Beginning, Section II
Jump to new as of November 30, 1999
Jump to new as of December 2, 1999
Jump to new as of December 4, 1999
Chapter XII
It was a whole week before Bingley did anything more than have his meals in his room. He would receive no-one.
'Still' thought Miss Bingley cheerfully, 'It's an ill wind that does nobody any good.' Darcy had noted his friend's change of mood with alarm, and that made him tolerate Caroline's presence. In fact, he was rather touched by her expressed concern for her brother, and this warming of feeling for her was just what Caroline was counting on.
In fact, it was two weeks further before Bingley would even face his friend, despite Darcy's daily inquiries.
Indeed, this meeting only happened because Caroline was out, and Darcy bullied the servants into admitting him to Bingley's room.
"Charles," said Darcy tentatively. "Something terrible has obviously happened. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Bingley faced his friend. He looked haggard and unkempt. He pulled a letter from his desk and shoved it a Darcy. "Read it! Read it, Darcy! Then put it in the fire, along with my hopes for happiness." He turned away, looking into the distance lifelessly.
Darcy read the letter. "Charles, there must be some mistake. Surely this cannot be?" He put the letter in his pocket absently.
Bingley turned on his friend almost bitterly, "Don't you think I haven't spent every waking hour trying to discern some other meaning. Her father will not give his permission for me to speak to her, and there's an end to it, to us! Curse!" He drew breath, as if willing himself to calm down. "Darcy, you asked if there is anything you can do."
"Anything, just ask it!"
"Well then, I want you to arrange the sale of Netherfield! I cannot go there to arrange it myself. If I were to see her again, knowing our love could never be, it would kill me."
Darcy looked stunned. He recollected himself and stood up. "It shall be as you wish. I shall go at once."
At Longbourn, the mood was scarcely less grave. Bingley had assured Jane that he would follow her to Longbourn almost immediately, and the passage of two weeks without any news may well have been ascribed to some unforeseen delay, but for a letter from Miss Bingley to 'Dearest Jane' telling of her brother's intention not to go to Longbourn but to stay in London, and of course expressing her eternal regard for her dear friend.
Jane was distraught, and Elizabeth livid. She had no doubt that Miss Bingley was behind this, but had no way of confronting her.
Elizabeth took more time in her long rambles through the countryside trying to think of some way of solving the conundrum.
It was on one of these rambles that she suddenly came across Mr. Darcy, direct from his meeting with Bingley that morning.
Darcy and Elizabeth looked at each other, at first with surprise, then with hope.
The one wanting her sister's happiness, the other the same for his friend. Yet the rules of polite society compelled them to talk trivialities on and on for what seemed to both of them to be an age.
At length Elizabeth asked. "Is Mr. Bingley not with you?"
Darcy saw his opening, "Well, Miss Bennet, he is unlikely to show his face where he has been told he is unwelcome."
"Unwelcome?" Expostulated Elizabeth. "How on earth could he come to such a conclusion?"
Darcy reached into his pocket and brought out Mr. Bennet's letter. He handed it to Elizabeth, merely saying, "I think this may explain my friend's absence."
Elizabeth quickly read the letter, and a deep furrow creased her brow. "I do not understand how my father could have written this. But I do now understand Mr. Bingley's absence." She looked at Darcy who had now dismounted from his horse. "Sir, I think that we should at once go to my father for an explanation. Whatever his objection is, surely can be cleared up, and it should be soon for my sister's sake."
"And for the sake of my friend." Added Darcy. "Well then, Miss Bennet. May I accompany you home?"
Elizabeth nodded her assent, and they headed down the lane toward Longbourn.
They did not say much to each other. Darcy because silence was in his nature; Elizabeth because of her puzzlement over her father's strange letter.
At length they came to a brook. It was too wide to jump, and the stepping stones were submerged.
Elizabeth hesitated not, but sat down on the bank and started to undo her shoes.
"What on earth are you doing, Miss Bennet?" Said Darcy, not a little alarmed.
"Well sir, I must cross this stream. If I get my shoes wet, then the leather will shrink, and they will be ruined. So I shall take them off, step across the stones, wait for my feet to dry and put my shoes back on."
"Miss Bennet, surely you are not going to walk about the countryside with your feet naked are you?"
"Mr. Darcy, I expect that as a gentleman, you will avert your eyes lest you should swoon with desire, and as there is nobody else to see, I do not see what damage will be done. I think that sometimes you are too concerned with the proprieties!" Replied Elizabeth with energy tinged with a little indignation.
"Well, in that case, Miss Bennet, I assure you that I shall not even attempt to avert my eyes." Said Darcy mischievously. "You surely cannot now accuse me of overzealous concern with propriety?" Elizabeth reddened and stood up to confront her tormentor. "Besides," Darcy continued. "Waiting for your feet to dry on the other side will waste time. Surely you wish to clear the matter of this letter up as quickly as possible?"
Elizabeth placed her hands on her hips. "Well sir, what exactly do you have in mind?"
"This!" Said Darcy.
Mounting his horse, he swung down and lifted a protesting Elizabeth on to his saddle.
"Mr. Darcy!" She said. "This is most improper! I have never been this close to a man in my life!"
"Apart from your father, I presume." He replied dryly. "But it is you, Miss Bennet, who not one minute ago mocked the proprieties in favour of practicality. We can ride across the stream, and neither of us will get our feet wet; or naked for that matter," he added with a sly grin. "And when we get to the other side, we won't have to wait for our feet to dry. Gee up!"
As the horse moved forward, the sudden movement made Elizabeth cling hard to Darcy. The smell of her perfume, the hair in his face and the feel of her cheek close to his, made for a pleasant sensation in the man. For her part, though she would never admit it, his warmth and strength along with the enforced closeness did not disturb her in the way her sense of decency told her it should. In fact, both of them were a little regretful when the horse reached the other side of the brook, and it was time to dismount.
At length they reached Longbourn, where as luck would have it, Mrs. Bennet was confined to her room with the usual attack of nerves. Darcy then asked to see Mr. Bennet in company with Elizabeth.
Mr. Bennet was astonished, not only by Mr. Darcy's visit, but also by the fact that his second daughter who always had expressed an aversion to the man seemed to be on exceedingly good terms with him.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit Mr. Darcy."
"Papa, may I answer for Mr. Darcy?"
Mr. Bennet assented with raised eyebrows.
"Mr. Darcy has a letter that you wrote to Mr. Bingley stating that you have an objection to him speaking to Jane. Apparently, Mr. Bingley is very upset, and would at least like you to make known your objection to him."
Mr. Bennet frowned. "May I see the letter?"
As he read it, he frowned even more. At length, he went to his desk, crossed out the an in the line I have an objection.... and replaced it with I have no objection... as he had originally written.
He handed it to Darcy saying. "There sir, I see that the original letter was somehow marred with a blot. However, you have seen me make the alteration, and my intention is clear is it not?"
"Indeed I have sir, and I am much obliged. Good day to you Mr. Bennet, and to you Miss Bennet."
With that, Darcy left, and the sound of horses hooves indicated that he was off somewhere in a hurry.
Mr. Bennet checked his daughter as she prepared to leave the library.
"Lizzy, I am most disappointed in you!"
Elizabeth turned to her father in puzzlement.
"When did you ever see me blot a letter like that, Lizzy? And for that matter, whenever did you see me seal a letter so ill that the seal was indecipherable?" Was her father's reproof.
Her father did not have to say any more. The suspicion that had been growing in her breast ever since Mr. Darcy had given her the letter, was now complete. 'Caroline Bingley!' She thought.
"Oh and Lizzy!"
"Yes Papa?"
"Pray remove those horse hairs from your petticoat before your mother sees them."
Elizabeth ran out of the room in embarrassment, to seek Jane to tell her the good news.
It was well after dark when a lone horseman knocked on the door of Bingley's house, demanding to see the man.
"Darcy! What on earth is the meaning of this? It must be close to midnight!" Said a sleepy, grumpy and rather the worse for wear, Charles Bingley.
Darcy handed him the amended letter. Bingley looked at it uncomprehendingly for several minutes.
Finally, in exasperation Darcy asked. "Well?"
Bingley still was half asleep, and just kept looking.
"Bingley, I saw Mr. Bennet amend that letter to say that he would allow you to speak to his daughter. Now do you understand?"
All of a sudden, comprehension lit the face of his friend. He called for his butler to order his carriage for the morning.
"But Sir, Miss Bingley needs it to go visiting. She wishes to see Mr. Darcy tomorrow." Said the butler.
"I can help you there, Bingley, I shall not be in tomorrow, and neither will Georgiana, so you can save your sister the trouble."
"Oh and Charles, I suggest that before you go to Hertfordshire that you dress properly, have a shave and...," wrinkling his nose, "...a bath. I shall take my leave."
Chapter XIII
The next morning Fitzwilliam and Georgiana Darcy sat down to breakfast together.
