Chapter 11

"I am sorry, Colonel, but my brother is not here at this moment. But if you inform me the reason why you need him, I promise I will tell him as soon as he returns home to get in contact with you," explained Caroline as kindly as she could to inspire confidence in Colonel Smith.

David had interacted with Caroline on two or three occasions, and she had always been dismissive and curt. That is why he doubted her intentions and her sudden kindness and preferred not to reveal the reason for his visit. "I'm sorry, Miss Bingley, but I need to discuss something rather private with your brother. That's why I prefer to tell him personally."

"I understand, Colonel," replied Caroline, intrigued.

"I will leave my card with you if you do not mind, Madam. I wrote my address in London on the back of the card. I am staying with my sister until Friday, so please, inform your brother of my desire to speak with him as soon as you can." David tried to be as emphatic as possible so Caroline would understand that he needed to discuss an urgent and serious matter with her brother.

"Of course, Colonel, as soon as my brother returns home, I will give him your card, and I will explain that you really need to talk to him," replied Caroline with a false smile.

"Thank you, Miss Bingley. I sincerely appreciate your help with this matter. Now, I won't bother you anymore. Thank you once again for your kindness. Good day, Miss Bingley."

"You don't need to thank me; it's the least I can do to help an officer of our nation. Good morning, Colonel Smith."

David left Bingley's house concerned. For some reason he couldn't explain, he didn't trust Miss Bingley. On the one hand, he thought she might as well not tell her brother about his visit. But he immediately dismissed the idea because it was hard for him to believe someone could be such a cynical person. Besides, he could never imagine his sister Rebecca lying to him or withholding information from him. He thought Miss Bingley was not a nice person, but that didn't make her a liar or dishonest, David thought and felt relieved. Now there was nothing for him to do but wait for Bingley to come to talk to him and try in some way to help restore the reputation of Miss Bennet and her family.

Caroline looked at David's card for several seconds and decided to talk with her sister about it. Louisa was in the small drawing room facing the garden embroidering a handkerchief for her mother-in-law. They would spend a few days with the Hursts in Kent, and she wanted to give that present to her husband's mother to ingratiate herself with her. The Hursts were friendly with Louisa, but she wanted a closer relationship with them.

"Louisa, something very strange just happened. Please let me tell you because I need you to help me make a decision," Caroline explained.

Louisa put her embroidery aside and said curiously, "Please, tell me how I can help you."

Caroline told her everything that had happened a few minutes ago and the urgency that this strange man had to talk with their brother. "I don't know, Louisa, but I think this man probably wants to talk to Charles about something that happened in that horrible place, and I'm not sure if we should allow it."

"Of course, we shouldn't allow it, Caroline. Our brother no longer lives in Hertfordshire and doesn't have to worry about their problems. Now, he has nothing to do with that place," Louisa added disgustingly.

"You are right, Louisa. But you know very well how our brother is, and if Colonel Smith requests his help, he won't know how to say no. So I think the best thing to do is to forget about that man's visit. Don't you think, Louisa?" said Caroline and threw the card David gave her into the fire.

"It is our duty to protect our brother, and he is now in London, and here he must stay," added Louisa, supporting her sister's action.

Caroline had to change her plans because she preferred not to see her brother that day. So she had to hold back her desire to see Mr. Darcy; instead, she and Louisa went to call on a friend.

P&P

Mr. Bingley was very confused and did not quite know what to do. He had traveled to London for two days and intended to return to Hertfordshire to continue learning how to run an estate. But the day after he arrived in the city, his sisters and brother-in-law came to town and told him they did not intend to return to Netherfield.

When he explained that he wanted to stay in the area because he was in love with Miss Bennet and planned to court her, his sisters told him he was making a grave mistake. At first, he thought they were against his relationship with Jane because she had no dowry or connections, but his sisters were concerned for another reason.

They told him they thought Jane was not in love with him and that her mother would force her to marry him. Also, they pointed out she would accept his proposal and might even pretend she was in love with him to please her mother and secure her sisters' future.

Those words made him hesitate to remember and review his interactions with his angel. She was always very reserved and collected and listened to what he had to say, but she rarely voiced her opinion. She never showed a particular interest in any topic except once she told him about her love of adventure stories.

