Chapter 42

Matchmaking in the Making

…

On Saturday, the Bingleys arrived. Darcy had asked him to come on an urgent and important matter. He did not share the nature of the summons. Consequently, both, brother and sister, speculated on the cause of the invitation. Miss Bingley had been very put out when she was told that the promised sojourn in Pemberley was cancelled. When she learnt of the planned house party, she screamed at Charles for rejecting such an invitation, regardless of the fact that she had not been included. Caroline desperately imagined that Miss Elizabeth had not proven herself worthy. What could have gone awry, she wondered. Her brother had not deemed it necessary to share with her the news of Darcy pursuing Miss Bennet. The taste of that still was bitter in Bingley's mouth. He wondered how things were between them now. He had difficulty imagining Darcy pursuing a woman. He was usually so awkward in social situations. He was always trying to avoid ladies' attention.

Bingley had to ask himself if a woman was worth losing his friend for. The problem was that since he learned of Darcy's interest in Miss Bennet, he had been comparing every woman to Miss Bennet. Even before, he had not been himself, though he did not really analyse why that was. In hindsight, he became moody when his sisters followed him and basically prevented him from going back to Hertfordshire as promised. In hindsight, he cursed his inaction: he should have gone back on his own. Then again, he knew why he did not. He had not wanted conflict with his family.

He was so happy to see Miss Bennet again in London. When she asked him what kept him away, he came up with an excuse of business, but he could see that Miss Bennet saw it as such, an excuse. What a fool I am! What she must think of me! No wonder she was so cold to him. It hurt. It was a blow when Darcy informed Charles about himself and Miss Bennet. Although Bingley knew how much fun the party would be, the reason he rejected the invitation was that he did not think he could watch Darcy courting his Jane. Well, not his anymore.

He was angry at Caroline for never telling him about Miss Bennet being in London. Unfortunately, he never confronted her about that. With a sigh, he accepted his culpability. He hated confrontations. He was not good at them. He could never think fast enough for any retorts. They only occurred to him afterward when they were of no use. For that reason, he avoided confrontations as much as possible. With Caroline, especially, he always seemed to be a step behind. She turned his words against him.

His staff learnt long ago not to disturb him with decisions to make as he took his time and even then his decisions were not consistent. He was driven by impulse.

When the Bingley's carriage stopped in front of the house, Darcy greeted them.

'My friend, I have come although you did not say much in the letter. I have brought Caroline. I hope I did not misinterpret your wish to bring her?'

'Welcome. No, you understood right.' He signalled to a footman to help Miss Bingley out.

'Well, that is a change.' He murmured to himself.

Miss Bingley was waiting inside the carriage for Mr. Darcy to come and help her alight. To her chagrin, a footman helped her, but she marched on, 'Oh, Mr. Darcy! I knew you would not forget about us, old friends. I am so happy to be here. You have been missed.'

'Is that so? Welcome, Miss Bingley. I hope your trip was without problems. Why do you not settle in? In an hour I will introduce you to Lady Matlock, the countess. She acts as the mistress of the house. Then we need to talk. It is about an opportunity that could change your lives. I will tell you everything. Charles, you will be in the guest wing. You, Miss Bingley, will share with Miss Elizabeth. She has offered to share with you. She is in the main house. She is upstairs waiting to help you settle in. Mrs. Carter please lead the guests.

She was just about to enquire about this opportunity but for this distraction. She was to share a room with Miss Eliza, her rival? What was Mr. Darcy thinking? This was no way to treat the woman he had chosen... or had he? He did specifically ask her to come. Why else would he send for her? Now she was here… but the reception was not at all what she expected. She hurried after the housekeeper.

'Mrs. Carter, did I hear correctly that I have to share a room?'

'Yes, Miss. It is a full house, I am afraid. Miss Elizabeth, bless her soul, is kind enough to share her room with you.'

'Is there not one room available in this big house? That is impossible. I order you to find one.'

