Ok so I redid the ending of this chapter with the same result since no one seemed to like the previous one. I hope this is better.
"I think, my dear," said Mr. Bennet several days later at the breakfast table, "you shall be happy to know that the militia has all arrived safely in Meryton. We shall now be safe from the French."
Elizabeth smiled into her teacup, as her mother scolded her father for his wittism. James spoke, looking to defuse the agreement,
"It is simply a precaution," said he, "and we are aware we are in no danger, but it must be pleasant for the ladies to have more gentlemen to stand up with, for there is such a scarcity at the assemblies and parties."
"Indeed!" said Mrs. Bennet, "If only you and your father had let your youngest sisters come out this year. They do so adore red coats, and I am certain one or both of them would be wed if you had only allowed it."
"Father and I agreed that they shall not come out until they are eighteen and one of my sisters is wed. Only then if they have the maturity to show deportment," said James, "It is quite enough work with two sisters out, and the two most sensible at that. I have no wish to chase after little girls as they chase the officers. Nor do I wish to allow them to run wild and ruin themselves."
"They would not ruin themselves!" cried Mrs. Bennet, "You are too severe on them. I was out at fifteen and I dearly loved a red coat."
"Mother, you forget that I can do sums and I know the date of my birth," said James, "While you may not have ruined yourself, I know you did not have the supervision that you ought."
Mrs. Bennet blushed, and Mr. Bennet glared at his son and said,
"You will imply no such thing about your mother."
"Father, you know it to be true," said James, "and she was but sixteen, so I do not pretend it was anything but her age that caused her folly."
Elizabeth and Mary, who could also do sums and had spoken of the matter before, looked at their plates and did not speak during the exchange. They did not even dare to eat, lest the sound of their silverware alert the others to their presence. It was not until a servant entered with a fresh pot of tea that the silence was broken. The meal then passed quickly, as none wished to speak further on the topic, and father and son were put out with each other.
"I could not believe my ears this morn," said Elizabeth as she and James walked towards Lucas Lodge.
"You know as well as I the whispers about my parentage. I am glad I look at least a little like father, but many have said I look rather too much like Colonel Miller. I have seen a painting of him, Lizzy. I look more like mother, but I can see why people might think Colonel Miller my natural father instead of our father."
"You do not think he is, do you?" asked Elizabeth.
"I do not know. I look in the mirror and I see that my ears and nose are similar to Papa's but I see nothing else of him. Colonel Miller has similar features to Papa in many ways, so it is difficult to know. I wish there was a test that might tell me," said James.
"I think it silly to speculate on the matter," said Elizabeth, "even if his blood does not flow through you, Papa has been your father in every way that counts."
"I do not claim otherwise," said James, "I simply would not have our sisters behave as our mother does. She will not convince me to let our sisters follow the same path. If Papa had not married Mama, she would have been ruined and my life would have been very different from what it is."
"I know, James," said Elizabeth, "but let us talk of something else, lest the servants at Lucas Lodge overhear."
They talked of the party that was to take place that night at Lucas Lodge, for they were going tither to assist in the decoration and direction of the servants. When they approached the house, they found Maria Lucas picking fall flowers. James gallantly took the full basket from her to bring into the house, as she began to fill an empty one that a footman brought to replace it.
"James! Eliza!" called Charlotte when she caught sight of them upon their entrance to the house. She was directing two servants who were assisting in clearing the drawing room for dancing. Lucas Lodge did not have a ballroom, so whenever there was a party the furniture in the drawing room was squeezed into any spare corner of the house. James immediately took up the task and sent the ladies off to the kitchens to direct the food preparation.
"You do not mind?" asked Charlotte when she went into the kitchen.
"Mama does not know it, but I often help in the kitchens," said Elizabeth, "I feel bad for Polly and will sometimes let her take a break when it is very warm. I cannot imagine being cooped up by a stove all day in the heat."
Elizabeth began to sort the apples into those that might be cooked into pies and tarts and those that could be served fresh. Charlotte took over the making of bread that a maid had begun, allowing the maid to begin chopping up the apples for pie. They talked of the officers, the Netherfield party, and their expectations for the evening while they worked. When they were alone in the kitchen, as the maid had gone off to assist in the dining room while the pie was cooking, Elizabeth asked Charlotte,
"What do you think of Mr. Bingley?"
