Billiards and Brandy:
When Mrs. Collins and Miss Bennet departed for Longbourn Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy retired to the Billiards Room.
"Darcy, I hope you are not upset."
"No Bingley I am not, I had just wished you would have asked for my opinion with estate affairs, it is not a simple task."
"You believe me unable to govern my own affairs?"
"Of course not, but is there a problem in seeking advice from others with more experience?" Darcy asked inquisitively.
"Do you believe my interest in Netherfield to be a mistake?" Bingley almost became defensive in his tone.
"No, it has lead you to Miss Bennet, it is undeniably clear you both care for one another. And her sister seemed nice enough."
"Darcy had you met her before she was married I believe you would have liked her."
"Bingley!" In all the time Darcy had known Bingley he had never implied something to that extent before.
"What? You would have. She was lively, had pert opinions and never lost a debate. I doubt your skills in combat of speech would have won against hers." Darcy thought on her interactions for a moment then returned.
"What caused this transformation? It seems as though she no longer possesses those qualities."
"I cannot say, only that marriage has changed her. Whether or not for the better, it is not for me to say. But she is not the same woman she was prior to her marriage, and it has been slightly over a month."
"Imposing as I may be, but did she want to marry Mr. Collins?" Darcy became intrigued with the topic, despite rules of propriety he wanted to get to know this woman, even if from afar.
"All I can say is what Jane told me, Mrs. Collins then Miss Elizabeth Bennet was forced into the marriage by their parents. She refused him thrice before her parents intervened. Jane consoled her prior to the wedding, Miss Elizabeth was considering running away to London to avoid her impending marriage. Her father and uncle had to bring her to her carriage, for she was crying in her room directly before the ceremony."
"How unfortunate. I cannot imagine one's parents to be so cruel as to force them into a loveless marriage. I understand there to only be daughters and no son, but why force a marriage that the bride certainly did not want?"
"Mr. Collins is their cousin who will inherit the estate of Longbourn upon Mr. Bennet's death, their hope was that through his union with Mrs. Collins the remaining Bennets would always have a home." Darcy finally understood. By the ways of society, it was an eligible match indeed.
"You've met this Mr. Collins what is he like?"
"He is…" pondering he finished "a man of the clergy."
"Yes I am aware of that Bingley, but what else?"
"Um, he speaks often and always has something good to say about your aunt. Pray tell what do these questions imply Darcy? Why the sudden interest..? Do you fancy his wife?" Bingley already suspected at the beginning of the conversation, but he wanted to be sure.
"No of course not, no respecting gentleman would." Darcy then masked his emotions with his stoic face reserved for public outings and facing the ton.
"But you do find her pleasing?" Bingley's eyebrow raised.
"Perhaps." Darcy began to flush.
"Handsome?" Bingley pressed.
"Bingley!" Darcy's face now fully red.
"Well do you? Admit it!"
"Indeed." He sighed. Walking to the cart he poured himself a glass of brandy, out of character for him, but on such days as these he allowed it.
"Ah. A love that can never be, sorry friend. Well at least there is always your cousin Anne right?"
"Very funny Bingley, but noticing another's beauty and loving them are not the same" Darcy saw his friend walk to the teapot and cups in the corner, Bingley turned to look at him and began to pour. Unfortunately missing the cup.
"Blimey, it would appear that I have spilled the tea." Bingley rang the bell and a servant cleaned up the mess. He watched the girl leave and said to his friend.
"Bingley, not a word leaves from within this confidence, indeed I find Mrs. Collins to be appealing, but that is all that will ever come from that. She made a vow to her husband, I will not have anyone breaking promises on my account." With this he was firm, after this summer with Georgiana reputation and respectability were always on Darcy's mind.
"Of course Darcy, but know I will always be here for you, should you ever need it. I am aware of your independence, but even a lone wolf needs a pack to traverse the mountains." Bingley said slapping Darcy on the back.
"Thank you Bingley, your immense support brings me peace."
"I had meant to ask you this sooner, but will you stand up with me during the ceremony? But before you answer, I believe you should know that Mrs. Collins is to be Jane's attendant."
"Bingley, I am honoured that you would want me beside you on the happiest of days. Of course I will. Mrs. Collins presence will not bother me, I can be quite civil at times."
"Oh can you, I have never noticed!" If looks could kill, Mr. Bingley would have received a look deadly enough to defeat Napoleon.