley.
"Give her time Charles. I thought sending her to Aunt Blackwell's was a brilliant stroke ... if she first does not drive Caroline insane with all of her moralizing. For you are well aware that Caroline has been avoiding visiting our Aunt for years!"
Bingley brightened, "Actually it was Darcy's idea. He came up with the suggestion about the allowance as well. I must say he was pleased when I told him that Caroline would be made to stop chasing him. I think he rather enjoyed the thought that I would finally bring Caroline under heel."
"Mr. Darcy has always been an invaluable friend to you Charles. I need to go home. Mr. Hurst will be very interested in hearing my news."
"I imagine he will be relieved I did not saddle you with Caroline."
"I think he may have actually refused her once he heard what she has tried. Have you called on Miss Bennet yet?"
"I was waiting to resolve this matter with Caroline first."
"That was wise Charles. I am very sorry for all of this. I should have tried more diligently to talk Caroline out of it."
"We both know it would have been a waste of your breath, Louisa. Give my best to your husband. I have many things to accomplish these next few days. When I have finished all my business concerns, I will send word and ask you to join me for dinner."
"I understand. Good luck Charles." Louisa leaned in and gave him a kiss on the check. "It will all turn out well. Goodnight!"
After Louisa had gone, Bingley went to inform the housekeeper of all the changes for the evening and of his sister's removal the next day. He was not very hungry that evening and sleep came very begrudgingly.
Charles Bingley did not want his sister to skulk off to Lincoln without saying goodbye to him, so he informed his valet that he wished to be awakened when his sister was awake. Miss Bingley was surprised that he came down to join her for breakfast. She had arisen early in an effort to avoid him, if at all possible, before she was banished to Lincoln.
"Good morning Caroline."
"Good morning Charles." She replied coldly.
"I am not here to lecture you again Caroline. I came to wish you a good journey and a productive time with Aunt Blackwell."
"Hmph!"
"Caroline, all I, and Louisa for that matter, want is the return of the wonderful person you used to be when you were young. We miss that. I miss the Caroline you once were."
"I am no longer a child Charles!" she said indignantly.
"That is not at all my meaning. When you were younger you used to care for people. You wanted to please your family. You were happy. Now all I see is a disillusioned woman who is without any true friends. Those you call friends do not care about you, they care only what you can do for them. They are as shallow as you have become. Use this time to become the person of depth I know you can be. Make peace with yourself and maybe then you can be happy for me. Think about what I have said Caroline. Please write and let me know you have arrived safely. I shall write to you when I have any news. Goodbye Caroline, safe journey sister." Bingley leaned over, tenderly kissed his sister's cheek and left her alone to her breakfast and her thoughts.
Bingley left his home and made his way over to Darcy House. He was one of the few people who would be let in so early. Darcy was in the breakfast room when he arrived.
"Bingley! You are certainly early this morning. I am going to my club after breakfast, would you like to join me?"
"Only for a little while Darcy, I have a call to make this morning!"
"I take it that you have talked with Caroline?"
"Yes, and Louisa."
"Was she involved too?"
"Only to the extent that she knew Miss Bennet was in town and had agreed with Caroline not to tell me. But that was all she knew and she even told Caroline not to try any form of disguise. She is not the one to blame."
"How did Caroline take it when you confronted her?"
"She denied nothing. She tried to justify herself by denigrating Miss Bennet and her family. I would not stand for such a thing. I told her what I believed were her true motives. I then informed her that she was going to visit our Aunt in Lincoln and I told her she had to live within her allowance. I even threatened to cut her off completely if she did not stop abusing Miss Bennet or her family."
"You did not leave anything out, did you Bingley? Charles, I am very proud of you. That was a very difficult situation to handle and you handled it as any gentleman should."
"Thank you William. Now what do you have for breakfast this morning. I did not eat much for dinner last night and have not yet eaten this morning. I am starving!"
"Help yourself Bingley, my cook never lets me down!"
Shortly thereafter, Georgiana and Elizabeth both came in for their breakfast.
"Mr. Bingley! Mr. Darcy, Good morning!" Elizabeth greeted the gentleman warmly.
