Previous Section, Section II
Posted on Sunday, 24 September 2006
The next week had passed much as the previous days had; visiting back and forth between Longbourn and Netherfield remained the same. Finally, the day arrived when Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived. Much to the chagrin of Lydia and Kitty, the family did not call immediately as they hoped and had to wait until the next day. Thus, everyone endured another evening of the younger girls giggling and speculating on the newest redcoat to cross their path. This caused all but their mother, who was already happily occupied with matchmaking, to grow anxious on behalf of the gentleman.
On the other hand, Elizabeth, Jane and Mary looked forward to meeting both of the newcomers. They were particularly interesting in becoming acquainted with Miss Darcy and, if possible, to hear her play soon as they had been told how accomplished she was. They even contrived a plan to relieve the Colonel of dealing with their mother and sisters during the entire visit. They agreed that one of them should join the group.
Mr. Bennet, though amused at his wife and youngest daughters' antics, retreated to his library for the duration and considered what the next day might hold in store for everyone.
Meanwhile at Netherfield, Darcy and the Colonel continued to reassure Miss Darcy that the Bennets would like her. As she was still quite shy, it proved difficult to convince her. At one point Louisa noticed how nervous she was and decided to help ease her fears.
Walking across the drawing room, she approached the trio and smiled. "Miss Darcy, would you be so kind as to join me for a turn about the room? I feel rather restless and feel that a walk and some company would do me some good."
Georgiana hesitantly accepted after looking at her brother and cousin who nodded.
After walking a bit, Louisa started, "Miss Darcy, you seem to be rather nervous about meeting the Bennets tomorrow, am I correct?"
Smiling slightly, "Yes, I do not know what to expect or if I'll know what to say . . ." Georgiana trailed off as she grew anxious again.
"Please, let me assure you that there is nothing to worry about. I happen to know that they are looking forward to meeting you. I happen to know that Miss Mary specifically is looking forward to discussing music with you as she truly enjoys the activity. Though, you may have to encourage her to play as she feels that she could not match your ability." Louisa smiled at the surprised expression that had settled on Miss Darcy's face.
"I do not understand how she should think so. I am sure she must play well and most likely better than I."
"I must agree with you that she plays better than she realizes or will admit. Although, I have to say, I feel that you both play equally well. She only has one sister that plays at all and has enjoyed sharing her joy of music with me when we discovered we shared the interest. I know she will enjoy talking about it with you even though she is somewhat nervous. Do you think you would be willing to talk with her?"
"I would be very happy to. It would be nice to talk with someone else about music and hear what others think. Do you . . . Would you mind, since you have a previous acquaintance, discussing what topics they might enjoy talking of with me?" Georgiana asked hesitantly only to smile when Louisa agreed with a smile.
Darcy watched his sister talking with Mrs. Hurst and was pleased to see her relaxing. He was sure Mrs. Hurst was talking about the Bennets and relieving his sister's anxiety with her own knowledge. Thus, feeling safe that his sister would be fine, he could return to his other endeavour, convincing his cousin to wear his uniform the next day when the Bennets came to visit. Unfortunately, he had yet to succeed. Fitzwilliam had been adamant that since he was not on duty, he did not feel it necessary.
However, just as he was about to turn back to his cousin and suggest it again, the Colonel interrupted.
"Do not even think of bringing up the subject of my uniform, Darcy. I will not wear it. In fact, I am beginning to wonder at your insistence on the subject for you have been pressing it from almost the moment I arrived."
"You are being paranoid."
"Suspicious, perhaps. Paranoid, never. Cousin you are up to something and are no good at hiding it. After all, I am the one who always got away with the jokes. Now, please tell me why you are so insistent on my wearing my uniform as I do not see any reason as to your persistence on the issue?"
"And what I do not understand is why you are so insistent on not wearing it. And you did not always get away with them," Darcy replied. "Though you will find my reasoning out soon enough," he said under his breath, not intending for his cousin to hear.
"Aha, Darcy! I heard that. Well, now, I will have to pay attention tomorrow to figure out your "reasoning"," the Colonel grinned.
When the next day arrived, the Bennet household was in a flurry of activity, at least, where it concerned the younger girls and the matriarch. Lydia and Kitty continued to giggle excitedly as they prepared, and Mrs. Bennet was busy making sure all of her daughters wore their best dresses and kept talking about how wonderful the new arrivals would be and so on. Finally, Mr. Bennet told them that if they did not finish soon, he and Jane, Elizabeth and Mary would go on without them. After that, everything went much faster.
Meanwhile, the entire Netherfield party was more subdued. Miss Darcy was less nervous than she had been and passed the intervening time by discussing music with Mrs. Hurst. Miss Bingley sat with them, but remained silent. The gentlemen all handled various tasks they had planned on before joining the ladies in the parlour to await the Bennets. However, they did not wait long as only a few minutes later the Bennets were announced. Mr. Bingley greeted them immediately and brought them invited them all in where the appropriate introductions followed.
The Colonel noticed the disappointed looks on the younger Miss Bennets' faces, but was unsure why until Lydia asked why he wasn't in uniform. With that he just smiled and gave a sidelong look at Darcy who remained impassive except for the slight colour that touched his face at being caught.
"I am not currently on duty Miss Lydia." He did not specify further. Lydia was not happy with this response and started to speak up, but from the looks she was receiving from her elder sisters and father, she surprisingly remained silent choosing to pout instead.
Eventually, they all started talking about various topics. Elizabeth found herself in a group with Colonel Fitzwilliam, her sisters Kitty and Lydia, and Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bingley soon joined them to help add some variation into the conversation, though it was difficult to hold to any other topic for long with the younger Miss Bennets' enthusiasm for their subject. Kitty and Lydia questioned him about anything and everything to do with his rank and the military. Mrs. Bennet kept referring to how lovely her youngest daughters were and how popular they were. The Colonel simply smiled weakly at her and smiled gratefully at Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth as they conveniently changed the subject repeatedly.
Jane, Mary and Mrs. Hurst began talking with Miss Darcy and her brother who did not want to leave his sister for long at first. Various topics were discussed until they reached music to which three of them immediately discussed with delight. Eventually, Mr. Darcy migrated over to Elizabeth's group even through his initial hesitance due to the annoyed looks his cousin were sending him and Mrs. Bennet's matchmaking attempts.
With those two groups established, it left Caroline talking, or more like listening, to Mr. Bennet and Mr. Hurst.
Conversations continued until it came time for the Bennets to leave. They were expected at Mrs. Philips that evening as she was having a rather informal party. Mr. Bennet passed on Mrs. Philips invitation for those at Netherfield which was gladly accepted.
Upon arriving at the Philips' that evening, the Bennets found themselves being introduced to a new officer, a Mr. Wickham whose charming manners and handsome appearance were well liked. Lydia and Kitty talked him into joining a game of cards with them and Mr. Denny.
After a few quick games, Wickham spied the eldest Miss Bennet sitting by herself and decided to speak with such a lovely creature. He had no doubt of his believability or his charming manners.
"Miss Bennet, may I join you here?"
"Certainly, sir," Jane smiled politely.
From there their conversation went from Hertfordshire society and the militia to Mr. Wickham's confiding his terrible history with one Mr. Darcy. Jane was appalled at hearing the tales spun before her and could not believe them. She even declared that there must be some misunderstanding. A little perturbed at not receiving the exact response he had anticipated, he decided to continue adding and embellishing his story as well as asserting that he was telling the truth.
A short distance away at the piano, Mary overheard every word Wickham was telling her sister. She did not like how he was importuning Jane and not take any of her hints to change the subject. So, after finishing her song, she asked Mariah Lucas to take over.
Elizabeth had also noticed Jane's dilemma and had begun to approach when she saw Mary head toward them. So, instead of going herself, she manoeuvred closer to listen in to what her sister was going to say to the new officer as she knew whatever Mary had to say would certainly leave an impression.
Walking over to her sister and Mr. Wickham, "Jane, Mariah is in need of someone to turn the pages, would you mind doing it? I would like a chance to speak with Mr. Wickham too."
Jane smiled, relief washing over her face as she acquiesced to her sister's enquiry. She had not wanted to be impolite and leave, but she was very uncomfortable in that gentleman's company.
After Jane left, Mary turned on Mr. Wickham, "You should be aware sir, that I do not take kindly to anyone speaking ill of my family or a friend of my family. I do appreciate any kind warnings you have to give about those of our acquaintance that you have known for a longer time, however, I prefer to hear both sides of the story."
Wickham who had been preparing himself to give the same spiel again, sat shocked at Miss Mary's direct address. He even paled.
"I will be blunt, sir. Any individual who divulges personal information of injury by supposed actions of persons unavailable to defend themselves at the moment to a mere acquaintance of less than an hour is a deceptive, double-dealing, dishonest cad and scoundrel. So, I suggest, for your sake, that if you wish to remain in Meryton on amiable terms, you refrain from anymore disparaging comments and gossip-mongering." Mary sat back with a smile that held no warmth as her eyes conveyed her loathing.
If Wickham was shocked before, he was absolutely astounded and aghast now. Never in his life had any young woman addressed him in such a manner. Nor had any disbelieved him so thoroughly either.
"Oh, by the way, stay away from my sisters. Do I make myself clear?"
Before, Wickham had an opportunity to respond, the door opened to admit, Mr. and Miss Bingley, Mr. and Miss Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. As Mr. Bingley was greeting Mrs. Philips and apologizing for being late as one of the carriages had required slight repair at the last minute, Miss Darcy had begun to shake.
"Georgiana, what is wrong?" Unable to speak, his sister nodded in a certain direction.
Looking up, Darcy's smile disappeared. His jaw tightened as he glared at his childhood friend.
"Fitzwilliam," he whispered to his cousin and then motioned over to the same area his sister had.
The Colonel reacted in much the same manner Darcy had, although he seemed to require more effort to restrain himself from attacking Wickham right then and there. He, like his cousin, did not like the fact that their enemy was conversing with one of the Miss Bennets.
"Georgiana, let's go back. I'll tell Bingley to make our regrets for us. . ." Darcy started.
