“Of course, this explains everything,” she went on, picking at the lace of her sleeves to arrange the cuffs as she liked. “This misunderstanding with Eliza Bennet must have been some misapprehension due to his sudden ailment. A doctor must be called at once to ascertain that it is not serious and to testify that he had not his senses about him yesterday.” She finished and levelled a perfectly tranquil gaze at him as if daring him to believe her mistaken.
Bingley shook his head in astonishment. One moment she was as coarse and ill-bred as a sailor, abusing the staff and making both a nuisance and a spectacle of herself. The next, she was placid as any fine gentlewoman while at the same time asserting the most preposterous notions.
“Caroline—” he rubbed the bridge between his eyes—“for the last time, Mr Darcy has never shown the faintest interest in you. I am sorry to disappoint my own sister, but it is the truth. Do stop preoccupying yourself with the idea.”
Caroline huffed, tossing her head airily. “Mr Darcy thinks very highly of me! We have been on intimate terms for years, and I know he admires how I dote on dear Georgiana. The issue, Charles, is whetheryouwill be a kind friend to him. You cannot allow him to debase himself by an alliance with such a family! Why, it is simply not done! Their uncle is intrade, Charles. He would make himself the laughingstock of London!
“You yourself would be tainted by such an unfashionable connection, which our family can ill afford! You would simply have to give him up, Charles, and I know you would be loath to do so. This ‘engagement’ is a sham, Charles, a deplorable trickery wrought upon an estimable gentleman! Miss Elizabeth Bennet is a country chit, not worthy of a man of his standing! She must be made to know her place and to relinquish any claim upon him.”
“I cannot believe I have allowed this to go on.” He turned away, aggrieved. “Caroline, you have just proven to me in a few words why I have never cared for many of theton. If the profession of one’s uncle is a significant enough indictment against them to discredit such lovely girls as Miss ElizabethandMiss Jane Bennet, then you and I must have an entirely different way of looking at the world.
“Do you forget, Caroline, that our own fortune comes from the woollen mills? We are no further away from this disagreeable taint of trade than the Bennets, yet you act as if you are infinitely better than they! What basis do you have for this assumption of superiority? Furthermore, what does it matter? I have met many a person whose company I find delightful, regardless of their low station, and many more, I cannot abide who claim fashionable connections.”
Caroline made a crude noise and glowered in disgust. “I might have known you could not be made to see reason. You never did show discretion in your associations, Charles! I had hoped that Mr Darcy could have brought you to some sense, but I see now that it is you who have influenced him for the worse! If it were not for my good instincts and all the connections I have made, why, we would have no standing at all in society! You know that your poor taste will affect my chances!” Her voice rose to a spine-shivering screech.
He turned back to her, grinning recklessly. “I would not despair so, Caroline! Indeed, I am quite sure that Miss Bennet’s uncle in Cheapside will know of some charming young solicitors or office assistants with whom he would be glad to acquaint you—after I have offered for Miss Jane.”
Her mouth flew open in outrage, but for once, she was speechless. Bingley’s smile widened as he stepped back into the corridor, a merry whistle upon his lips. The door slammed violently behind him.
***
It was nearing midday when Bingley’s attention was again diverted so forcefully. He had been attempting to read one of the books Darcy had left in the drawing-room. TheJournalsof John Wesley. Try as he might, he could not retain more than a paragraph or two before he found his eyes skimming the page uncomprehendingly.
The wheels of a carriage grated roughly on the gravel outside, causing him to jump up in relief. Not one to stand on ceremony when it seemed unnecessary, he moved quickly to the foyer to greet his unexpected guest. Great was his surprise when he found Colonel Fitzwilliam himself stepping out of the carriage. The colonel reached back inside to hand down a timid Georgiana Darcy, followed by her silent maid.
“Colonel! I daresay I am glad you are come, but I did not expect you so soon!”
The colonel turned his smiling face away from the young lady to greet his host. “Bingley!” he returned jovially, “It is good to see you again. Your note was most… intriguing.” He flashed a roguish grin.
Bingley bowed to Miss Darcy, then offered her his arm. “You are looking well, Miss Georgiana,” he welcomed her gently. “You must be tired from your journey. Would you like to take a rest?”
She thanked him bashfully but replied, “I am not tired, but I would like to see Fitzwilliam.”
“Yes, where is the old man?” the colonel rejoined. “Off calling on this mysterious Miss Bennet? I confess, Bingley, when I got your note, I was completely stunned. Fancy Darcy finally succumbing, and to a country girl! He has always been an impenetrable fortress. She must indeed be something charming to turn his head. I had to meet this young woman for myself!”
“Colonel… Miss Darcy… perhaps we should speak more privately.” Bingley showed them into the house and gestured to his study. Fitzwilliam’s eyebrows shot up, his curiosity now at a fever pitch. Miss Georgiana, ever astute, hesitantly followed the gentlemen.
Bingley offered them seats and refreshments, the latter of which were politely declined. Both parties were burning with interest at the novelty of Fitzwilliam Darcy’s recent actions. Bingley seated himself, and after some initial hesitation, began to relate their history with the Bennet family. His listeners sat quietly, without interrupting.
He began with their initial acquaintance and how Darcy had scoffed at the notion of even standing up with the young woman. A moment later, he was describing the few days—marvellous, they were to Bingley, but perhaps rather uncomfortable to Darcy—when the eldest Bennet sisters had taken refuge under his roof. Darcy had never in that time shown any signs of warming to the young woman, certainly!
Progressing to more recent events and still shaking his head in wonder, he told of the ball two days ago and how Darcy had singled Miss Elizabeth out for an unaccustomed dance. Miss Georgiana did not appear so surprised, but Fitzwilliam let out a low whistle. Lastly of all, he told of Mr Bennet’s accident and the unwelcome houseguest who stood to inherit the family’s home should the gentleman not recover.
“...And so, yesterday, when Mr Collins tried to insist upon Miss Elizabeth marrying him, Darcy stepped in. I know now why he did it but at the time…. well, I was just as shocked as Miss Bennet,” he finished.
“Pray tell, what could his reason be?” Fitzwilliam queried, his eyebrow arched teasingly. “Do not tell me that the dreary chap has finally given over to a pretty face? I cannot believe it.”
“I think for that you had best speak to him. I warn you, however, he may not yet be fit to receive company.”
“What is the matter? Is he unwell?” A sister’s concern pouring from her eyes, Georgiana leaned forward urgently.
“Nothing a little time, and perhaps some hot coffee would not mend. You see,” he glanced uncertainly between the two, “Miss Elizabeth did not take Darcy’s interference well yesterday. They had words… well, Colonel, I have not seen him this morning, but he was somewhat the worse for wear last night. I am very glad you have come.”
Comprehension began to dawn in the colonel’s eyes. He turned gently to the fair-haired girl and suggested, “Georgiana, why do you not allow a maid to see you to your room? You can take some refreshment there, and we will join you in the drawing-room later.”
Unwillingly she acquiesced, and Bingley rang for a maid. Nancy, one of the younger maids, came smartly, but her eyes shifted nervously to her charge as Bingley gave instructions. Caroline had terrorized most of the staff, he realized with a sinking feeling. At least the polite and sweet Georgiana would give the young maid no reason to fear. She would not even be required to have chief charge of the girl, as Georgiana’s own ladies’ maid had accompanied her. Still, it was only proper to assign Nancy as well, who was familiar with the house. Georgiana smiled a little at the equally nervous Nancy, and the two departed.
“Colonel, if you will kindly follow me,” Bingley showed Fitzwilliam upstairs.