Darcy was telling his sister of the letter and his meeting with Mr. Bennet. Mindful of his promise to Bingley that neither he nor Georgiana would be 'at home' to Miss Bingley, he made sure that Georgiana was informed.
"So, brother dear. How soon do you suppose it will be before Mr. Bingley makes his proposal?"
Darcy pulled out his fob watch and looked at it. It showed ten o'clock. "Well, I should imagine that another hour or so should do it. I think Bingley would have left no later than five this morning. I would expect a post either tomorrow late, or the day after tomorrow."
They continued with their breakfast, looking up at the faint sound of pounding at the front door, followed by silence. Darcy returned his attention to the newspaper after observing briefly that Caroline must have lowered her standards sufficiently to have taken a hack chaise.
Two days later a letter from Hertfordshire greeted them at the breakfast table. Darcy teased his sister. "Perhaps I should take this to my study to read?"
Georgiana feigned disinterest, then pounced, grabbing the envelope and teased back. "Perhaps I should take this to my study!" She then opened the letter, even though it was addressed to her brother.
23rd May
Netherf(BLOT)Darcy! On receipt of this (BLOT) you may immediately send your (BLOT)tulations. Miss Bennet has accepted my (BLOT) of marriage, and we are now engaged to be (BLOT)ed. I have given her a (BLOT)ing, and we have set a date.
Yours &c
(BLOT)les Bingley
As she read this out, a familiar pounding was heard at the front door.
Darcy quickly addressed Greeley. "If that is Miss Bingley, we are at home. We will receive her in the drawing room."
"Very good sir." The man disappeared, and in a few moments led Miss Bingley to the drawing room.
"Ah, Mr. Darcy," she simpered, "I had thought that you had left town to scamper off like my foolish brother. Heaven knows what he is up to."
"Well Miss Bingley." Said Darcy. "I think we may be able to enlighten you." He drew Charles' letter out and read it aloud.
Georgiana was quietly glad that they had not received her in the dining room, as Miss Bingley's face would have turned the port into vinegar.
"Georgiana and I were about to send our congratulations to your brother. Georgiana has become quite friendly with both Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, so I imagine she will join you in passing on best wishes to the bride-to-be."
"Oh yes!" cooed Georgiana joining in on the game. "And do you not think, Miss Bingley, that one marriage leads to another? I do so like Miss Elizabeth Bennet." This was said with a significant look in her brother's direction. Darcy bore this with fortitude, but his sister detected traces of tears in his eyes as he desperately tried to suppress the urge to laugh at Miss Bingley's countenance. Georgiana quietly opined that perhaps all the milk in a two mile radius was now quietly curdling. "Would you like to join me in my room Miss Bingley? We could write to Jane together."
Miss Bingley's earlier cheerfulness had evaporated. She made her excuses and left immediately.
Georgiana remained for a few minutes after Miss Bingley's departure to see if her brother would cavil at her suggestion of a liaison between Miss Elizabeth Bennet and himself. However, as no objection seemed forthcoming, she announced her intention of calling on Mrs. Gardiner and then Lady Matlock to see if they had heard the news.
Now of course, there are those of you who might wonder why Georgiana would bother to pass on such news. After all, Madeleine Gardiner would hear it soon enough from Mrs. Bennet, and Lady Matlock hardly had an interest in it, one would have thought.
However, even though Georgiana was shy, it is not to be assumed that she was the least bit dim witted. In speaking to Lady Matlock of the Gardiners and the Bennet sisters, and telling that lady that Miss Elizabeth Bennet was apparently a good friend of her brother, she can hardly have been unaware that she would arouse a great deal of curiosity in the bosom of her noble Aunt.
It was therefore not long before Lady Matlock expressed a desire to be introduced to the Gardiners.
Naturally as a dutiful niece, Georgiana obliged her Aunt, and the introductions were made on one of Georgiana's frequent visits. It also happened that Lady Matlock and Mrs. Gardiner took an instant liking to each other, which of course meant that their husbands were also obliged to like each other, on pain of withdrawal of pudding privileges.
Thus over the next month or so when Georgiana announced to her brother that she was visiting Lady Matlock and Mrs. Gardiner, he was not really aware that the visits were simultaneous, nor that as a consequence of her friendship with Madeleine Gardiner, Lady Matlock was powerfully inclined to like Elizabeth Bennet. Of course, none of this was schemed up by Georgiana so that she would have a powerful ally in the execution of her plans for Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth. No, of course not. Foolish thought. Forget I even mentioned it.
In any case, Darcy himself was relieved that his sister was exerting herself socially, and with two excellent role models. He had lately become concerned that her interests had strayed from those considered proper for young ladies. Why just the other day, he had noticed her reading a copy of Macchiavelli's "The Prince."
Chapter XIV
Elizabeth and Jane arrived late in the afternoon at Gracechurch Street. Their purpose in London was to purchase the necessary materials for Jane's wedding. They were fortunately not accompanied by their mother, as Mr. Bennet had suddenly become ill.
Jane almost canceled the trip, but Elizabeth, suspecting that her father's illness had more to do with keeping Mrs. Bennet from interfering with the shopping rather than anything else, persuaded her sister to come nonetheless.
As they were entering the house, Georgiana and Lady Matlock also arrived, quite fortuitously as it happened.
"Elizabeth! Jane! Georgiana!" were the various cries.
"I do so want both of you to meet my Aunt, Lady Matlock!" Said Georgiana.
The introductions were made and the ladies went inside. As Georgiana noted with satisfaction, Lady Matlock approved heartily of both the Bennet sisters, and invited them and the Gardiners to a Soiree' at Matlock House two evenings hence.
Later that evening Georgiana approached her brother.
"Fitzwilliam, Lady Matlock has invited us to a soiree at her house on the day after tomorrow. I engaged for us both to go....."
Darcy rolled his eyes in mock horror. "A soiree'! Oh how fascinating!" He yawned in feigned boredom.
Georgiana put her hands on her hips. "Fitzwilliam! She is your favourite Aunt! However, if you would rather not go, that does not matter. I can go by myself, since it is a family function, and the only others there will be the Gardiners,...and Jane and Elizabeth Bennet."
This last information was delivered with studied unconcern, but Georgiana was gratified as her brother spoke up.
"Er, I would, of course be delighted to attend a soiree' with my favourite Aunt. I have no other engagements for that night."
"Well, brother dear, it is settled then."
With that, Georgiana turned away, so that her brother would not see the smug expression on her face.
'I really should take up fishing' she thought.
At Matlock House, the evening went exceptionally well.
Lady Matlock observed to her friend Madelaine Gardiner that her nephew seemed to be much brighter than usual, and casually inquired if she could account for it. Madelaine smiled, and said that if she were a man, and thus permitted to wager, then she would imagine Darcy making an offer of marriage within six months.
"Madelaine! What the men don't know won't hurt them! I wager one bolt of Brussels lace that he will make an offer in three months."
Madelaine looked around to see that they were not overheard. "Done! One bolt of Brussels lace!" The ladies shook hands.
As they settled in their carriage for the journey home, Georgiana said to her brother. "Well Fitzwilliam, that was an excellent evening, was it not?"
Her brother wore a smile of almost contentment. "Aah yes, indeed!"
"And you enjoyed Miss Bennet's company did you not?"
Fitzwilliam stiffened, suddenly discerning his sister's intent. "As I enjoy your company, or that of my Aunt and Uncle."
A year previously, that would have been warning enough for Georgiana to desist. However, under the influence of Elizabeth, Georgiana had already learned that her brother had hitherto undreamed of reserves of tolerance. She therefore pressed on.
"So you like her as much as your family do you?" She said sweetly.
Darcy saw little traps opening up before him everywhere, and eyed his sister warily, trying to decide on the best means of diverting her. After a little consideration, he thought the direct approach to be the best.
"Georgiana, I know exactly what you are getting at. You want me to marry Miss Bennet do you not?"
Georgiana looked at him for an instant. "Fitzwilliam, all I know is that I like her very much, and want to see more of her. I also know that when you are in her presence, you are transformed. You are happy, and so is she. Can you not see that? Is it so hard for you to consult your own feelings on this?"
"Georgiana, there are more than my own feelings to consult. There is such a gulf between Miss Bennet and myself. How would our family react. Surely you can see that the family would regard such a marriage as a disgrace?"
Georgiana smiled at her brother, as a cat smiles at a mouse in her power.
"Now let me see! Cousin Richard Fitzwilliam approves of her, Lord Matlock approves of her, Lady Matlock approves of her, I approve of her, of cousin Anne I cannot speak. That leaves only Aunt Catherine to disapprove, or perhaps our Uncle the judge. All this hardly adds up to familial disapproval, dear brother! I beg you please try to think up some better excuse. You will need far better reasons when Lady Matlock presses this particular point."
At this Georgiana pretended to look out the window of the coach, leaving a rather disconcerted elder brother to cogitate.
