A/N

HLW - Chapter 8, The second chapter for today.

Her Last WordsChapter 8

Mr Bennet discovered that he rather enjoyed his role as a matchmaker and the planning involved with the activity. Instead of inviting Mr Darcy to play chess in his study, he had decided to set up the chess board in the parlour itself.

When the gentlemen from Netherfield arrived and the greetings had been exchanged, he addressed, Darcy. "So, shall we start, Mr Darcy?" he asked, gesturing towards the table where the chess board was laid out,"

"Of course, Mr Bennet," Darcy said and the two gentlemen made their way to the table.

As soon as they were seated, Mr Bennet, called out to his eldest daughter. "Jane, why do you girls not accompany Mr Bingley for a stroll in the garden? I know how tedious you find it watch a slow, chess game in progress, especially when I would expect you not to distract me with your chatter."

Jane blinked at her father in surprise. Had she not known better she would have thought her father had taken up the mantle from mama to ensure that she and Mr Bingley had an could enjoy some personal moments with each other. However, since she knew how much papa detested matchmakers, she concluded that he was just being solicitous of them.

Elizabeth excused herself from the outing as the rest of her sisters stood up to go out in the garden. She decided to remain in the parlour as she was looking for a chance to convey Mr Wickham's continued malevolence towards him to Mr Darcy. However, she never did get a chance to talk to him alone that day.

Although Elizabeth had a book of poetry with her which she was ostensibly reading, as the game progressed, she found her eyes being drawn to Mr Darcy more and more. She tried to convince herself that it was because she was trying to understand his playing technique. Which his approach was definitely interesting, what she did not want to acknowledge was that she had started finding his countenance extremely pleasing to the eye and the manner in which he cocked his head and rubbed his chin when thinking hard, was fascinating to watch.

Darcy in his turn, tried very hard to keep his attention on the game, however it was a challenging task and his gaze swivelled towards Elizabeth often enough to become noticeable to a very surprised Mr Bennet. What astounded him further was Elizabeth's obvious pre-occupation with the man. And he has always thought these two could not stand each!

"Very interesting!" he thought. What amused him further was that despite all the distractions, Darcy managed to win quite comfortably. But then he too had never been so distracted while playing chess.

~§§§~

Mr Bingley cast a sidelong glance at Jane Bennet as they walked past the lovely arbour in the Longbourn gardens. It felt strange to be so awkward in the presence of the easy-going Miss Bennet. He had always looked forward to their meetings when he had stayed here last year. Unfortunately, this was no longer the case. Perhaps his guilt and confusion were manifesting themselves in the form of this discomfort, he wondered uneasily.

Bingley had thought about Jane Bennet often in the days following their removal from Netherfield and he would have been overjoyed if Darcy had admitted to being wrong about Miss Bennet's feelings before he travelled to Scarborough. In Scarborough, he had met Penelope Harrington, the sister of a schoolfriend, after a five-year hiatus. How the tomboyish 'Poppy' had transformed into the very charming Miss Harrington had taken him by surprise. The time spent in her sweet presence had gradually helped him overcome the melancholy he had been feeling in London, and to be honest, Darcy's letter had come as a great shock.

The fact that Mrs Bennet had passed away in an accident on her way to visit them in London, had been shocking enough. However, Bingley was further disturbed by the realization that, upon learning Miss Bennet may have harboured tender feelings for him, his primary emotions had been guilt and regret rather than joy.

Given what had happened, he had felt obligated to come to Meryton and apologize to Miss Bennet in person. And he had come to Longbourn today, determined to do just that.

But what next after he had made his apology? Did he beg for another chance to court Miss Bennet? Was it even proper to do so, given her recent loss? And would it be fair to her if he did, when he was not sure if that was truly what he wanted? Dash it all... given her behaviour the day before, he was not sure whether Miss Bennet wanted anything more to do with him. But... perhaps her behaviour was simply a way for her way to express her hurt and disappointment?

Bingley sighed deeply, thoroughly bewildered by the whole thing. Did he really want to pursue Miss Bennet when he had been so content in Miss Harrington's company? He was not sure. Did he want to pursue Miss Harrington? Again, he did not know. But if Miss Bennet truly had harboured tender feelings for him, then was he not responsible for her heartbreak and, as such, should he not make an offer of marriage to her?

He sighed once again, feeling lost. He had not sought Darcy's advice this time because it had embarrassed him to discuss Miss Harrington with his friend. Darcy had forever made fun of his tendency to fall for a pretty face – so very frequently. For the first time, Bingley accepted the justice of Darcy's words.

"Well, Charles, it is time to take courage," he muttered to himself. He decided to begin with an apology and then let things take their own course based on Miss Bennet's reactions.

"Miss Bennet?"

"Yes, sir?" Jane looked enquiringly at Mr Bingley.

