Previous Section, Section II
Chapter Four, Part I
One morning about a week later, Mary went to the library at Netherfield on purpose to find, of all things, a volume of Byron. Her expedition was an uncertain one, but Mary, a bold a sailor in the sea of intellectual enlightenment, was prepared to weather the journey, despite her numerous reservations.
She was just reaching for the library door when it opened suddenly and admitted into the hallway her sister Elizabeth, who looked strangely flushed and giddy for one exiting a library. From her expression of surprise, however, it was clear that Elizabeth had apparently not expected to see Mary any more than Mary had expected to see her.
"Oh, Mary!" she exclaimed, bringing her hand up quickly to her heart and sighing a breath of relief. "You gave me a fright. I did not think to see anyone there."
Mary, who did not generally approve of high spirits, gave her elder sister a faintly disapproving look. "Apparently not."
Elizabeth chose to ignore her sister's overly pious reprove and said cordially, "What an unexpected pleasure to see you, Mary. I had not known you were to come to Netherfield today." Then an unsettling thought occurred to Elizabeth. "Is Mama with you?"
At the mention of her mother, even Mary's long suffering patience expired, and she sighed heavily. "Yes. She claimed earlier this morning there was some very urgent business she needed to speak with Jane about, and insisted Kitty and I come along. I call it most ungenerous of her, because I was determined to accomplish some rigorous study on a particularly fascinating twelfth century theological text this morning, an endeavor that takes no small amount of time, and now I am obliged to give up the whole morning to sit at Netherfield without being of use to anybody."
Elizabeth, who thought a little time away from her books could only do Mary good, did not comment on the subject. Instead she asked, "Are my mother and Kitty with Jane?"
"I left them together in the sitting room."
"Perhaps I had better go there now. Enjoy Mr. Bingley's library, Mary. I doubt you'll find your theological treatise, but I daresay there's one or two other books clerical enough to amuse you."
Mary half blushed, thinking what her sister would say if she knew she was looking for Byron. "Thank you, Elizabeth." Her sister turned to go with a smile, but Mary, noticing something out of place, called her back. "Lizzy?"
"Yes?"
"How swollen and red your lips are. Have you a rash of some kind?"
Elizabeth's fingertips immediately flew up to her mouth, and realizing Mary was right, promptly blushed crimson.
"How strange," she said vaguely. "Thank you for calling my attention to it, Mary. I'll just run upstairs and attend to it before I go in to see mama and the others."
She walked away very quickly, before Mary had the chance to reply. The latter paused a moment to wonder at the changes in her once sensible sister since her marriage, but soon shrugging off the thought, proceeded to enter the library.
Mr. Bingley's collection was not a very large or terribly well selected one, as Mary knew from previous experience, but he was bound to have some Byron. She walked purposefully away from the shelves she knew contained Bingley's few theological and philosophical works, and instead began browsing somewhat haphazardly through others on the opposite side of the library, hoping to seeing a familiar poet's name. She paused her search for a moment when she thought she had heard the sound of a page turning, but deciding that one might naturally imagine such a thing in a library, she continued without concern.
It was quite a shock then, when she rounded a corner to find herself face to face with the figure of her brother-in-law Mr. Darcy, who was seated in an armchair by the fireplace, and apparently responsible for the page turn.
With a sharp intake of breath, Mary, for reasons unknown even to herself, dove behind the nearest bookshelf to avoid discovery. Though Darcy had evidently not seen her, what little noise she had made did catch his ear, and watching him through a space in the bookshelf, Mary saw him look up from his volume to investigate the disturbance.
A roguish, knowing smile, the kind Mary had never seen cross Mr. Darcy's face before, spread over his features, and with an expectant expression about his eyes, he asked softly, "Elizabeth?"
Mary's heart jumped into her throat, and she prayed fervently that he would not get up from his place to confirm the presence of her sister. But when his question was left unanswered, he reluctantly returned his attention to his book, and Mary breathed a silent sigh of relief.
It had then been Mary's thorough intention to slip quietly out of the library, abandoning Byron for the sake of leaving her presence unnoticed. But when the moment came for fleeing, Mary found herself strangely unable to move from the spot in which she stood. She could not manage to take her eyes off her brother, despite all her anxiety that he would look up and see her staring at him. Indeed, she hardly knew what it was that kept her there. She watched his face as he read with rapt attention, the kind she usually reserved for Fordyce and his colleagues, admiring the contemplative furrow in his brow. He sat perfectly still save for an occasional smile at what he read and the movement necessitated by a page turn.