Chapter XV
Darcy retired that night in a very thoughtful mood indeed. His sister had spoken to him as she had never before, and he turned her advice over and over in his head.
She was right. The Darcy and Fitzwilliam families would, with few exceptions welcome Elizabeth. Indeed, the difficulties that Darcy had put in front of such a union, were now patently frivolous. Even the differences in their fortune that once he saw as a barrier, could not be seen that way any more. He had so much money that any fortune that a wife might bring by way of a dowry could make no material difference to his own circumstances. In fact the difference in their circumstances might be some inducement to her acceptance of him. 'Some small inducement' he thought wryly.
So what where his thoughts of Miss Elizabeth Bennet? What of the things that really were important?
He reflected on his feelings when they were together. He now felt at ease and relaxed in her presence. He admired her mind and understanding. The revelation over the past few months of her many interests outside of those expected of merely elegant ladies had truly captivated him. There was no doubt in his mind that she would make an excellent wife. Just as she was an excellent friend.
Yet what of his feelings? He liked her, he admired her, but did he love her?
Darcy also had to wrestle with other feelings, like the one that had consumed him when he had carried her over the stream seated so close to him on his horse. Yet should he ask her to marry him because of the advice of St. Paul? Should he ask Elizabeth to marry him merely because she was a good friend who he lusted after? She clearly wanted to marry for love. Did he love her?
Darcy sighed. He could not answer that one question. The only logical thing to do was continue as they were, despite the pressure that would now come from his own family. With that decision made, he fell asleep.
The next day, Darcy announced his intention to visit his friend at Netherfield. He did not gull his sister who recognised it for the cowardice that it was. Thus separated from Elizabeth and from his own family, he would escape the need to make any decisions or face serious questioning.
As the countryside rolled past, Darcy managed to snatch a few moments' rest here and there. Now and then he would rouse himself and observe the Summer's activities. As they reached the outskirts of the village nearest to Meryton he observed something that made him stop the coach and alight.
A man in his thirties, thickset from indulgence had tied a young filly to a tree, and was thrashing at her with his riding crop. The horse, in trying to back away, had unfortunately twisted herself so that her bridle now restrained her head against the tree, and the man was whipping at her head unmercifully, screaming abuse.
"What on earth are you doing?" Shouted Darcy.
The man ceased his belabouring of the frightened horse, and faced Darcy. "And who the hell are you?" He snarled.
"My name is Fitzwilliam Darcy, and I am inquiring as to your reason for maltreating that animal." Darcy replied evenly.
"Maltreating this !@##@! Animal! Damn your impertinence, I've a good mind to..." with that he raised his riding crop and advanced on Darcy. This was a move that lasted only a very short while, as Darcy's coachman chose that moment to stand up in his place brandishing the coaching whip, and the footman dismounted with an ugly looking staff, and an even uglier look on his face to stand behind his master.
"Now," said Darcy, "Perhaps you might like to answer my question."
"And what if I don't? I suppose you'll set your thugs on me?"
Darcy sighed, "Of course not. I am a gentleman. However, as a considerate employer, I shall merely retire to my coach and allow my servants here a few free minutes of time to relieve themselves. Whether or not they wish to avail themselves of the opportunity to ask you for an explanation of your behaviour and your labeling them 'thugs', I cannot tell." Darcy moved back as if to enter his carriage.
"Wait!" came the somewhat nervous cry, as two unpleasantly angry-looking servants regarded him.
"The horse deserved a thrashing, I only bought her two days ago for eight guineas, and now she's gone lame."
Darcy looked at the man incredulously, "And you think beating her will cure the problem?"
The man was defiant. "She's mine to do with as I like, and I shall! You can't stay here all day."
"What is your name?" Asked Darcy.
The man at first looked as if he would not answer, but seeing the footman handling his club, he decided that discretion was the better part of valour and answered. "Mr. Brian Wilson to you!"
"Well Wilson, I'll make you an offer of eight guineas for the horse. You won't get even one guinea for a lame horse, so it's a fair bargain. Oh, but if you hit that horse again, the offer reduces by one guinea per stroke. So what's it to be? And please be mindful that my men are very sensitive, and may need satisfaction for your calling them thugs."
On cue both the coachman and the footman turned their attention again to Mr. Wilson.
"Very well, the @#$#!% useless thing is yours. Where's my money?"
Darcy went back to the coach and opened a small money bag. He counted out eight golden guineas and tossed them on the ground next to Mr. Wilson, who snatched them up, and without looking back, headed toward the village.
The three men then approached the distressed filly, and took some time to calm her down and loosen her from the tree. It was soon discovered that the reason for her 'lameness' was a very long nail in her hoof. The coachman opined that she would probably be all right with proper attention, and so Darcy ordered the footman to stay with the horse. With that he boarded the coach, and ordered the driver on to Netherfield to send a groom back to fetch the horse.
As the coach picked up speed, Darcy wondered why the coachman was so close to the verge of the road. It suddenly became apparent as Darcy caught sight of the corpulent Mr. Wilson take a leap into the bramble bushes to avoid being run over. As much as he tried, he somehow could not feel sorry for the man.
Chapter XVI
Darcy and Bingley were relaxing with a glass of port after dinner at Netherfield on the day of Darcy's arrival in Hertfordshire.
They were both in good spirits. Charles as a result of Darcy's information about the good progress of Jane and Elizabeth's shopping trip and hence Jane's imminent return to Hertfordshire. Darcy's good mood was a result of finding from Bingley's farrier, that the filly that he had bought on the way from the man who had been maltreating her was only suffering a temporary lameness. Naturally, the excellent port had nothing to do with their good humour, both Darcy and Bingley would have been mortified at being described as "happy drunks".
"Well Charles, tell me the news from Hertfordshire!"
"Actually Darcy, I do have some good news. A friend of mine from the North has settled not twenty miles from here. His father and mine were in tra...." His voice petered out as he realised his blunder.
"In trade you mean, Charles?" Said Darcy imperiously.
"Yes, but I don't think it signifies. He is a good friend! As was his father to mine! Does it really matter to you Darcy?"
"Well, as far as I can see, the nobility of this kingdom at some stage or other, gained their lands and money from one of two sources; either trade, or theft. It seems only to remain to be decided how far back either of those two circumstances occurred. I should hardly condone theft, so trade it must be." This was done with a pompous tone, but with such a smile on his face that Bingley had to smile as well.
"I am glad to hear you say that Darcy, because I have invited him to visit tomorrow."
The next morning Bingley and Darcy were out inspecting Darcy's new horse when the expected visitor arrived.
Bingley made the necessary introduction of Mr George Keith, and Darcy found himself in the smiling regard of a man of his own height and age.
Mr Keith had been in the district only a month or so, since the purchase of the estate of "Fairfield" and had spent much of the time in setting up his household.
"Is the rest of your family here?" Asked Darcy.
"My mother is in the North, and I have no other close family. However, Charles tells me that his fiancée has some unmarried sisters. If one of them has made Charles so happy, perhaps I should make their acquaintance."
Charles sent a sly look at Darcy that was not lost on Mr Keith.
"Mr Darcy, I hope I have not offended. You are not attached to one of these ladies are you?" He said with some concern.
"No, I am not, although I am good friends with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, the next youngest sister. However, I have not made any engagement, nor have I determined to. Yet, she is an exceptional woman." Darcy paused. The thought that there might be someone else for Elizabeth Bennet had not crossed his mind till this moment, and his feelings had a somewhat curious turn.
"In any case, their mother will, no doubt receive you warmly. She sees it as her duty to find suitable husbands for her daughters."
Mr Keith smile wryly. "Ah yes! I have spent the last four weeks avoiding such mamas in the neighbourhood of Fairfield. I had hoped that the size of my estate would not be known this far away, and I could pass unnoticed by society."
"Well, I am afraid that you have not come far enough." Said Bingley. "Mrs. Bennet has subjected me to the inquisition, and I am afraid that I did let slip that you were a gentleman of some means. And of course since she knows, the whole neighborhood knows. She is a sort of substitute for a local newspaper."
Darcy smiled at the look of alarm that crossed Mr Keith's face. "So, Mr Keith! Since you are the property of one of the unmarried daughters of the district now, you had best choose well!" At length he took pity and continued, "Actually, it is not that bad. I seem to have escaped the shackles of matrimony, so you may escape yet."
"But Darcy, that is only because Mrs. Bennet detests you and will not speak with you!" Cried Bingley.
"That my dear Charles is another blessing." Said Darcy with a laugh. "I think we should change the subject. If there were any ladies present, they would think that all that men do when they are on their own is gossip! What do you think of my new horse Mr Keith?"
Mr Keith ran his eye over the horse. "She is beautiful, and seems sweet natured. You would have to pay ten to twelve guineas for her up North." He suddenly saw the scars on her head from the beating administered by the previous owner and frowned questioningly at Darcy. Darcy related the circumstances of his acquiring her and his confrontation with Mr Wilson.
