Chapter 10: Meanwhile, Back in London
Tuesday, 31 March 1812
Richard and Darcy once again spent their morning riding the estate. Darcy showed Richard his methods for recording the progress of the maintenance on each tenant property. While on rides between farms, Richard smirked at Darcy, telling him Miss Bennet looked well and he found her quite unaffected. Richard could detect no signs that Darcy had made a private visit.
"Maybe your manhood is not as manly as you thought!"
Darcy looked at his miscreant cousin. Refusing to rise to the bait, Darcy retorted, "If you were as knowledgeable about women as you claim, you would have set me straight yesterday. As it happened, I had to go through the mortification of having her explain it to me."
"So what was it? Obviously not you."
"No, it was not me," Darcy explained."She explained it to me. Why is it that you, the worldly man who prides himself on knowing so much about women, could not tell me something so basic?"
Richard cocked his head in thought. "I don't know. It's not something I've ever experienced. There have been times when I could not receive the attentions of my favorite—I was told she was indisposed. I assumed she felt ill, but maybe it was that." Looking pointedly at Darcy, he added, "Contrary to your belief, I do not go that often." Darcy grinned at Richard's admission. Richard put on his bravado along with his red coat, it was a necessary part of the uniform. Although no angel, his cousin was not as degenerate as he encouraged others to believe.
"After Miss Bennet told me, I remembered Georgiana having a similar experience, but Mrs. Glenn took care of her so I put it aside until last night."
"Neither of us have lived with any woman in that way. It follows there must be singular issues we don't know about as there are things about us that they do not know about."
"Miss Bennet has four sisters and no brothers, I have much to teach her," Darcy said with a wolfish grin.
Richard laughed. "I look forward to coming back for your marriage. I have never had the opportunity to bed a woman every day. I can imagine the calming effect it would have, but will see how you respond." Not sure whether to smile or scowl, Darcy chose to wear a lifted brow at Richard's insinuations and change the topic.
"You return to London on Friday. What more do you need to know to take over management of Rosings Park next year?"
"Next year!" Richard yelped. "Who said I would move out here so soon?"
"I did. After spending an extra month or more with Aunt Catherine for this whole…" Darcy waved his hand around, "thing, I shall not be returning to Kent until long after Georgiana is married."
Richard scowled at the implication. Last Christmas, his father told him it was time for him to resign. His older brother, Robert, had suffered an illness earlier in the year but fortunately had recovered. It concerned the earl enough to make sure his spare remained in reserve in case something happened to the heir. Richard remaining in active service was too dangerous. Having him steward Rosings Park served dual purposes—teaching him how to manage an estate and keeping him alive.
"Staying at Rosings Park alone? Perish the thought!" he said.
Darcy snorted. "Just spend your time reviewing the books in the office or looking over the lands. You have no need to spend much time in Lady Catherine's company."
"What about restoring the dower house?"
"With the financial commitment required for this, there will not be funds for a few years. Once the estate recovers, we should begin work to rebuild it," Darcy promised.
"I see the men are removing the fallen branches from the stream, were those causing the water to back up in the field?" The men continued their survey until forced back to the house by dinner.
~~~oo0oo~~~
For the upstairs residents, dinner went well. Elizabeth, learning how to adapt to her new position, laughed and conversed with members of the party as her job required.
Downstairs, the servants adopted a new routine with their dinner. Following Mrs. Jenkinson's suggestion, they bowed their heads in prayer for Miss de Bourgh and her fertile upcoming union with Mr. Darcy, as well as for Miss Bennet in her efforts to support Miss de Bourgh.
~~~oo0oo~~~
That night, Darcy remained in his quarters.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Thursday, 2 April 1812
London, the Hursts' Residence
Back in London, Charles joined his sisters at the Hurst's residence in London for their morning meal. Having received a letter from Darcy two days before, he was not anticipating the impending confrontation with his sisters—particularly Caroline. Being a gentle, good-natured man, Charles loathed fighting, but his father taught him years ago that to be a man meant he must sometimes stand toe-to-toe to defend himself and those he loved. Charles loved his sisters, but now was the time for him to be a man. Caroline always thought him easily manipulated, but he had never before needed to go against her. This time she went too far.