Perhaps Mary remained standing there because she had never had much experience with men before, at least ones near her own age who went out of their way to speak to her. She had always thought herself above such trivial intercourse, but now, reflecting on the restful figure of her unsuspecting brother, who had been so unexpectedly kind to her, she wondered if she might have been wrong. And Mr. Darcy was not just any gentleman. He was clever and contemplative, a great reader and a former student at Cambridge. Mary cocked her head to one side slightly as she watched him, and silently breathed an uncharacteristic sigh. It certainly didn't hurt that he was also exceedingly handsome.
As engrossed as Mary's attention was elsewhere, it had not occurred to her that she had come to lean in toward the bookshelf through which she observed her brother. Her hand, as fortune would have it, had rested itself on a set of particularly precarious volumes, and only when it was too late did she realize that their stability was not sufficient for the test. Mary watched in helpless horror as at least six of them tipped away from her and clattered noisily to the floor on the opposite side of the bookshelf.
In sheer terror, Mary attempted to hide herself behind the rest of the books, but even Darcy's dedication to his reading was insufficient to keep him from jumping up from his chair to see what had caused the commotion.
"What on earth. . .?" he murmured to himself, stooping to retrieve the fallen books and return them to their proper place. In doing so, he could not help but see the figure on the other side of the bookshelf, and with great surprise upon seeing her face through the unoccupied space left by the books, he exclaimed, "Mary!"
Mortified and beside herself with embarrassment, Mary let out an agitated cry that would not have shamed Mrs. Bennet and ran from the room, managing in the process to knock over a great many more books and to leave her brother-in-law in utter confusion.
Upon returning to Longbourn, a repentant and contrite Mary spent the entirety of the afternoon in fervent study of her prayer book.
"Elizabeth?"
"Yes, darling?" she replied, without looking up from her half finished letter to Charlotte.
"I think your sister Mary is afraid of me."
At this, Elizabeth set down her pen and regarded her husband with silent surprise for a moment. "Afraid of you?" she then responded. "What makes you say so?"
Darcy shrugged noncommittally. "Oh, I don't know, little things. She has been behaving rather peculiarly."
Elizabeth's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Well, for a start, I can hardly get two words out of her on any other subject but great works of doctrinal literature."
"Darling, everybody has that problem."
"I know, but I flattered myself in thinking I was making rather a bit of progress. And then this morning, she did the oddest thing. After you left me to my book in the library, I was almost certain a few minutes later that I had heard some else enter. At first I thought it was you, but when I called, you didn't answer, so I assumed it was my imagination. I didn't think any more of it until half a shelf of books came crashing to the floor, and when I went to see what the disturbance was, there was Mary behind the bookshelf, looking as if she might die of fright. I tried to speak to her but she cried out and ran off before I could manage anything but her name. Now, my dear, have you ever had such a problem with your sister?"
Elizabeth, exceedingly puzzled by Mary's peculiar behavior, shook her head reluctantly. "I confess I have not."
"There, you see - Mary is quite obviously afraid of me."
"But why should she be? In the past, you have either ignored her or been kind to her, and neither approach usually inspires fear."
"I don't pretend to understand it. I thought you might have some insight, my love."
Elizabeth cocked her head to one side. "Insight?"
Darcy smiled mischievously at her. "Yes. Has Mary ever had trouble with tall, dark, and devilishly handsome gentleman before?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes but could not help laughing. "Not to my knowledge, no. But then again, Mary is so insistent on her solitary reverie, who knows what love affairs she may have conducted in secret!" Her husband regarded her as if he had a little trouble believing this. "In any case," continued Elizabeth, "I shouldn't worry about the matter if I were you, my love. Troubles like these have a way of working themselves out, and if she is indeed afraid of you, then she has the next several decades to recover from the sentiment."
Darcy nodded. "Yes, I suppose you are right. I just can help but feel rather badly about having frightened her."
Elizabeth smiled teasingly at him. "Yes. You are, after all, an intolerable ogre."
"Well, I seem to have effectively convinced you of my harmlessness." He then motioned to Charlotte's letter, laying open on the writing desk next to Elizabeth's neglected pen, ink, and half completed response. "What does Mrs. Collins have to say?"
Elizabeth turned back to the letter and sighed for her longsuffering friend. "She writes that she is in very good health, considering. The child is not to come until May, I believe, and the doctor has given her permission to travel. She and Mr. Collins are to arrive at Lucas Lodge next week, and knowing Lady Lucas, she will hound poor dear mama with the triumph of a first grandchild on the way until they both can bear each other's company no longer."
Darcy smiled. "And will your poor dear mama succumb to jealousy, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth rolled her eyes heavenward. "Undoubtedly."