Also, that night on the terrace, when she looked more beautiful than ever, she looked at him with eyes full of emotion and said some words that he still didn't understand. Although she spoke to him, he had a feeling that she was speaking to someone else. That's why his sisters' words penetrated his soul so deeply and made him doubt. As a result, he had been in London for almost three weeks, locked up in his house without knowing what to do.

Unfortunately, his friend Darcy had traveled with his cousin Fitzwilliam out of London, and he could not speak with him. He was the only one who could help him dispel the doubts that hardly let him sleep at night. So as soon as he heard that he had returned to London, he immediately went to his house to tell him what ailed him.

Mr. Darcy was in his study, working for several hours. He would spend the Christmas season and end of the year celebrations with Georgiana and the Fitzwilliam family in his cousin's estate. The viscountess was with child and could not travel. He wanted to leave everything in order because he was planning to enjoy the time with his family. He needed to be surrounded by people he loved and do his favorite activities, like hunting and reading.

He had never bothered being alone; he rather enjoyed the solitude. But ever since he'd returned from Hertfordshire, he hadn't wanted to be alone and couldn't help but think what it would be like to enjoy everything he had with someone. He had always dreamed of meeting a woman whom he could respect. But now he was wondering what it would be like to have a wife whom he could also love and enjoy his company, and inevitably a pair of fine eyes came to his mind.

"I hope this soon gets over me, so I can be the rational man I've always been," thought Mr. Darcy, disgusted with himself.

"Sir, sorry to interrupt you, but Mr. Bingley is here," said the butler. Everyone in Darcy House had noticed that their master was even more reserved than he usually was.

"Please, Mr. Yates, tell him to come here," said Mr. Darcy. He was happy to see his friend and wanted to know how he was doing and why he had not returned to Hertfordshire yet.

"Darcy, you don't know how nice it is to see you. I need to talk to you because I need you to help me make a decision," Mr. Bingley said worriedly.

Mr. Darcy saw his friend quite pale, and it was evident he was not well. "Of course, Bingley. Tell me how I can help you, but I must confess I'm a bit surprised you haven't returned to Hertfordshire."

"That precisely is what I want you to help me with," said Mr. Bingley a little more animatedly.

Mr. Bingley began to talk nonstop and told his friend everything that had happened in the last few weeks, his doubts, and everything his sisters had told him regarding Jane Bennet. "Darcy, what do you think? Do you think Miss Bennet loves me? Do you think she would accept me just because her mother would force her to do it?"

Mr. Darcy was surprised by his friend's insecurity. He didn't quite know how to answer his questions because he thought similarly to Mr. Bingley's sisters. He had carefully observed Jane Bennet and hadn't noticed any particular interest in her for his friend. But he also admitted that she was a rather private woman, and for that reason, it was challenging to know what she really felt. "I don't know, Bingley. I think you are the only one who can determine that."

"But Darcy, you always know how to read other people's characters very well," replied Mr. Bingley worriedly. He needed his friend's opinion because he was the only one who could help him.

"Bingley, I barely know Miss Bennet. I don't think we've ever talked, so I'm ill qualified to talk about what she might feel or think about you." Mr. Darcy chose not to say anything else out of consideration for Elizabeth. She had protected his sister, and he would not respect hers.

Mr. Bingley got up and poured himself a brandy. "I have never felt for any woman what I feel for Miss Bennet. Usually, beautiful women like her are vain and arrogant, but she is so sweet and kind. What would you do if you were in my place, Darcy?"

"Bingley, you know me better than anyone, and you know that I am a practical man. I would never make a decision as important as getting married based only on fickle feelings." Mr. Darcy said emphatically.

"You mean to tell me that being in love isn't the only reason to get married?" Mr. Bingley asked in great surprise.

"Before answering that question, let me tell you that you and I have quite a different concept of love." When Mr. Darcy saw the curious look on his friend's face, he added. "Bingley, if I ever fall in love, believe me, it will be with more than a woman's beautiful face or kind appearance."

"Have you ever been in love, Darcy?" Mr. Bingley asked, almost amused.

"No, but I believe I have been infatuated with some lady once or two. But to return to your initial question, if I were in your case, I would consider more than just my feelings for Miss Bennet. I suppose you know that she has neither dowry nor connections, and her family behaves in a manner that leaves much to be desired." Mr. Darcy thought that the honorable thing for him was to make his friend see reality to make the right decision.