"I do not know. He is handsome, to be sure. His situation is good. He has called several times."
"Yet?" asked Elizabeth.
"I do not know. I cannot be at my ease with him. He is kind though, so I will do my best to encourage him."
"Do you think you might love him, eventually?"
"I cannot know, but he is not vicious. I see nothing wrong with him. I feel that I should accept him if he asks. I am seven and twenty. I have few options."
"You would marry someone that you cannot love?" asked Elizabeth.
"I would. I respect him, and I believe that is most important."
"I am glad, at least, that you would not marry without respect."
Charlotte said nothing in reply, turning to find a loaf pan. They spoke no more on the subject as both knew they were of different minds on the subject.
Later that day, as James and Elizabeth walked back to Longbourn together, Elizabeth told James of what they had talked of. She felt terrible to break Charlotte's confidence, but she was concerned for her friend. James said little in response, only replying in monosyllables and seeming lost in thought.
James' thoughtful mood continued throughout the day and until they arrived at Lucas Lodge that evening.
They talked and spoke with friends, until they heard Mary tell Miss Long that she would play a reel so people might begin the dancing.
"Might I ask you for the first?" said James to Charlotte.
"I am sorry, James. Mr. Bingley has already taken the first set," said she.
"Then perhaps the second, and the third if I may," said James. Charlotte's face had an odd expression at his request, and she did not answer immediately.
"Is something amiss?" he asked her.
"You have asked for two sets," said she.
"Do you not wish to dance twice with me?" he said, disappointed.
"It is not that. It is just that I have noticed you never dance twice with the same lady."
"Ah, but there will be plenty of gentlemen in attendance from now on, as the officers are here. I need not worry about ensuring that every lady has a chance to dance and may instead dance with only those I prefer."
"I am honoured to be counted among their number," said Charlotte.
"Of course, you are among their number," said James, "You are one of my dear friends."
"Of course," said Charlotte, her smile faltering slightly.
Elizabeth watched the interaction between her brother and her friend with interest. Somehow her card had filled up without her knowledge, as she was too distracted to pay any real attention to who she handed it to. When Mr. Darcy appeared to claim her for the first set, she was quite surprised.
"Is that Georgiana I see dancing with the Colonel?" Elizabeth asked when the music began.
"It is. I told her she might dance with myself, my cousin, Bingley, Hurst, your father, your brother, and Sir William. I do not know anyone else here well enough, but I thought she might be allowed a little entertainment," said Mr. Darcy.
"I will tell my brother to be certain he secures a set with Georgiana," said Elziabeth with a smile, "As that is seven gentlemen, she shall have her card filled through supper at least."
"Exactly my thought, Miss Elizabeth," said Mr. Darcy, "Especially as I said she must go up after supper. She has a lesson with her music master on the morrow, so she must not remain awake too late into the night."
"You are a very careful guardian," said Elizabeth.
"I fear I learned to be so too late," said Darcy.
"You are severe on yourself," said Elizabeth.
Darcy gave a weak smile but said nothing.
"Have you known Mr. Bingley long?" asked Elizabeth when the dance next brought them together.
"Four years or perhaps five. He is a good man, although too reliant on the advice of others."
"Do you count yourself among the others?" asked Elizabeth.
"I suppose I must, for I am here to advise him in the workings of an estate."
"Could not his brother do so?"
"Hurst's estate is very small and he is rather an indolent caretaker. He employs a steward and allows the man to do as he will. Hurst does not take an active role in the running of the estate."
"I am grateful that my brother does take such an active role," said Elizabeth, "I know our land should not be nearly so profitable without his help."
"Your brother?" asked Darcy, "Not your father?"
"My brother has taken on most of my father's duties," said Elizabeth. "He is younger and more fit to take on such things." This was only partially a lie, for there was nothing wrong with her father, only the failings common among those in their sixth decade, besides the fact that he did not stir himself from his books. His son was allowed to do as he would on the estate. They were very fortunate that James was as careful a man as one might ever imagine.
"I see. I suppose as my father died while I was so young, I did not witness a gradual handing over of duties from father to son."
"You must have been quite young," said Elizabeth, "I cannot imagine having such responsibility thrust upon my shoulders."
"It was difficult," said Mr. Darcy, "but I learned. Thankfully I have many capable men in my employ to assist."