A suggestive grin grew over his face and he leaned toward her. "Well, perhaps we ought to concentrate our efforts in order to reclaim her dignity."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "How selfless of you to suggest it. Do you really think so?"
He smiled again and leaned in closer toward her for a kiss. "I do indeed."
"You can be very persuasive, sir," she conceded, after his lips had released hers.
"Well, I take care never to waste my charms on a lady unwilling," he said grinning, and kissed again the smile that had spread over her lips upon his remark.
"Fitzwilliam," said Elizabeth presently between kisses, "before we continue in the same manner which occupied us earlier in the library, do you not wonder at the wisdom of continuing it in my sister's drawing room?"
"Why should I? Anyone who enters and sees us thus occupied will surely understand that we do not wish to be disturbed and go away."
"What an interesting view you have on the subject," she managed to reply between laughter, smiles, and kisses. "Though I confess it does nothing to ease my anxiety. You will recall, my love, that Georgiana is due to arrive at Netherfield at any moment."
"Let her come," growled Darcy. "Besides, Miss Bingley will take her prisoner the moment she enters the house, giving us at the very least ten minutes warning. Now, stop talking. You make my designs on your mouth extremely difficult to execute."
Georgiana did indeed arrive later that afternoon, and fortunately for her brother and sister, late enough in the day to be completely spared any knowledge of their amorous encounter in Mrs. Bingley's drawing room. Miss Darcy was welcomed to Netherfield with real delight by every member of the party, and the ladies at Longbourn even honored her with a visit directly upon her arrival. Everyone, with the exception of the Misters Bennet and Weldonpool, had gathered at Netherfield for the purpose of taking tea together.
After Georgiana had been properly interrogated about the comfort of her journey, the state of the roads, and how she had left matters in London, the party divided into smaller groups and chatted amongst themselves.
The Colonel had returned from a morning's shooting excursion to seeing his cousin upon her arrival, and after he had greeted her affectionately, forfeited his inferior claims on her attention to Darcy and Elizabeth, and went to fetch himself a cup of tea. Having done so, he took a seat next to Miss Bingley, anticipating the delight of remarking to her how the green of her gown did so much for her complexion. He was not, however, prepared for what she had to say to him.
"I sometimes wonder, Colonel Fitzwilliam," she began, looking in Georgiana's direction, "how you ever came to be Miss Darcy's guardian."
The Colonel winced, having taken a sip of his tea as she spoke and finding it still too hot for his liking. "I'm sorry?"
She returned her eyes to him and continued casually, "You simply do not strike me as the sort of person who would take on a ward, that is all."
He smiled, understanding. "I see. You think I am irresponsible."
Miss Bingley faltered. "That is not exactly what I meant."
"Come now, Miss Bingley, you know it is."
Flustered she interjected, "I object very much to your telling me what I am and am not allowed to mean by something!"
Delighted that his teasing was having its desired effect, he replied, "As well you should, but that does not change the fact that you think I am irresponsible."
Miss Bingley sighed huffily, giving up. "Very well, if you are so determined to have the truth, I admit it- I think you very irresponsible."
Secretly amused, Fitzwilliam feigned a hurt expression. "Miss Bingley, I am truly mortified to hear that you could even contemplate such a thing! When have I ever given you reason to form any other opinion of me than that I am the soul of discretion?"
"Now it is you who are being difficult. When have you ever given me reason to think highly of your capacity to act responsibly? As far as I see it, you have a great love of doing things on the spur of the moment, take pains to insure that the only regularity in your character is its inconsistencies, and take a great delight in vexing harmless people for the sake of your own amusement!"
The Colonel blinked when she had finished, unsure where this burst of criticism had originated. "These are harsh words indeed. I see I shall have to defend myself to you."
Caroline eyed him skeptically. "If you think it necessary, by all means. Though I doubt you can have anything to say that will change my fixed opinion."
"Ah, Miss Bingley, if only we could all be so immutable as you."
Miss Bingley raised an eyebrow. "Your defense, Colonel. I am awaiting it."
The Colonel smiled again in the manner that always infuriated her and began. "No doubt, ma'am, you've often heard the praises of my uncle the late Mr. Darcy sung by every member of my family. . ."
Caroline looked impatient. "I have. But I do not see how his virtues have anything to do with yours."
"Well, if you'd let me continue uninterrupted, my dear madam, you would."
She only sighed, and so he began again. "He was an excellent man in every respect, but I have special reason to think highly of him, for he saw promise in an otherwise restless and wild younger son, and persuaded my father to see the same." Here he paused a moment, and half smiling looked to her for her permission to continue, which she gave.
