Chapter 10—Miss Bingley Leans a Thing or Two
The four gentlemen returned at dark, wet and muddy but safe. The carriage had traveled slowly and disaster was averted. Fortunately, there was enough room to house the Bennet carriage and horses as well as the rest of the residents' equipage. When they entered the hallway, they were stopped by Caroline who declared herself much relieved at their safe return and happy they were not forced to spend the night away from home like Miss Bennet was.
Charles stopped his progress up the stairs at this intelligence. "Miss Bennet is here? She was unable to return home?" He queried his sisters.
"Yes, Charles. It seems she became ill at tea and fainted. Mrs. Adams says she has a fever and has been treating it since this afternoon. Because of the weather, we have been unable to send for the apothecary, although I doubt his skills in this backward country." Caroline whined, obviously put out by Miss Bennet's illness and its impact on her time. "I don't know what she was about, coming here to tea if she was ill. She should have declined and spared us all this bother. It is most uncivil of her, I must say."
"Caroline, what is being done for her in the meantime? Has Mrs. Adams attended her?" Charles asked irritably, Caroline's selfish attitude was stretching his patience to the limit, which was a considerable feat. Seeing Mrs. Adams descending the stairs, he ignored Caroline's sputtering and spoke to the housekeeper, "Mrs. Adams, how is Miss Bennet?"
Mrs. Adams gave a gentle smile as she answered. "Fortunately, Netherfield has benefited from the Bennet sisters' generosity in the form of medical remedies and so we have much on hand that can help Miss Bennet, likely made by her own hand or her sisters'. She has been given something for the fever and headache and a maid will be with her all night to watch over her. There is much competition to help her among the staff, she is well-liked here."
"Thank you for your reassurances about our guest's care. Come, Darce, let's change out of these wet things. Will you all like to dine or take a tray in your rooms?" Charles turned to his friends in question.
Caroline inserted herself into the conversation. "Surely you will return to the drawing room after you change, sirs. We have missed your company exceedingly. Miss Bennet took ill and we have had only our own company to entertain us all afternoon and in such dreary weather, too!"
Darcy was tired, muddy, and not in a temper to put up with Miss Bingley's incivilities, especially after her attempt to compromise him in his rooms. "Miss Bingley. It is unfortunate you seem to value Miss Bennet only insofar as she provides you with adequate entertainment to quell your boredom. Tell me, madam. If I should fall ill in this house, will I be spoken of in such terms because I am not in a position to entertain you? It is good to know where a guest in your home stands, Miss Bingley." Darcy then resumed his ascent up the stairs, confident that Parker would have hot water and a warm drink upon his arrival, possibly even warmed clothing. "If it is all the same to you, Charles, I believe I will take a tray in my room and retire early. I find myself somewhat unfit for company."
At the top of the stairs Charles Bingley waited for his friend and met him with a pat on his shoulder while they listened to Caroline sputter below. "I understand completely, my friend. What say you all? I, too, am for bed. Maybe the lessoning can continue tomorrow if the rain stops and we can move about the estate."
Jack and Richard had followed behind and were not particularly tired. Both were of a mind to see how far Miss Bingley would go in her pursuit of a match after her failed compromise of Darcy. They looked at each other and grinned. "I think we will join the ladies, Charles. It seems a bit uncivil to deprive them of our company after they lost their entertainment this afternoon." Jack laughed.
Richard put in, "I am certain we can make up for Darcy's loss to Miss Bingley tonight. She may shift her sights to you. You make a very good target, my friend," Richard grinned.
"This particular target is very experienced. Knowing what she attempted on Darcy heightens my awareness. I am of a mind to puncture her pretentions in payment for her machinations against my friend. What say you, Richard? Charles came here to learn how to manage an estate but I believe his sister needs some tuition as well." Jack quirk an eyebrow in amusement and made a wide smile.
"Ah, I knew it was a good idea to accept this invitation. Removing that barnacle from my cousin's arm would be a distinct pleasure, or at least loosening its hold a bit." Richard made for his room and Jack for his own and they met in the corridor forty-five minutes later. Richard whistled a few notes as he turned and hastened down the stairs in anticipation of the fun. Jack smiled broadly and followed him to the drawing room.
