Hello everyone!
So here comes the second chapter of this animal tales. Not of them are related to the others well for now.
I have taken note on the few ideas you gave me and I can tell that I like them and some chapters are coming along the way!
This one is about Mr Bingley and how his beautiful horse helped him out! hope you will like it :)
stay safe
madilizzie
Hermes was a magnificent black beast, given by Mr Bingley senior to his son on his 21st birthday ever since man and horse have become the best of friend.
The beast understood his Master as much as the Master knew him. Hermes had been his confident on all matters. Let it be business, family or love, and the latter was on the mind of his Master today.
The morning had been quite eventful for his Master.
"You see Hermes, Darcy and Caroline think that Miss Bennet does not care for me, that she is after my money, and it would be my ruin if I marry her. But I love her! They expect it is like the other times, but it is not!"
Hermes knew what his Master was talking about for he had seen him fall in affection with a few angels, but if the beast could roll his eyes, he would do so because he noticed she was different. The others were indeed fine ladies, but this one was kind and gentle. He remembered when she had caressed him one day on an outing. No one ever caressed him; patted or scratched, yes, but not caressed. He had loved her instantly.
"But does she love me?" His Master continued.
It was the scariest question that Mr Bingley has ever faced, and Hermes puffed at his Master's blindness.
"Exactly! You got me, old friend." He replied as he patted his friend.
But this time Charles did not understand his friend correctly. Because Hermes knew precisely the reply of his query, he had seen in the lady's eyes the answer that his Master sought.
It has always been a mystery to Hermes how human could go through existence with only seeing half of the picture.
The solution was right in front of him, but his Master was as blind as a mole. And he would carry out the worst mistake of his life if he left now.
Hermes thought to himself and decided that it was up to him to make his Master see the truth.
The horse led the ride, not that his Master cared as he seemed lost in his reflections.
Mr Bingley was still deep in his thoughts when a shrill woke him up.
"Well, Mr Bingley how very kind of you to visit us today!" Exclaimed a delighted Mrs Bennet.
"Yes, I… hum I am too" He took in his surrounding environment and realised where his horse had taken him. Ever the gentleman, Mr Bingley dismounted from Hermes and bowed to the ladies outside of their house. Only Mrs Bennet and her two eldest were out, but if you listened closely, you could hear giggles from behind the residence door, suggesting that the rest of the family was not far off.
"How lucky you came now. My two eldest were about to go in Meryton for some errands, and I do so hate to see my daughters unaccompanied."
Lizzie had discreetly rolled her eyes at her mother's fears. Not even a minute ago, her book captivated her when Mrs Bennet had rushed her and Jane outside for some newly urgent errands that Elizabeth understood were false. As soon as she saw Mr Bingley, she comprehended why all this came about.
"It would be terrible indeed I must escort them to Meryton!" The gentleman cheered.
"How kind of you, sir, such a gentleman. Is he not Jane?" Mrs Bennet gazed at Jane who blushed.
"He is undoubtedly" Agreed Jane shyly. As usual, Mr Bingley was besotted by his angel. Hermes puffed again, shaking his head up and down. Mr Bingley tried to calm him down, but it did not stop until Jane approached the beast caressing his nose.
"Hello, Mr Hermes has everything been alright?" Hermes neigh softly as he pushed his nose towards her hands.
"I agree it is a good day for a walk!" She then smiled at Mr Bingley. "And you, Mr Bingley, how are you today?"
Mr Bingley took a few seconds to reply, taken by the beautiful woman in front of him.
"I am very well, indeed!" He beamed.
"Shall we go? I do not want to be back home too late if that is ok with you, Mr Bingley?" Interrupted Lizzie.
"You are right, Miss Elizabeth, it would be best if we parted now." He showed the way to the lady, hoping that Jane would stay behind. Lizzie winked at Jane and walked a little at the front, leaving the couple nearly alone.
Jane remembered their talked last night where Lizzie had retold her charlotte's comment about the fact that she should be more engaging with him if she was indeed interested in him.
And she was if she thought about it, it was the first moment she realised herself in love with a man.
Lizzie had laughed charlotte's worries off, saying that if the man cared for her, he would say it. But Lizzie was not acquainted to Mr Bingley as much as she was to him. They were of the same character; both were shy and discreet. Every time she had spoken to him, she could see his uncertainties as he talked. It was not easy to live up to your father's stature. And Jane loved Mr Bingley's insecurities; it made him more genuine. He was not trying to pretend to be anyone just the best gentleman he could, and that was enough for jane.
She had determined that the next time she would see Mr Bingley, she would make him understand that she was very favourable to his advances. Now was the occasion to act.
"I did not ask you and excuse me for this oversight, but how are you, Miss Bennet?" Mr Bingley mumbled.
"Thank you for asking Mr Bingley, and I forgive you, do not worry. I am fine; I dare say your company has made this day even better!" She glanced at him with intention.
"Has it?"
"Yes, it always has!" She beamed at him. He searched for something in her looks; his eyes widened when they found it. At this instant, Charles Bingley knew his angel would become his wife, and nothing would deter him from it. Unconsciously they had stopped looking warmly at each other.