"He encouraged me in my education and endeavors, and went so far as to purchase my commission when I expressed a sincere desire for a career in His Majesty's Service, though my father had wished to see me distinguish myself in the law. I spent many happy weeks at Pemberley during that time, and Lady Anne, though she had already begun to weaken by then, was the best and kindest of aunts. Darcy was still away at Cambridge, and in his stead I became like a brother to Georgiana, who was then a bright and affectionate child of some eight or nine years. Upon her mother's death a short time later, she came to spend much of her time at Matlock with my parents, where I saw her, if not often, enough to secure her place in my affections as the dearest of sisters. When her excellent father died nearly six years ago, it seemed only natural that I should be her joint guardian with Darcy."
He paused reflectively, and then looked back at his companion, his pensive expression returned to his usual good humored smile. "There, Miss Bingley, what do you say to that? Am I not yet sufficiently responsible for you?"
For her part, Caroline had listened to him first with surprise at his seriousness and honesty, and then with increasing shame at her own ridicule. Finding that she could not return his look, she answered him with eyes fixed steadily on her hands folded in her lap. "I find myself speechless, Colonel. You have shamed me into silence, sir."
He chuckled a little. "Oh I hope not."
She looked up in confusion, then was immediately suspicious. "Indeed?"
"Yes, for I find you extremely amusing when you are angry with me."
Across the room, Georgiana fidgeted in her seat and took a timid sip of her tea. All those with whom she had familial ties in the room were otherwise engaged in conversation, and in the midst of this predicament Georgiana found herself seated on a sofa next to Kitty Bennet, whom she hardly knew and to whom she had absolutely no idea what to say. Miss Kitty was a lively girl, and surely she would think Georgiana a great bore as soon as she opened her mouth. But as Elizabeth's delighted laugher chimed out from the other side of the room, Georgiana remembered her determination to model herself after the example of her sister-in-law, and gathered her courage to face Kitty Bennet.
"How lovely your eldest sister's home is, Miss Kitty. Do you come here often?"
Kitty, looking as if she was awakening from a daydream, turned toward Miss Darcy with surprise that she should be speaking to her. Kitty had only met Elizabeth's new sister once or twice before, and every time she had been very timid and determined to hide behind the imposing figure presented by her brother. Nonetheless Kitty, always willing to talk about herself, replied.
"About once a week. I come to take tea with Jane and work on the screens we're covering for the drawing room. But Netherfield can be rather dull, especially since there is no one my own age to talk to. Sometimes I had much rather go into Meryton with Maria Lucas. My mother is here very often, though."
At this, Georgiana was surprised. Judging from what newly-wedded behavior she had witnessed in her brother and sister, she could not imagine that Mrs. Bennet was very much wanted at Netherfield. "Indeed? I suppose it must be a great comfort to Mrs. Bingley to have her mother so near."
Kitty snorted. "Lord no!" She lowered her voice and said conspiringly, "I daresay Jane finds it very tiresome to have Mama always underfoot, telling her how to run her own house. But she's too kind and good-natured to complain. Well, if I were Jane, I should not put up with it for anyone."
Georgiana's eyebrows raised, feeling as though she had just been privy to information never designed for her ears. "I see," she replied quietly, returning her attention to the remainder of the tea left in her cup.
Kitty, rather disappointed that Miss Darcy had not chosen to pursue the subject, shrugged her shoulders indifferently and went back to her brooding daydream.
A few minutes had gone by when Kitty's countenance suddenly brightened, and turning quickly back to Georgiana, she surprised her by saying, "Oh Miss Darcy, do not you long for a dance? It has been ages since my last ball, but I daresay you danced all night in Derbyshire before coming here."
Georgiana blushed and shook her head. "Indeed no, Miss Kitty. Derbyshire society is very quiet."
"When you were last in London, then. How many rich and handsome admirers you must have!"
"Miss Kitty, I . . ."
"How I should love a season in town! I should go to balls and parties every night. . ."
"Miss Kitty. . ."
"You must have had so many delightful seasons in Town. . ."
"In truth, I must confess. . ."
"And you simply must tell me ever so much about them, every detail!" Kitty looked at her expectantly, but Georgiana could only give her an apologetic reply.
"I might as well tell you, Miss Kitty, I am not yet out."
To Georgiana's surprise, her companion laughed. "Do not tease me, Miss Darcy, of course you are!"
"No, indeed, Miss Kitty, I am not."
This time her remark was met with Miss Kitty's blank stare. Her usually chatty mouth popped open in surprise, clearly appalled. "Not out? But surely, with Mr. Darcy's connections, I thought. . . are you not sixteen?"
Georgiana blushed for what felt like the hundredth time of their interview. "Nearly seventeen."