His sisters greeted him with their usual ennui, looking over their gossip papers while deciding whom they should call upon that morning. As the women made their list, they asked if Charles intended to join them; he smiled, "no thank you, not today. Unless, of course, you prefer to join my return to Netherfield Park."
Given the effects this announcement had upon his sisters, he believed dear Jane had been too kind in describing his sisters' mistreatment. Charles had verified Jane's visit to Caroline and learned of Caroline's cutting return with a visit to Jane's aunt. Given Caroline's shocked expression, disbelief of his intent, then attempt to dissuade him, he knew for certain that she was working to separate him from Jane. Caroline patronizingly began giving Charles reasons to not waste his time returning to Netherfield, Charles smiled genially and nodded.
Caroline, believing she had convinced him, said, "lovely. You will attend Louisa and me on our visits this morning."
"No Caroline, I will not. My plans are set and I leave in two hours. The house is already being opened. If you have no wish to return, I have decided to forego hosting… for a time," as he looked at her, she understood his intention was to make Jane Bennet his hostess. "Did I mention that I met Jane's aunt and uncle from Cheapside yesterday. Such lovely people, I enjoyed spending time with them."
Caroline gasped, "Charles, you cannot mean such a thing!" He was calling Miss Bennet by her Christian name-How long had he been seeing that fortune hunter without her knowing! She looked at Charles and realized it was already too late. He was determined to ask for her father's blessing.
"I do. You are welcome to join me if you wish." Charles kept smiling, not entertained by Caroline's discomfort, but not relenting. Looking down her nose with distaste, she refused, but he had expected such a response. Now to deliver the other news.
Shifting uncomfortably, Charles asked about the newspapers the women were reading. "Are there any interesting betrothal announcements?"
Glaring at Charles in fear of having missed his betrothal announcement that morning, Caroline admitted, "we have not yet read that section."
"That may be so," Charles nodded. "I believe they wish to wait until after the wedding to announce."
Seeing Charles was not talking about himself, Caroline pounced to get the name of whom she needed to wish joy! Charles looked at her sympathetically, saying simply, "Darcy."
Caroline choked on her tea, coughing and sputtering into her handkerchief, before finally looking up. Straining to get the words out with some semblance of control, she asked, "Who should I wish joy?" Who had beat her to the prize? Not that Darcy himself was such a prize, but his estate was. His children, her children she had hoped, would be able to marry into the peerage.
"His cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh. The alliance will combine her estimable estate with his."
Caroline sighed, conceding defeat. No other outcome could be expected. No matter her own accomplishments, charm, and dowry, she could not compete with a gentlewoman owning her own substantial estate. Such was the world they lived in. She only regretted wasting so much of her time in attending to him.
Reflecting on her most recent dances, she noted three or four prospective matches that would suffice. Learning from her pursuit of Mr. Darcy, Caroline would no longer single out only one man but work on a few so as to achieve a desirable alliance before the end of the next season. One gentleman, in particular, held a much-desired title, though his estate needed the funds her dowry could provide. She decided to start showing him more encouragement and reflected that the impoverished gentleman was much cheerier than Darcy. Yes, he would make a much better husband than Darcy, and he had both an estate and a title. She may not have as much money, but she could learn to economize somewhat for the sake of a much-desired title.
"How wonderful for him," Caroline said flatly. "Wish him joy for me when you next write," as she turned back to her papers.
Appreciating that his sister took the news with unexpected grace, Charles felt more at ease. "I will. I plan on sending him a letter before I leave."
"Oh, Charles, he is never able to read what you have written. Would you like me to write it for you?" Louisa offered.
Considering only for a moment, Charles decided to accept her offer. "That is wonderful of you, yes, I believe I would prefer that. Could we do it after breakfast? I shall post it this morning."
Caroline began to plan her morning calls. Considering the fresh news of Mr. Darcy's engagement, she carefully considered how to best use this information to her advantage. The alliance between Mr. Darcy and Miss de Bourgh was not unexpected, but it was, as of yet, unannounced.
After the meal, Louisa and Charles began composing the letter while Caroline, barely listening to the others, contemplated how to phrase the sharing of her joy at Mr. Darcy's announcement to achieve the greatest effect.
Charles dictated to his sister:
Darcy,
My sister writes this so you will be able to read it. None of your usual complaints about smudges this time!