'Miss Bingley, with all due respect, all the rooms are taken. Your brother got the last available room.' Miss Bingley huffed. Mrs. Carter rolled her eyes when she turned away. She knocked and opened a door.

'Miss Bingley, welcome. I hope your journey was pleasant. This is our room. I have made some space for you in the wardrobe.' Elizabeth indeed had agreed to share her room with Miss Bingley for a few days. When she saw the footmen bring one case in after another she did not know what to think.

'Miss Bingley, why do you need so many cases for a few days?'

'Few days?'

'Teresa, could you leave us for now, please come back in fifteen minutes.' After the maid left, Elizabeth turned back to Miss Bingley. 'Miss Bingley, you were invited with your brother for a few days to see if your brother takes an offer. Did he not tell you?'

'Well, not in so many words.'

'Did you think you would join the house party?' There was no answer. Elizabeth sat on the bed and gestured to Miss Bingley to sit down in the armchair. She stayed as she was.

'Miss Bingley, you were not invited by Mr. Darcy. It was my sister's idea. She thought that you need to be here to hear the offer as it would change your life, too.' Miss Bingley swayed. Elizabeth went to her immediately and helped her sit down.

'Jane? What does Jane have to do with anything?'

'You do not know, do you?'

'What do I not know?'

'I will be kinder to you than you were to Jane. Although I would have liked to see you figuring it out for yourself. But I cannot be that cruel. Mr. Darcy is in a courtship with my sister, Jane.' Miss Bingley just sat there as if she did not understand what she had been told. She became white and could not speak. Elizabeth poured her some water. Finally, she spoke.

'I do not understand.'

'Did you think you were asked here for Mr. Darcy?'

'In the letter, he asked Charles to bring me. I thought, I thought maybe he changed his mind. I thought it was you. Jane? How did this happen? That day in London… but it was one day! They never even talked before! One day. It cannot be.'

'Well, they met on that day and after a month he came to Longbourn and asked her for a courtship. He saw something in her, I guess.'

'You do not mind. Back in Hertfordshire he liked you, you know.'

Yes, I know, now. I did not know then. But we are not for each other. He and my sister, on the other hand, are wonderful together. They have become attached.

Miss Bingley, I say this with all due respect. You have to give up on him. This clinging is not attractive, especially to your target. You have a lot of options. You have a good dowry. Instead of trying to marry into the first circle, look for love, or at least respect, admiration, and some passion. I do not think you were ever in love with Mr. Darcy. Your life would have been miserable.' Miss Bingley stood and went to the window and looked out on the garden.

'That is what Mr. Darcy said as well.' She paused. 'It is difficult to give up one's dream.' She said quietly. 'I do not think I have ever been in love. I was too busy trying to stay afloat in this harsh environment.'

'Then why do you keep trying? Why not just accept your place and enjoy life?'

'Why indeed?'

…

'They have arrived, then.' Jane entered Darcy's study.

'Yes, they are settling in.'

'I was surprised that Elizabeth offered to accommodate her.'

'Do you think Mr. Bingley will go for it?'

'I honestly do not know. I can imagine that he will if we present it that Anne needs rescuing. By the way, she looked quite well at dinner. Very well done.

'Would you welcome his acceptance?'

'It could be a beneficial union whether they want a real marriage or just in name. If the latter, then nothing much would change, but the money can feed Rosings. Bingley on the other hand has an estate, and can live his life. If the former, then Anne cannot have a kinder man to take care of her.'

'I agree.'

'I am going to speak to them shortly. Would you join me? You are the origin of this idea.'

'You would like me to be there?' Jane was pleasantly surprised.

'Of course. As much as I wish to take care of you, it is a very attractive prospect to share things with you.'

'Like partners?'

'Yes, like partners.' Darcy grinned.

…

Later, in Darcy's study

'Why is Jane here? She is not your wife yet, I take it?' Miss Bingley was taken aback.

'Caroline!' Bingley showed his displeasure.

'Do not Caroline me. You did not tell me that they were courting.'

'Miss Bingley. Do we have a problem?'