Kitty shook her head in disbelief and extended a pitying hand to Georgiana. "You poor sweet creature!" She straightened her shoulders proudly. "I was out at fifteen-and-a-half. But I can see no delay for your being so. Does not your brother host plenty of balls for you to be presented at?"
Georgiana was quick to defend her beloved brother. "He is very concerned for my welfare. He knows that my youth and inexperience will make me a prey to fortune hunters."
This answer did not mollify Kitty. "Would he rather you died an old maid instead?"
Georgiana's blushed deepened. "No, of course not, but. . ."
Kitty held up her hand. "No, no, don't defend him, Miss Darcy. I am determined that you should have a coming out ball. Do not worry. We shall speak to Lizzy about it, and see if she can't bring Mr. Darcy round to sense."
"Oh, I couldn't think of troubling Elizabeth. . ."
"Nonsense. Just leave everything to me, Miss Darcy. If I have anything to say about it, you shall be out and engaged by Easter." Kitty's look of determination broke into a smile. "La, what fun this shall be!"
Chapter Four, Part II
After the afternoon tea had been cleared and the visitors from Longbourn returned home for the evening, Bingley, Darcy, and the Colonel retreated to the billiard room, where they intended to indulge in a few rounds before being summoned to dinner. The Colonel and Bingley, though they did not meet often, had always found that a similarity of disposition and good humor made them easy and friendly in each other's company, and the two gentlemen talked and laughed together as if they had enjoyed the benefits of a much longer acquaintance.
The Colonel, for lack of any reason to be otherwise, was in high spirits that afternoon, and having agreed to observe the first game in difference to the other two, stood by with a glass of port as the game began. "I say, Bingley," he remarked after that gentleman had taken his first turn, "you have no idea how fortunate you are to have a fortune large enough to purchase your own estate. I may have the Matlock name, but pedigree means nothing for a younger son."
"Marry Caroline," suggested Bingley jokingly, grinning behind his cue stick as he waited for Darcy to complete his turn. "She has fortune enough to put you in a fair way of buy an estate and to make your good name worth something - and if I know my sister, Fitzwilliam, a good name is of no small consequence to her."
The Colonel laughed. "I shall bear that in mind, Bingley, my friend. But all the same, I do not think your sister would have me even if I asked. I've received the distinct impression she finds my company exceedingly vexing."
"Oh I wouldn't say that," interjected Darcy as he finished making his shot, surprising both the others. He straightened and continued with the smallest hint of a mischievous grin hanging about the corners of his mouth. "You have been remarkably attentive to her over the past few days, Fitzwilliam, and as far as I can tell, the lady does not object."
"I say, Fitzwilliam!" exclaimed Bingley, who always took everyone seriously, especially Darcy. "Are you really keen on my sister?"
At this, the Colonel felt himself rather cornered, and in so feeling, responded as he always did in such a situation - by making a joke. Laughing, he remarked lightly, "Come, come, Bingley! You must not believe this dour fellow. Darcy is so smitten with his own wife, I daresay he's hardly spared a moment to confuse his own behavior for mine!"
Darcy merely raised his eyebrows by way of response.
"Well," began Bingley, "all I can say is, if you should want her, you are welcome to her, for though one is usually glad to have one's sister about, Caroline does spend the majority of the year with us, there comes a time when one had rather be without her constant company."
"And speaking of constant company, Bingley" interjected Darcy, seeing his opportunity, "have you spoken to your wife yet about the possibility of moving house?"
Bingley, poised over the billiard table in position to make his next shot, froze momentarily where he stood. Then he hurriedly struck the ball with his cue and mumbled almost inaudibly over the clatter of the balls striking each other, "yes, thank you, I have."
"I was not aware you were thinking of leaving Netherfield, Bingley," said the Colonel amicably, ignoring both Bingley's sheepishness and Darcy's authoritarian mein.
His cousin, however, went on to question Bingley as if the Colonel had not interrupted. "And what is the nature of that agreement?"
Bingley shrugged his shoulders and replied haltingly, "Well, nothing is yet definite, of course, but Jane did agree that perhaps in future, we ought to think of living someplace that might suit us better. . ."
"Good Lord, Bingley!" cried Darcy, placing his cue with some force down on the billiard table. "I suppose you came to this 'agreement' without mentioning that fact you couldn't endure another moment within three miles of her mother, didn't you?"
"I say, Darcy, that's not entirely fair. . ."
The Colonel, glad to pass on to Bingley the honor of Darcy's interrogation, asked the former with evident amusement, "Can't stand poor Mrs. B., eh, Bingley? Well, I cannot say I blame you, old man!"