"Louisa and Caroline told me exactly the same. Even Hurst told me that my life would be unbearable with a mother-in-law like Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Bingley added with a faint smile. "I came to your house for your help, and I think I'm even more confused."

"Don't rush your decision, Bingley," said Mr. Darcy.

"As always, you're right. I think it's best to look for distractions to help me forget everything."

"Bingley, you are in London; there are always things to do here for a young man with as many friends as you," concluded Mr. Darcy.

"Darcy, could you please invite me to dinner? Today or I do not want to see my sisters' faces and even less listen to their complaints."

"Of course, Bingley," replied Mr. Darcy.

The friends continued talking about many things, but deep down, they both kept thinking about one of the Bennet sisters.

P&P

"Jane, please do not worry anymore. I have already sent a letter to aunt Alice, and I know she will help us." Elizabeth was so concerned for her sister that she needed to tell her something to make her feel better.

"Thank you, Lizzy," Jane responded and continued taking care of the garden's flowers.

Elizabeth kept talking and telling her dear sister everything Aunt Alice had told her about Canada. With that, she wanted to cheer her up, but Jane listened, and she didn't say much. Elizabeth knew that Jane was trying to hide her real feelings so that no one would be concerned about her. Still, Elizabeth knew her very well, and that was the reason she was so worried.

"Jane, how about if I prepare you some tea just the way you like it, and when you finish arranging your flowers, you can have your tea while I read you your favorite book?"

"Yes, I would like that very much, Lizzy," Jane said without looking at her sister. Jane preferred not to look into Elizabeth's eyes because she wasn't sure she could hold back the urge to cry.

That morning at breakfast, Lydia complained that no one invited her anymore, and she was bored at home all day. Although when she realized how much her comment saddened her sister, Lydia tried to talk about something else, Jane kept thinking about it all day.

Jane prayed every night to find a solution to her problem without having to sacrifice her family. Although Elizabeth was enthusiastic about going to Canada, she didn't want her sister to sacrifice herself for her mistake. Many nights she hardly slept, planning how to run away or simply disappear so as not to hurt those she loved the most anymore. Also, she had forgotten about Mr. Bingley because she knew he would never return.

Before entering the house, she wiped away her tears and calmed down. She didn't know how much longer she could go on like this, enduring her younger sisters' complaints, her mother's wails, her father's indifference, and Elizabeth's constant concern. "I just want this nightmare to be over."

P&P

"Mark, I will ask you please not to tell my sister anything I've told you. I know very well that she will ask you many times and in different ways to get the information out of you. You are the only person I can share something like this," David said flatly.

"Don't worry, David, you know you can trust me blindly. You are not only my best friend but also my brother," Mark said to the best man he had ever known.

David told her brother-in-law everything that had happened between him and Jane since he had met her, about the story he had shared with her, the conversations they had had, and everything that had occurred at the Netherfield ball. For the last two days, he had waited patiently for a visit from Mr. Bingley, but the man did not show up. The next day David would return to Hertfordshire early in the morning without talking to him.

"I can't understand a man like this Bingley, David. Why did he pay so much attention to Miss Bennet if he didn't have serious intentions with her? He must be the worst of scoundrels," Mark said emphatically.

"I do not think so, Mark. I believe Bingley is just an immature man who doesn't know what he wants, which is why he acts irresponsibly. Unfortunately, Miss Bennet is in a very precarious situation to wait until he decides to act like an honorable gentleman."

"If you want, I can use all my influence to make him take responsibility for his acts. You know you have my unrestricted support, my dear friend." Mark noticed David was distraught and wanted to do everything he could to fix the mess.

"And what would we gain, Mark? Forcing that man to do something he may not want to do? Miss Bennet deserves much more than a forced husband."

"David, you are in love with her, right?" Mark asked dryly. They were sitting in front of the fireplace in Lord Atkinson's study, drinking a brandy.

David stood up, poured himself another drink, and answered. "Yes, and I will do what I must to protect her."

"I understand, my friend, but if you take my advice, be honest with her. Maybe…"

"I will be, but when the time comes. For now, she needs to be calm and know she is not alone. I really wanted to give her the chance to marry the man she loves, but I failed."

"You did not fail her; that man did! Miss Bennet is fortunate that a man like you loves her, and I'm sure she will realize that sooner or later."