At the name Wilson, Mr Keith started and frowned. "Not a Brian Wilson, a slightly thick set man of our age?" he said sharply.
"Why yes," said Darcy. "Do you know him?"
"If it is the man I think it is, yes I do! He is an attorney who behaved infamously toward a friend of my late father, and enriched himself unjustly. My father unmasked him and recovered most of his friend's money. Mr Wilson found it necessary to depart. However, it seems that he is now in this district. At least this horse will not be exposed to his cruelty further."
A silence descended upon them, broken only when a message from the house told that the meal was ready.
Later that night, Darcy thought of the day's events, and especially of Mr Keith. He felt a little strange, but he could only reflect to himself what he had told the man earlier. Even though he liked Elizabeth, he could not say that he loved her. Mr Keith seemed a very pleasant fellow, with a substantial fortune, and had shown some interest at the mention of Elizabeth. Perhaps, as a friend, he could help her there.
He took up pen and paper to write to his sister.
In London a couple of days later, Georgiana Darcy read her brother's note with knitted brow.
She did not agree at all with her brother's assessment of Mr Keith. He seemed to her to be a person of no consequence, and definitely not good enough for Miss Elizabeth Bennet. A deep dislike of Mr Keith was forming in the bosom of Miss Darcy.
Suddenly a smirk crept over her face. 'Caroline!' She thought. 'I wonder if orange is a colour that Mr Keith appreciates. Perhaps if Miss Bingley were to attach herself to this upstart, and detach herself from my brother, then I would be killing two birds with one stone, or perhaps a few more for Caroline's hats.'
The next morning she called on Caroline who had on a beautiful orange gown with adorable orange slippers and a delightful orange bonnet.
Caroline greeted her rather sourly, given that her plans for Darcy had been thwarted for the last few weeks.
"Georgiana, I should like to help, but my brother has said that I cannot possibly visit for several weeks yet."
"Why ever not Miss Bingley?" Cried Georgiana, not expecting resistance from this quarter.
"Well, I told him, rather unwisely as it turned out, that I had engagements in town, so he has forbidden me to break those engagements to come to Netherfield."
"Well," smiled Georgiana "If I were one of those engagements, then it would not matter whether the engagement occurred in London or Netherfield now would it? You could call at Netherfield if I were accompanying you, could you not?"
"We leave tomorrow Georgiana dearest!" Said Miss Bingley, beaming.
Georgiana almost gagged with disgust, but she kept a smile on her face as she left.
As she rode home in her carriage, she thought 'Yes! Miss Bingley will do well enough for this Mr Keith!'
Perhaps Miss Darcy should have noted the old adage. When you sup with the Devil, be sure to use a long spoon!
Chapter XVII
True to her word, Caroline Bingley arrived early at the Darcys' townhouse.
Equally true to hers, Georgiana was ready to go, however it should be said that she was not exactly eager at the prospect of spending some hours in a coach with Miss Bingley.
"Good morning Miss Bingley, you are looking well. Your outfit today is very well coordinated." Was the best that Miss Darcy's diplomacy could muster.
The journey proceeded as expected, but within the hour, Miss Darcy was on the point of dying of tedium. However, she was somewhat prepared.
"Miss Bingley, would you care for some refreshment? I have some fruit." Miss Darcy opened a package prepared by cook.
"Oh how delightful, Dearest Georgiana!" Gushed Miss Bingley. "Oranges!"
A party of shooters consisting of Messrs Bennet, Bingley, Darcy and Keith wended its way back to Netherfield. They were all in high spirits, no doubt due to the heavy bags of game being borne by the servants.
"...Anyway, then, as the Actress said to the Bishop, you can put that thing...." Darcy's voice trailed off.
Bingley looked at him in surprise. "Is anything the matter?"
"Charles!" He groaned. "look over there!" He pointed to the house.
Three heads that hitherto had been attending to a piece of drollery about, er well never mind, swiveled to see a coach that had just drawn up, and two figures in front of it. One of those figures was in a colour that one hundred and seventy years later would be described as "Safety Orange".
"Caroline!" Groaned four voices in unison.
Darcy looked at Mr. Keith in astonishment. "Do you know the lady?"
"Indeed I do Mr. Darcy, since our fathers were friends. I have had a considerable exposure."
Bingley piped in, "Yes Darcy! Mr. Keith here was an object for Caroline before she met you!" This was accompanied with an evil grin.
"Ah!" Said Mr. Keith. "In that case, I shall have to express my outrage at her inconstancy. Silently, of course! That should leave the field open to you, eh Darcy?"
"But that is exactly what I had planned!" Expostulated Darcy.
Mr. Keith pressed home his advantage, addressing Mr. Bennet who was by now thoroughly enjoying himself. "Mr. Bennet, you have another daughter, I believe. Would you mind terribly if I express an interest in her in Miss Bingley's presence?"
"Oh by all means. I have several daughters, all silly, although I must admit Lizzy to be a little better than the rest. You can address them all! But I warn that if you trifle with Lizzy without her consent, it could be the worse for you! And you Darcy, do you wish to seek refuge behind the skirts of one or more of my daughters?"
"Mr. Bennet, your daughters have never looked more enticing than at this moment." Said Darcy with mock gallantry.
"I can assure you that Mrs. Bennet would be in raptures to hear you say it!"
With that they all laughed, and headed toward the orange glow in the west.
Chapter XVIII
The gentlemen approached the ladies and made their bows.
Mr. Keith noted that Miss Darcy was rather handsome in a stern sort of way, however since his primary motive was to ward off any attentions that Miss Bingley might have toward him, he addressed himself to Her Orangeness.
"Miss Bingley. How good it is to see you. I trust that you are well?"
Mr. Keith noted that Miss Darcy's countenance softened a little on seeing him attend to Miss Bingley.
"Why very well sir," she gushed, " but the journey was so tedious. Except for dear Georgiana of course. And how has your stay in the countryside been? Have you found any of the local ladies to your liking?"
"Well, Miss Bingley. Your brother has found a treasure, or so he says any way. On his recommendation I am eager to meet her."
"Oh yes, Jane. Such a dear sweet girl! And she has a sister too, I'm sure you would just adore her."
Mr. Keith noticed that Miss Darcy up to this point was almost smiling, but on the last sentence, the smile turned just a little thin. Mr. Keith was neither slow on the uptake, nor one to pass up such an opportunity. "Well Miss Bingley, I hope you will introduce us as soon as she returns to Hertfordshire." The man was gratified to see that Miss Bingley was now not interested in himself.
Georgiana was barely containing her annoyance. This was not turning out as she had expected. This man was to form an attachment to Caroline to leave the way clear for her brother to woo Elizabeth, and now it seemed that Caroline was helping this upstart to cut her brother out. This was not to be borne!
Georgiana was brought out of her reverie by her brother addressing her. "Georgiana, are you all right? For a moment there, your expression looked exactly like Aunt Catherine's when she doesn't get her way. Have we upset you at all?"
Georgiana bit her tongue and made some polite reply, but she could not help but notice from the corner of her eye, that Mr. Keith appeared to be laughing at her. 'Insufferable man!'
On the other hand, Miss Bingley was more than satisfied with the proceedings so far. It looked as though that troublesome Miss Elizabeth Bennet might now be out of the way, by courtesy of Mr. Keith. Perhaps there was some chance of her becoming Mistress of Pemberley after all. 'Caroline Darcy! How well that sounds!'
Thus were the two ladies lost in their thoughts.
Charles, the obliging host invited the party inside. Mr. Bennet begged off claiming a slight indigestion, and withdrew.
The two ladies then went in. Caroline playing the hostess, cast a smug look at Darcy which increased Georgiana's bad mood immensely. But worse was to come, for if Mr. Keith had a fault, he was to display it now. As the two ladies proceeded into the house, he hummed a tune under his breath, but at a volume just loud enough for Georgiana to hear. It was an old nursery rhyme "Oranges and Lemons/Say the Bells of St Clemens." Those of you who have been following the story thus far cannot be mistaken as to his meaning, and Georgiana certainly was likewise not mistaken. Suffice it to say she was not pleased at being compared with that particular citrus, and the look she directed at Mr. Keith would have felled an ox.
Chapter XIX
Georgiana Darcy had just finished dressing, and was taking a few moments to reflect on the events of the past few weeks. All in all, it had turned out to be a disaster. Her plans for matching her brother with Miss Bennet were being spoiled at every turn. Her intention of diverting Mr. Keith from Elizabeth using Caroline and diverting Caroline from her brother using Mr. Keith seemed to be working in reverse! Added to that, her meeting with the rest of the Bennet family had not gone well. Mr. Bennet was tolerable, but Mrs. Bennet was so plainly rude to her brother. Yet there was something else, that had disturbed her more than anything. Apparently, the family was acquainted with Mr. Wickham, and though she was sure that no one in the neighbourhood knew of her own involvement with the man, it was a matter of great disturbance to her at every mention of his name.