Bingley was now thoroughly excited. "I can't bear to upset Jane! I did broach the subject with her, Darcy, but we only got so far as agreeing that we might not live here forever. What's a man to do?"
"Tell the truth," replied Darcy firmly, feeling no sympathy.
"Shall I tell her?" volunteered the Colonel, looking as if the task would prove greatly amusing.
"Stay out of this, Fitzwilliam. Bingley's got to stop fearing his own wife."
February 1, 18__
S_________ Street, YorkDear Lizzy,
Lord, how rich and happy you must be! I am sure this letter finds you and Mr. Darcy well, for I cannot imagine anybody with half so much money could have anything the matter with them! Mama wrote to me a fortnight ago and told me of your coming into Hertfordshire. It reminded me quite of my own return to Longbourn, when I myself was a bride of but a few weeks. My dear Wickham and I had not the distinction of being guests at Netherfield, though. Oh Lizzy, how very fine and rich you are!
Of course, Wickham and I are very sorry not to be at liberty to come down whilst you are with the family, but my husband may not be spared from his regimental duties. There is also a small matter of some gaming debts to be settled with the officers at Newcastle, but now we are removed to Yorkshire, I'm sure the matter will resolve itself presently.
We await Wickham's new appointment here in York, and enjoy what company and society there is to be had so far from London. How I think of your own grand set with envy! Well, my consolation is that my dear Wickham has all but made up his mind to quit the service and find some profitable employment in London. Think of the fun we should have, Lizzy, were I able to come and see you every day in G_______ Street! We should be at balls and parties every night, and were you to invite Kitty to come and stay, I'm sure we should have no trouble in finding her a rich and handsome husband from amongst Mr. Darcy's acquaintance. Only think how pleased Mama will be!
Dear Lizzy, I must close as I am going out shopping with Colonel Wallace's wife, but before I do, there is one small request I must make of you. As I'm sure you're aware, it is rather difficult to live on an officer's income, and Wickham and I have lately found ourselves rather hard pressed for funds. Wickham is of course entitled to his share of gaming with the other officers, and I am finding that keeping up with the fashions, even in York, is a somewhat costly chore. In short, if you could find it in your generous heart to spare us a little something for this month's rent, and perhaps new regimentals for my dear husband, we would be most obliged. I know you are entirely too good and sweet to let a beloved sister suffer any discomfort.
And now, Lizzy, I must really conclude my letter, with hopes of hearing from you soon. Extend my love to everyone at Longbourn, and remember to them your dear sister,
Lydia Wickham
"Oh Lydia!" sighed Elizabeth in frustration as she finished the letter from her sister. This had not been the first request for financial support, and doubtless it would not be the last. Certainly Jane would be applied to as well, if she had not been already. Clearly, marriage had done nothing to make Lydia Bennet more sensible, but then, considering her character and upbringing, one could hardly have expected it to.
Elizabeth had received a similar letter to the one now before her only a month after her own marriage, and had responded by sending a moderate sum (not trusting Lydia to be a wise steward of a larger one) from her pin money, writing it off as a household expense. She had not mentioned it to her husband, wishing to avoid paining him with either the mention of Wickham or a reminder of her family's failings. Surely, there was nothing the matter with having this one small secret, especially when its discovery would only be unpleasant to him.
Resolving to once more extend the same monetary assistance she had before, Elizabeth reached for a fresh sheet of paper on which to begin a reproving letter to her youngest sister, though she knew it would likely not have much effect. Her intentions, however, were staid by the appearance of Jane, returned from an interview with her housekeeper. At the sight of her sister seated at the writing desk in her private sitting room, Mrs. Bingley smiled.
"I thought I should find you here, Lizzy."
"Yes. I determined to have a look at the post just forwarded from Derbyshire. A great deal of it relates to Darcy's business dealings, but there are a few things amongst it of interest."
Jane poised herself on the arm of a sofa near her sister's seat at the writing desk. "Such as?"
Eyebrows raised, Elizabeth replied through pursed lips, "A letter from Lydia."
"Ah," uttered Jane in complete understanding. "If I read your expression correctly, you have received from our sister much the same letter as I."
"Then she has written to you as well? I confess I feared as much. No doubt, sweet Jane, you immediately sent her twice the sum than that for which she asked." Jane looked as if she would deny it, but the expression of her countenance told Elizabeth this was pretty much the case. "You are altogether too good and generous. How many times as has she applied to you?"
Jane's manner was guilty. "Three."
"Three! Good Lord, Jane, between the two of us that makes five requests in as many months! I had hoped that even Lydia and Wickham would learn to curb their extravagance somewhat, but I should not have raised my expectations. Oh Jane, what are we to do? We cannot simply continue sending money whenever she asks for it. And what of when there are children to consider?"