"Thanks, Mark," David answered and sat back in a share in front of the fireplace to watch the fire.

After advising his friend for a few more minutes, Mark went to rest in his room. He and David had agreed that they would tell her about Jane only once the unfinished business was resolved. So he knew he was in for a long night in which his wife would use every possible method to find out why her dear brother was so downcast.

For his part, David stayed for almost two hours locked up, looking at the fire, thinking. He wasn't as optimistic as his brother-in-law because he knew that Jane was hopelessly in love with Mr. Bingley, and a love like that was hard to forget. But he was a man of action and was not afraid of new challenges and less of doing what was right.

The next day, David was up before dawn and set out for Hertfordshire, arriving at his destination around noon. Once at his house, he ate something, changed clothes, and went straight to Longbourn to do what he had planned.

"Mary, did you see who came to visit us?" Lydia ran into the drawing room and asked the first one she saw.

"I don't know, Lydia. I'm focused on trying to learn this intricate piece of music. I don't have time to keep an eye on who's coming in or out of the house."

"Mary, you are always so boring," Lydia retorted.

"Mr. Hill told me that Colonel Smith asked to speak to Father, and they've been talking for about an hour," Kitty explained.

"Too bad, I don't know why the ugliest and most boring of the officers has to visit us. It could have been Mr. Wickham," Lydia sighed.

"I really like Colonel Smith. He's very nice," Kitty said, but Lydia ignored her.

"I'm so bored," Lydia complained. "I better go to my room to sleep," she added petulantly and left the room.

Elizabeth was in her room because she had received letters from Aunt Alice, Aunt Gardiner, and Georgiana, and she wanted to reply to all of them, especially to aunt Alice. She wanted to share the good news with Jane as soon as possible.

Jane had been accompanying and calming her mother all morning. After that, she went to the drawing room to listen to how Mary played the piano. Although her sister didn't play very well, any distraction was welcome. She knew that Elizabeth was reading Aunt Alice's letter and that she would probably have to make a decision very soon.

"Miss Jane," Mr. Hill said, interrupting her thoughts. "Your father wants you to go to his study."

"Thank you, Mr. Hill," answered Jane, a little puzzled. Her father usually called Elizabeth when he needed help, wanted to talk, or played chess. When Jane entered the study, she saw Colonel Smith standing by the window, very serious but apparently calm.

"Jane, Colonel Smith has asked permission to speak with you for a few minutes. I hope you can give him some minutes of your time," said Mr. Bennet extremely seriously.

Jane understood that something was happening there and preferred to know what was happening. "Of course, father. I am happy to listen to what the Colonel has to say."

"I'll leave you alone for ten minutes and come back to see what you have decided," Mr. Bennet said and left the room.

David was very nervous but preferred to be direct and then explain his reasons. That's why as soon as they were alone, he said without hesitation. "Miss Bennet, I want to know if you would do me the honor of being my wife. If you give me time to explain, I..."

"You have nothing to explain, Colonel. I gratefully accept your proposal," said Jane happily, thinking that her prayers had been answered.

P&P

Thank you to everyone who leaves supportive comments and enthusiastically follows the story. Knowing that many read and follow my stories is my primary motivation for writing.

I hope you do not mind our sweet Jane marrying another man. The story is now in the second phase.

In the next chapter, we will have a wedding!

See you soon!

Saludos,

Yo

P&PP&PP&P

Special note:

At the beginning of each of my stories, I warn you that English is not my primary language. Therefore, it is highly possible that you will find more than one error in the use of language and vocabulary.

Also, the first time I post a story, it's unedited because my most loyal followers prefer to read long chapters with errors than to wait weeks for a new one. So, if you leave a comment saying that this story has errors, you are telling me something that I already know and that you should know because I warned you at the beginning. Also, if you think for this reason, it is difficult for you to understand the plot, I suggest you stop reading it and read it when I post the edited edition.

If I have said this so many times, if I write a warning at the beginning, I have come to think that the only purpose of comments like this is to annoy, which is why I simply delete them if they are from guests.

On the contrary, if you leave comments telling me precisely where I made a grammar or vocabulary mistake, I will thank you and correct the problem. There is an old saying in Spanish, "El que no ayuda, estorba."

¡Muchas gracias!