"Good morning Miss Bennet. I see that you are well this morning." Bingley replied
"Yes, I thank you. Have you concluded your business of two days ago?" Elizabeth queried.
"The first portion was concluded just this morning. When the second is completed to my satisfaction, is entirely in the hands of another. I must be patient if the desired result is to be accomplished."
"I see. Have you had a chance to call on my sister in Gracechurch Street yet Mr. Bingley?"
Bingley's countenance brightened somewhat. "No, not yet. But I hope to remedy that later this morning. I told Darcy here that I would join him at his club first before heading out to make my calls."
"I am sure my Aunt will be pleased to finally make your acquaintance. If you would sir, would you please relay a message to Jane for me?"
"At your service madam!"
"Please inform Jane that I demand to see her in blue tomorrow evening when we dine at Gracechurch Street. She will understand my meaning."
"Of course, and I know better than to question the words of a lady."
"Very good Bingley," Darcy interrupted, "are you ready to leave now."
"Darcy, you are heartless! Can you not see how much I am enjoying speaking with Miss Elizabeth?" Bingley cried.
"She will be here another five weeks Bingley. You have plenty of time to see her again. Let us be off." Darcy finished.
"I am sorry ladies. It appears that, for now, I am at Darcy's mercy since I did promise to accompany him to his club. I shall relay your message, Miss Elizabeth. If you will excuse us I will take my taciturn friend away now."
Darcy was relieved to be away. As much as he enjoyed Bingley's lighthearted repartee, he was jealous of Elizabeth's attention. 'Stop that man; she is not yours to be jealous for! Remember to keep your emotional distance' Darcy railed at himself.
"What do you have in store for us today Georgiana?" Elizabeth asked as soon as the men were gone.
"I have been woefully neglecting my studies and my pianoforte. I think we should stay home today." Georgiana admitted.
"She is wise and beautiful!" Elizabeth teased.
"Oh no Elizabeth. I am only afraid of the disapprobation of my brother!"
"As if you could ever really disappoint him!"
Georgiana suddenly colored at Elizabeth's jest. Immediately Elizabeth sensed why, but she could not let her friend know that she knew.
"If I have said something to give you pain Georgiana, I am truly sorry." Elizabeth offered.
"No, it is not you Elizabeth. A painful memory just now chose to re-introduce itself into my thoughts." Georgiana sighed. Elizabeth smiled kindly in understanding. The ladies continue to eat their breakfast. Only the sound of cutlery on plates broke the silence.
Finally, Georgiana spoke. "Elizabeth, do you remember when we first met at Pemberley?"
"Yes, of course I do" Elizabeth replied 'Will she now reveal her burden to me?'
"I was very shy and reserved when we first met."
"Yes."
"There was a reason for that."
"Too much time spent around your brother?" Elizabeth teased.
"Yes and no," Georgiana smiled back. "I do share some of his natural shyness but that was not the reason for my reticence. Earlier that summer I was greatly deceived by two people I trusted. I was almost ruined and only by the grace of God was Fitzwilliam there to save me." Elizabeth wisely chose to remain silent. "I went with my then companion, Mrs. Younge, to Ramsgate. Whilst there, a man whom I knew from my youth, the son of our late steward, met with me. He said he loved me and wanted to marry me. I consented to an elopement. It all seemed so romantic. A few days before we were to leave my brother came un-expectantly to surprise me. I had to tell him, he has been like a father to me and I could not conceal such a thing from him. He was very gentle with me but knew my 'fiancé' was only after my fortune. Fitzwilliam took care of everything. He dismissed Mrs. Younge, who was partnered on the deception from the start. When my brother brought me back to Pemberley, I was devastated. You came to Pemberley about a month later and you were just what I needed Elizabeth. You have helped me draw myself back out again. I own you a great debt of gratitude. Elizabeth, your friendship is the most important one of my life!"
Elizabeth comforted the now crying girl. She held her gently until the tears subsided. When Georgiana had regained her composure Elizabeth began to answer her.
"Georgiana, I thank you for your trust in confiding with me. The first day I met you I sensed a great sadness in you and wondered at its cause. I am glad I was able to play a part in your overcoming this trauma. But, I have a confession to make to you now. I know about Mr. Wickham, Georgiana."