Thinking of all this depressed her beyond belief. The only bright spots on the horizon were the arrival today of Elizabeth and Jane from London, and the fact that the odious Mr. Keith had left a week ago for his estate twenty miles away. This would leave the way open for her brother to renew his friendship with Miss Bennett. Indeed, there was to be a ball at the Meryton Assembly Hall four days hence, so surely her brother would dance a few with Elizabeth.
She made her way down to the breakfast room with these thoughts in her mind.
When she got there, she was met with the beaming faces of Caroline and Charles.
"Miss Darcy," began Caroline, "You will never guess the news! I was so fearing that there would be a shortage of gentlemen at the Ball four days hence, that I prevailed upon dear Charles to write to Mr. Keith inviting him to stay with us. He has accepted our invitation, and arrives today. I know he is anxious to meet Miss Bennet. Is that not wonderful news dearest Georgiana?"
Georgiana replied as politeness dictated, but her expression of pleasure at the prospect of furthering her acquaintance with Mr. Keith, really did strain the bounds of honesty. She thus applied herself with an earnestness she did not feel, to the meal before her.
As if to underline her feelings, the butler announced the arrival of Mr. Keith, just as the maid brought in the tripe. Miss Darcy lost her appetite.
Meanwhile, at Longbourn, things were all a bustle.
Jane and Elizabeth had arrived and had been immediately pounced upon and peppered with all the latest gossip.
"Oh yes girls!" Said Mrs. Bennet. "There is a new gentleman in the neighbourhood. His name is Mr. Keith. He has six thousand a year, and is so handsome! Or so I am sure I would agree if I had seen him. And he is coming here today! What do you think of that? Also, my sister says that there is another gentleman, a Mr. Wilson, formerly an attorney like your uncle Phillips, who has made his fortune and settled here as well."
"And Lizzy, Lydia broke in over her mother, "I have been invited to go to Brighton with Colonel and Mrs. Foster, and Kitty hasn't." This last was followed by a scornful poke of her tongue at Kitty.
Kitty bore this with ill disguised annoyance, but added her own news of the ball in four days, noting that even if Lydia were a success at that assembly, it would do her no good, as she would depart for Brighton soon thereafter. The tongue signal was then returned to Lydia, with a 'nyah!"
Mr. Bennet folded his newspaper that he had just finished reading and addressed his two eldest daughters. "Welcome home to you both. As you see, nothing has changed!"
"What nonsense, Mr. Bennet!" Said his good wife. "Two eligible single men with fortunes coming into the neighbourhood is indeed a change. Whatever can you be thinking? In any case girls, Mr. Bingley and Mr. Keith will be here in two hours to visit"
Two hours later indeed, the parlour at Longbourn was full to overflowing, although not quite as overflowing as Mrs. Bennet.
"Mr. Bingley, how good of you to come, and Miss Bingley, you are very very welcome! Mr. Darcy, Miss Darcy." She then added curtly.
With certain degree of diplomacy, Mr. Bingley introduced Mr. Keith as an old friend.
The company sat down to a lively discourse on the news from London and locally. Mrs. Bennet, not entirely insensible to the gentlemen present and her own daughters, sat Mr. Keith next to Elizabeth and Caroline next to Mr. Darcy, an action that simultaneously raised her stature in Miss Bingley's eyes and lowered it in Miss Darcy's.
Elizabeth took stock of the man that her mother was now so obviously pairing her with. He was handsome, and with a pleasant manner that spoke of a man who did not take himself too seriously. He spoke well, but seemed to value her opinions as well. Elizabeth was well pleased. Georgiana was not!
After an hour or so, Mr. Bingley suggested a ride into Meryton since their carriages were ready.
Mrs. Bennet again showed what could only be described as low animal cunning.
"What a splendid idea Mr. Bingley!" She started. "I think I shall come too!" A number of faces dropped at the prospect.
"Mr. Keith," She continued. "Have you seen much of the countryside around here?"
"Why no Ma'am." He replied gravely.
"In that case, I suggest you go in one carriage with your friend Charles and Jane. Lizzy can go with you and point out the scenes of interest on the way to Meryton. Miss Bingley, Miss Darcy and Mr. Darcy can travel together with me, and I can point out the scenes of interest to them from the other carriage." Mrs. Bennet chortled in triumph.
"What a splendid idea Mrs. Bennet," Said Caroline with a smirk. "Let us go immediately."
As they clip clopped along the road to Meryton, Miss Bingley could not resist announcing to Mrs. Bennet what a charming couple Mr. Keith and Miss Eliza made.
This had Georgiana fuming again, and her brother a little confused over his feelings. He liked Mr. Keith, he saw it as a good match for his friend Elizabeth, but something bothered him, something said to him that he would not like to see her married so soon.
Chapter XX
The two carriages halted in front of Mrs. Bennet's favourite shop in Meryton, and that good lady headed for the door with scarcely a backward glance. However, a loud "Come on girls!" was enough to ensure that the Gentlemen were to grit their teeth, Caroline Bingley smirk, and Jane and Lizzy die of mortification.
It would not have been so bad, except that the minute they entered the shop, Miss Bingley proclaimed loudly "Oh dear Georgiana! Just look at all the trinkets", followed by a whinnying giggle at her cleverness.
This was too much for the gentlemen, and in any case we all know that gentlemen are not constitutionally suited for shopping. They thus made their excuses and headed for the footpath outside the shop to wait for the ladies. That is all except for Charles Bingley who announced his intention to go to the saddlery to seek out a new bridle for his horse. The other gentlemen waved him off, and watched as he disappeared round the corner.
Bingley walked on for five minutes or so around the back of the shops looking for the saddler, and so did not see the red liveried high-perch phaeton bearing down on him from the direction of the inn. This was rather unfortunate, since the 'gentleman' in charge of the phaeton, having dined well on the superb ale at the inn did not see him either, until too late. The carriage caught Bingley on the leg and spun him round onto the kerb where his head hit the granite sett.
The driver of the phaeton, stopped. He looked at Bingley's crumpled inert body, looked around to see if anyone had noticed, shrugged his shoulders and set the equipage in motion again, soon disappearing from sight.
Note at this point, both Leareth and Tanisha would have left us all hanging.........
Mr. Darcy and Mr. Keith were still waiting outside the shop when a rather ragged young urchin ran up to them with the news of Bingley's accident.
Darcy immediately headed off, and Mr. Keith waited only long enough to give the boy a few coppers and request the postillion on his coach to fetch the local physician immediately.
By the time the physician arrived, a small crowd had gathered around the still unconscious Bingley, drawn more by the shrieks of Mrs. Bennet and Miss Bingley than anything else. Jane, Elizabeth and Georgiana could only look at each other in numb horror.
The physician quickly determined that there were a few cracked ribs and a broken leg which he proceeded to splint. However, he looked grave at Bingley's continued unconsciousness, and ordered him to be taken to bed immediately.
It was not till later that day at Netherfield that Bingley awoke. He opened his eyes painfully and winced as his leg, now set, moved a little.
"Ouch! What happened? Where am I?" He said with difficulty. "Miss Bennet! Mr. Keith! Where have you come from?"
The others at the bedside looked at each other in puzzlement. Finally Darcy spoke up. "Mr. Keith was with us today. Do you not remember?"
Bingley frowned. "The last thing I remember is you coming to the door and telling me to have a shave and a, er ... never mind before I went to Hertfordshire."
Darcy started. "But that was in London, and several weeks ago!"
Bingley looked around frowning. "This is Netherfield! How did I get here? What is going on?" He started to become agitated, and looked quite disturbed. The physician shooed the others out of the room and quickly administered a draught of laudanum. Bingley lapsed back into slumber.
Several minutes later, the physician came out of the sick room and addressed those present. "Is there anyone here related to the patient."
"I am his sister, perhaps we should talk!" Said Miss Bingley.
The physician drew her aside, and said quietly. "I recommend that the patient not be moved. Apart from the broken bones, he will probably regain his memory a little better if stimulated by these country surrounds and his local friends. I understand he has just become engaged, but he does not seem to remember that, so I recommend that his fiancée should attend him to help jog his memory."
"He does not remember being engaged?" Said Miss Bingley contemplatively. "Oh how positively awful! Yes, I understand what is to be done. Thank you my good man."
With that the physician withdrew.
The others then drew round Miss Bingley anxiously waiting for news.
Miss Bingley put on a serious face and said, "The physician has recommended that Charles immediately remove to London. Apparently he does not remember anything of his activities here, and the doctor says he should be taken to where his last memory was so as not to be disturbed in his mind. He does not even recall being engaged." To this she added, addressing Jane, "Although I am sure that being a gentleman, he will not back out of the engagement, even though he remembers naught of it."