"No. I want to stay. No one knows about the . . . situation and if we leave someone might get suspicious and realize something happened to cause us to go so suddenly."
Darcy looked at his little sister in surprise. He had expected her to be upset and want to leave, instead she seemed distressed but with a determination to see the evening out that he had not seen since before the early summer events.
"She is right, Darcy. If she wants to stay, we should stay. We could keep her near the Bennets for I do not think they know of his true character and if one of us stay with her, Wickham will not dare come near her." The Colonel looked at Darcy awaiting his decision.
Smiling at his sister, "Alright, we will stay, Georgiana, as long as you promise to stay near one of us."
"You know I would any way with so many strangers about," she smiled weakly.
"Then we should speak to the Bennets, at least give them warning." The Colonel suggested.
"Oh, could we start with talking to Miss Mary as I see she is alone now?" Both her cousin and brother looked to see that Mr. Wickham had indeed vacated the area away from Miss Mary Bennet and started to head toward her.
Meanwhile, Wickham had paled substantially when he saw the new arrivals. Seeing himself to be outnumbered, he chose to retreat especially after that scathing lecture he had endured. Expressing his regrets at having to leave so soon to Mrs. Philips and stating that his new commission required that he return to duty that evening, he took his leave. Wickham skirted the outside of the room attempting to avoid coming in contact with Mr. Darcy and his group. Seeing that they had left the doorway, he made his escape. Though he realized he would have to be on his best behaviour, since Darcy had already won people's good opinion.
"Miss Mary."
Mary looked up and smiled. "Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam. It is good to see you here. I know several of us were worried you would not be able to make it this evening."
"We are happy to have made it, though delayed, Miss Mary," replied the Colonel. "But we have to mention to you about a certain gentleman we could not help but notice. You were speaking to him when we arrived. We feel we must warn you that he is by no means a gentleman and is known for untruthfulness."
"Oh, I do not feel that you would feel the need to warn us about him, if you had heard the talking to my sister gave him only moments ago," Elizabeth said as she approached the group.
All three looked somewhat surprised. "Might we enquire as to what happened?" The Colonel asked.
"Well, let us just say that it is doubtful, Mr. Wickham will be causing us any trouble as well as that he was quite taken aback with what he heard." Elizabeth smiled.
The Colonel grinned, "It must have been quite the 'talking-to' to have Wickham taken aback so thoroughly."
"Indeed, it was," was Elizabeth's response to which Mary blushed. "Though if you do have any information that we should know about that gentleman then we would appreciate it and so would our father."
"We will certainly discuss this with your father as soon as the opportunity arises, but first we would like to hear how Miss Mary managed to scare him away," Darcy replied.
At this, they all took a seat and began talking about Mary's comments and laughing at Elizabeth's description of Wickham's reactions. Soon, Kitty and Lydia joined them. Everyone who knew Lydia's redcoat obsession was surprised when she declared she did not care that Wickham had left as there were other officers who were far more pleasant. However, the surprise did not last long as they all noticed her eyeing the poor Colonel who looked rather uncomfortable.
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly for everyone with an invitation to the Bennets for dinner at Netherfield in two days time.
Posted on Thursday, 28 September 2006
The day the Netherfield dinner arrived. Longbourn was relatively quite until it came time to prepare and leave. Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Kitty provided a repeat performance of the previous day. However, Elizabeth had noticed Jane's spirits had declined. So, when she entered Jane's room, she was not surprised to see Jane looking downhearted.
"Jane, what is the matter?"
"It is nothing, Lizzy. I am fine."
"No you are not, Jane. I can see you are not. You are unhappy, you do not smile or laugh, and you have talked very little with Mary or I. Please Jane, tell me what is wrong?"
Sighing since she knew it would do her little good to argue with her sister, "Lizzy, since there is so little time before we must leave, may I wait until we return home or perhaps tomorrow?"
"Of course, as long as you promise to tell me soon."
"I promise," Jane said quietly. Elizabeth hugged her sister and then left to finish getting ready and it wasn't long until they left for Netherfield.
Meanwhile, a similar turn of events was occurring at Netherfield. Mr. Bingley had noticed Darcy grow quieter than usual since the previous evening. So, he decided to talk to him before dinner.
Approaching his friend, after asking him if they could talk in the study, "Darcy what is wrong?"
"What do you mean? I am fine and everyone is looking forward to this evening."
"You have been quieter since last evening than I have ever seen you. I know I do not know what happened, but could it be because of Wickham?"
"No, although I was angry at his presence, it is not Wickham making me upset at present," he said the last quietly as if whatever was bothering him, hurt him.
Bingley watched him carefully. He thought he might have an idea what was bothering his friend so much. When Darcy finally looked up, he noticed the understanding gaze his friend gave him.
Looking down and then meeting his friend's eyes, Bingley asked quietly, "We can find a way to get out of the house to discuss this tomorrow, shall we?"
Darcy nodded mutely unsure what he could say. He was certain Bingley knew what bothered him and was embarrassed and ashamed as well as a little relieved. Tomorrow could not come soon enough. They needed to talk. Tonight would be long indeed.
Just then, a servant entered to tell him that Mr. Riverstone had arrived and that he had been shown to the parlour with everyone else. Darcy and Bingley joined them and had only started a conversation when the Bennets arrived. Introductions were made between Mr. Riverstone and the Bennets. Conversations continued or started up for a few more minutes until it was announced that dinner was ready.
They entered the dining room and took the seats Louisa had arranged. Mr. Bingley was at the head of the table with Elizabeth to his right and Jane to his left. Next to Elizabeth, the seating went as follows: Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Lydia and Caroline. Next to Jane, the seating went as follows: Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mary, Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Hurst, Kitty and Mr. Riverstone.
When dinner was served conversation yet again began to flow. Jane was quieter than usual, causing Bingley to continually address her and keep up conversation. Elizabeth had a similar problem with Mr. Darcy, but was distracted by helping her sister and Colonel Fitzwilliam's amusing tales. Mary, Miss Darcy and Mrs. Hurst all continued their talks of music etc. Mr. Bennet remained silent for most of the meal except for occasional talks with Mr. Hurst and brief responses to his wife. He worried about Jane and Lizzy. Mrs. Bennet was her usual self and talked frequently with her daughters Lydia and Kitty. She was thrilled that another single gentleman was seated near them and her two younger daughters and kept addressing Mr. Riverstone who replied politely, but constantly kept attempting to draw Caroline into the conversation. Thus, the entire dinner was stilted and difficult for most of the party.
When the ladies finally took leave to the parlour, the whole room felt stifled. The gentlemen did not delay long in talk and joined the ladies shortly. They all entered and joined the groups the ladies had divided into. Mr. Riverstone looked around and noticed one was missing. So, he slipped, unnoticed, out to the balcony where he thought the lady had slipped off to. He was correct when he saw Miss Bingley looking out over the land about with a sad and wistful expression on her face, one that he had not seen for years.
"Miss Bingley."
Caroline jumped at having been so suddenly brought out of her thoughts and spun to face the individual who had startled her so.
"Mr. Riverstone. What brings you out here?"
"Wondering where you were when I did not see you with the others." Caroline blushed.
"As you can see, I am fine. Now you are free to join the others."
"Why would I want to join the others?"
"What?"
"I will be frank; you have known how I have felt for a long time. Can you, at the very least, give me a chance?" Mr. Riverstone watched her face for any sign, any answer.
Caroline looked out across the land, "I do not know if I can." Seeing the gentleman smile, "Why are you happy, I did not give you the response you were no doubt hoping for."
"Perhaps not, but it is a response that gives me reason to hope. Not long ago, you would have given me a decisive and resounding 'no.' Because you are uncertain, I can hope. My efforts are not completely futile."
Caroline looked away again, "I did not intend to give you hope, sir."
"I know," replied Mr. Riverstone, smiling slightly.
Searching for something to say, "Perhaps, we . . . we had better join the others before they begin to wonder where we have disappeared to."
"Of course." They both returned to the room, neither were noticed.
The evening came to an end and everyone said their goodbyes. Some looking forward to the next day, some with more enthusiasm than others.
When the Bennets returned home, Jane retired immediately to her room. Elizabeth followed after soon to talk with her about their earlier conversation to find her asleep. Realizing, she would have to wait till morning, Elizabeth retired as well.
Posted on Thursday, 28 September 2006
Elizabeth was dismayed to find that the next morning dawned drearily with grey, gloomy clouds producing a downpour. It prevented her taking the much longed for walk that she had desired to take before talking with Jane. Thus, she found herself going to look for Mary so that they could practice together like they had before all these events took place.
"Lizzy."
She turned to see her father standing in the doorway to his library. He motioned for her to come and said, "I would like to speak with you."
Elizabeth frowned and noticed her father's grim expression. "Whatever could be the matter," she thought as she entered the library and took the proffered seat.
After her father sat down, he looked at her and began to speak, "Elizabeth, I have noticed that you seem to be enjoying your discussions with Mr. Darcy."
"Yes, Papa." She looked back at her father, puzzled as to his topic.
"Lizzy, do not let yourself begin to like the gentleman. You know very well that you are engaged to Mr. Bingley and yet you spend very little time talking to him."
Lizzy's mouth dropped open before closing angrily, "I am doing nothing wrong, Papa. I did not think that talking to a gentleman about similar interests constituted a problem. Am I to be denied conversation with any gentleman because of an engagement I did not agree to?"
"No, that is not what I am saying, my dear. I simply do not want to see you hurt by learning to care for someone you cannot marry. What is worse, is that this gentleman is your fiancé's friend and you would continue to see him often after the marriage. You would be constantly put in the position of what might have been. I want you to have the chance to have a happy marriage, even if it is an arranged one."
During this speech, Elizabeth had calmed to some extent, though she had become sad, "Papa, you have no need to worry about this. I will not let myself fall into such a situation."
"Nevertheless, I want you to spend more time with Mr. Bingley and less with his friend." Seeing that Elizabeth was about to interrupt, Mr. Bennet continued, "If you do not, I will demand that you do not speak to Mr. Darcy beyond what is necessary and polite, do I make myself clear?"
