Chapter 3

Mayhem at the lake

By the time that Bingley made it to Hyde park in the morning he was pushing 11 o'clock. He reached the east side and started looking to see if he could spot his Jane, and to his utter surprise there she was some distance back from the same young boy she was with yesterday who looked to be being helped by a maid.

He walked quickly over to her, pulled her into a more secluded part of the path, positioned her where she could still be seen by those she came with and without thinking he said "I've been up all night, didn't sleep a lick. But I was able to get so much done. I just can't believe my luck." then realized he forgot polite conversation and added "I hope you slept well Miss Bennett."

"I must admit that I had a restless night sleep, I was still in shock from running into you yesterday and was not sure if I would come today."

"I'm glad that you did. Not get a restless night sleep that causes me some pain but I'm glad that you came to see me."
"You said yesterday that you wished to talk."

"I do. After seeing you yesterday, I can barely think of anything else. Being apart from you is agony, and I do not wish to be parted from you this day forward. I was a fool, I should have followed my heart and came right back to you after I left for London. When I arrived in London, my good friend Mr. Darcy, you remember him right?"

"Yes."

"Well I had asked him what he thought your affections for me were and he told me he did not think that you were not at all interested and that you were simply trying to please your mother, who I must admit was far too enthusiastic about our affections. Though I was still determined to return to you telling him that I loved you enough for the both of us as long as you held me in some regard. But then my family arrived back in London, and I was all too shocked."

"They claimed that they missed being in town and wished to call on friends that they knew and this and that. The next morning they sat me down and told me of all the reasons why I should not go back to you." finished Bingley who was trying to stay on topic and explain himself.

"And those reasons are?" said Jane

"They matter not to me, but I will tell you not to upset you but to explain myself to you. They claim that your father, though kind, is neglectful and silly allowing your mother and sisters to go unchecked and run their mouths. That your mother is a mercenary only trying to secure anyone of good fortune upon yourself or your sisters. That your sisters are all ridiculous flirts and that they will only be a shame towards the family with their behaviors. I must admit that when they told me after having some time away from your family, I could see what they meant. And had decided to give some time to think on what I truly wanted in life. I had not meant to be gone this long. And I truly had no idea that you were in town."

"Is this what you think of me then?" Jane said with tears forming in her eyes.

"NO! I think you are the perfect English rose that fell upon me and melted my silly ridiculous heart. I do not wish to be parted from you again"

"Truly?"

"Yes, with all my heart. I don't wish to listen to anyone else on the matter. I simply wish to make you my wife and live a comfortable life on the estate I just purchased."

"What do you mean, just purchased? You bought Netherfield park?"

"No. I was up all night with the paperwork to purchase an estate in the north. It will need some work, but I will still be able to conduct my current business with very few trips to London. I've written to Darcy to come and help with it. I wish to take you there as my wife. I wish to take you to Gretna Green if you will come."

"Gretna Green? Mr. Bingley you can not be serious?"

"I'm more than serious. I am determined to convince you."

"We can not elope, people will talk."

"We can and we will. People talk regardless if it's an elopement or not."

"But your family they don't care for me."

"I don't care what they think, this is my decision and they will accept you or have nothing to do with us both."

Bingley grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles. "They will no longer stand in the way of my own happiness."

Bingley, so wrapped in his confession of love to his beloved Jane, had not seen the large dog running towards them, until the barking was nearly at them. Acting quickly Bingley grabbed Jane and pulled her behind him. The dog ran right through where Jane was just standing, stopped and ran back towards them jumping on to Bingley causing him to lose his footing, and fall backwards taking Jane with him.

They fell through some trees and rolled on some dirt until they rolled right into the lake. Bingley, completely shocked, pulled Jane up from the water, walked her back to the grass and broke down laughing. The dog seemed to find him again and kept back on Bingley who fell right back into the lake. Upon further notice, he realized the dog belong to Mr. Daniels. Who right at that moment shouted

"Bingley? You alright? I was walking when he tugged on the lease and it fell from my hands."

"It is no worries Daniels, but if we could take the young lady home who was abused by your dog that would be great."

Jane was now being seen by her maid who was trying to put her own coat over Jane to keep her from catching a chill. Mr. Daniels went to get the carriage and soon they were all loaded inside and on their way to drop the lady, her maid and the nephew back to her residence. When the maid and the young boy got out Bingley took this opportunity to speak quickly

"I wish to get you tonight to take you to scotland. Is this possible?"

"Yes, my aunt and uncle are gone today until 2 or 3 in the morning. My uncle has business with a man who lives outside of london."

"I will be here at midnight by the servants entrance, have your things ready." Bingley whispered to her as he left a quick kiss on her cheek.