Page 5 of Idle Gossip

Charlotte

She sanded the paper, satisfied that it would do just what she wished. Charlotte knew her friend. Lady Carlisle would spread the information as soon as she received the letter. The gossip would change as it went from house to house, eventually changing from rumors of attachment to engagement.

It was, perhaps, a cruel trick to trap her friends in such a manner, but happiness in marriage was entirely a matter of chance. This was a chance the Bennet ladies needed to take, lest they end up as she was: a poor, dependent spinster.

While she waited for the rumors to spread throughout London and into the country, she would do all she could to reassure Mr. Bingley. If he understood Jane’s reticence, he would be less likely to abandon Miss Benent.

The letter went out in the post the next morning. Charlotte had been tempted to send it express but did not wish Lady Carlisle to suspect her motives. The letter had been deliberately designed to sound curious while also provoking her friend’s propensity to tell tales.

That same day, she had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Bingley. The Lucas ladies called on Netherfield to see Bingley’s sisters. The call was brief, cut as short as politely possible. On the way to the door, the gentlemen appeared.

“I shall join you at the stables shortly,” Bingley called to Mr. Darcy.

Now is my chance. Charlotte caught her foot on the rug and stumbled, hoping Mr. Bingley would come to her aid.

It worked.

“Miss Lucas! Are you well?”

“I am. Forgive me, I was not attending.” She beamed at him. “I do hope you enjoyed our little gathering last night.”

“I was excessively diverted,” Bingley replied. “Everyone was most amiable.”

“Yes, my friend Miss Bennet expressed that her discourse with you was pleasurable.”

“Did she?” Mr. Bingley lit up like a candle.

So, he was doubting her interest. “Yes, sir.” She paused strategically. “I tell you this for both your sakes: Jane does not readily display what she feels most deeply. But I assure you, Mr. Bingley, your attentions are not unwelcome.”

His smile broadened to a wide grin. “Is that so? Thank you, Miss Lucas.”

“You are welcome.” She curtseyed and hurried after her mother and sister.

Hopefully that is all it takes to convince him.

Chapter Three

Fitzwilliam Darcy’s reservations about spending some time in Bingley’s household were proven after only a few weeks in Hertfordshire. Miss Bingley was as cloying and possessive as he imagined she would be. His misery was compounded by her negative opinions of the area in general.

Her brother’s attention to Miss Jane Bennet of Longbourn further enraged Miss Bingley. She and Mrs. Hurst had intended to make the lady a pet of sorts, lavishing their ‘attention’ on her while they were in the area. Bingley’s pleasure in Miss Bennet’s company had resulted in them refusing to call on Longbourn or invite Miss Bennet to dine with them.

Darcy had kept his opinions to himself. While Bingley could do better in terms of wealth and consequence, ultimately Miss Bennet was a gentleman’s daughter and would elevate his position in society. It was the nature of the lady’s heart that truly concerned Darcy. Bingley would not fare well in a loveless match.

When he had brought up his concerns with his friend, Bingley had informed Darcy he had it on good authority that Miss Bennet was merely reserved. While he would not disclose his source, he was so certain of it that Darcy resolved to accompany his friend to Longbourn and observe for himself.

He refused to admit that he had other motives.

After two or three calls, he was forced to agree with Bingley. Miss Bennet was painfully shy. Her smiles at first seemed the same no matter who received them. Later, he could see the subtle differences, the blushes on her cheeks, and the enthusiasm bubbling beneath the surface. Content that his friend’s future was to be so happy, he had withdrawn any objections to the lady.

Yes, her family was…trying, but Bingley’s happiness was worth it.

Once his reservations were set aside, Darcy could return to admiring Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Miss Bennet’s next youngest sister.

Elizabeth was vibrant. She had fine eyes and an intelligent mind. With every encounter, he became more entranced. What a fool he was to have thought her merely tolerable.

And yet, I do not have the same freedom of choice Bingley has. A Darcy of Pemberley had certain expectations he must fulfill. His family would not approve of a dowerless, unconnected lady from the country as the future Mrs. Darcy.

Still, he longed to be in the same room as Elizabeth, taking in her light and good cheer, listening to her playful banter, and considering her extensive knowledge on a variety of subjects. At least twice, he had purposely said something contrary to encourage her to debate with him. The sparks flying from her eyes had tightened the hold she had on his heart.