Richard announced his arrival in the drawing room with "Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, Jack and I are happy to join you for dinner tonight and be entertained by two accomplished ladies."
"Yes," agreed Jack, "Entertaining guests invited to her home is a sign of a truly accomplished member of the ton. We have no doubt the two of you will perform most exceptionally and be a credit to your brother."
Miss Bingley's eyes narrowed a bit as she was not entirely certain how she should respond. Louisa was more prompt and responded, "We always endeavor to provide a pleasing visit for all our guests. Here is Samson to announce dinner. Shall we move to the dining room?" Louisa and Caroline both rose and the gentlemen offered their escort.
"Tell us about yourself, Viscount. It isn't often one has nobility at the table." Caroline simpered at Jack.
"I am not actually noble, Miss Bingley." Jack replied.
"But, but, you are a viscount! Are you not to inherit an earldom? Or am I misinformed?" Caroline was a little confused.
"Ah, I see the problem. It is well-known that viscount is a courtesy title only that is extended to the heir- presumptive of an earl or a marquess. My father holds a viscountcy. I am simply my father's son as Richard is the son of his father. I do hold an estate inherited from my uncle but it does not come with a title." Jack explained.
"How can you be a viscount if your father holds the viscountcy? I am afraid I do not quite understand," Caroline was more confused and wondered if, indeed, this man was an eligible parti.
Jack waved his hand in the air as if to dismiss the subject. "I assure you, Miss Bingley, these things are well-understood by the first circles. The knowing of who is and who isn't, the haves and the have nots, the ones that belong and the ones that do not, are clear to everyone, are they not?" Jack looked at Caroline expectantly.
"Of course, sir," Caroline looked down and spooned her soup.
"Speaking of who is and isn't, Jack. Have you heard what happened to Lord Merton at a house party last month? It is so very like Merton to be caught like that." Richard lied. There was no Lord Merton, Jack knew but would follow along with the story.
"Can't say that I have,Richard. Merton and I have not crossed paths for some time. I have been at my estate for the last three months. I just finished overseeing the harvest when I arrived in Town and received Charles' invitation." Jack played along.
"Well, it was quite a large party." Richard stopped and addressed the Bingley sisters, "You have heard of Merton, of course." When both sisters nodded, he continued. "There was a mix of landed gentry, nobility, and even a rich American! There was even a first generation Cit with his daughter. Merton always gathers together the most interesting combination of friends for his house parties. "
"Yes, he does. I was unable to attend this time. Tell us, what happened?" Jack furthered the ruse.
"Well, a week or two into the party, it seemed the Cit's daughter wasn't taking despite her large dowry. She was a bit of a shrew and tended to put on airs of consequence that began to irritate the rest of the guests." Shaking his head, while describing Caroline Bingley, Richard went on, "When will young ladies learn that kind words and a pleasing manner earn more praise than gossip and criticism of those around them? But, I digress. She was not making as much of an impact on the gentlemen of the party as she wished and tried to arrange a compromise to further her marriage prospects."
Louisa and Caroline were enthralled at the story and the delicious gossip it contained, never once realizing that the purpose was not to spread gossip about a nonexistent Lord and a Cit's daughter.
"Surely not!" cried Louisa.
"It is amazing what stratagems some women will resort to using to achieve a desired connection, Mrs. Hurst. She arranged to have herself found in Merton's rooms, really, in his bed. When the arranged arrival of her father to consult with Lord Merton happened, the Cit cried compromise from the hallway to attract attention from the other guests. Such a foolish move," Richard stopped speaking and attended to his soup until the footman removed it to replace it with the next course.
Caroline tried to contain her nervousness and bit her lip to prevent a question from coming from her lips. What happened? Her thoughts were whirling about her head. If it was a witnessed compromise, wasn't Lord Merton was bound by honor? Caroline was saved from exposing confusion by Louisa, but Caroline wished she had stayed silent.
Echoing Caroline's thoughts, Louisa injected, "But wasn't he bound by honor to marry her?"