They spoke for the rest of the dance on topics relating to estate management, crop rotation, and managing tenants. Darcy thought to himself that should every young lady speak about such things on the dance floor then he might not find dancing so tiresome. Thus, he sought out the younger Miss Bennet, wondering if her conversation would be likewise enjoyable.
Elizabeth found the rest of the evening very merry. Colonel Foster and his officers seemed all to be gentlemen, often the younger sons of the gentry. Most were capable dancers and none stepped on Elizabeth's toes. She went into dinner with Mr. Phillip Dane, a cousin of Mr. Goulding who was visiting for several months. Mr. Dane was a pleasant but plain man with fine manners. Elizabeth found his conversation rather what was expected, and so had no complaints.
After dinner, Elizabeth was approached by a confused Mr. Lucas who was searching for Charlotte. As he avoided her company due to their awkwardness after the spring proposal, Elizabeth was concerned for her friend. As it was her house, he supposed she might have gone to repair a hem or fix her hair, but she had been gone rather longer than was typical for such an occurrence. Elizabeth agreed, looking in all the usual places for her friend. It was in the garden that she finally heard voices.
"It is none of your concern, James!"
"Perhaps not but Darcy says the man falls in and out of love like most men change their jackets!"
"He is serious now! He is leasing an estate and is looking for a wife."
"You do not even know him!"
"I know he is not vicious, nor is he spendthrift. He is handsome enough. Is that not the same thing that you said when you went to London to look for a wife?"
"Yes, but..."
Elizabeth felt terrible for eavesdropping, but she needed to remain in place lest it be thought that they were in the garden alone. She should really make her presence known, but she knew her brother and her friend were coming to the realisation that they ought.
"But what? Why must I be an old maid when a handsome man comes courting?"
"You would marry a man that you are indifferent to?"
"I would. Supposing he treats his family well, I would. If the worst that Mr. Darcy can say of him is that he falls in and out of love, I will think myself very happy if I become Mrs. Bingley."
"Men can hide what they are. You do not know him."
"Women are not allowed to know what things that men might hide nor get to know men well enough to know their natures."
"You know me."
"Yes, I know you. What has that to do with the matter?"
"I am a man, if you had not noticed," said James, coming closer to her.
"The beeches and hat were an indication," said Charlotte.
"And?" asked James.
"And what? Your waistcoat?" answered Charlotte, confused.
"No," said James with a laugh.
"Then what?"
"If you are willing to marry a man who you are indifferent to, would you marry me if I asked?" asked James.
"I would," said Charlotte, squaring her shoulders, "but I did not hear a proposal in that and I am not indifferent to you."
"You are not indifferent to me?" asked James, amazed, "But I never saw any sign."
"We are not meant to show any interest unless a man does. You never showed any interest in me except as your neighbour."
"I have been half in love with you since I was twelve years old, Charlotte! I went looking for a woman I could like well enough because I thought I could not have you!"
"We are both fools," said Charlotte with a laugh, "for I have loved you since I was nineteen."
"Then, will you marry me? My dearest Charlotte?"
"Yes."
Elizabeth, satisfied that all was as it should be, went inside, leaving the lovers to their embraces. There was not much worry now about a compromise, as it seemed everything was now settled.
Netherfield, near Meryton, Hertfordshire,
Twenty-Ninth October,
Dear Cousin Anne,
Know that I am glad to help you with the estate in any way you require, now or in the future. Or shall I say, any way except marrying you. I know I have no worries on that account, for your Mr. B would call me out, even if I were inclined in your direction. I have not heard much from him since his ship was sent to the Americas. I heard that he was injured, but not much else. Is he well?
As for Miss E, I think it a hopeless case. She is quite lovely, it is true. She is a fine friend for GG. Yet, she has few connections as the daughter of a country squire. Her dowry is only seven thousand. While I do not need funds, it illustrates the unsuitability of the match. No, do not worry for me. I am in no danger from her. I must do my duty and go to the ton next season and find a bride. It is time for GG to have a sister. That much is clear to me after this summer.
I am glad that Mrs. Jenkinson is treating you so well. She seemed a sensible lady when I met her. It sounds as if she has learned how to make Lady Catherine believe everything is her idea, which truly is a skill needed if she is to survive Rosings. Give her my greetings.
Yours, etc.
Darcy.