Elizabeth looked down, swallowing, she looked up and replied, "Very clear, sir. May I leave now?"
Looking tired, Mr. Bennet simply nodded and did not look up to see his irate daughter leave the room. If only she realized that I am trying to protect her the only way I can since I cannot tell her of the other option that would make others happy as well. A few tears ran down Mr. Bennet's face as he thought of how hopeless the situation looked for both couples.
Elizabeth stalked through the house until she reached her own room as she did not feel like dealing with anyone for now. She lay down on her bed and began to think over the previous conversation with her father. How could her father be so insistent on who she could or could not talk to. After all, it was not like she was behaving like her younger sisters always did. She had done nothing dishonourable, only enjoyed a, well several, conversations with another gentleman. She knew she was engaged, but did that prevent her from talking to others? Thus, Elizabeth's thoughts continued throughout the morning until Jane came into her room.
"Lizzy, are you all right? You missed breakfast."
"I know. I simply could not handle our sister's and Mama's comments and discussion this morning." Here she fell silent. Jane walked over to the bed and sat down next to her unhappy sister.
"You still haven't told me what is wrong."
"Oh Jane, you will never believe it. Papa has insisted, no demanded, that I talk more with Mr. Bingley and only enough to be civil to Mr. Darcy. Jane, I have not done anything to deserve this. I know I am engaged to Mr. Bingley, but why should I have to stop talking to others?"
Jane frowned. "That is not like Papa to stop anyone from simply talking to others. Did he say anything else?"
After hesitating a moment, Lizzy replied, "Yes. He claimed he was saving me from an unhappy marriage by preventing me from developing feelings for another."
"He was referring to Mr. Darcy, wasn't he?"
"Yes, but I can't imagine why."
Thinking silently for a few moments, Jane finally asked, "Do you like Mr. Darcy, Lizzy?"
"What? No, of course not," Lizzy responded quickly.
"Be honest with me Lizzy. Do you like Mr. Darcy?"
Lizzy looked down, and then got up and walked towards the window and looked out. Finally, she turned back to her sister, "I enjoy talking with him. We have so many similar interests. We talked of the countryside, Derbyshire, love of nature and so many other things. He is quite the honourable gentleman. He obviously loves his sister. I could even see that he has a sense of humour though it can be a bit dry. I have to admit I do like him, but I know nothing will or can come of it. I am engaged to Mr. Bingley whether I like it or not. I will honour it and do what I must, but am I not allowed to wish for a little while, that I could have made my own choice?"
Jane had begun to blink rapidly to keep back the tears that threatened to fall for she understood her sister all too well.
"I understand. I only wish that it was not the same decision that caused both our heartaches."
Lizzy's head shot up as she heard this. She was beginning to comprehend why her sister had been so cheerless the past day.
"Jane, what are you saying?"
"I, too, have feelings for a gentleman who is unattainable to me as he is already engaged even if it is not by his own choice." The end of her sentence was choked with emotion.
"Oh, Jane! You are in love with Mr. Bingley, are you not?"
"Yes, very much so Lizzy. He is the most amiable and kind gentleman, I have ever met or, I think, I shall ever meet. He always tries to make all his guests and acquaintances happy and . . . and . . . Oh, Lizzy, I dare not go on, it hurts too much to dwell on it. I have felt that I have betrayed you trust by learning to care for your fiancé. I never meant to, it simply happened. I know I must overcome my feelings, but I fear it will take time and be even more difficult for continually coming in contact with him." Jane finally burst into tears. Lizzy soon joined her, though more quietly as she reached out to her sister and each young woman held each other through their tears and heartache.
Finally when the tears had abated, Lizzy spoke up, "What a fine kettle of fish we have found ourselves in." At this, Jane and Lizzy laughed a little, breaking up the tension that was still thick in the room. They now felt they could speak together again, as Jane no longer felt that she was competing for the same gentleman as her sister.
"Do you think we should tell Mary about what has occurred?" Jane asked after a little while.
"Yes, Mary has been a good sister and friend to us and I think she would be hurt if we left her out. Maybe it will make it easier on us to talk with someone else about this too."
"Should we wait until later, or talk to her now?"
"We might as well talk to her now. We might become hesitant if we wait. I will go find her."
Lizzy walked over to the door and opened it. As she started to head to the stairs she noticed Lydia passing in the hall.
"Lydia, do you know where Mary is?"
"Of course. She is at the piano practicing as usual, though she had gotten a little better lately. Where else would she be?"
"Could you send her up here since you are heading down, please?"
Lydia heaved a sigh and rolled her eyes, "What am I now, a message carrier?" Seeing the look her sister gave her, she relented, "Alright, I'll tell her you desperately need to talk with her and that it could not possibly wait so you sent me to fetch her." Lydia rushed down the hall and the stairs before Lizzy could reply, though she had a good idea that her sister was sending a glare at her back.
Lizzy returned to her room and talked with Jane until Mary arrived. When she was seated, they began with Lizzy's conversation with their father and then told her everything else. Mary seemed unsurprised by these revelations from her sisters. She told them she had noticed the switch in affections and had worried about what would happen. Mary comforted them as much as she could given the circumstances. Her heart ached for them, but was unsure what could be done to help them out of the unhappy state of affairs they found themselves in.
Meanwhile, at Netherfield, the gentlemen had to endure being trapped inside and unable to have the conversation they so desperately needed to. The Colonel and Mr. Hurst were constantly in their company, leaving them no opportunity to talk privately without being impolite and leaving and having no excuse to provide that would not peak the curiosity of Darcy's cousin, but also the now more sober Mr. Hurst.
Finally, the rain ceased it's downpour and reduced itself to a drizzle eventually reaching a complete stop and allowing the sun to shine through the breaking clouds. Darcy and Bingley managed to finally make a getaway from the dear Colonel and Mr. Hurst and get out of the house for a long walk.
They continued on for some time in silence, neither sure of what or how they were going to say what needed to be said.
Eventually, they came to a fence on the border of Netherfield and stopped by it. Both leaned on their forearms on it, looking out across the fields on the other side. Finally, Bingley broke the silence, "You are in love with Miss Elizabeth, am I correct?" He turned to look at his friend who took a deep breath and looked down. His face was drawn tight with the emotion and pain.
"Yes," was the only word that would come out and that was forced.
Darcy twisted around to face his friend in shock when he heard him laugh. Bingley was shaking his head and laughing, but there was no mirth in his voice or on his face. In fact, his eyes were deep and sad.
"What is it, Bingley?"
"We are more alike than you can imagine. If it were not for the arrangement, you would be free to pursue the lady who holds your affection and I free to pursue the lady that holds mine."
"What?" It took Darcy a moment to take in the realization of what his friend said. "Do you mean to tell me that you are in love with someone else?"
Looking his friend in the eye, Bingley spoke, "Yes. I care for Miss Bennet."
Darcy looked shocked and although he wanted to say something, found that he could not think of what he wanted to say.
"I knew you had begun feeling for Miss Elizabeth with all your conversation you have had since you both met. I had even thought that it might have started from when you met in the stream. As for myself, I had the opportunity to talk with Miss Bennet and found her to be a complete angel. She is beautiful and kind, never wanting to think ill of anyone, not even Caroline when she insulted her. If I were free, I have no doubt I would have courted her. You do not know how much I wish that were so." Glancing at his friend he amended that statement, "Then again, you probably do. How did you know when you cared for Miss Elizabeth?"
Pausing and looking out over the fields, "Like you said, since the moment I met her in that stream, although it took me a while to realize it. The conversations only confirmed my feelings and helped them to grow. We share an interest in nature and the countryside, literature and so many things, it is hard to list them all. She is the kind of woman I had hoped to find to become Mistress of Pemberley. I, like you, have no doubt that I would pursue her if that arrangement did not exist."
Silence engulfed them as they each contemplated what might have been and what they wished could be and what would be. Yet, to look beyond that, to hope for something that was beyond their reach for the future had already been planned in regard to the matches for the individuals, was impossible to contemplate as it would cause them a great deal of pain, and little comfort for the years to come.
"Well, Darcy, this is a fine kettle of fish we are in, is it not?" Bingley said with a small, cheerless smile.
Darcy smiled a little too, "Indeed it is, old friend."
"Perhaps, we ought to head back. After all, they might send a search party out after us if we do not return."
"Then let us return, we would not want them thinking we have vanished."
They walked back to Netherfield at a slow pace discussing various issues to get their minds off the unpleasant topic they had spoken of earlier. Eventually, however, they asked each other who they should talk to of this that they could trust. Bingley felt he could trust his sister Louisa. Darcy would talk to his cousin, though he would not burden his sister with this after all she had had to endure.
Each managed to confide in their respective family members and found understanding and comfort from each. Though Darcy would likely receive some teasing once the pain of the situation had passed.
Later that evening, Darcy had decided to retire early and was heading toward his chambers when Georgiana asked to speak to him. They headed to the library.
"Brother, why are you so sad? You have not been yourself all day, nor even the past few days although you have tried to hide it."
"Dear Georgiana, everything is fine. It is of little matter and one for which you do not need to worry."
"Fitzwilliam, I know you are trying to protect me by not telling me, but it does worry me because it concerns you. You are my brother after all. Now, I will not let you get away with not telling me. I know you told Mr. Bingley and our Cousin. Please trust me enough to tell me."
Darcy sighed, "I see you will not let me alone in the matter though I wished to spare you any more difficulties, so you had best take a seat. This is not a happy issue to discuss."
They took a seat to one side of the room and Darcy started his tale. His sister was surprised, but not angry with her brother. She knew him to be honourable and that he would do the right thing, even if it hurt him badly to do it. When she learned that Mr. Bingley was in a similar predicament, her heart went out to both gentlemen, knowing that they were both hurting over this, but she sincerely hoped that everything would eventually be well for them both. Perhaps she could convince her cousin to help lighten their hearts over the next few days and distract them from their pain.