'Well, I just do not understand why she has to be here.'

'Maybe if you waited, you would be informed. If it is a problem that Jane is here,' Miss Bingley gasped, 'then, by all means, you may leave.' Darcy signalled to Jane by touching her thigh with his hand. She put her hand in his under the table. Miss Bingley saw Jane's hand's movement. She was shocked.

'Charles, Miss Bingley, Jane was the one that came up with this opportunity. As I said, it could change your lives profoundly. If you accept it, she is the one to thank.'

'All right. So what is this offer?' Bingley asked.

'You have heard about my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh.' Bingley nodded in thinking. 'Well, as you know she has a daughter, Anne. She has had difficulties with her health. Because of that she never could have her season.'

'Was it not you your aunt wanted to marry her?'

'Yes, it is true. But she is my cousin. I cannot look at her in a different way. I was never going to. Now, that my aunt has realised that it would never happen as I am courting Jane, she needs a husband.'

Both Bingley and Miss Bingley were in shock.

'We thought of you,' Jane continued, 'because you are kind and would take good care of her, I am sure of it. You said you wanted an estate, but as I see it, you do not really have the patience to do it. Well, this is your perfect opportunity. Lady Catherine wants to stay in control of Rosings. You can take your time to learn how to take care of a big estate. There is a house in London as well if you want to spend time in town. Your money would be mostly invested to create more opportunities for the estate.'

'At the moment it brings in about eight thousand. The estate needs to be modernised and tenant houses built and rebuilt. There is a possibility to buy more land at the moment, too.'

'You want Charles to be the husband of the daughter of Lady Catherine de Bourgh?' Miss Bingley tried to make sense of the offer.

'Yes, Miss Bingley. I think they could mutually help each other. They may even find happiness together. What the de Bourgh family can offer you is extraordinary.'

'Charles?' Darcy addressed his friend.

'Why me exactly?'

'You are single, looking for an estate. Anne would like a husband, but you know her restrictions. We trust you to take good care of her, if you accept the offer.'

'Well, I am quite speechless. It is quite an offer. I was thinking maybe things did not work out for you two and maybe I could have an other chan…' He looked at Jane longingly.

'Do not finish that sentence, Charles. Jane and I are a couple.' Darcy straightened and showed him his thundering look. Jane squeezed his hand. He caressed hers with his thumb.

…

Frederick and Elizabeth had their third riding lesson in the morning. After the first, Walton made sure to be there every morning to help Miss Elizabeth. Elizabeth showed mock displeasure, but inwardly she was elated. This was all new to her. The man showed an interest in her. She was excited about it. This man sat with her twice now at dinner, they shared a walk yesterday afternoon, and now he joined her at lunch. She wanted to talk to Jane, but at the same time, she wanted to keep it to herself. Just a little longer. They had just enjoyed a heated debate about the war.

'Do you often indulge in taking a side you do not actually believe in?' Walton really wanted to understand.

'Yes, I like a good debate.'

'Well, then we have different definitions for what we call a good debate.'

'What do you mean? I thought you enjoyed it.'

'Oh, I do enjoy a good debate. Unless you are practising to hone your ability, I find your approach contra-productive in a real debate, such that we were having, at least I thought we were.'

'How so?'

'Miss Elizabeth, I really do not want to be at odds with you, maybe it is better if I do not say what I think.'

'Now, you have made me curious. Please, share your thoughts on the matter. I promise not to be offended.'

'You say that now… I thought we were having a real conversation where we were learning about each other. Real thoughts exchanged, thought about, maybe reconsidering ours. Instead, I found that you did not believe in what you were saying; you perhaps just wanted to get a rise out of me. I find this practice… disingenuous.' Elizabeth needed much restraint not to show her dismay. She was not successful. 'I told you it was better if I did not say anything.'

'No, no. That is your opinion. To be honest, my first reaction was to dismiss it. I promise to think about it.' Walton bowed to her.

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As usual, Circa1910 did the editing. Thank you.

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Sorry to make you all waiting. I was very busy last week.