Jane reached for her sister's hand and held it reassuringly in her own. "Believe me, Lizzy, I have suffered over these very anxieties, and found the same hopes ruined by Lydia's continued thoughtlessness. But we cannot neglect our sister. We must continue to hope that she will learn prudence, and to encourage such behavior at every opportunity. As far as we know, their situation is not so desperate as to require further intervention, and until there are children to think of, we must content ourselves with providing for the parents. It is a blessing to be as well settled as you and I are, and it is therefore our responsibility to look after our less fortunate sister."
Elizabeth looked into Jane's sincere face and squeezed her hand. Though she knew Jane spoke wisdom, she could not be satisfied with so passive a resolution, and wished more than ever that she had not decided to keep the matter from her husband, who, all personal concerns aside, would no doubt be as willing as she to take further action to ensure a positive outcome. But this was a burden she would content herself to bare with Jane alone, who was after all, the dearest and steadiest companion to have in such a task.
"Dear Jane," she said affectionately, resting her free hand atop her sister's. "Forgive my passions and ill humors. I know you speak sense, and I do as you think best. Now, let us speak of something more pleasant. I think I remember your saying a few days ago you had some idea of speaking to Bingley about the possibility of moving house. Have you approached him about the matter yet? I'm sure you have. What did he say?"
"I cannot abide it any longer!" pronounced an irritated Darcy, who had burst into the room upon his wife's remark. "God help me, Elizabeth, but Charles Bingley can persist in being an intolerable fool and a simpleton!"
Elizabeth observed her husband's discontent, so rarely manifested in outbursts of this kind, with a pert twist of the mouth. "They are usually considered one in the same, my dear," she replied coolly.
"Be that as it may. . ." it was then that Darcy observed his sister-in-law where she sat next to his wife, and paled. "Jane! Forgive me, I did not see you, I should not have spoken as I did just now in your presence. . ."
Jane smiled kindly, taking pity on her brother. "It is all right, Mr. Darcy. I know that Bingley is not entirely without fault. I am sorry he has done anything to upset you. Might I be of some help?"
Embarrassed as he had been at having spoken thus out of turn, Darcy nevertheless seized the opportunity to alert Jane to her husband's failings. "Yes, thank God! You must speak to Bingley. He is determined not to upset you, but instead he's made a dreadful muddle of the whole affair. Did he come to speak to you a few days ago about the possibility of leaving Netherfield?"
Jane blushed, remembering the incident well, in particular her own attempts to conceal from her husband her concerns about continuing to live so near her former home. "Yes, as a matter of fact, he did. But I'm afraid I fail to see why that should upset you so, sir."
Darcy sighed in frustration. "Bingley seems to be under the impression that you are far too attached to Hertfordshire and the benefit of being situated only three miles from your family to consider leaving Netherfield with any seriousness. Now, Jane, I know not in what manner he actually expressed himself to you, but I doubt you found him sufficiently comprehensible to give him any other answer. I must beg you, for both your sakes, to go to Bingley and tell him your honest opinion on the subject, no matter what it is, so that the between the two of you, you may resolve this mess once and for all!"
Jane regarded her brother-in-law with a puzzled look, and could not help but be a little anxious at the thought of telling her husband her happiness might be increased by moving slightly farther away from her family. It sounded too much like ingratitude.
"Mr. Darcy, I appreciate your concern, but I assure you, my mind is made up. I know how my husband loves this estate, and as for me, I could not be happy anywhere he was not. I know you will think me foolish, but it is better he believes that the nearness of my family attaches me more strongly to Netherfield, for then he will not feel any guilt in keeping the house." Jane saw her sister raise an eyebrow at this and hurried on to say, "Indeed, the charms of Netherfield and a daughter as its mistress will soon lose their newness for my mother, and then we may continue on here quite comfortable and undisturbed. There is no need to worry Charles about such things."
When she had finished this self-sacrificing little speech, Darcy stared at her a moment, incredulous. She's worse than he is, he thought fleetingly. "My dear Jane, you quite misunderstand," he said instead. Bingley is as discontented with the situation as yourself. . ." She looked instantly distressed, and thinking how this must have sounded to her, he added quickly, "that is not to say he does not value the company of your mother and the rest of your family, but like you, he finds the intrusion on your new situation as man and wife to be - a little trying on his patience. Please Jane, speak to him honestly. You needn't both sacrifice your happiness for the other if the other will not be happy as a result!"