Posted on Thursday, 28 September 2006
A couple of stormy days passed before the Longbourn and Netherfield parties met again. Mary had come to visit Mrs. Hurst and Georgiana for tea and music as the gentlemen had gone out for sport again.
They enjoyed their conversation that started out with the pleasantries and soon extended into music and the countryside and everything else. Eventually, Mary noticed that both Georgiana and Louisa seemed a little out of sorts.
"Is everything alright? You both look a little sad."
Georgiana and Louisa shared a look. They had discussed the recent events beforehand and decided to share with Mary the circumstances that came to light.
"Well, we have discovered a situation of sorts that could lead to many unhappy people. My brother informed me that he cares for your sister, Miss Bennet," Louisa started.
"And my brother told me that he cares for your other sister, Miss Elizabeth," Georgiana continued.
Mary blinked stunned. "Are you sure of this?"
Louisa and Georgiana nodded. Mary began to smile.
"Then perhaps we may be able to do something to help them," she said excitedly.
Both of the other ladies looked surprised and Louisa leaned forward, "We are listening."
"Well, you see, I talked with both my elder sisters the other day as they had both been very upset and they confided in me about their true feelings. Apparently, Jane is very much in love with Mr. Bingley as is Elizabeth with Mr. Darcy."
"You are joking, surely!" Georgina cried.
"No, I am not. It is true!" Mary smiled. "And that is not all. Some time ago, I accidentally came upon a document in my father's library, a certain agreement about a certain match. Apparently there is a provision that allows for Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth to break their engagement, however there is a problem."
"Wait, you tell us they can break it but there is a problem? I do not understand," Louisa interrupted.
"Give me a moment and I will tell you. If Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth have both developed other attachments they must approach Mr. Bennet or the Solicitor your father informed of this and announce this along with a request to break the engagement, however, there is another provision. Neither of them can be directly told about the provision especially if they did not have another attachment. They must approach and ask themselves."
Silence filled the room for a while as all three contemplated these new developments.
"Well, this will be a difficult scenario to get around. To get them to admit their feelings to Mr. Bennet and to ask about the provision without being told about it will be difficult," Louisa observed.
"It may be more than difficult. I know my brother, and if he feels that he will be in any way hurting those he cares for or consider anything dishonourable, such as creating a break in an engagement unless he knows for certain that it is available, he will not act. He will simply let events unfold and back away." Georgiana informed them of her brother's feelings on the subject.
"Well, the greater the challenge, the sooner we have to get to work . . ." Mary started off and the planning was at full speed.
They were still talking half an hour later when Mr. Hurst and Colonel Fitzwilliam entered. The ladies stopped their whispering and looked up.
"Uh oh. When ladies go silent when people entering the room, it is a sure sign they are up to something," said the Colonel with a smile.
"You are absolutely right. We are developing a plan to help your cousin, Mr. Bingley and my two older sisters get together with the person they care for," Mary replied frankly.
The Colonel suddenly turned serious and would have responded if not for Mr. Hurst beating him to it, "How would that be possible?"
"Are you two willing to help?" Mary asked.
The Colonel and Mr. Hurst looked at each other and then replied at the same time, "Definitely."
From there on in, both were informed of the situations of the four individuals as well as the provision and it's difficulties. Discussion ensued for the next hour until a decision was reached that each person would have different individuals to work on. Georgiana would talk to her brother and try to hint at him about the provision without telling him; she would do the same with Jane and Elizabeth the next time she met them. Mary would talk to her sisters the most trying the same thing as Georgiana. The Hursts agreed to work with Bingley while the Colonel would spend most of his time with Darcy. They hoped that enough hinting would make one of them ask questions and perhaps resolve this unpleasant situation.
Posted on Thursday, 5 October 2006
Over the next few days, Mary bided her time to talk to her sisters. She decided to talk to Jane first as she was more likely to be persuaded. So, when she saw her sister walking in the garden alone, she went out to speak to her.
"Jane," Mary called to her sister as she approached. Jane turned and smiled at her and waved for her to come over.
"Mary, isn't it a wonderful day after all the rain we have had?"
"Yes, of course it is, but could I talk to you?" Jane blinked, a little surprised at the urgency in her sister's voice.
"But of course, Mary. What is wrong? Are you well?"
"I am fine, but I have a few things I like to talk to someone about and I would like to talk to you if I may."
"Go ahead."
"If there were a way to get around an agreement, only that was supposedly legally binding, and it would please several people, would you advise taking the chance?"
"You are speaking of the arrangement between Lizzy and Mr. Bingley, are you not?" When Mary nodded, Jane continued, "I appreciate your attempt to help us, Mary, but there is no way out of the agreement."
"But what if there was . . ."
"There is not! Elizabeth and Mr. Bingley spoke of it after some time although each were uncomfortable discussing it, and Mr. Bingley asked if there was anything else and Papa said no. Thus, there is no way out. Papa, would have informed Mr. Bingley of anything else in the agreement."
"But . . ."
"Enough. I know you mean well Mary, but it hurts that you continue to insist on a prospect that simply cannot be. Thank you, but enough is enough." With that Jane stood and headed back to the house, obviously upset at her sister's insistence.
Mary simply watched her sister go, unhappy with these turn of events. Surely, if she could not convince Jane, Lizzy would be impossible. She sighed, "This was going to be harder than she had originally thought." Mary only hoped that the Netherfield plan would go better than the Longbourn one was at present. She shook her head; she might as well attempt changing Lizzy's mind before trying to figure out some other way of convincing them.
After waiting a while, she decided it was safe to approach Lizzy.
Finding Lizzy practicing at the pianoforte, Mary took a deep breath before entering the room.
Lizzy looked up, "Hello, Mary. Do you want to practice?"
"No. Actually, I would like to speak to you."
Lizzy looked at her sister again as she sounded so serious, "Is there something the matter?"
"Well . . . yes and no. As a matter of fact, it is about the arrangement." Lizzy frowned. "If there was a way out . . ." She was interrupted as she had by her other sister.
"Mary, there is no way out. Papa made that perfectly clear when he told me to distance myself from Mr. Darcy." Lizzy stood and left the room with tears in her eyes.
"Well, that certainly did not go the way we had planned," Mary said to herself. She wondered if Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy would be as abrupt with her partners.
For the rest of the day, whenever Mary would attempt to discuss the agreement, Jane and Lizzy would ignore their sister and leave the room.
At Netherfield, Georgiana and the Colonel had decided on approaching Darcy together. They found Darcy in the library. Darcy smiled as his sister entered, "Good morning Georgiana, what brings you here? I thought you were practicing with Mrs. Hurst."
"We actually have some questions for you." Darcy looked over at his cousin at the 'we' suddenly growing suspicious.
"Alright, what is it?" Darcy sat back.
"If there was a way out of the agreement, would you court Miss Elizabeth?" Georgiana asked.
"I do not know how you seem so concerned over this, but it does not matter if I would or would not as there is no way out of the agreement. Mr. Bennet would have mentioned it when Bingley asked about the agreement. That is all there is to it and I simply have to accept it and move on."
"But, Brother . . ." Darcy stood up and faced his sister.
"Georgiana, stop. I cannot allow you to continue this. Miss Elizabeth will be marrying my friend. Now go and practice, and do not worry about this."
Georgiana nodded with tears in her eyes as she turned to leave. She knew that her brother would not be so harsh if he did not hurt so much over this.
Darcy turned to his cousin as soon as his sister had left, "Fitzwilliam, I do not know what made you bring my sister, but I am not happy with it. Now, she is upset over this as well."
"Darcy, you should have listened. We were trying to help and you insist on being stubborn. And as for Georgiana, she is the one who brought me because she is concerned for you." The Colonel said before leaving.
Darcy sat down with his head in his hands. "I wish there was a way out, but there is not and I must accept that."
Meanwhile, the Hursts were talking with Mr. Bingley, and it was meeting with the same level of success as the others had met.
"Louisa, I understand you want to help, but you know I have already spoken to Mr. Bennet and he never mentioned an alternative. Now, stop and do not bring this up anymore as it provides more pain the more I think on it."
"Brother, out of all the times for you to be stubborn, did you have to choose this one?" Louisa asked a surprised Bingley.
"I agree with Louisa. Do you honestly think we would go to this trouble if there was not a reason?"
"Frankly, yes. You want to see this whole situation resolved so that everyone is happy. As it cannot be resolved so, I will not torture myself with your good intentions, now please leave."
"Brother, I hope you will not regret this." Louisa and her husband left to see how well the others had done.
Later that afternoon, Mary met with the Netherfield quartet for tea. Each began discussing the failures of the conversations with each other.
Georgiana surprised them all with her comments on the subject.
"Oh, I have never known him to be so frustrating. He won't listen to anything I say. My brother stubbornly insists that there is no hope and that I should give up trying to convince him."
"Well, let's just hope, Miss Darcy, that you can talk to Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth during your visit tomorrow," Mr. Hurst commented.
However, their hopes were in vain as Jane and Elizabeth though Mary had talked Georgiana into talking to them about it and refused to talk to either of them until they dropped the subject.
From that point on, Elizabeth and Jane took to avoiding, ignoring or plainly asking for the subject to be dropped from anyone who broached the subject.
Posted on Thursday, 5 October 2006
One morning, during breakfast Mr. Bennet announced to his family about a new arrival. His cousin, Mr. Collins, would be coming to visit that very day and stay for a week.(1)
This news was not met with smiles and happiness, but rather with trepidation. Mrs. Bennet did not like the fact that the man who would disinherit her daughters was visiting until she looked at her three younger daughters and heard the letter which Mr. Bennet read aloud to them. After hearing the obvious intention of Mr. Collins to marry one of his cousins, Mrs. Bennet was ecstatic.
"Oh, how wonderful that another single young man is in the neighbourhood. If Mr. Darcy will have Jane, and Mr. Bingley will have Lizzy, either Kitty or Lydia would do for the Colonel and one of the younger girls could have Mr. Collins."
Hearing this, all five daughters and Mr. Bennet looked nervous while Mary, Kitty and Lydia began to look decidedly green.
