Page 33

Elizabeth thought for another moment.

“He is a tenant at Netherfield Park, Mr. Bingley is trying to establish himself as a gentleman. So he wants to make a good impression on the neighbourhood. So I can see why he was badgering Mr. Darcy. Neither his friend nor his sister were aiding him in creating a good first impression. Even now, I can mostly forgive his actions. So yes, he does have a small portion of the blame but nothing more than that.”

“You murmured to me on the way home that you had lots to tell us about Miss Caroline Bingley.”

Elizabeth broke into a large smile. Claire and Robert shared a look, this was going to be good.

“Mr. Bingley is open about sharing that his father was in trade and that it was his wish that his son become a landed gentleman. The lease of Netherfield Park for a year is the first step in achieving that dream. So far, not any different than so many other men who have made money through trade. But Miss Bingley is an even larger figure of mockery than her brother-in-law. She stood there, looking down her nose at all around her, making snide comments to her sister who slavishly agreed with her. Again, I do not know or frankly care whether the sister is similarly snobbish or just a wall upon which her sister’s words can echo.

“I just do not know what Miss Bingley is doing, why she thinks this is the correct way to behave? I have been in the company of a Duchess, a Countess, the niece of a Duke together with many other ladies in society in London. I have not spent much time with them, but I have seen them in several situations. And nobody acted in a similar manner to Miss Bingley. I have also seen and interacted socially with ‘ladies’ with a similar background to Miss Bingley. Namely they are the first generation to step back from the trade that made the family rich. They do everything possible to avoid ‘the taint of trade’ or more coarsely, ‘the stench of trade’.

“Yet yesterday evening she snubbed and was visibly rude to the ladies of families that have owned land for hundreds of years. The first Bennet to be granted the lands of the Longbourn Estate was in the reign of Edward VI, more than 250 years ago. And just to cap her ridiculous behaviour, I have met her uncle. It was nothing more than a brief introduction when he was visiting my uncle’s offices but Mr. Paul Bingley still runs the carriage works in Scarborough that his father started. On his father’s death the business was passed onto the two sons, the uncle that I met and our Mr. Bingley’s own father.”

“What was the business?”

“Carriages. The Bingley Carriage Works had, or rather has, an excellent reputation in the industrial cities of the north of England. Mr. Paul Bingley was in London talking to Mr. Gardiner about the opportunities to export the carriages. I know nothing about any of these negotiations, like I said it was a brief introduction. But it amazes me how Miss Bingley is behaving. Is her family really removed from the taint of trade? I consider my Uncles Gardiner and Philips as part of my family. Charles, Caroline and whatever the other sister is called are no longer in trade. But the Bingley family, whose surname they share, is most definitely still in trade.”

They continued walking before Claire had a sudden thought.

“I am sure she does not think anyone in Meryton or the surrounding area would know this. Are you going to spread your knowledge?”

Elizabeth slowed her pace as she considered the question.

“Given that I met her uncle at my own uncle’s place of business it would be hypocritical to make a fuss of the connection. Truthfully, I do not care. My hesitation is because of Miss Bingley’s behaviour. I would like to say no, but Miss Bingley might annoy me sufficiently that I make mention of it.”

Both Claire and Robert knew that Miss Elizabeth could be merciless if sufficiently angered. It was something to behold, as long as you were not on the receiving end.

“We have delayed long enough, what are your impressions of Mr. Darcy up until he decided to be cruel to Mary.”

Robert started further back than expected.

“At the inn on the journey here we encountered the four of them, the Hursts, Mr. Darcy and Miss Bingley. At the time we thought they were two couples. And when the party finally arrived last night you could see Miss Bingley grasping Mr. Darcy’s arm. It was not laid gently upon his arm, she had a grip and was determined not to let go. It must have loosened during the introductions because Mr. Darcy took the opportunity to move away immediately.”

“Oh, so that was why he was not introduced to anyone other than the Lucases?”

Robert nodded and his wife took up the tale.

“I do not wish to be rude and compare the two of you Miss Elizabeth but I believe Mr. Darcy was similar to you.”

Elizabeth looked both aghast and affronted.

“What I mean is that the party arrived at Netherfield Park at exactly the same time as we returned to Longbourn. Mr. Darcy did not want to attend the Assembly just as you would not have if given the chance. The comparison stops at that moment, he was rude and ill-mannered whereas you were polite and cheerful with everyone you met, be it old or new acquaintances.”

Elizabeth smiled.

“Okay, I will not be mortally offended, I can see exactly what you mean. Mr. Darcy did not want to be there and made no effort to hide the fact. Why did he attend if he was determined to be miserable?”

“Mayhap it was the lesser of two evils. Based on the way Miss Bingley has acted around him, both at the inn and again at the Assembly, would he have risked being alone with her at Netherfield Park?”

With no way of knowing for sure, this seemed the most likely scenario. It was time to deal with the main issue.

“Let us grant Mr. Darcy a pardon for all that. What about his behaviour to his company generally and to Mary specifically? I have played his words over and over in my head. We will return to the first part of his charming speech in a moment. But it is the second part that is giving me pause. ‘I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men.’ By his own admission Darcy thinks he has consequence, and much more than anyone else in the neighbourhood. Why is he not helping his friend? He is not staying here for the year, he will be gone before Christmas never to return. How does being publically rude help his friend?”

Elizabeth shook her head. Claire asked a very pertinent question.

“Do you know who he is, Mr. Darcy I mean?”

“I have heard the name before, I think he may have come to the office to make a purchase, but other than that, no.”