"Miss Bennet…" He started not knowing where to begin. Hermes saw his Master hesitated, and he pushed him slightly. The gentleman shaken by his horse straightened himself before declaring himself.
"Miss Bennet, it was but a long time ago that my heart was lost to you. Ever since I meet you, I could not find a better woman to share my life with. You are the kindest and sweetest lady I have ever meet. You would make me one of the happiest man on earth if you were to accept my hand. I do not…"
"Yes, I would!" Charles opened his mouth not once but twice before wearing one of his most bright smiles.
"You would?" He looked at her hopefully. She laughed sweetly, and Charles Bingley promised himself that it would thrive every day to make her happy.
"Yes, I do Mr Bingley, but I think we must hurry a little or my sister's mood would turn for the worse, Lizzie hate nothing more than lingering."
Mr Bingley snapped his head toward Elizabeth, who was patiently waiting only a few metres away, certainly pretending to be engaged in the tree in front of her.
He straightened himself.
"We must indeed!" He then talked a little louder "I am very sorry, Miss Elizabeth to detain you so, I would make sure to follow closely next time."
Elizabeth smiled and looked at her sister, who nodded. She turned at Mr Bingley with a smile.
"It is nothing Mr Bingley, I am quite known to be a brisk walker, and I sometimes forget that others do not walk as fast as me."
They continue their approach to Meryton, everyone smiling and laughing. Hermes was the proudest horse in the county and thanks to his action; his Master secured his happiness in life. It also thrilled him that he would receive more caresses in the future by none other than his mistress.
On their way back to Longbourn, Mr Bingley had a private meeting with Mr Bennet, which would cause a festive dinner in the Bennet household.
Later that night as he rode back to Netherfield, fear struck Charles. He would have now to face his best friend and sister. To tell them that as much as their intentions were good, he was to marry Miss Jane Bennet. His companion was not the scariest for William would see his determination and would surrender, but his sister would create a scene. He had never been strong enough to go against his sisters, they were older than him, and he had been the "baby" of the family. When he was little, they took care of him, his eldest sister, acting as a mother. But Caroline had always understood him and even protected him when others would make fun of him. He was not the sort of man who imposed on others, some might say he was weak, but he had disliked conflict of any type. In his mind, there was always a way to avoid conflict. That was one of the first points he had discovered that Jane and him shared.
Then the image of Jane came to his notice. He realised he was not the baby anymore; he was his own man, ready to marry the woman of his dream and build his own life. His sister cannot be controlling his life anymore. Everything he would do now would be in the best interest of his future wife, and it was about time that Caroline found herself a husband, rather than chasing a fantasy.
It was a very determined Charles that entered Netherfield park that night. He stopped any servants that were packing up, asking them to return everything to where it was.
A furious Caroline came running toward him, but he stood his ground, announcing his engagement to Miss Bennet and that nothing would change his mind.
"You are such a selfish man Charles, what about me?"
"I do not understand how my marriage to Miss Bennet affects you?"
"Who would want me now that you married under your position?" She spat furiously.
"First as I shall recall you the Bennet are over us as they are of the gentry and we are not; secondly, no one had seemed interested in you before my marriage, I do not comprehend how that would change!"
Caroline opened her mouth like a fish out of water, but composed herself quickly.
"How dare you? Is she with child? Is this why you want to marry the wretched?" She raged, her face blending in colour with her red gown.
Mr Bingley could not believe what he just heard. He became infuriated with his sister.
"And you, how dare you talked about Miss Bennet like this, she is a proper lady something that you may have forgotten how to be. No wonder Darcy has never wanted you as his wife. You do not deserve the title!" He cried out of his lung.
It was the first time since they arrived in Netherfield that Caroline Bingley was speechless. A few tears escaped her widened eyes. She turned and rushed toward her room, shouting for her maid.
"Did you have to bring me into this?" Growled Darcy.
He was at the entrance of the library, leaning on the door frame. As his friend apologised, he approached him.
"Sorry Darcy, I was taken in the argument!"
"I get it, not that I blame you! So, Miss Bennet, is it?" Darcy eyed him.
"Yes, Miss Bennet it is!" Charles stared at his companion showing his resolution.
Darcy smiled, shaking his head from side to side.
"Then I must congratulate you then!" Shaking Charles' hand with content. "I have to say; I never imagine I could witness a mute Caroline" Both men laughed.
"Me neither!"
"What made you ask for her hand?"
"Hermes!"
"Your horse?"
"No, my best friend" Charles left for his room leaving a confounded Mr Darcy alone, but on the top of the stairs, he stopped and warned his friend.
"If I were you, I would lock myself in for the night. A quiet Caroline has never been a safe thing."
"As if I had ever allowed my door open."
"Good man!"
"Good night Charles!"
"Good night William!"
Two months later, Hermes found himself again on the way to Longbourn, but this time for a more relaxed ride. His Master had married the lovely lady only a month ago, and they were now going to visit his relatives, but this time a very anxious Mr Darcy, who was going to ask the new Miss Bennet her hand in marriage, accompanied him.