They all greeted Mr. Collins that afternoon and talked in the parlour before dinner where he praised his noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, continuously. Mary and Elizabeth both struggled to keep from smiling and laughing as each had heard about the Lady from her niece and nephew. Neither seemed especially fond of her.
At dinner, Mr. Collins had noticed that Mr. Bennet favoured Elizabeth. So, his decision as to which daughter to court was made. From that point on he lavished attention and compliments on poor Elizabeth who tried to remain polite, Elizabeth could not help but be grateful to the arrangement as it would prevent any further attentions as soon as her cousin was made aware. She pitied her sisters, for one of them would be next in line for Mr. Collins courtship.
Mr. Bennet was not pleased that Mr. Collins focused on Elizabeth. He, like his daughter, found that he could finally find something positive in the agreement.
After dinner, Mr. Bennet asked Mr. Collins to join him in the library.
"Mr. Collins, I seem to have noticed your . . . appreciation for Elizabeth," Mr. Bennet started after they were seated.
"Indeed. She is a remarkable and intelligent woman."
"I understand you wish to marry one of my daughters, but I should warn you that Elizabeth is already engaged."
Mr. Collins looked immediately disappointed, "Oh, well that is . . . I am sure to wish her joy."
Mr. Bennet continued, "It is not a normal engagement as four years ago I arranged a match with a gentleman for his son and my Lizzy so that my family would be provided for should something happen to me."
"Oh. Mr. Bennet, I know what you and your family must think of me especially considering the rift between my father and yourself. However, I can assure you that I would not have thrown them into the hedgerows. I would have found husbands for all your daughters and arranged for a home for Mrs. Bennet."
Mr. Bennet lifted an eyebrow as he listened. He actually believed the man would have or would do just as he said, however, he seriously doubted whether or not his daughters would have been happy with the matches.
Mr. Collins continued, "I am disappointed that Miss Elizabeth is already taken, but I am sure your other daughters are just as pleasing, but I find it odd that it was not spoken of."
Mr. Bennet strained to smile. "Mr. Collins I must ask that you do not mention this to anyone especially my family. My daughter and her fiancé, Mr. Bingley, have asked for time to get to know one another before announcing the engagement and that means my wife and other daughters cannot know of it as my wife cannot keep it a secret that she has a daughter soon to be married.
"Of course, sir."
Conversation continued and Mr. Collins was again surprised to learn that Lady Catherine's nephew was there to support his friend's engagement and that he and those from Netherfield were to visit in two days. He resolved on writing his noble patroness about the turn of events and convinced himself that Mr. Bennet would not mind revealing this to her.
At the end of the evening, Mr. Collins retired to his room for the night. Instead of going to sleep immediately, he sat down to write a letter to Lady Catherine.
My esteemed and noble patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh,I have discovered that one of my cousins, Miss Elizabeth, has had an arranged marriage and is soon to be married to a Mr. Bingley. The gentleman is staying at the Netherfield estate in Hertfordshire. However, it has come to my attention that your nephew, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley, is residing at Netherfield in support of his friend's arranged marriage. This may improve your nephew's opinion of the prearranged match between your daughter and himself. I am sure this will lead to a similar announcement for the two in the near future.
I do apologize for the briefness of this missive, but I felt that you would be pleased to hear about your nephew.
Your obedient servant,
William Collins.
Looking very pleased with his letter, he set it aside to mail in the morning and began to ponder how best to compliment and court the eldest Miss Bennet before proposing to her.
Posted on Thursday, 5 October 2006
The next day arrived with much consternation and frustration from Mrs. Bennet as she noticed Mr. Collins transfer affection from Elizabeth to Jane, but had no opportunity to correct this new situation.
Mary was the only one to escape as she had a previous commitment to tea with Mrs. Hurst and Georgiana. Once there they discussed much including the failure to get Darcy, Bingley, Jane and Elizabeth to listen to reason. Mary stayed longer and discussed the arrival of her cousin and his unwanted attentions to Jane. Seeing that Mary wanted to help, but did not know what to do, Georgiana told her she could find help, after all, Mr. Collins' patroness was her Aunt. Mary returned home a little more relaxed than when she arrived.
Later that evening, Georgiana approached her cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"Cousin, would you help me with something?"
"Certainly, what do you need?"
"I need you to redirect Mr. Collins, the Bennet's cousin away from Miss Bennet. My friend Miss Mary, is quite concerned for her elder sister and things the match will be a poor one."
"Collins . . . that name is familiar . . ."
"He works for our Aunt Catherine."
"Oh, yes, I met the gentleman while I visited our Aunt last spring. He would not be a good match for Miss Bennet."
"I agree. Will you help?"
"Of course. I will talk to him tomorrow when we call on the Bennets." He smiled.
Georgiana lit up with a bright smile. "Thank you cousin," she cried before hurrying off to tell Mrs. Hurst.
Colonel Fitzwilliam shook his head as he continued and started thinking about what to say to Mr. Collins. He thought that perhaps a fictional suitor might convince the gentleman that her heart was already attached.
The next day came none too quickly for Mary as she hoped that whatever Georgiana had in mind would work and keep Mr. Collins away from Jane. She and Elizabeth had been trying, but there was hardly anything that would dissuade Mr. Collins pursuit of Jane for long. As soon as introductions were made for her cousin, Georgiana and Mrs. Hurst came over to her and explained that Colonel Fitzwilliam would be convincing Mr. Collins about picking another instead of Jane.
Colonel Fitzwilliam moved quickly to Mr. Collins and began a conversation about Lady Catherine and Rosings Park before he could go back to monopolizing Miss Bennet.
"So, Mr. Collins, I see you are quite interested in Miss Bennet."
"Indeed, she is very beautiful."
"You do realize she already has a suitor who she apparently likes in return."
"She does? I was not aware of that. Why would Mr. and Mrs. Bennet not have mentioned it. I talked with Mr. Bennet the other evening when he informed me another of his daughters is already attached."
"Well, it may be because this suitor is hesitant and wants to be sure that Miss Bennet cares for him in return. He wants to ensure both their happiness."
"What should that matter if I propose and Miss Bennet accepts?"
"Do you truly want to destroy the happiness of Miss Bennet because she accepts out of duty?"
"I do not see how it matters. She would become happy and content with me in time."
Frowning in frustration the Colonel decided to use his last card, the one most likely to work. "Lady Catherine might not approve."
This worked wonders as it had gained Mr. Collins full and undivided attention. "She would not?"
"No, she would not. You see, you need a wife who will support you now and in the future. Also, if she already has a suitor, it would do you no harm to choose another, would it?"
"No, it would not. Thank you for this information. I will take heed of it. I would not want to hurt any of my charming cousins."
The Colonel smiled as Mr. Collins continued to talk for a bit. Finally he was able to take leave and join a conversation between the two eldest Miss Bennets and Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy. However, his smile disappeared as he noticed the glare Miss Mary was sending him as she had only begun to receive the attentions of one Mr. Collins. The Colonel realized that he had made a significant error in not specifying the direction of Mr. Collins next attempt. He was relieved to return to Netherfield as he no longer was the recipient of Miss Mary's continual anger expressed in her glare.
The next few days were interminable for Mary as she had to endure Mr. Collins continual attentions. Finally, the day came where he had asked Mrs. Bennet for a moment to speak with her third daughter which was readily agreed to. (2)
Mr. Collins expressed his sentiments on the subject of marriage and his wish that she was to become his future wife. Mary knew that she was bound to gain the ire of the Bennet matriarch, but she knew what she had to do.
"I am sorry Mr. Collins for I do not wish to give you pain, but I must refuse you. I do not feel that we could be happy together and I feel that we would see how incompatible we are for each other over time. I think that it would be best for both are sakes that I refuse your suit and allow us both to seek happiness with a future spouse that suits our respective personalities." With that Mary got up and left the room before Mr. Collins could speak. She went to practice as it was a solace she could seek at a time like this.
As she practiced, she heard her mother's ranting and crying over her refusal and her appeals to Mr. Bennet who refused to even consider forcing Mary to marry Mr. Collins. Mary knew that Mr. Bennet would not force another marriage on another daughter as he still felt the guilt from the first. After she heard her father gently guide her mother out of the library and shut the door behind her, Mary heard her mother head her way and groaned at what she knew was going to be quite the lecture about how she should not throw away perfectly good proposals.
"Mary Bennet, you will not be getting many proposals in your life, so you should not ignore when a perfectly good one comes about. You would have been mistress of Longbourn in the future if you had married Mr. Collins. Why could you not change your mind? You have spent far too much time with Miss Elizabeth. She is to blame for your refusal. If you had not learned how to be so independent from your sister you would have accepted. I will go and speak to Lizzy about this, she must convince you to change your mind." With that Mrs. Bennet went off in search of Elizabeth who had heard her mother from the hall and instead headed out for one of her long walks so as not to endure her mother's lecture. Mary saw the opportunity while Mrs. Bennet was looking for the long gone Miss Elizabeth to grab her bonnet and cloak and slip out to Netherfield and visit with her friends. It was a pleasant day and the walk would ease her mind.
As she was reaching Netherfield, Mary spotted the Colonel. She was still angry with him for Mr. Collins change to her in the first place. Deciding that she best have a few words with the Colonel, she approached him.
"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"Pardon?" asked the surprised and confused Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"Mr. Collins has been following me around the past several days and he even proposed to me this morning. It has caused me to flee Longbourn to escape my mother's anger at my refusal. This is all thanks to you who was supposed to redirect my cousin away from my sister, but not at me!"
"I did not intend to direct him at you. I did not even realize he was going to till I saw you glaring at me."
" I do not care. You should have done something about it."
"What was I supposed to do? Make up some other mysterious suitor who does not exist to deflect Mr. Collins? I am sure he would have believed me less the second time."
"Well it would have been something."
"Did you want to risk him returning to your sister?"
"No, but you could have done something."
"Again I ask you, what could I have done?"
"I do not know, but something. You could have told him that he might find a better wife from someplace other than his cousins or you could have specifically directed him at my younger two sisters."