"You do? How did you, why would my..."
"Before you become angry with me or your brother, please, let me explain. When you were in Hertfordshire your brother told you that Mr. Wickham had been in the neighborhood but that he had gone by the time you were informed of this."
"Yes, I remember."
"What you do not know is that I was present the day your brother learned of Wickham's being in Meryton. I witnessed their greeting of one another. That night I was in Mr. Wickham's company and he tried to poison me against your brother by telling me falsehoods and half-truths. I was very suspicious of him. Since I knew he did not know you were also at Netherfield, I asked him about you. He told me the most bald faced lie about you and I knew then he was not to be trusted about everything else. I was very concerned about what that man might try if he knew you were near. I was also at a loss how to proceed in making your brother aware of my discovery. The next morning I went out walking early hoping to come across your brother. Fortunately, he was of the same mind and came looking for me. He explained the whole of your family's acquaintance with Mr. Wickham. He did not leave anything out. He had come to respect our friendship enough to realize that I was an ally and would do anything to protect you. Together we plotted to have Mr. Wickham removed from the area. He enlisted the help of your cousin, the Colonel. I was to quash any rumors Mr. Wickham may have started in Meryton about your family. We were both relieved when he was finally gone. So you see, your brother only acted to protect you Georgiana. I was waiting for you to feel comfortable enough with me to reveal your dealings with him on your own. As I said earlier, I am grateful you have chosen to confide in me about this. Now that it is out in the open, please allow me to help you when unpleasant thoughts intrude. You were not the one at fault Georgiana, others were culpable, not you. Please believe this."
"I will try Elizabeth. Thank you for keeping my secret so well. I am not angry with either of you. I can see why you have chosen to proceed as you did. Thank you for allowing me the time to come to you with this when I was ready."
Elizabeth smiled kindly at her young friend again. With Georgiana's hand in hers she asked, "So, is it your studies or your pianoforte first this morning?"
Smiling back gratefully Georgiana replied, "I think my mood requires my pianoforte. Will you join me in the music room?"
"After I pick out a new book to read from your magnificent library," she said squeezing her friend's hand before releasing it.
Thus, the ladies spent a quiet and peaceful day at home.
Meanwhile Darcy and Bingley had arrived at Darcy's club.
"Bingley, what are your plans for calling on Miss Bennet?" Darcy began.
"I will go directly from here. I have much to apologize and ask for Jane's forgiveness." Bingley added darkly.
"Charles, it is not your fault. They were your sister's actions, not yours."
"No, ultimately I am to blame. I am the head of my family. For too long I have turned a blind eye to everything both of my sisters have done. Louisa is Hurst's responsibility now but I am still responsible for not checking Caroline."
"I still think you are being too hard on yourself Charles."
"No William, I need to be a man and face up to my responsibilities, just as I have watched you do all these years. In my naivety I had trusted my sister too much, to where I unknowingly allowed her to drive a potential wedge between Miss Bennet and myself. I shudder to think at what these next two months would have been like if Miss Elizabeth had not been staying with you. I need to explain everything to Miss Bennet and to ask her forgiveness. I only hope she will not hold Caroline's behavior against me."
Darcy smiled at his friend's dejected demeanor. "Charles, from what I have learned of your Miss Bennet, I do not think that will be an issue."
"You have been reluctant to approve of her for me."
"I see now that your regard for her has not abated. In fact it has caused you to act as your own man unlike any other time I have ever seen. If this is the influence she can exert on you then she is more than worthy of you, in spite of her lack of fortune or connections."
"Thank you William. And now I must leave you. I have a call to make!" said the much brightened Bingley.
Darcy watched his friend disappear and wondered if he would ever find the same happiness.
Bingley was soon at No. 10 Gracechurch Street. Jane was visibly startled and pleased when his name was announced. She and her Aunt received this most welcome visitor in the parlor.
"Mr. Bingley, it is good to see you again sir. Aunt, this is Mr. Charles Bingley. Mr. Bingley this is my Aunt, Mrs. Madeline Gardiner."
"Delighted to meet you sir. You are welcome in our home."