My sisters and I wish you joy on your upcoming nuptials. You will gain much from the marriage. I thank you for your invitation to attend and accept. I had no plans for that week and will enjoy watching Colonel Fitzwilliam stand up and help you enter the parson's noose.
I thank you for your information on Miss Bennet and her father…
"What information?" Caroline asked, suddenly attentive. Charles had already mentioned Mr. Bennet's accident, else he would be visiting at her previous residence on Gracechurch Street rather than returning to Netherfield. But he had not shared how he came by that knowledge.
Caroline stewed, realizing Darcy was the source. Why would he contradict their earlier agreement to keep Charles from Jane Bennet? He had been a staunch ally at the time. Speculating that it had to do with his marriage to Miss de Bourgh, she vowed to gather more information on the heiress during her morning calls. She remembered the woman being described as sickly. Miss de Bourgh had never been presented at court or had a season in Town. Maybe Darcy was regretting offering for the heiress? La! Nothing to be done about it now. He made his choice and his estate would benefit from it even if he would not.
She just wished he would have left Charles out of it. It was critical to her prospects that Charles marry for position rather than affection, just as Darcy was doing.
… I am returning to Netherfield today and will stay until your nuptials. I would like to arrive on the ninth of April, leaving on the fourteenth.
I plan on bringing Miss Bennet to Kent with me, if I may. She will stay with her cousin at the parsonage and it will allow her to spend some time with her sister before traveling home."
Caroline was first disgusted at her brother's forwardness at inviting the woman to travel with him, then her ears perked up with the second bit. "Her sister is in Kent? Which sister?"
"Miss Elizabeth Bennet. You may recall that she and Mrs. Collins were, still are, dear friends, but now she and Miss de Bourgh have struck up quite a friendship as well. Miss Elizabeth Bennet has been asked to stay for a year."
Caroline was now all attention. "Eliza is now Miss de Bourgh's companion?" Laughing at the reduced state of the impertinent woman who seemed to hold Darcy's interest while in Hertfordshire, Caroline sneered, "How droll!"
Frowning at his sister's abuse of Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Charles corrected her. "No, she is a friend that Miss de Bourgh has invited to stay. Maybe she wishes to connect Miss Elizabeth Bennet with Colonel Fitzwilliam. They would be a good match, both are so good-humored." Remembering Colonel Fitzwilliam was the younger son of an earl, meaning he was one bad meal from the title, Caroline suddenly decided the colonel would also be a candidate for her attentions the next time they were in company.
If Mr. Darcy still admired Eliza's 'fine eyes', he would now have to do it from afar, she jealously gloated. Or take her as a mistress, but Mr. Darcy was too proper to offer such degradation to a gentlewoman. She may not be getting Mr. Darcy, but the little county chit was not either.
Caroline shook her head. "Eliza will not do for an earl's son, but I do wish her well."
Louisa, wishing to finish the letter so she and Caroline could get on with their morning, urged Charles to finish.
"Ah, yes," Charles remembered. "I look forward to seeing you again, yours Etc&. That should do."
Louisa finished the letter, then passed it to Charles before bustling out for morning calls.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Friday, 3 April 1812
Rosings Park
Friday morning before joining the others, Richard and Darcy met for a private farewell.
Considering the unusual situation he was leaving behind, Richard could not leave with some banal, overused farewell. He asked, "So you go back tonight to start again?"
"Enough Richard," Darcy said in exasperation at his cousin's juvenile taunts.
Richard laughed before bemoaning his ever-fortunate younger cousin—luck favored Darcy! Irritated at Richard's continuing theatrics, he started toward the dining area before his cousin stopped him.
"In all seriousness, I wish you well. I understand your difficulties, but you shall manage. Once you marry Anne and Miss Bennet conceives, you may return to Town or Pemberley. All will be well."
Nodding grimly, they shook hands. Darcy considered Richard's consolations. He found they were not particularly consoling but was not willing to explore why.
Richard pulled Darcy aside and whispered, "I still look forward to your wedding. I must see what lying with a woman every night does to you!" before Richard walked into the breakfast room with a bright greeting to all, leaving Darcy just outside the door to compose himself and stew at his cousin.
~~~oo0oo~~~
That evening, as the noise of the house died down, Darcy returned to Miss Bennet's room. He had consumed a fortifying drink in his room and brought a bottle of wine to share. Since his visit to check on her condition, they had barely spoken. What little time they were in company was filled with Richard's overbearing conversation.