"I did not realize it at the time. I was asked to direct him away from your eldest sister and I did that. I apologize that Mr. Collins attached himself to you immediately after. If I could go back and change it, I will, but I cannot." The expression on the Colonel's face was sincere and he had truly not meant to hurt her and had realized his error only too late to help.
Mary did not answer immediately as she was still angry and hurt over the day's events. "Thank you, sir, for your assistance in helping my sister and I understand that you did not intend for Mr. Collins to transfer to myself. I . . . also must apologize for yelling at you just now."
After finishing, she ran off toward the house as she saw Miss Darcy and Mrs. Hurst walking outside. After talking to them, they commiserated with her about her mother's treatment for refusing the proposal. She spent the afternoon with them before braving the return home.
Author's Notes:
1: Mr. Collins Letter and arrival. Vol. 1 Ch. 13
2: Mr. Collins proposal. Vol. 1 Ch.19
Posted on Thursday, 26 October 2006
The next few days were almost unbearable at Longbourn due to Mrs. Bennet's continuous bemoaning of her third daughters refusal in marrying Mr. Collins. Because of this all five daughters decided that the outdoors held much interest and Mr. Bennet locked himself in his library.
While the youngest Miss Bennets preferred to walk to Meryton and spend time shopping, with the officers or at their Aunt Philips, the eldest three walked to Netherfield. Most of their time was spent with Miss Darcy and Mrs. Hurst. Occasionally, Miss Bingley would join them, and sometimes the gentlemen would make an appearance. Although, these meetings were awkward with each person, conversation eventually flowed freely.
However, while these days were pleasant considering the circumstance, it was the second day, that proved the most memorable. Kitty and Lydia had surprised everyone by arriving at Nether field just before tea.
Everyone had noticed how excited the two were by the amount of giggling and bouncing the two did, though Kitty was a little more subdued than usual. After they took a seat, everyone looked expectantly at the youngest Miss Bennets.
"Lydia, you both seem excited, what has happened?"
"Oh, you will never believe this, Jane. It is the most recent news and I have no wish to be the one to break it to Mama as she will be so upset over it."
"What is wrong?" Jane looked a little alarmed as any news that could upset any of her family must be serious indeed.
"Well it is not wrong for us, but Mama may think so. . . . I have just heard that Mr. Collins is to marry Miss King who has ten thousand pounds. (1)"
"What?" Elizabeth asked before sharing a look with Mary. Both realized how bad this was for them: Mary for her refusal of Mr. Collins and Elizabeth for her influence on Mary. For when Mrs. Bennet found out she would not doubt constantly remind them of how they had disappointed her and that they could all be forced from their home should something happen to Mr. Bennet and the Collins' come to take over.
"Apparently, Miss Kings' family did not want to risk any fortune hunters attaching themselves to her ten thousand pound inheritance (1) and encouraged her to marry the first eligible gentleman who asked for her. You know, Elizabeth, that I had met her when she first arrived in Meryton and we have become friends. She told me that she would rather marry a decent and honourable gentleman immediately than run the risk of fortune hunters. It may not be what she had dreamed of, but she would be content," Kitty explained.
"Oh, well, I hope she will be happy," Georgiana smiled.
"With your permission, I will tell her when I see her again."
"Certainly."
Bingley had noticed how Elizabeth and Mary looked especially uncomfortable and how Jane seemed to worry about them as she glanced between them often.
"All of you realize you are most welcome to visit Netherfield whenever you like. I am sure that Mrs. Hurst, Caroline and Miss Darcy would enjoy your company especially."
Louisa picked the cue up from her brother, "Absolutely, you must visit each day for the next week at least, I have so many ideas for projects that I need all your opinions on."
Mr. Hurst simply raised an eyebrow and shook his head at the mention of projects. He doubted she would tell Elizabeth and Jane about a certain one.
The rest of the day passed uneventfully with promises from all the Bennets to return on the next day. All the Bennets dreaded returning home, including Lydia and Kitty as even they did not wish to be around their mother when she learns of Mr. Collins engagement. All they could hope for was that some one else had informed her before they arrived home.
All were thankful to learn that Mrs. Philips had already called and broken the news to Mrs. Bennet who was true to nature and had gone into hysterics and was now confined to her room. Each managed to miss their mother that evening except for Jane who tried to calm their mother only to give up on the insistence of her sisters, her father and Mrs. Hill as each realized the futility of the attempt.
The next morning all decided on the need for an early morning walk even though most were used to sleeping lat. Thus, Netherfield became their refuge while they avoided their mother. However, Mrs. Bennet did force an opportunity to make her opinions known quite clearly to her daughters when she finally left her room. This only encouraged them to spend as much time away from Longbourn as possible.
All through the Bennets frequent visits, Mr. Darcy could rarely be seen and Mr. Bingley looked angry the day after the discovery of Mr. Collins' engagement which caused Elizabeth, Jane and Mary to wonder what could have caused the usually cheerful gentleman to be so.
It so happened that the morning after the news of Collins' engagement, Mr. Darcy received a letter at breakfast. As Bingley joined him he noticed his friend's growing anger by the deepening frown, the glare the paper was receiving and the tightening jaw.
"She is impossible!" Darcy yelled as he threw the letter onto the table next to his untouched meal.
Raising his eyebrows, Bingley responded, "Who?"
Blinking and looking over at his friend, "My Aunt! She still is . . ."
"Lady Matlock?"
"No, Lady Catherine. She still thinks she can push a marriage between her daughter and me. But now she is going too far. Where could she have gotten the idea that I would support and agree to the match she wants."
"She must have said something more to anger you so."
"Indeed. Here, read the letter for yourself."
Mr. Bingley took the letter and began reading.
Mr. Darcy,My dear nephew, it has been brought to my intention that you are supporting your friend's, a Mr. Bingley, arranged marriage. This gives me great hope that you and my darling Ann will finally choose a date. I hope that you will arrive soon so that you both may choose quickly and the banns be published before Christmas. I will prepare everything so that when I receive the news of the formalized engagement, it will be more quickly dealt with. My dear Ann will make you a wonderful mistress of Pemberley.
Naturally, the wedding should take place here, at Rosings Park. Might I suggest that it take place in June as that was when my dear sister, your mother, and your father chose to marry. Ann will make a lovely bride. I will arrange for her dress to be prepared and sent from London. Everything will be dealt with so that you and Ann will worry over none of the details. I will take care of the whole thing.
I look forward to your next visit with great anticipation, nephew.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Bingley sputtered, "How could your Aunt presume so much! That you would even allow her to take over so much. Not to mention, where did she hear about my arranged match from? Only Mr. Bennet, the eldest Miss Bennets and you and I know about it."
"She has always been like that especially where it concerns Ann and me and her dreams of an alliance. Honestly, I am unsure where she received her information, but I have my suspicions. Her most likely source would have been Mr. Collins."
"Their cousin? What reason would he have to know about this? I do not think Mr. Bennet would have simply told him to only inform him of it when he has not even informed his own family."
"I agree with you, but you and I both know how easily Mr. Collins affections can transfer from one lady to another. It is reasonable to believe that Mr. Collins first applied to Mr. Bennet for Miss Elizabeth, but because she was engaged to you, Mr. Bennet had to inform his cousin of the situation."
"Yes, that sounds like something that would have happened. Mr. Collins loyalty to his patroness would have caused him to reveal the information even if Mr. Bennet had expressly asked him not to. That is a fine situation. Well, what will you do to dissuade your Aunt now?"
"Honestly, I do not know. Although I should answer this immediately, I am too angry to answer it properly. I will probably write something of my opinion on the matter I should not. My Aunt is far too meddlesome in this matter. Bingley, I am going out to ride so I do not think I will be able to join you as I had thought."
"It is quite alright, Darcy. I understand. I am thankful that my father's intentions were for my happiness and not like you Aunt. Just be glad that you have a way out Darcy. After all, there is not legal agreement to bind you and so you can simply tell your Aunt 'no'."
Darcy looked at his friend as his temper cooled a little and he thought of Bingley's situation, in love with one woman, but legally arranged to marry her sister. "I'm sorry, I should have remembered that you have experience with agreements."
"Not to worry, I probably would have been quite upset myself if I received a letter like that."
With that they changed the subject and Darcy left to ride for most of the day and he went out almost everyday following.
Posted on Thursday, 26 October 2006
About a week and half passed since Lady Catherine's presumptuous letter. Darcy had not yet replied and had joined the company more and more often. Mrs. Bennet was still upset over "The Refusal" as she called it and stepped up her matchmaking whenever Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy visited. Elizabeth and Jane endured their mother's pressure to make a match with these gentlemen. Mary put up with her mother's disapproval and disappointment. Lydia and Kitty avoided their mother as much as possible and continued to walk into Meryton for the officers excluding Mr. Wickham who avidly avoided them since receiving their sister's scolding. Mr. Bingley, continued to accept the whole situation. Mr. and Mrs. Hurst were making many plans and changes in their life.
As for Miss Caroline Bingley, she had reached a decision; a resolve to attempt turning into the woman she should have been by revisiting some of the activities of her childhood including long walks.
"Louisa, I am going out for a long walk." Caroline informed her sister.
"Are you certain, Caroline? You have not taken a long walk in years."
"I will be fine. If I feel tired I will return."
"Alright, sister. Only be careful."
"For the next couple of hours, Caroline wandered the grounds of Netherfield and some of the forest area near by. She found herself enjoying nature for the first time in years. The fresh air was wonderful.
However, her enjoyment wilted when it began to sprinkle and Caroline decided to return. When the rain increased to a downpour, she found herself looking for the nearest shelter which happened to be Longbourn (2). She was admitted immediately. Mrs. Bennet, upon learning of the condition of her surprise guest, immediately ordered that Caroline be taken to a guest room where a fire would be started and have some dry clothes brought.
While Miss Bingley changed, Mrs. Bennet informed her daughters of the guest.
"The poor thing. Miss Bingley was caught in the rain during her walk. She was absolutely soaked to the skin. Lizzy, you should take this opportunity to talk to Miss Bingley. If you gain her friendship, it will help you with her brother."