Jane had been growing whiter by the moment and looked almost as if she were to faint. Her voice, when she spoke was with a tremor and could hardly be heard. "He..he does not remember asking? No...I suppose he cannot remember, if his last memory is of leaving London." She appeared almost in tears. "Then I must release him from his engagement...if he has no knowledge..." At this she faltered and almost ran out the door with Elizabeth hard on her heels.
For a minute there was silence followed by a loud scream from Mrs. Bennet. "Jane! Jane! Whatever can you be thinking? Oh no, now my eldest daughter is a jilt!! Somebody get my Vinaigrette! How my nerves are a-flutter!!!"
As if the news could not get worse, a servant arrived from Longbourn with further bad tidings.
Chapter XXI
One of the menservants from Longbourn had arrived, wishing to pass a message to Mrs. Bennet.
"Well? What is it?" Asked Mrs. Bennet in a dither, as if the morning's happenings had not been too much for her already.
"Beg pardon Ma'am, but Mrs. Hill sends her compliments, and says that the Master has had a nasty turn and taken to his bed." The man had a wary look on his face that worried Elizabeth.
Mrs. Bennet wrung her hands, appearing not to know what to do until Elizabeth said, "Would one of you gentlemen allow us the use of your coach for the journey to Longbourn?"
Darcy opened his mouth as if to answer, but Caroline got in first. "By all means take our carriage. But make haste. If Mr. Bennet is ill, you should be with him, as I am with Charles."
As the Bennets left, Georgiana reflected uncharitably on how glad Caroline seemed to be at the removal of the Bennet sisters.
Caroline spoke up again. "I have organised for us all to remove to London tomorrow. Mr. Darcy, I shall need you in the carriage with Charles." Darcy bowed his head in agreement, and Caroline continued. "Mr. Keith, I hope I would not be imposing on you to take dear Georgiana in your carriage, as there will not be enough room in ours with Charles' leg having been set.
The next morning, the carriages set out for London. For Charles it was a shocking trip, for even the relatively good roads from Hertfordshire to London contained enough ruts and potholes to render the pain from Charles broken ribs excruciating, and he passed out with the pain several times. Naturally Caroline gave all the appearances of sisterly concern that she could in the presence of Mr. Darcy.
In the other carriage, Georgiana was conversing with Mr. Keith. Her shyness made intercourse difficult, but her interest in her brother's affairs, and those of Miss Bennet goaded her on.
"How have you found Hertfordshire, Mr. Keith?"
'Excellent, Miss Darcy."
"And the Hertfordshire ladies, sir?"
They are indeed as delightful as their reputation has said they would be. Although the elder Miss Bennet's heart seems to be attached, so I should perhaps not venture there."
"Yes, I should imagine that as soon as Mr. Bingley recovers that he will journey back to Hertfordshire and renew his addresses." Georgiana reflected for a minute before continuing. "And Miss Elizabeth Bennet? What do you think of her, Mr. Keith?"
Mr. Keith regarded Miss Darcy seriously, but had she noticed, she would have seen the faintest twinkle in his eyes as he answered. "I believe that she would make an excellent wife. A man who could claim such a woman would be well off indeed. What is your opinion of her, Miss Darcy?"
For a minute, Georgiana was nettled by the question. Should she be honest about her friend and thereby encourage Mr. Keith? She thought for a while and answered. "Well, since she is my friend, I should be prejudiced in my answer, but I do think highly of her. In fact, I should like to see her marry my brother."
Mr. Keith raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "Well, given her many fine qualities, your brother had better offer for her soon, or others may outpace him."
"Are you considering it yourself?" Georgiana's reply, though civil, had a hostile edge to it.
Mr. Keith's lips curved in a slight smile. "Well, I had not actually. But now that you have mentioned it, I suppose that I should consider it. I am indeed most obliged to you Miss Darcy. After all, I do have a substantial estate, no attachment, and a gentleman in that condition should marry. And as you cannot fail to have noticed, Miss Bennet is very clever."
"Oh, and do you find 'clever' ladies to your liking Mr. Keith?" Said Miss Darcy in surprise.
"Very much, Miss Darcy." Mr. Keith regarded Georgiana intently for an instant, as if something had occurred to him, and then shook his head. "In fact, if it were not for your being little more than a child yourself, Miss Darcy, I should prefer you to Miss Bennet. However, as that is not the case...perhaps we should change the subject."
With that, the carriage ride continued on to London without touching on any further subject of consequence. However, Miss Darcy harboured no good feelings toward the man, no matter how rich or handsome he might be. After a certain age, there is a dignity that a lady wishes to maintain, and Mr. Keith had trespassed over the limits of that dignity.
The weeks passed, and while Charles was recovering slowly, it was not a happy time in London. While Caroline had no compunction in getting Charles into a carriage to get him to London, any suggestion that he should travel during his recuperation was bitterly opposed out of sisterly concern. At no time was that sisterly concern in more evidence than on the frequent visits of Mr. Darcy and his sister to see Charles. Indeed, Mr. Keith himself often made the journey himself to see his friend, although Caroline was glad that he stayed with the Darcys, as his encouragements to Charles to travel to Hertfordshire were not welcome. She was also glad that Mr. Keith and Miss Darcy seemed to argue with each other more often than not. She still harboured hopes of Charles marrying Miss Darcy.
Of the Bennets, little was heard. Since Mr. Bennet appeared to be recovering only slowly, all visits to London were out of the question, and even Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner could give little news.
At Longbourn, Mr. Bennet's condition had stabilised, but no one was prepared to say if he would recover or not.
"Well Jane," said Elizabeth. "Father is not getting any worse. Perhaps in a couple of months we will be able to visit the Gardiners, and you will be able to meet Mr. Bingley again. Perhaps Mr. Bingley will visit when he is recovered."
"Do you think he would want to see me?" Said Jane.
"Well, the letters from Georgiana are encouraging. She says that he mentions you often."
"But Lizzy, I...I don't think I could face another disappointment. So please do not try to get my hopes up."
"Jane! He loves you. He asked you to marry him."
"And then he forgot." With that Jane headed for the house, although she knew there would be no comfort there with her mother in hysterics at the slightest opportunity.
Later that day as they were sitting in the drawing room, there was a ring at the front door bell. Kitty looked out, but could only see the red liveried high perch phaeton that their visitor had arrived in parked in the yard.
Mrs. Hill opened the door to the drawing room and announced, "Mr. Wilson Ma'am."
Mr. Wilson entered the room and greeted Mrs. Bennet with his concerns about the health of Mr. Bennet, and offered to help in any way he could.
Notwithstanding the charity of his offer, Elizabeth could not help feeling a little uneasy about the looks that the gentleman cast over both Jane and herself.
Chapter XXII
Some months have passed since Charles' accident, and he is now almost recovered
It had just turned ten thirty in the morning at the Portman Square residence of the Darcys, and the first morning visitors were the Bingleys. They were all seated taking tea in the drawing room and making polite conversation, mostly about Charles' recovery from his accident.
They were interrupted by Greeley the butler announcing the arrival of Mr Keith.
Georgiana smarting from previous verbal sparring with that gentleman, spoke up immediately. " You may inform Mr Keith that I am not at home!"
Greeley coughed discreetly and addressed Darcy. "Mr Keith particularly asked after Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy."
"Then you had better show him in." Said Darcy.
Georgiana reddened a little at her faux pas, and suddenly engaged Miss Bingley in conversation.
Mr Keith strode in, the curly brim beaver in his hand indicating that the stay was to be of short duration.
"Miss Bingley, Miss Darcy, gentlemen!" He said hurriedly.
"I have some news that may be of interest to you...the gentlemen at least. You may be aware that a certain Mr Wilson has taken an unusual degree of interest in the affairs of the Bennets at Longbourn these last couple of months. My own housekeeper is related by marriage to Mrs Hill, the Bennet's housekeeper, and through her I have gained some knowledge that has alarmed me, and may be of interest to you as friends of the Misses Bennet."
While Darcy and Bingley had hitherto been attending with politeness, they now craned forward in their seats at the sound of the magic words 'Misses Bennet'.
Mr Keith continued. "Apparently, the man has been insinuating himself into Mrs Bennet's good graces, and taking advantage of Mr Bennet's illness to make himself indispensable to that lady. He apparently is looking after their affairs, and even has arranged for his own physician to attend Mr Bennet rather than the local man. However, I have had it from my housekeeper last night that he intends to marry either Miss Bennet or Miss Elizabeth, and has so charmed Mrs Bennet that she will insist on whosoever he chooses accepting him. And since Mr Bennet is in no state to refuse, there it must end. I believe that today is the day he intends to make his addresses to the fortunate lady."
Darcy and Bingley both stood up.
Bingley spoke first. "I shall go there straight away. With any luck I shall be there just after mid-day. Come Caroline!"
Caroline put on her most patronising smile. "My dear brother, what can ever be possessing you? I shall stay here to complete this social call with Miss Darcy and her brother. There is no reason at all for ignoring the social niceties."