She opened the door at his knock, curtseyed to his bow, and invited him to sit. Darcy chose one chair beside the fireplace, Miss Bennet the other. Unsure of how to begin, Darcy asked if she was well. With an amused quirk of her brow, she assured him she was.
"You had great fun at my expense, did you not?" he asked with the lift of a brow.
She smiled and nodded. "Growing up in a house with six women, it is a well-known part of life. It was inconceivable to me that it was not universally known. Though, since I do not have a brother, there is likely much of men I do not know of."
Darcy nodded. "I would suspect that is the case."
She waited, looking hopeful.
Nothing.
Sighing, she asked, "Would you care to enlighten me?"
Not expecting a question of that sort, nothing entered his mind to share. "I can not." At the moment, there was not one single thing he could think of to share with her about the ways of men.
She looked affronted and turned away from him. Damn! I ruined another good conversation, he thought. They sat in silence a few minutes before Darcy realized it was his responsibility to initiate speech and each moment of silence made breaking it that much more difficult.
"Have you heard from Miss Bennet recently?" he asked.
"No. I sent her a note on Wednesday, so I expect nothing until next week."
"As promised, I wrote to Bingley.."
She brightened. "Then he knows. What he does now will be of his choosing."
"He should be at Netherfield now. He returned yesterday. His plans are to arrive in Kent on Thursday to attend my…" He could not say it. Being married to Anne was unthinkable in itself, but knowing he would be married to Anne while bedding Miss Bennet—he still could adjust to such expectations. Clearing his throat, he finished. "Charles plans to bring your sister with him if your father gives permission and the parson extends an invitation."
Her eyes lit with pleasure. "Jane! I will get to see Jane!" Then, as full awareness dawned, "And Mr. Bingley will bring her! Oh, Mr. Darcy, how wonderful!" She grabbed his hand in gratitude. "Thank you." Darcy smiled and stood, taking her hand in his, relishing the cheerful expression his information had caused. He found it more alluring than any well-cut gown.
"It was Bingley's suggestion to offer his carriage to Miss Bennet so she would have time to see you."
Her joy warmed his heart. He basked in her response when she suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into an embrace.
Her mouth was at his ear as she whispered, "Oh, thank you! Thank you ever so much," as she clung to him.
Darcy returned her embrace, and pulled her onto his lap, enjoying her enthusiasm. Looking into her eyes, he gently touched her lips with his own. When she responded, he pulled her closer, deepening their kiss while his hands began to explore her body. When her fingers gently stroked his cheek, Darcy rose from the chair and carried her to bed.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Afterward, he lowered himself to her side, smiling while stroking her hair.
"You are happy to have your sister in Kent for a few days?" he asked.
"Very much! We have been separated since Christmas," she sighed.
"You are very close to her?"
"How could we not be?" she laughed. "We share a family, a home, a room, and a bed. No matter the misdeed, we are always there for one another giving understanding and forgiveness, support and guidance."
Leaning over to kiss her on the forehead, Darcy pulled her closer to him. "Bingley has always been superior at understanding what to do to make people happy."
Awakening sometime later to find her now asleep and himself still holding her, he gently untangled the two of them so as not to stir her and left.
Returning to his chilled bed, he had difficulty returning to sleep. His mind wandered to Miss Bennet's relationship with her sister. Having been an only child for over a decade, he could naught but imagine what it must be like to be so close to another person that you were able to trust them instinctively.
His childhood friendship with Wickham was rife with duplicity, Wickham was never to be trusted.
He and Richard considered each other their most trusted of friends, even spending only part of their time together, but he would never confide in him as Miss Bennet did with her sister. Maybe it was because siblings were always together? Richard and Robert were not close. The brothers were separated by a few years, as were Miss Elizabeth Bennet and Miss Bennet, but Robert, being the Viscount, was reared with different priorities.
Her sister would arrive in a se'ennight. A sudden fear gripped Darcy! If the two shared every confidence, would she share this? Calm yourself, he thought, This is something she will be unable to share with her sister. The risk is too great. She would be unwilling to bear her sister's disappointment if Jane knew about their encounters. But she said they both forgave and understood one another's misdeeds. Nervous that Miss Bennet would confide in her sister, then her sister would confide in Bingley, Darcy resolved to address it on his next visit.
~~~oo0oo~~~