"Mother!"
"Now, now, Elizabeth. You will listen to me and do as I say in this matter." Elizabeth could do nothing but comply this time.
However, Caroline was not able to come down as she felt very ill. Apparently she was not as fit as she had hoped nor was she used to weather such as this any longer. Eventually, she found herself confined to bed and the apothecary sent for as well as a note sent to Netherfield.
"Charles, where can Caroline be? She went out for a walk and as far as I know she did not find shelter when the storm came. I know she did not return. Charles, we must do something!"
"Louisa, calm yourself. I will go out and find her, so do not worry. As I have told you, she probably took shelter somewhere and is attempting to wait out the rain."
"But it has been four hours. She left two hours before the rain."
Turning on hearing the door open, they noticed Mr. Hurst coming in with a paper in his hand.
"This just arrived for you, Bingley. It is from Longbourn. I brought it in since I was already on my way."
Bingley took the paper and read it. "It seems that, Caroline was caught in the rain and is staying at Longbourn. Apparently, she is ill though they say it is not serious, but they have sent for the apothecary in any case."
"That settles it then. We must go right away. I told her it had been too long since she had last walked out for a long while like that. She should have not tried to make it so long . . ."
"Louisa,"
"Brother, Caroline is ill. I will visit her and make sure she will be alright. Not that I distrust the Bennets, not that at all, but I want to make sure that this does not deter our sister from improving herself. She needs as much encouragement as possible and I intend to give it to her. Now come along we need to go immediately. Charles, please call for the carriage." With that Louisa left the room to prepare to leave, leaving the gentleman resigned to go out in the downpour while worried for Caroline.
The entire Netherfield party arrived at Longbourn as soon as everything could be arranged. Mr. and Miss Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam were all informed of Caroline's illness and invited to join them by Mrs. Hurst.
While they called on the Bennets to see Caroline, Mrs. Bennet was frantically making changes to dinner to attempt to accommodate so many as she intended to invite them to stay since it was growing so late. She realized her dinner for seven had grown to thirteen and one more if Caroline could manage to eat anything.
That evening, dinner was a simple affair even with so many people. Mrs. Hurst spent much of her conversation with Mrs. Bennet and Miss Darcy on Caroline's condition. A continual invitation to Longbourn until Caroline was well enough to return to Netherfield which was readily accepted ended the evening.
Thus, the next several days consisted of the Netherfield party travelling back and forth between estates. Caroline was never lacking company; however, when she needed rest, everyone divided into different groups to talk, walk or to participate in some other activity.
One day, Elizabeth, feeling agitated, left the main group and went into the garden. Bingley noticed how restless she was and wondered if he should go after her since no one else seemed to have noticed, except for Darcy, and she was his fiancée. After receiving a rather pointed look from Mr. Bennet, he felt it wise to go after Elizabeth.
Seeing her sitting on a bench in the garden, Bingley approached, "Miss Elizabeth, is something wrong?"
Looking up, she tried to smile, "Yes, no, oh, I do not know any more. Everything is out of my control. My poor sister has been feeling low lately and I fear I am causing it, although I did not mean to as I did not have a choice." Elizabeth's eyes widened as she realized what she had said and may have given away.
Bingley realized what this might mean, "Which sister do you mean? Perhaps, Miss Bennet?" When Elizabeth nodded, he continued. "Does the problem involve our arrangement?" he asked tentatively.
Elizabeth nodded again and sighed, "She is in love with you and feels terribly about it as we are already engaged by the arrangement. She would never say anything and would never wish to hurt anyone."
"I know. She truly is an angel," Bingley said very quietly.
Elizabeth turned to look at him and noticed his expression, "You are in love with Jane are you not?"
Bingley blushed and took a deep breath, "Yes, though I know nothing will come of it and I will overcome it. I am sorry you found out." Bingley did not want to hurt Elizabeth and his face showed it.
"Actually, sir, you will be surprised to hear that it relieves me a little. It makes it easier to confess to you that I too care for another."
Blinking, Bingley began to smile after the initial shock wore off. "Would you be telling me that you care for Mr. Darcy?"
"Ah . . . yes, but how did you know?" She felt a little uncomfortable and feared that her behaviour had betrayed her feelings.
"Merely a guess based on Darcy's confession of his feelings for you and like your sister he would not act on them for the same reasons."
"Oh."
Shaking his head, he smiled regretfully, "What a fine situation this has turned out to be. We are engaged to each other while we love another who returns our affections. Not to mention, those we love are being pushed together by your mother. If only there was a way out."
"Indeed, if only there was a way for us to break the arrangement legally, then we all would have a chance without so many being hurt."
"We will get through this, Miss Elizabeth. Everything will work out for the good in the end."
Elizabeth smiled, "I certainly hope so."
"Shall we return to the others?" Mr. Bingley offered his arm which she took after standing.
"Of course."
Both returned having been hardly missed and seeing a smiling Mrs. Bennet, Each took a deep breath. Each determined that everything would work out and that they would do their best to make it so.
The next day was much as the others had been. However that afternoon, the youngest Bennets and their mother walked into Meryton, Mr. Bennet had again retreated to his library, and the Hursts were sitting with Caroline in her room. Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy were in the garden with Elizabeth, Mary and Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"I wonder where Jane is. She was supposed to join us shortly, and she is always considerate. I will go see if I can find her." Elizabeth said as she worried about her sister.
"No, if you do not mind, Miss Elizabeth, I will go find Miss Bennet."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Try the drawing room first, she will most likely be there, I think."
Darcy nodded and walked back into the house. When he came to the drawing room he heard some muffle crying. Entering he saw Miss Bennet by the piano crying.
"Miss Bennet are you unwell?"
Jane looked up to see Mr. Darcy and immediately attempted to compose herself. "I am fine, sir."
"I do not think so. If you were fine, you would not be crying so much."
"I know I am not very good at making myself appear happy when I am not. There is nothing to be done about it, and it is no one's fault."
"I know. I have been dealing with something similar myself. So, I know the feeling quite well."
"You love someone promised to another?"
Darcy blinked, not expecting that comment until he realized that he understood Miss Bennet's situation much better than he originally thought, "Pardon me, but do you mean to say that you are in love with Mr. Bingley?"
Jane's blush answered it better than her nod.
"Then we are truly in the same predicament as I care for you sister, Miss Elizabeth."
"Oh my, I am so sorry Mr. Darcy. You must find it very difficult to see Elizabeth so often lately knowing she will marry your friend."
"Indeed, but you have it equally difficult as Mr. Bingley is to marry your sister."
"True." Silence filled the room.
"Well, Miss Bennet, I was sent in here by Miss Elizabeth to find you and bring you to them. If we do not join them soon, she might send out a search party wondering if we are both lost."
Jane laughed a little, "Then shall we join them."
"Certainly." Both walked out to join the others.
Posted on Thursday, 26 October 2006
The next few days consisted of the same visits of the previous days. Finally, Caroline was well enough to leave her room and joined the Bennets and the Netherfield party in the drawing room for a little while in the afternoon. She sat with Kitty and Louisa discussing the fashion ideas Kitty had provided her with when she was ill.
Everyone else chatted amicably on various topics. However, one person in the room was less than happy. Lydia had noticed the depressed state her eldest sisters were in. While this would not normally have bothered her as she would have not normally noticed in the first place. She was getting frustrated that nothing was working out at all. So, she decided to liven things up a bit.
"Papa, why do you not simply tell them about the provision in the agreement for Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth. After all, they deserve to know and you could make everyone quite happy instead of so morose. It is not very nice to keep that information to yourself."
Silence started to take hold after Lydia's announcement when Elizabeth spoke up, "What 'provision'?"
"Merely a little way out should you and Mr. Bingley not want to marry mainly if you two care for someone else. I think it was worded to the effect that both of you had to approach Papa or some solicitor about a way out due to affections fro another or something, and something about you two not to be told unless you asked," Lydia readily supplied.
"Papa, is this true?" Elizabeth turned to her father.
"Yes, it is. I have wanted to tell you for sometime, but my hands were tied unless you both asked me. Or evidently until some one let you know about it without actually telling you."
"I do recall, Mr. Bennet, asking you about anything else I should know about?" Mr. Bingley interjected.
"True, but you did not ask specifically about a way out which was a requirement in the questioning set by your father. It also had to be both of you."
Bingley nodded still looking none too pleased.
"Lydia, how did you know about the agreement? No one but Papa, Elizabeth Jane, Mr. Bingley and his father, Mr. Darcy and Myself knew," Mary inquired.
"Oh, I found the papers back when I went to get a book for Papa when he was ill."
"Why did not you say anything?"
"I thought it was exciting and a great secret. I guessed that only Papa knew of it at the time and thought it wonderful for me to be in on the secret and know something all of you did not. But recently it was not so fun seeing the depressed and sad manners of my two eldest sisters as well as some of the guests. It was becoming a burden knowing about it especially seeing the others fail at informing those involved of the provision. Someone had to succeed so why not let it be me." Lydia replied with a large smile.
"Thank you, Lydia. You have been very kind informing us of this."
"Do not thank me, Jane. After all, this way I get two sisters out of the house rather than one which means all the more attention for me at the assemblies here."
Several people rolled or averted their eyes or shook their heads at this statement. However, four people felt it easy to overlook Lydia's reasoning and be thankful to her for her interference.
Bingley looked at Elizabeth and both stood and asked Mr. Bennet if they could speak to him privately. After they left the room, Mrs. Bennet finally spoke up. "What agreement are they talking about?" Lydia kindly informed her, relishing the attention she was receiving. Hearing this, Mrs. Bennet panicked saying she would not allow Lizzy to break such an engagement . . .
Everyone simply closed their eyes trying not to wince at Mrs. Bennet's screeching.
Only a few minutes passed before Mr. Bennet sent for Darcy and Jane who were thankful to leave the drawing room.
"Mr. Darcy, I have been informed that you would like to court one of my daughters."