Darcy spoke up. "Unfortunately, Miss Bingley, I too am off to Hertfordshire, you will excuse me while I change!"
This was followed by Bingley's "Caroline, I am leaving immediately. You may accompany me and I will take you home, or you may stay here and take a hack chaise at your leisure."
"A hack chaise? Never! The humiliation! I am coming with you now brother dear. I beg you good day dear Georgiana, Mr Keith, Mr Darcy." They then left to take their carriage.
Darcy was about to leave the room, when he turned to his sister with a stricken look. "Georgiana, I just remembered. I was to take you to the theatre tonight. You had bought a new gown just for the occasion. What must I do?"
"Please brother, do not wait on my account. Go if you must! I think your business in Hertfordshire much more important." Said Georgiana.
Mr Keith spoke up at this point: "May I suggest Darcy that I be allowed to escort Miss Darcy to the theatre. It will be no trouble as we will not have to converse at all during the play, and in the intervals she may well meet some of her school friends, or some other girls of her acquaintance. She will be no trouble at all."
This speech found favour with Darcy who bounded out of the room saying, "Yes! Yes! Capital!"
Miss Darcy on the other hand, feeling all the dignity of her sixteen years, harboured no warm feelings for the man who had thus dismissed her as a 'girl'. However, in consideration of her brother's mission, she held her tongue and acquiesced.
Mr Keith then exited with a bow, and the words, "Till tonight then Miss Darcy, and I shall get you home early so that Nurse will not report you to your brother!" Then with an impish grin that showed he knew full well how insufferable he was, he was gone.
Miss Darcy sat rigidly for about half a minute holding her breath, before expelling it in one venomous syllable: "MEN!!"
After full two further minutes of brooding, her brow cleared, and an evil smile crossed her face. She pulled on the bell pull, and when Greeley entered, ordered a carriage, and a maid to bring down the box with the theatre gown for later that night, and within half an hour, the dress, the maid, and a mischievous expression headed for the address of the modiste who had made the gown.
Madame DeLoitte, if she was a little concerned at Miss Darcy's arrival and stated intention of having the gown altered, did not show it and offered her tea and cake. However, Georgiana came straight to the point. "Madam DeLoitte, I wonder if you might alter this gown in the bustline, to something a little lower in the neck. In fact, I wish it to be as low cut as is possible without making it vulgar."
"But Miss Darcy, you said that your brother was to accompany you. Do you think he would approve?"
"Well Madame, I doubt that he would, but he will not be escorting me tonight, I have another partner."
Madame DeLoitte positively beamed with understanding. "Ah! Miss Darcy, you wish to make an impression! I shall alter the dress so that with it, and with your figure, the man will suffer torments."
"That is precisely what I have in mind Madame. I don't want to have my escort thinking of me as a school girl."
"Not after tonight Miss Darcy, and never again, I assure you. Now let us get started! By the way, where is your brother?"
"I imagine he must be well on his way to Hertfordshire by now," said Miss Darcy.
Darcy was now through the last turnpike on the way to Meryton and making good speed. He looked over his shoulder and grinned as he saw Bingley's vehicle bearing down. The man was driving like the devil. Darcy was happy at this sign of his friend's full recovery. Well, almost recovery, he thought, since Bingley still could not remember everything that had happened since he had left London to propose to Miss Bennet.
In twenty minutes they were past Meryton and almost at Longbourn. Bingley had caught up and was now following Darcy's curricle.
Soon enough, they came into the drive at Longbourn and dismounted.
Darcy merely tipped his hat to Bingley and headed for the door. Bingley started off after him, but came to a sudden halt. For on the other side of the drive was a red-liveried high-perch phaeton with its pair of horses in front.
Bingley looked hard, then harder as suddenly the memories crowded back on him. All of a sudden he recognised the phaeton as the one that had run him down, and just as quickly he remembered something else.
"Jane! Jane and I were engaged. I remember now." He went up to the phaeton, removed something and put it in the pocket of his cloak, then headed for the front door.
Part XXIII
Darcy raced through the door at Longbourn and was met by Hill the housekeeper.
"Where is Miss Elizabeth?" He demanded tersely.
"Up...Upstairs in her room. Mr. Wilson is with her. Shall I announce you to the Mistress......" She trailed off as she saw him disappear up the stairs, taking two steps at a time. "No, I suppose I shan't." She murmured after him.
A minute later, Bingley arrived at the door and looked around.
"Up the stairs, and first door on the right I think you will find who you want sir." (Mrs. Hill was anything but slow witted).
Darcy paused at the top of the stairs unsure of the way to go until he heard a man's voice raised in anger, and that of a woman in indignant protest.
He headed for the door from which the commotion issued, and burst in. There was Mr. Wilson, with one hand on Elizabeth's throat, forcing her against the wall, the other raised as if to deliver a blow.
Wilson moved back in surprise at the interruption and glowered at Darcy. "What the hell do you think you are playing at by bursting in here uninvited?"
Darcy looked at Elizabeth and the reddening bruise where her assailant had held her throat. "Are you all right Miss Bennet?" He asked hoarsely.
She shook her head and started to speak. "Sir I..."
"Quiet woman, or it shall be the worse for you after I have dealt with this interfering ..." Wilson shouted at her.
He did not complete his sentence as Darcy's curricle whip cracked around his ears. Darcy moved to place himself between Elizabeth and Wilson.
"Now Mr. Wilson," said Darcy with a menacing calm. "Perhaps you might like to explain to me why I should not immediately fetch the local magistrate and have you imprisoned?"
Wilson curled his lips in contempt. "You forget Darcy, I am an attorney."
Darcy raised an eyebrow. "As I understand it, there are laws in this country against thugs assaulting women. I must admit that I was unaware that attorneys enjoyed immunity against prosecution for such crimes."
"Oh, we wish to get a little satirical do we Mr. Darcy? Well, for your information, there is no court in the land today that would convict a man of imposing a little discipline on his wife, and by the time this gets to court, Miss Elizabeth Bennet will be Mrs. Wilson and unable to testify against me." He let out a laugh. "You can't be here to protect her all the time, and for every time that you do interfere, I shall make sure she pays. Her mother is for this match, and sooner or later Miss Bennet will have to give way. So be off with you, Darcy!"
Darcy looked at Elizabeth who was white; whether with fear or anger, he knew not. With difficulty, Darcy reined in his anger, and with a degree of calm that he did not feel, replied: "Your opinion of English courts is unfortunately justified. However, you have made one rather stupid error. For you see, if Miss Bennet accepts my offer of marriage, then she will of course be free to testify against you Wilson. Perhaps there is another thing that is a little unsatisfactory about our courts today, and that is the penalties for even the most trivial offences are extremely harsh. Stealing a loaf of bread would end you up being transported to the penal colony of New South Wales for seven years of hard labour, floggings, mouldy maggoty bread and filthy water. So what do you think would be the penalty for assault on a lady such as Mrs. Darcy?"
Darcy paused to let this sink into the mind of the man before him. He looked at Elizabeth who seemed to be regaining some of her colour, then back to Wilson.
"Of course," continued Darcy. "I am a merciful sort of person who would rather you just left and didn't come back, but.." He turned to Elizabeth and forced a wink at her. "...You see, I think I would be one of those husbands who is totally ruled by his wife, and of course, if the future Mrs. Darcy were to suggest that I should have you hauled before a court...well, I am so weak and spineless that I would just have to obey her, and see you flogged."
Wilson was now the one who was pale. "I did not mean to...I was only..."
Darcy interrupted with a mock apologetic tone that was belied by his gaze. "And of course, If the future Mrs. Darcy insisted, I should have no choice in the matter whatever but to see if my Uncle the Judge could use his influence to ensure that you never graced these shores again. Transportation for life, I believe they call it."
Wilson was by now trembling, "Pray excuse me sir, there has been some terrible mistake, if I had known that Miss Bennet was your fiancée', I never would have dreamed..."
Darcy cut him off brusquely. "Look, I suggest very strongly, that it is Miss Bennet's pardon you should seek. One word from her is all it would take to have you in jail for the rest of your life. One word, Wilson! Your whole miserable existence in this country hangs on the thread of this Lady's mercy!" Hissed Darcy.
Wilson dropped to his knees before Elizabeth and started to bleat something.
"I think it is time you left Mr. Wilson. I do not expect you to return." was all she could trust herself to say.
With that, Wilson got up and walked toward the door with as much dignity as he could muster.
"Pardon me, Miss Bennet." Said Darcy. With that, he cracked the curricle whip and Wilson scurried through the portal.
"I trust you are unharmed Miss Bennet?" Said Darcy.
"I am now, thank you very much sir. Although I hope, when Mr. Wilson realises that you have not really offered to marry me, that he will not return." Said Elizabeth.
"Well actually Miss Bennet, that is something that I wish to talk to you..." At this point he was interrupted by a clamour outside. Darcy opened the window, and there below was Mr. Wilson grown brave with the distance now between them, brandishing his fists and announcing his intention to seek revenge!