Jack and Richard both laughed heartily and Jack answered. "No, no! A woman who is discovered in a man's room voluntarily is a fool, not compromised. The man has done nothing but accept her attentions. All she has done by crying compromise is destroy her reputation and because he was complicit, her father's. Their quest for entrée into better society is over. It was a stupid attempt and ended as it should. In this case, Merton did not want anything to do with her in the first place. The two were sent away at first light."
Caroline's eyes widened and she quickly returned her attention to her plate. Had Mr. Darcy and Charles exposed her attempt, she would not have been able to call Mr. Darcy craven and without honor for not marrying her. Her stupidity nearly cost her any chance at gaining her goal. She still did not believe Charles when he told her Mr. Darcy was not interested in her. How could he not be? She was perfect for him! She had to find a way to make certain that Mr. Darcy knew her intent was not a compromise, not really. She just wanted him to know she desired him and was available. Yes. That was what she needed to tell him. Apologize and explain her motives in a way that flattered the man. She could not lose Pemberley!
Then finally, finally, she realized it. The two guests at her table knew. They knew about her machinations and were letting her know they knew. Caroline Bingley's face grew red in both rage and mortification. This humiliation would not have happened if Mr. Darcy simply behaved as he was supposed to and propose to her. The only thing she could think delaying him, and at this thought she completely forgot about her attempt to compromise him as any kind of a problem, was one of those Bennet chits. She was certain of it. But which one?
The next morning a note arrived at Longbourn informing the family that Jane was ill with a cold and confined to bed. Mr. Jones had been called and the family would be advised of his thoughts as soon as could be. Mrs. Bennet was fretful. She had thought the rain had kept Jane at Netherfield and in Mr. Bingley's company. But if Jane were ill with a cold she would not see any of the gentlemen of Netherfield. What good was that? And dear Jane was ill! They must take good care of her! Mrs. Bennet's thoughts began to scatter in alarm.
When Lizzy arrived at breakfast her mother was speaking to Mr. Bennet of her worries. "We must send some elixirs to Jane and medicinal teas. The Bingleys are from Town and will not know how to care for our girl. She could get worse with only Mr. Jones to come to see her when he can. We must do something!"
"Jane is ill?" Lizzy asked.
"Yes and those fine ladies, who I am certain are very good sort of girls, cannot have the skill to take care of her properly." Mrs. Bennet tried not to wail. "Couldn't we bring her home?" she begged her husband.
"I will go see her, Mamma. I will bring our basket of remedies and see how sick she really is. It may be just a trifling cold but I can make certain and let you know." Lizzy offered.
"Jane has the carriage and the roads are too muddy for one. The groom from Netherfield had to walk here and he was splashed all over in mud. You would be too dirty to even enter the house, Lizzy." Mrs. Bennet thought she was out of options.
"Mamma, I will be fine enough to see Jane and that is all I need. If it makes you happy, I will bring a change of clothing for myself when I bring some things for Jane. If she is in bed, she must be in borrowed clothing and you know it will distress her to put someone else out on her own account." Lizzy said firmly.
"Break your fast, Lizzy, and I will call Samuel to walk with you and carry the clothing in a small satchel so you can mind your basket. You will be very muddy, even if you go by way of the fields instead of the roads, which are worse, so take some shoes to change into, too." Mr. Bennet ordered. "I know there will be no peace if my Lizzy does not go to take care of her sister."
"Oh, yes, Lizzy. You must go and tend Jane. Although I know it doesn't matter what you wear, I agree you should not arrive all muddy, so be very careful. I believe at least one of the gentlemen is interested in Jane and we must present her to advantage. I heard you teasing Mr. Darcy at the Assembly, so I want you to calm your ways so you do not embarrass Jane." Mrs. Bennet fluttered, still not certain if it was a good thing or a bad thing that Jane was at Netherfield and afraid the daughter she least understood would harm Jane's chances with her wild ways and impertinent tongue.
"I will be careful, Mamma. I am only going to see Jane and take care of her if she needs me. It is unlikely I will see anyone else at all." Lizzy left to gather her things while her father called for Samuel to meet her at the kitchen door. He knew his child well and was certain that the road would not be her route. With the heavy rainfall, the road would be much worse than the fields and that way was shorter.