Jane, who had honestly never considered that Bingley might be as exasperated with her mother as she was herself, stared at Darcy in disbelief. That they should have had the same thoughts on the matter all along! The idea of it was so logical, and yet so new, that Jane could not help laughing a little at herself in relief and surprise.
"Oh, Darcy! What a simpleton I have been! I was so mortified at my mother's behavior, I never stopped to considered that Bingley might be feeling the same. I always supposed his attachment to Netherfield made my mother's interference of little consequence to him. Oh dear! But do you think he will forgive my selfishness?"
At this, her sister could not help but laugh. "Go to him Jane. Bingley would be a fool indeed if he was not assured by now that you are the most selfless creature that ever breathed!"
Elizabeth was pleased to see Jane smile upon this remark, and rising from her place, she said meekly, "Yes, he is good enough to think so." She turned to Darcy and extended her hand to him, and glad to have this ridiculous mix-up finally on its way to a solution, he took her hand readily and affectionately. "My dear brother," said Jane. "I thank you for helping me see sense."
Darcy smiled. "You are most welcome. It was not difficult." She smiled sweetly then, and turned to go.
When Jane had quitted the room, Elizabeth favored her husband with a grateful smile. "Thank you for your encouragement to Jane, my love. Where most people cannot bear to have their wishes ignored, Jane would gladly forfeit hers for the sake a flattering those of another, especially Bingley's."
To this, Darcy smiled in understanding, and reached for her hand. "Your sister is an angel, and a dear wife to Bingley, but I must confess I find it almost amusing that they have essentially been of one mind on this subject all along, and yet too afraid of offending the other to speak of it!"
"Did I not tell you once Jane was reserved? She will not speak unless she is sure of giving pleasure."
"It is best that she and Bingley learn to be completely honest with each other, even if it means running the risk of a disagreement."
Elizabeth laughed. "Yes. I remember my father saying to Jane just after they had become engaged, that they were both so complying that nothing should ever be agreed upon. I'm afraid that in this case, they have certainly proved him right."
Looking down at their entwined hands, Darcy smiled. "I cannot help but think that, faced with the same situation, you and I would have a tremendous row and seethe with rage at one another for an afternoon, but then realizing (reluctantly) the good sense of the other, come mutually crawling back for mercy when we had both tired of the separation," and as if to enact this reconciliation, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it affirmatively.
She laughed heartily at this picture of the two of them, recognizing its truth. "Yes, but then, it is not like us to be secretive about such things. After all my love, while you and I were arguing violently even before engagement, much less marriage, it would not surprise me to learn that Jane and Bingley have yet to exchange an argumentative syllable!"
Darcy laughed softly. "I think you must be right. But, if it is any consolation, I had rather argue with you than anyone else I know."
A smile spread over Elizabeth's lips. "I am certainly glad to hear it." She leaned closer and said close into his ear, "I should be immensely jealous if I heard you had been arguing with anybody else."
"I would not dream of it, my love," he replied with an amused smile, then taking advantage of her nearness to still any further pert remarks with a kiss.
When they parted some moments later, Darcy noticed for the first time since entering the room the correspondence spread out in front of Elizabeth on the writing desk. Glancing down at Lydia's letter, which still lay open, he caught sight of her signature and remarked to Elizabeth, "I see you've had a letter from Lydia."
Elizabeth, who had all but forgotten the letter, felt a flush of panic, and prayed his eye had not fallen upon her sister's request for money. "Yes," she said, hurriedly refolding the letter and hoping her voice belied the unease she felt.
"Is everything well?"
"As far as I can tell. One never knows with Lydia's manner of writing - most of it is frivolous and trivial to be sure, but if anything were truly amiss, I am sure she would have said so, and no doubt much in the style of my mother's complaints."
"Indeed. And she did not make any particular mention of her husband?"
Elizabeth paused a moment before replying, wondering for a brief moment if she ought to confess and be done with the affair. But just as quickly she decided against it. "Only in passing," she replied.
At this, Darcy looked far more relieved than Elizabeth would have expected him to be, as if worries of Wickham's behavior still occupied him regularly. A pang of guilt shot through Elizabeth. Still, she did not confess to him her secret, convincing herself that telling him of Lydia's requests would only cause him further anxiety.
"I must return to the billiard room," Darcy told her, kissing her forehead. "I promised Fitzwilliam we'd have one last game before dinner."
Elizabeth nodded and smiled silently up at him by way of response. He kissed her once more, pressed her hand, and rose to go. At the door, he paused, and looking back into the room asked her sincerely, "Elizabeth, you would tell me if your sister should ever write that something was amiss?"
Elizabeth swallowed hard, but returned his question with a reassuring smile. "Of course, darling."