Darcy gritted his teeth. "Miss Bennet, would you please excuse me? My patience with that man is exhausted." He headed for the doorway.
"Indeed I shall not excuse you Sir." Said Elizabeth. Darcy stopped short in surprise, eyebrows raised.
"I would ask you to turn around for a short time sir and face away from the window." Darcy hesitated.
"If you please, Mr. Darcy!" Elizabeth insisted.
Darcy turned away from the window, but as he turned, he could see Miss Bennet in the bedside mirror. She reached under the bed, pulled out an obviously full chamber pot, then hurled the noisome contents out of the window, and replaced it under the bed.
"You may now turn round, sir!" This was delivered with a firmness that convinced Darcy that Elizabeth now had her good humour back.
He looked out of the window to see Wilson, gaping like a fish, with a dripping, malodorous hat, and overcoat.
Darcy was joined at the window by a now smiling Elizabeth, and found himself pleasantly aroused by her nearness.
He spoke up again. "Now I was going to talk about marriage..." Again he was interrupted. This time the window to Jane's bedroom opened, and a red faced Jane looked out. She appeared not to see Darcy and Elizabeth, but had her gaze fixed on Brian Wilson.
"Heavens!" Said Elizabeth with not a little alarm. "Jane looks extremely angry. I have never in my life seen her as furious as that." She instinctively held on to Darcy who, you may be shocked to learn, did not object to her touch one little bit.
Darcy knitted his brow. "I cannot imagine what has caused her ire. In fact, since Bingley was right behind me, I should have imagined that she would have been happy rather than upset. I wonder what Bingley told her that has upset her so?" Darcy unconsciously (believe that and you'll believe anything) pulled Elizabeth toward him.
Suddenly, as they watched, from Jane's window issued a delicately coloured stream of liquid that hit Mr. Wilson in the face and caused him to reel back choking. This was fortunate for him, as the chamber pot had followed its contents. It missed his head, but caught him a terrible blow on the chest, causing him to fall into the mud.
Wilson, scrambled to his feet and ran to the red liveried high perch phaeton. He sprang into the seat, grabbed the reins and taking out his whip lashed at the heads of his horses. They took off at a gallop.
Unfortunately someone had removed the lynch pin, which meant that the horses and reins moved off at speed but the carriage stayed where it was. Wilson had a long walk in front of him to catch the horses.
Suddenly Bingley's head appeared from Jane's window. "I suppose you'll be wanting this!" With that the missing lynch pin of Wilson's phaeton described an arc in the air, and landed 'plop' in front of him.
Jane's window closed.
"Really Elizabeth!" Said Darcy. " The man ought to check his horses and carriage before setting off, do you not agree? Now what were we discussing before we were so rudely interrupted? Ah yes, the question of marriage..."
Part XXIV
"Miss Bennet." Darcy started awkwardly. "Last April at Hunsford, I know we agreed to be friends, as indeed we have been. The thing is though, my feelings can no longer be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." He hesitated. "It is no longer possible for me to think of you as just a friend, I can only think of you as the woman I want to share my life with. Please Miss Bennet, would you do me the honour of consenting to be my wife?"
"Indeed I would Sir...mmKm;9mImmmmSm;9mmSmmmmmm;9!!!!" Was the only reply she managed to get out, as Darcy 'expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do.'
It was thus they were discovered only a few minutes later by Mrs. Bennet who had been waiting in her own dressing room, and indeed was quite unaware of the unlamented exit of Mr. Wilson.
As her eyes focussed on the osculating couple by the window, she let out a shriek. "Lizzy, how could you be so vulgar?" But that was nothing to the shriek she let out when she realised that it was not Mr. Wilson who was embracing her second daughter, but Mr. Darcy!!!!! "What are you doing with my Lizzy? What have you done with that nice Mr. Wilson? Oh my poor nerves!"
Mr. Darcy did not immediately cease his attentions to Elizabeth, but when he realised that Mrs. Bennet was not going to leave them in peace, reluctantly released Miss Bennet and faced the outraged Matron.
"What am I doing to your Lizzy, Ma'am?" He frowned as if thinking for a reply. "Why I am compromising her utterly, of course. Did you not observe what we were doing?" He made a mock - tragic sigh. "So it appears that we will have to marry, or her reputation will be ruined, and I would hate to think that anyone would level an accusation of ungentlemanlike behaviour at my head. No, there is nothing else for it, we shall have to marry!"
Lizzy pursed her lips, making ill work of suppressing a smile. "Well Mr. Darcy, I don't think I have been utterly compromised."
"Indeed!" Came the reply. "But that is merely because your mother interrupted me before I had achieved my aim. However, with your permission, I shall rectify that omission right this instant!"
"Certainly Mr. DarcmmSmmm ;9 mmNmmmmm ;9 mOmmmmm ;9 mGmmmmmmm ;9 m!mmmmmm ;)~~(;" Was all Elizabeth could manage.
This was a little problematic for Mrs. Bennet, for as mean of understanding as she was, she was not in general backward to credit what was for the advantage of her family, or that came in the shape of a lover to any of them. So for a while she just stood and fidgeted, until embarrassed by the sight in front of her that showed no signs of changing in the near future, she hurried toward the open door to Jane's room, only to be met by the sight of Bingley and Jane engaged in much the same activity as Darcy and Elizabeth (except a little more passionate, given Bingley's lightness of character and Jane's complaisance).
At this, she could only totter to her parlour muttering about the lapsed moral standards of the youth of today.
This ends the story of Just Good Friends, but I am sure that some of the loose ends need to be tied up, if only to satisfy our curiosity.
You may think that at this point, that everybody (except Wilson) is relatively happy.
Unfortunately this is not so. Because of Mr. Bennet's illness, it was not possible for our friends to marry for another two months. This caused unhappiness in a number of ways. First of all, the gentlemen wishing to be married were tormented by their hormones for that extra time, Lady Sophia lost her wager over the bolt of Brussels lace, and they all had an extra two months of Mrs. Bennet's pre-wedding meddling. Even more, it was found that the 'physician' that Mr. Wilson had foisted on Mr. Bennet, had deliberately adopted a treatment regime, more likely to prolong the illness and harm the patient than cure him. It did occur to Lady Sophia, Darcy and Bingley that this endangerment of Mr. Bennet's life may have been deliberate, in order to further Wilson's designs on Elizabeth.
However, the three of them decided that they would not be vengeful. No, not at all. They merely agreed to hire a team of investigators, attorneys and bailiffs, to be vengeful on their behalf. These people were charged with relieving Wilson of his ill-gotten gains, discovering the identities of those that he had cheated over the years, and returning their money, or as much as could be found. Wilson was left with only the clothes he stood in, and a one way ticket to the Penal Colony of New South Wales, by courtesy of Darcy's Uncle the Judge.
At dinner one night at Longbourn, given by Mr. and Mrs. Bennet to mark the year since their daughters' marriage, Darcy and Bingley happened to mention Wilson's downfall. This led Mr. Bennet, now fully recovered, to observe with satisfaction, that vengeance was a dish best served cold....unlike pudding, which as we all know should be served warm to steaming hot and is exceedingly enjoyable on a cold night. This last observation was greeted by a little confusion by his good wife who had noted the thickening waistlines of her married daughters and had been advising them that they had obviously been having too much of the spotted dick and muff' pudd' (which as all esteemed readers of earlier chapters of this story will remember are rather tasty English country puddings favoured by the Bingleys and Darcys - those of you who are imagining some coarse innuendo here, may wash your mouths out with 'Pears' soap).
Georgiana and Mr. Keith came to an understanding after their night at the theatre caused some difficulty with his hormones, and her to catch a cold in the chest. They did marry eventually, and had a loving relationship and four delightful children. He never again made the mistake of trying to patronise her, although he did find that oil of camphor, rubbed in gently (after they married, I hasten to add for the readers of tender years), to be an excellent prophylactic for chest colds. He also found out that Georgiana's second name was Olga, but that is of no consequence to us.
The End
What? You can't have run out!
What do you mean I took so long to finish this, you gave my dot to charity?
Ok! If I can't have a dot, how about a 'smiley'?
Yes! Yes! I know it's not the same and would look out of place, but....
No! No! I am not doing a 'drool' version! Look, all I want is a dot. *whimper*
Ok! Here is a compromise. If I commission DDT (Dawn, Danielle, Teg) do a drool version, can I have a dot?
Or a nicotine patch?
How about If I give Arcadia R a carton of Yves St Laurent fags, and she swaps me her dot in advance?
Oh! Now I'm in trouble for the use of the word fags am I? I meant cigarettes, I'm not sure that she would have any use for the other sort. but it wouldn't matter any way - cos she's joining the air force and will probably meet someone called Sean. (Hint: not pronounced Sean, but you might ask Spring if you need a clue)
Heck!
What a man's got to do to get a dot around here? May I have my dot now please?