She had been observing him for some time. He appeared to be feverishly deliberating with himself, and if his expressions and deep sighs were anything to go by his thoughts were not very comforting. On the other hand, Jane was much more at ease than she had been. Her conversation with Lizzy the night before had been extremely helpful in assisting her in making a couple of decisions. Firstly, she was no longer unsure how she would respond to Mr Bingley if he ever mustered the courage to speak openly to her and secondly, now that she was certain of her decision, there was no point in obstructing the gentleman from speaking his mind. As a result, she waited patiently for him to speak. Fortunately, she did not have to wait for long.

"Miss Bennet, I have been meaning to apologize to you ever since I received Darcy's letter a few days ago. I... ah..."

Poor Mr Bingley appeared rather unnerved all of a sudden and Jane decide to help him. "Apologize! Whatever for Mr Bingley?" she asked with a smile which gave heart to the man standing across from her.

"Oh... for many reasons, Miss Bennet. For leaving Meryton so precipitately last year... without even wishing a farewell to you or anyone else. Then... then failing to return your call when you paid us a visit in London in last December. To be honest, I only found out about your visit a few days ago when Darcy informed me of it." Bingley paused and swallowed hard, knowing that he was now about to confess to his sisters' deception. "I am not sure how Caroline and Louisa both forgot to mention your visit... but..."

"They did appear rather preoccupied both times I met them in London," Jane remarked dryly. Her tone indicated that she knew his sisters had lied and that their obfuscations and slights to her were intentional. Bingley flushed in embarrassment.

"I owe you another apology for my sisters' rudeness and indifference, Miss Bennet," he admitted shamefacedly.

"I will not lie, Mr Bingley, I was hurt by your sisters' sudden change in attitude, as I was the by the fact that you never visited Gracechurch Street. Especially since I was led to believe that you were aware of my presence in London and were simply too busy to return my call."

"Oh, but... I never knew about your visit... until a few days ago... and..."

"I know that now, Mr Bingley. I had no idea then. At the time... for nearly a month I... kept making excuses not to go anywhere during the calling hours in the hopes that you would come by. I also continued to make excuses for your and your sisters' indifference. Gradually, however, the hope and the excuses ran out... to be replaced by... reality."

"I truly am very sorry...," a remorseful Bingley started to apologize again, but Jane cut him off.

"It is all right, sir. I have had few more months to think about... the situation. Time, circumstances, and certain events all have helped me to better understand myself. And I am no longer angry or upset..."

Bingley looked at Jane searchingly. It was apparent from her expression that she was sincere. So, although he felt that he had not sufficiently apologized for the shabby manner in which he and his sisters had treated her, he decided to say no more on the subject. He had no desire to reopen wounds that appeared to be healing.

Her demeanour was much more open and friendly than the day before, and he was faced with another dilemma – whether or not to renew his addresses to her. She was once again the angelically beautiful, good natured young woman he had admired last autumn. A life with her would undoubtedly be enjoyable and fulfilling. Even so, something kept him from making a declaration, especially as he had already hurt her so much. "But... I had encouraged her through my conduct last year... Darcy was assured that he misjudged her feelings for me. I... owe it to her to ask..."

"Miss Bennet?" he addressed her before he could lose his nerve.

When she turned to look at him enquiringly, he asked, "I know this not the most auspicious of times to ask this of you... but do you believe that you could offer me some hope... I mean... some hope for our future together?"

So, he had finally mustered the courage and Jane's estimation of his character went up a few notches. Mr Bingley had the gumption not only to apologize but also to make amends for his mistakes. Only a fortnight ago, she would have been overjoyed at this turn of events. Fortunately for them both, Jane had realized that she desired more than what he was offering. She had always wanted to marry for the deepest love – but recent events had revealed that it had to be – deepest mutual love.

"Do you truly want that, Mr Bingley?" she answered him with a query of her own.

"I am sorry, Miss Bennet, but I do not get your meaning."

"Oh, it was a simple enough question, sir. Do you truly want a future with me?"

Mr Bingley looked stumped by her question for a moment, then he stammered a response. "Umm... yes. Yes, of course, Miss Bennet. I... I believe that we are well matched in temperament and from our earlier discussions I recall that we want similar things in life. So... yes... I believe that we would have a good, contented life together."

"You talk almost as if we would be two friends staying together."

"Indeed, Miss Bennet. I hope we are already friends, and I... I believe that a marriage will be more harmonious if the husband and the wife are friends."

"I believe so too. A husband and a wife should be friends but... not just friends," Jane replied.

Mr Bingley appeared more puzzled than satisfied, and she decided to elaborate. A few days ago, she would have been too shy to speak her mind so openly, but now she believed it was more important to clear the air between them than to adhere strictly to propriety.

"Aside from friendship, I believe a man and his wife should share a deep and abiding love. Mr Bingley, can you honestly confess to having such ardent feelings for me?"

