Chapter 34

Last evening, in spite of the gentle affection that had shown in Miss Bennet's eyes, Charles Bingley still had his doubts that such a majestic creature could return his regard. He was wealthy enough to be sure, but he was still a tradesman's son, still relied on others to learn how to be a master of an estate, still a step below her in social status, still needed to make himself agreeable to the gentry so they would not humiliate him by reminding him of his station. Though Jane Bennet never expressed care for any of those things, as she never seemed ashamed of her relations in trade, and she never turned her eyes away at the mention of him not quite being gentry, he still knew she could aspire to so much more than what he could offer.

Darcy may, or may not, be right that Miss Bennet could be compelled by her mother into accepting a proposal, but Bingley knew this, he could make her far happier than Mr. Collins. He could give her a far better life, and he could see the lovely woman that hid behind the angelic face.

Miss Jane Bennet was more than a lovely countenance to Bingley. Her looks were only the initial allure, to earn the affection of such a discerning, yet sweet mind, was an ambition that far surpassed that of any of Bingley's other endeavors in terms of importance. Not acquiring an estate, not satisfying Caroline's social ambitions, not conceding to Darcy's better judgment would surpass her. He had to save her. Thank God Mr. Collins' proposal had saved him from departing for business in London that morning as planned. To have returned to find her engaged to another would have been devastating, and to such a man. If he were someone who could offer her more, could have made her happier, Bingley would have made his peace with it for her sake, but to see such a woman with such an odious man, it couldn't be endured, the rest of his life would be one of regret if he did nothing.

His doubts were founded in his natural modesty, not apprehension about her good nature. He knew not if she held him in the same esteem, at the very least she saw past his wealth the same way he saw past her beauty. If she accepted a proposal under duress from Mr. Collins, it would be for the sake of her family, not for herself. Her wishes were far too simple, she took too much pleasure in life's innocent joys to be mercenary. She would not accept such a man to be mistress of Longbourn, but she may accept him selflessly so that her family was secure and could live without the worry of genteel poverty.

Bingley sped past Collins, who had the disadvantage of being on foot, and walked into an uproar. Longbourn was in disarray, there was screeching coming from the study as Mrs. Bennet had returned for a second round, the younger sisters laughing and whispering, Elizabeth looking for all the world full of rage, and Jane trying to reassure her. It was no wonder the housekeeper looked horrified when she opened the door to a caller. She could feel shame at the state of the household, even if Mrs. Bennet and the younger girls could not.

Almost losing his nerve, staring blankly, and fearing rejection, Bingley failed to find his voice, until suddenly the sight of Mr. Collins appeared some distance up the drive, prompting his resolve. Bingley cleared his throat, "I'm here to request a private audience with Miss Jane Bennet."

She glowed, serenity forgotten, finally free to show preference and affection, she smiled the biggest smile she could possibly produce. "Yes, Mr. Bingley."

"You'll marry me?" he said, surprised, not realizing he forgot to ask the question.

"Yes, Mr. Bingley, nothing could make me happier," she replied, still glowing, really rather angelic in his mind, the morning light dancing in her hair looking like a halo. She was his! Well, soon enough she would be. He knew not, nor did he care if she knew she was in danger from Mr. Collins. She had agreed and she was happy, not relieved, but happy and looking very, very happy indeed.

"Oh, thank God, Jane, You make me the happiest of men! Now I know why that is said, my heart could burst for its fullness and to think Darcy didn't approve. He thought you held me in no particular affection, he said your mother would make you accept me. Oh, tell me he was deceived, Jane. Tell me you are as happy as I am. I would never wish for anything you did not." cried Bingley, in no way intending to betray his friend (as in truth he was confused by Darcy's behavior towards Elizabeth, as were others, (including Darcy) and recognized no intentions on his part), he was merely carelessly seeking his own relief, wishing the matter forever settled.

Elizabeth's head snapped up. He had been feigning friendship while scheming against her sister? Elizabeth felt like a fool, yet again. She had sat in Bingley's breakfast parlor with sincere concern and compassion for his sister, sharing with him about her own dear Jane, and he was using her words to deliver harm to Jane? All while appearing to warn her of Miss Bingley, appearing to at least to wish her sister a fair chance, how could he?

The whole of Mr. Darcy's integrity, honor, and trustworthiness was now called into question with his two-faced deceit. That conniving man ought to belong to Miss Bingley. She could have him. She had quite enough of men thinking they could yank the lives of women about like puppets for their own designs, Mr. Collins refusing her refusal, and Mr. Darcy's high-handed ways, she was of no mind to make excuses for the man.

Jane looked horrified. "Mr. Bingley, I would never marry for any less than mutual affection. My mother may scheme, but I would not give way, not on a matter such as this. You are everything a young man ought to be, truly, you are the only man I have ever hoped to marry."

Bingley turned to Jane and beamed with joy, Jane shyly lifted her eyes but her happiness was still apparent. "I've never known Darcy to be so wrong," declared Bingley "He thought you held no real affection for me and was merely being kind to indulge you mother, to think I almost allowed myself to be convinced, what an unhappy ending that would be," Bingley blurted, then blushed.

"Dear, sweet Jane, I have never met with a better woman in all my life," cried Bingley, still babbling. "You are everything proper and perfect. Truly, you may be beautiful in countenance but your temperament is ever more appealing. I shall go to your father at once. Mr. Collins is hot on my heels."

"What has Mr. Collins have to do with it?" inquired Jane.

"I must speak to your father Jane, but I daresay he helped me find my nerve. I will explain myself later."

Jane nodded, she was elated. He loved her too! If only she could share it with everyone, to see all the world so very happy. Jane would give some of it away if she could, so generous was she. It seemed to her that so few had so much joy. Why should she overflow with it while so many mourned?

Elizabeth was enraged, she took all of the anger pent up under proper manners over the last few days, and directed it towards hatred of Darcy. How could he? Was he entirely absent of conscience? To scheme against Jane, of all people, who ought to remind him of his own sister. A man must be devoid of conscience and every proper feeling to tamper with the hopes of someone as dear as Jane.

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How do you think Collins will react? Darcy and Elizabeth?