"Thank you Mrs. Gardiner. I have often heard of you from your nieces."
"I did not expect to see you until after I returned to Longbourn, Mr. Bingley. Your sister indicated in a letter before she left for Lincoln that you expected to be in Manchester until March." Jane explained.
"My sister was very much mistaken to tell you such Miss Bennet. She knew I was coming to London this week."
"I do not understand Mr. Bingley."
"Jane," Mrs. Gardiner interrupted, sensing the two of them needed some privacy, "I need to check on the children. Is it acceptable if I leave you and Mr. Bingley here to catch up on your news whilst I attend them? I shall have some tea sent for you both."
"Yes Aunt, we will be fine, and would appreciate some tea. Thank you."
Mrs. Gardiner left, leaving the door open on her way out.
"Miss Bennet, I have come to apologize to you and ask for your forgiveness."
"Whatever for Mr. Bingley?" said Jane, her heart pounding in fear.
Bingley sighed before continuing, "For the actions of my sister, Miss Bennet. You must know that she has sought to deceive us both. I learned of her attempts at such officious interference just two days ago when I met your sister at Darcy House. Caroline has been in London this whole time. She only sent you the note to keep you from calling on her. She would have hidden your presence in town from me. But it is not only this, she also told me that you were in Devonshire and that you were receiving the attentions of a Mr. Andrew Walter."
Jane was truly shocked at this. "But I know no one by that name and have no acquaintance in Devonshire!"
"I know that now Miss Bennet. When I learned the truth of my sister's lies I arranged for her to indeed visit our Aunt in Lincoln. I confronted her last night about the entire situation. I am pained to admit that she bears no remorse for her actions. I sent her to Lincoln this morning. I hope she soon will come to realize the error of her ways and have a change of heart."
"I am sorry to be the cause of such familial strife Mr. Bingley."
"No Miss Bennet. This has been building for many years, I am afraid. You were just the last in a long list of items. I should have curbed my sister long ago, Miss Bennet. Miss Bennet will you please forgive me?
"Mr. Bingley, you are not to blame and I have nothing I need forgive you of. I do not believe Caroline to be so bad. I hope that soon she will be sorry for what she has done and be anxious to re-establish her character."
"Miss Bennet you are too good!"
A servant entered with the promised tea. Once alone again, Bingley forged on ahead.
"Miss Bennet, we have long delayed a discussion I began when I took leave of you in Hertfordshire."
"Yes Mr. Bingley?" Jane said nervously, hope once again rekindled.
"Miss Bennet, from almost the beginning of or acquaintance I have found you enchanting. I have been drawn to you as a moth is to a flame. I wish to risk myself just as the moth, to be in the warmth of your presence. Miss Bennet, may I formally court you?"
"Yes."
"Yes?"
"Yes."
Bingley broke out in his wonderful, huge smile. "I shall ride to Longbourn today to speak to your father first thing in the morning. I will not wait for a letter Miss Bennet! I will return tomorrow once I have received his consent." Bingley stopped here and a cloud of worry crossed back over his features. "He will consent, will he not?" Bingley asked.
Jane laughed demurely. "Mr. Bingley, I do not think my mother will give him much choice!"
Bingley was delighted to see this teasing side of his beloved Jane. Mrs. Gardiner chose this moment to reappear. It was obvious that something had taken place but neither Jane or Bingley would speak of it. Bingley stayed for another fifteen minutes until he made his excuses to leave.
"Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth and Mr. & Miss Darcy are to dine with us tomorrow evening. Would you care to join us?" Mrs. Gardiner asked.
"I would be delighted to Mrs. Gardiner! I have much business to attend to tomorrow but I believe I will be able to attend. If I am delayed I will have a note dispatched so that you do not wait for me." Bingley's eyes never left Jane's as he spoke. "Until tomorrow then. Oh, I almost forgot! Miss Bennet, I saw your sister again at Darcy House this morning and she asked me to pass along a message. She said that she demanded to see you in blue tomorrow. She said that you would understand her meaning."
Jane smiled at her younger sister's machinations. "Yes, I fully comprehend her intent. Thank you Mr. Bingley."
And with that, Bingley bowed and took his leave.