Bingley looked into her earnest eyes and realized that he would not be able to lie. "I like you, Miss Bennet, very much, but I am sorry I cannot confess to feelings I am not very sure that I possess," he replied cautiously.

"There is no need to feel sorry because I believe our feelings are mutual, sir. I like you too and believe that we are friends but... but that is how I would like things to remain," she said and studied his face to ascertain his reaction. He appeared a little pensive, but not totally downcast. "I do hope that we can continue to be friend after... after my decision," she added softly.

"I will be proud to call you my friend, Miss Bennet." The sudden easing of his expression told Jane that sometime in future, Mr Bingley would be really thankful that she had rejected his tentative attempt at rapprochement.

She smiled and signaled to him that they should start their walk back to the house. It surprised Jane that she was feeling quite cheerful after her discussion with Mr Bingley.

Initially when she had decided to reject his proposal (if he made one at all), she had felt a trace of bitterness at the fact he was not decisive or steadfast enough to stand by her. And for one moment in their conversation today, she had wanted to shout at him for the hurt and humiliation he had caused her, but while talking to him she realized that he was not really a bad person, just not one she could respect enough.

If truth be told, Miss Bingley's malice had actually been beneficial for her. She therefore had decided to use a diplomatic approach with Mr Bingley, especially as she did not want any discord to exist between them. Given his friendship with Mr Darcy, and how she hoped Mr Darcy and Lizzy would end up, she did not want an additional bone of contention between those two head strong people. So, it was good that she and Mr Bingley did not have bitterness between them

They took a longer route to the house, talking easily on many consequential and inconsequential issues.

Just as they entered the front door, Mr Bingley cleared his throat self-consciously. "Miss Bennet, I am glad that we are now friends, but I realize that my behaviour did cause you pain and embarrassment. So... so if you would rather that I do not stay in the neighbourhood then please tell me frankly. Although my steward and Darcy both suggest that I stay here for a sometime – I can easily create some reason to leave."

"Oh, Mr Bingley, please, do not do that on any account!"

Jane flushed as she noticed Mr Bingley turn and stare in surprise at her sudden vehemence. She asked in a more moderate tone, "Umm... have you considered that there might be some other reason for Mr Darcy to suggest that you spend a considerable time at Netherfield."

"You mean there is some other reason behind Darcy's homilies on how a good landlord should behave?" Bingley asked with a wry quirk to his lips.

Jane smiled and nodded. "I am quite sure of the fact."

"But what could it be?" Bingley asked in surprise even as Jane gently opened the door of the parlour. She had seen how often Mr Darcy's gaze swivelled towards Lizzy and was hopeful that she would not need to spell out the reality to Mr Bingley. She was glad to be proved right immediately as they peeked inside the room. While papa was looking down at the chessboard Mr Darcy was staring at Lizzy with his heart his eyes.

She hurriedly shut the door once again as she heard Mr Bingley take a sharp breath. Just in time as he burst out as soon as the door closed, "Well, I'll be damned..."

He flushed and immediately apologised, "Please forgive me Miss Bennet, but... I always thought Darcy and Miss Elizabeth disliked each other!"

"Lizzy also had that misconception," Jane said with a chuckle. "Although I think she has been learning – the hard way – that not only was she wrong about that assumption but that she is not really as good a judge of people she thought herself to be."

"Oh!" Mr Bingley still appeared quite dumbfounded with the new revelation.

"Although Lizzy is stubborn, she will soon come to realize the truth about Mr Darcy. I also believe that despite a major setback, Mr Darcy has not given up on Lizzy. I believe he just needs time to change Lizzy's mind. Now do you understand why I asked you not to leave early?"

"Yes, of course, and I am not going anywhere until Darcy is able to make up for whatever stupidity he has done and resolves matters with Miss Elizabeth."

Jane smiled once again. "You do know your friend rather well."

Bingley smiled back. "So... umm... what do you think we can do to help?"

"I am not very sure... What they do need is an opportunity to get to know each other better. To... to communicate without the barriers of their prejudices and the misunderstandings," Jane Bennet said, even as she pondered over the matter.

"I know what we can do, if you have no objections to the scheme?" she said suddenly.

"Uh... what do you have in mind?" Bingley asked cautiously.

"If you are willing, we can pretend that we are trying to resolve matters between us, which in turn will provide opportunity to our chaperons to resolve matters between them."

Bingley smiled at the simplicity of the scheme. "I am willing to give it a try, if you are, Miss Bennet and let us hope that with time everything will be resolved."

It was at this exact moment that Mrs Bennet appeared alongside the two and was pleased to hear Mr Bingley's words.

"It seems Jane and Mr Bingley have decided to give each other time. If true then all is not lost as I thought. I will ask Mr Darcy to find out exactly what these two have decided," Mrs Bennet thought as she accompanied the other two inside the parlour.

~§§§~

Her Last Words

Copyright © 2022 by S. Neha

All rights reserved.