And just like Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy was himself turning into a mole.
"Are you alright old man?" cheered Mr Bingley.
"Yes!" groaned Darcy.
"My word, the grand Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley rendered powerless by a lady! It is quite a sight." He laughed.
"I do not see the fun in here!"
"Come on, old chap; she will say yes! I heard from a little bird that she likes you, and since the last month her opinion on you has greatly improved!"
"But if it was not enough? I am not here to humiliate myself; I am greater than that! I would not suffer..."
"Oh, you will suffer! Do you not love her?"
"Do not question me on such a subject!" Darcy roared.
"As your friend and also the brother of the lady I have to ask, do you love her?" Charles looked seriously at his friend.
"Yes, I do! Of course, I love her, who could not, she is the most clever and accomplished woman I have ever meet, her wit has no parallels. There is no one quite like her. I cannot see my life without her; my soul is bound to her irreversibly." Darcy exclaimed.
"Ok, ok. I think I get you. Then let me tell you one thing: you cannot control everything around you the only thing you can control is what you will say to her! Tell her exactly what you just said to me, and everything would be fine! But please do not tell her how much of a catch you are!"
"Why not I am..."
"You know Elizabeth, she does not care about such thing, and I will entrust you with a secret, but it must never leave your lips!" Charles looked at his friend severely.
"I will take it to my tomb."
"Good, not a few days after I asked for Jane's hand, Mr collins asked for Elizabeth's hand in marriage..."
"What how dare he? He does not deserve her." Darcy cried in anger.
"I know, but she refused him, even though her mother tried to force her. As you understand, he is the heir of Longbourn, and Mrs Bennet might be what she is, but I understand she wanted to make sure Longbourn stayed in the family. Elizabeth refused, and her father agreed with her. You saw how he loves her. I do not think he could resign his favourite daughter to misery. So what I want to say is that Elizabeth does not care about your station or money, and if I am not wrong, that is one reason you find her attractive?"
Darcy nodded thoughtfully.
"I thought so, so just tell why you love her and what makes you fall in love with her because when you will be in front of her the Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley would have vanished entirely and you will be just William a man who hoped for happiness."
Darcy stared at his friend; marriage had changed him. He was now the man of his family, something that William has always hoped him to be.
"Since when my friend has become such a love expert?"
"Since he listened to his friend!" He patted Hermes to emphasise his words, and the horse neighed. "And also since I married the greatest woman in England."
Darcy chuckled.
"I do not think I agree with you, Elizabeth is the most wonderful woman of all England."
In their conversation, both gentlemen had not paid attention to where their horses led them until two feminine laughs resonated around them.
"Well, well, gentleman what a heated conversation you are having!" Both snapped their heads towards the two women who were none other than Mrs Bingley and her sister Elizabeth.
"Oh darling, sorry we were just stating the obvious!" Both men dismounted their horses who were secretly laughing as they had spotted the ladies on the way and had changed direction toward them.
"And what is it?" Jane asked.
"That my friend here is completely in love with my sister Elizabeth and it has turned him into a fool!"
"Charles!" Jane shook her head and pulled his arm.
"Let us walk; I think some conversation has to take place." She winked at her sister while taking away her husband.
Mr Darcy and Elizabeth had not moved. He looked away, embarrassed by his friend's speech. Elizabeth took pity on him.
"Is it true Mr Darcy that I am the most wonderful woman of all England? I found it unbelievable!"
He advanced toward her until he is only a few inches away.
"But it is true, you are..." Darcy cursed inside. His friend was right; here, he was feeling as naked as a baby just born who hoped to be loved as much as he loved.
"I am?" She insisted.
He looked in her eyes, those bright eyes he had always loved, and words came pouring down in a flow that would never stop.
"You are my one, and only. I could not see my life going forward without you; I am bound to you forever. You will be my most precious possession. I will, until the day I die, take care of you and our family. Nothing would make me more proud than to walk by your side as your husband and partner. Please end my suffering and accept my humble heart. You could not make a happier man by accepting to share your life with me."
Elizabeth accepted his proposition with watery eyes but a bright grin on her face.
In the months that followed her sister's engagement, Elizabeth fell in love with him irrevocably.
He was not proud or arrogant, just a little uncomfortable with crowds and who could blame him as everywhere he went, fortunes hunters threw either themselves or their daughters at him. Mr Darcy had also cleared out his name with the Wickham affairs and make all Meryton realised how the soldier fooled them all.
Mr Darcy was about to kiss his betrothed when cleared his throat.
"I must intervene here for my sister's reputation!" Darcy looked at his friend dryly. Mr Bingley was definitively taking his brotherly attention a little too far sometimes.
Elizabeth laughed next to him which relaxed him a little. Not that she was not disappointed for she would have loved to be kissed. She decided it would be for another time.
"Come on, let us walk. Mama had asked us to fetch something in the village." She entwined her arm with Mr Darcy and pulled him toward the right direction.
Hermes and Prometheus followed the group proudly. both horses were loyal to their Masters, but even more to their mistress. The care the ladies showed to them was priceless.