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Chapter 18

Richard continued pacing the gardens after Elizabeth had returned. It seemed easy enough to solve this conundrum. Why had the father not stepped in? Was he simply insensible of it? His thoughts went to Darcy's letter and he realized the man unlikely had the character to instigate anything that failed to lead to his own amusement.

After some time Richard joined Bingley for a game of billiards, both men enjoying the absence of one lady in particular, which decided both their preferences for the activity. Miss Bingley never deigned to visit the billiards room. It was beneath her notice and a man's domain, as she often declared, which drove the gentleman of her acquaintance thither, most expediently, when she was found to be in a huff.

In short order, Darcy joined them, pacing the floor as a man possessed. Though he hardly seemed to notice, the remaining Gentleman seemed to find it quite stifling to ordinary conversation.

"Darcy, I wouldn't be so discomposed over the fate of a kingdom. What is on your mind man? Is your family all well?" inquired Bingley, quite concerned at the spectacle, as Darcy was known for his stoicism.

"Bingley there is little that has the power to take away your good cheer. I daresay you would not stop a dance if you believed we had been invaded. Yes, my family is all well." replied Darcy.

"I daresay that depends on my partner. If it is the eldest Miss Bennet I can attest I would not be bothered to halt for an invasion, what difference could a half an hour make." laughed Bingley.

"Bingley, that mother, and younger sisters are wholly objectionable. I hazard a guess the matron will start rumors that force matrimony and the younger will abscond with an officer long before she should have been out of the schoolroom." pronounced Darcy with the same inflection of a judge passing down a prison sentence.

"If the bride is Miss Jane Bennet, I'm sure there would be no need to force a wedding. She is everything a woman ought to be, serene and kind, caring and considerate, perfectly happy to speak kindly of others and I've never seen such an angel. She is a great work of art, both in look and temperament meant to be cherished." mused Bingley with a far-off look in his eye, easily distracted from Darcy's intensity at the first whisper of Miss Bennet.

"But a mother like that would force a daughter, whatever her own wishes, those wishes would be discounted. The groom would know not if the bride's affections were engaged, or if she was merely acting on orders. Miss Elizabeth said so herself."

"Darcy!'' shouted Richard, quite shocked to see his cousin misrepresent the earlier conversation so, "That was NOT what was said, sir. Merely that Jane was not one to be forceful in getting her own way.'' He took a deep breath and went on, he was disturbed. Richard never believed he would see his cousin act so unjust "If a man wished to know her affections and wishes, it would be easy enough achieved, as she does not strike me as deceitful. Merely speak to her in private, and explain it's her happiness alone that is wished for, that there is no wish for her to suffer family pressure."

"You can't mean it," declared Darcy "as it is never proper to be alone with a gentlewoman."

"No one need do anything indecent, Darcy. A well-chaperoned walk with one of her sisters would suffice. The information could be garnered and the ladies' wishes respected." pronounced the colonel, his tone brooking no argument, as though he issued orders to a subordinate.

"She shows no preference for him, Richard." Declared Darcy, rather weakly, losing his gusto.

"I cannot say one way or another, as I've not seen them in company, but a proper lady does not throw herself at a man and I daresay your understanding is skewed," said Richard, shooting him a look that was daring him to challenge him on that topic.

"Her mother is entirely without proper manners and decorum" argued Darcy, losing even more assuredness, though he knew this point was his.

"Yes" conceded Richard, "though that is easy enough dealt with, once her fears are put away and her motives are addressed."

"What do you speak of? One cannot change a fishmonger's wife into a gentlewoman Richard." cried Darcy, gapping at the absurdity of his cousin's pronouncement. Bingley remained standing back from the two, wide-eyed, feeling as though he was witnessing an epic battle that would decide their fates.

"No, but one can address her concerns and give her a well-charted course to her dearest wish," replied Richard, calmly and slowly, as though he knew the next point was his. "I daresay, once one of her daughters is engaged, the groom can speak with her, offering his assistance to help the other girls marry."

Richard saw Darcy about to interrupt and help up his hand. "Allow me to finish Darcy. It could be explained to her that in order that the girls make the best match possible, out of love for his future wife, he would be happy to fund schooling. Though it would be a hardship to have them away, the accomplishment would be strictly necessary to account for the preferences of the matches to come available. Offer, as a transition, a governess, while the elder sister is planning the wedding, to help the young ladies transition to school. Imply to Mrs. Bennet that future generosity will be contingent on compliance and that she, in order to aid her daughters, would be welcome to sit in on the lessons. The woman is just driven to distraction with concern Darcy. As soon as those concerns are removed and an easier path to good husbands is presented, the woman will bend over backward to comply. It's a far easier path for her and far more sure."

Both Bingley and Darcy were considering Richard's arguments. Bingley, Darcy thought, does not have the backbone for it. Darcy began to think he may need to assist his friend, not catching that Richard named not which elder Miss Bennet. Richard, having never before seen his cousin in such a state, except for, perhaps, when Georgianna nearly eloped, was not sure what to make of the situation, but Darcy must be confronted, this behavior was unpardonable, whatever his inner turmoil.