Darcy paused before responding and glanced at Elizabeth, "If Miss Elizabeth would allow it and with your permission sir, I ask to court your daughter. That is if the agreement is ended?"
"The agreement was ended and you have my permission. Elizabeth?"
"I look forward to your visits, Mr. Darcy." As she said this, she smiled and her eyes sparkled. Darcy could not help but to return the smile.
"Jane, Mr. Bingley has already received my permission to court you should you wish it."
"I wish it very much, Papa." Jane positively glowed as she smiled at Mr. Bingley who was grinning.
Mr. Bennet sat back and watched the scene unfold in from of him. It seemed that everything was finally straightening out. Now, if only he did not have to deal with the situation that was no doubt unfolding there, he thought.
"As much as I wish I could leave you to bask in this new development, we must announce this change of events to the group, as I am quite sure that Mrs. Bennet has made her thoughts quite clear."
The four looked at each other and silently agreed that it would be best to deal with this immediately.
"Of course, Mr. Bennet."
With that they all headed toward the drawing room from which they could hear Mrs. Bennet expressing herself rather loudly.
Mr. Bennet entered first followed by the rest.
"Mr. Bennet, you must not let Elizabeth break the engagement . . ."
"Mrs. Bennet, you will seat yourself and listen to what I have to say."
"But . . ."
"Now."
Mrs. Bennet took a seat a little shocked at the determined manner of her husband in this matter and remained silent.
"I have an announcement to make. The arrangement has been ended, however, I am pleased to say that Mr. Bingley has asked to court Jane and Mr. Darcy has asked to court Elizabeth. Both ladies have happily accepted.
Everyone expressed their joy for the two couples. While Caroline was more subdued than the rest, her expression of happiness for them was no less sincere. However, no one could outdo Mrs. Bennet in congratulations as she had gone from the earlier frantic hysteria to the now joyous hysteria.
Posted on Thursday, 26 October 2006
The next couple of weeks were wonderful for the new couples. Even Mrs. Bennet's tactics to leave them alone together and her obvious antics could be overlooked for the most part, because they were so happy to be able to have the chance to be together that had previously been impossible. It did not matter what activity they were involved in or where they went walking as long as they were together. They did not even mind when others joined them on their walks.
Darcy and Elizabeth spent as much time out of doors as possible. He always asked Elizabeth to play on the pianoforte whenever the opportunities presented itself.
Bingley and Jane also took the opportunity to be outside. They enjoyed conversing together whenever they could.
One particularly fine day, the two couples, they younger Miss Bennets, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Bingley were all walking the area between Netherfield and Longbourn. The others who had come along left plenty of space between themselves and the couples, giving them as much time together as possible.
The Colonel found himself walking with the four ladies. He was beginning to wish that he had chosen to stay at Netherfield or go riding for the day. After all, there was only so much about the ladies fashion even he could stand to listen to. I almost prefer Miss Lydia's questioning about the army, he thought before he frowned, then again that might be just as bad or worse.
"Where is Mary," Kitty asked looking around when she had not heard a response from her sister.
Everyone in their small group began to look around and when they did not see her, began to worry.
"Where could she have gone?" Lydia asked.
"She might have gone off into the forest a bit over there if there was something she wanted to look at," Kitty replied.
"I will go look for her," the Colonel offered.
"Thank you, sir. I will inform the others that she is missing in case she is not there."
The Colonel headed down toward the area Kitty had pointed out and went in search of Miss Mary.
"Elizabeth, Jane, we cannot find Mary!" Lydia shouted to her sisters who turned and started heading back immediately with their gentlemen.
When they reached the rest of the group, Elizabeth asked, "What happened?"
"We were all walking and talking and I looked up to find out where Mary was when she did not respond. Colonel Fitzwilliam went back that way to look for her." Kitty explained.
"Why do we not split up a little and call for her and look more around this area." Darcy suggested.
"That is a good idea," Bingley replied and with that everyone started calling and going off separately.
Darcy and Elizabeth went in the same direction as the Colonel had gone earlier. As they were passing a small opening in the foliage, they heard a splash quickly followed by another. Hurrying through they were met with a sight that started them both laughing quite hard for there were both Mary and the Colonel sitting soaked in the stream.
"What is so funny, Darcy? Can you not see that we are soaked from our slip into the stream? How can that make you both laugh so hard?" The Colonel was obviously annoyed which only made them laugh harder at the indignant Colonel sitting up in the middle of a stream.
Darcy and Elizabeth headed over to the stream and helped them out. Darcy went to the opening they came through to call out to the others that they had found Mary and the Colonel and immediately came back.
"Lizzy, I also cannot see how this is funny? I am soaked. How could you laugh so much?"
"Mary, do you recognize this spot?"
For a moment, there was no response until Mary's eyes widened in recognition and her lips twitched as she fought a failing battle to keep the smile off her face.
"Now I know why it is so funny." Laughter bubbled up even as Mary tried to suppress it and she began to laugh outright.
"Would someone please tell me what is so funny?" Colonel Fitzwilliam demanded.
"Simply that Miss Elizabeth and myself met in this very stream?"
"In the stream?"
"Yes. I was chasing my hat that the wind took and came upon the stream startling Miss Elizabeth and she slipped in. I went to help her and slipped myself."
"Oh really, all because of a run away hat?" The Colonel grinned cheekily.
"That is exactly what I said when it happened," Bingley called from the opening. "Although I would love to keep laughing about the coincidence, I think it best we get them back to Longbourn as that is nearer. It is getting colder out."
"You are quite right, come on, let us all go back to Longbourn."
Everyone headed to the opening, but Darcy stopped Elizabeth before they joined the others.
"Well, Miss Elizabeth, this must be a Bennet family tradition?"
"On the contrary, it must be from your family Mr. Darcy. After all, Colonel Fitzwilliam is your cousin?"
Both laughed and continued through.
Once they reached Longbourn, Mrs. Bennet very determinedly told the Colonel he must stay as their guest as he was developing a cold. It was only a few sneezes in all actuality, but the Bennet matron would not be argued with. She was going to ask Kitty or Lydia to check on him while he stayed there, but Mr. Bennet had provided him with some dry clothes and offered the use of the carriage for all of them to return to Netherfield while they had the chance to escape. Grinning, they all thanked him, especially the Colonel.
The following weeks passed happily for the entire group.
Finally, Christmas arrived. The entire group had agreed to spend it at Netherfield. There Mrs. Bennet received the best gift she could receive for the holiday. She received the news that not one, not two, but three of her daughters would be married in the spring. Darcy and Bingley had both approached Mr. Bennet for permission at the same time. Not long after Colonel Fitzwilliam had asked Mary for her hand and she happily accepted. Mr. Bennet granted his permission to all three. They had all agreed to have their wedding at the same time and place. Mrs. Bennet was ecstatic, a triple wedding!
The Colonel had been asked about why he had asked a woman with only a thousand pound dowry to marry him when he was a younger son and should have looked to a more wealthy woman. He simply replied that he would be wealthy in love, happiness, respect and intelligence when he married Miss Mary Bennet. He also said that if she could accept him with his lack of financial prospects, then he could easily accept hers.
Posted on Thursday, 26 October 2006
On February 14, the much awaited and prepared for triple wedding took place. That day three very happy couples celebrated their new marriages. All three travelled to London that day as well. From there, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy travelled to Pemberley. Mr. and Mrs. Bingley would go to his new estate in Derbyshire near the Darcy's. Colonel and Mrs. Fitzwilliam, however, would find a small home near wherever he was assigned or if he was called to duty, then Mary had a choice of staying at Longbourn or with Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam who had happily offered for her to stay there should the need arise. They were very eager to spend time with their new daughter-in-law who their son could not say enough about.
While Mr. Bennet was happy for his daughters, he was saddened at the fact that his three most sensible daughters were leaving. However, he had hope that Kitty would become much like her elder sisters as she and Caroline had become quite good friends.
Mrs. Bennet ecstatically saw her daughters off to their married life. While she would not say so, she would miss having them around. She loved her daughters very much and wanted all the best for them.
Lydia and Kitty were very happy for their sisters. Yet, they could not help but be a little glad to have a little more attention to themselves instead of vying for it between four other sisters. They looked forward to the future cheerfully.
Surprisingly enough, Mr. Denny was courting Miss Georgiana Darcy. When he had approached Darcy and the Colonel, they were wary of a young militia officer wanting to court a young lady with a thirty thousand pound dowry. When they discovered, that he was actually the son of Knight who had become quite wealthy through trade and discovered that he was to inherit quite an income, they realized they need not worry so much. After learning more about him, they allowed him to court the delighted Georgiana.
Mr. Riverstone had begun courting Caroline and continued to hope for the ever brighter future for them both as Caroline continued to become the young woman she had once been through her continual efforts.
Lady Catherine never learned of her nephew's marriage until after it took place. Darcy and Elizabeth agreed to wait as long as possible before announcing the engagement to prevent her from learning of it through the paper or from friends who read it. Kitty's friend Mrs. Collins, formerly Miss King, had been instrumental in effecting that situation. She convinced her husband not to inform his patroness because she might feel it necessary to have him leave her service because it was his cousin that was engaged to her nephew. At the idea of that risk, Mr. Collins readily agreed to his wife's logic and remained silent. They did have to leave for a while after Lady Catherine first discovered the situation, but were able to return thanks to Miss Anne de Bourgh who informed her mother that she was very happy for the couple and that she had never wished to marry her cousin. Although, Lady Catherine was still incensed about her nephew's marriage, she did not wish to upset her daughter's delicate health. She recalled Mr. Collins and his wife as he was the only one who would truly listen to her complaints and understand her distress over what would befall her poor nephew and Pemberley.
All in all, the matrimonial agreement that Mr. Edward Bingley had hoped would help his son find happiness had instead brought happiness to many more. While it did not work out exactly as planned, its intended purpose was met and more. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and Colonel and Mrs. Fitzwilliam would later express to each other their thanks to a man who had focused on his children's happiness and inadvertently found it for all of them.
Author's Notes:
1: Miss King and her inheritance: Volume 2 Ch 4