Chapter 18
Darcy stared at the card in his hand. Confused he looked up to his butler. "And you say Mr. Bingley is accompanied by his sister?"
Nodding his head, the butler said, "Actually, sir, I would say Miss Bingley is accompanied by her brother as she came to call upon Miss Darcy. Mr. Bingley however expressed a desire to see you sir."
Knotting his brows in even greater confusion he waved the man away. "Send him in then, Harris. And do make sure Miss Darcy is not left alone with Miss Bingley; I will not have that woman distress my sister again. We do not need a repeat of her last visit."
Hiding a grin of amusement, the butler bowed as he left the room giving Darcy time to compose himself. Curious as to Bingley's presence in town, he began to feel a sense of dread. That feeling increased as his friend entered his study with far less merriment than was his wont.
Standing to shake his friend's hand, Darcy eyed him with concern. "Bingley, I must say this is quite the surprise. I had not expected you to be in town."
"Yes, well, here I am," he said with great hesitation.
Motioning to a seat, Darcy watched as his friend refused to meet his eye. "Will you not sit down, Charles?"
"Thank you, Darcy."
For several uncomfortable minutes the two sat in silence. Darcy offered his guest a drink but Bingley refused and continued to sit and stare at the wall just behind him. Not wanting to be the first to speak as Bingley had called upon him, he began to tap his fingers upon the armrests of his chair. At his movements, Bingley finally glanced up at his friends face to see Darcy's brow raised in expectation. Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Bingley began to speak.
"I understood you to have suffered a harsher winter this year than normal."
Disgusted that out of all the issues to be discussed between them, Bingley chose the weather, Darcy rolled his eyes before replying. "Indeed we did as I mentioned in my letters; although I was surprised to find the season was very mild in other parts of the country." In fact, Darcy was not surprised. As soon as they left Derbyshire on their way to London, he and his sister were greeted with a spring that was already well underway. Frustrated that he had been kept a prisoner of sorts at Pemberley in an attempt to keep him away from Miss Elizabeth, Darcy had an even greater desire than before to discover who was interfering in his life.
"Yes quite," Bingley said. "From what I understand, Derbyshire was the only county to be thus affected. Rather unfortunate for you I dare say. Thank goodness Pemberley has many comforts to offer no matter the season."
"Yes," Darcy said. "Although I am afraid that I was unable to attend too much of my business as the post was often delayed. I assume this is why I never received a reply to any of my letters." Watching his friend squirm under his harsh gaze, he continued. "It is also quite possible that they were lost seeing as they were all sent to Netherfield."
"I...I umm..." Bingley stuttered, "I am afraid that I have not been to Netherfield recently so yes, it is quite possible."
"You are a terrible liar, Bingley."
Eyes wide, Bingley looked up at his friend and swallowed loudly. "I am telling you the truth Darcy; I have not been to Netherfield for some time."
"That much is obvious, yet you are still lying."
Face red with anger, Bingley leaned forward in his seat. "I do not appreciate your accusations, Darcy. If you continue to abuse me so then I see no need to continue this conversation."
"I agree, Charles," Darcy replied nonchalantly. "If you so wish, the door is located just there behind you," he said pointing towards the door. Upon seeing the surprise on Bingley's face he continued with a smirk. "Perhaps you have forgotten that you were the one who called on me."
"I...no...I mean..." sighing, Bingley fell back into his chair with his head bowed.
Settling further into his own chair, Darcy clasped his hands together and rested them across his stomach as he waited. Throughout the months he had been exiled in Derbyshire, he had written faithfully to his friend every other week with the hope of hearing any news regarding Miss Elizabeth. He had been quite disappointed when the New Year arrived without a single reply. As January and February also passed without word from Bingley, Darcy began to grow quite angry with his friend. To arrive in town and discover Bingley had wintered in London only increased his anger.
"I...I did not know what to say," Bingley whispered towards his lap.
"Why are you in London, Charles?" Darcy asked frustration evident in his voice.
"I cannot return, Darcy. Not now."
Disregarding the despair in Bingley's voice, Darcy simply sneered at his friend. "Why ever not?"
"How could I Darcy? There is nothing for me there but an empty house filled with painful reminders. Caroline, Louisa and Hurst joined me in town a day or two after you left for Pemberley and we plan to stay through the season."
"Last time we spoke you said that you were anxious to return. You are telling me now that you never returned?" Darcy asked struggling to hide his apprehension.
"Indeed I have not, nor do I plan to. I am considering giving up my lease on the place."
"But why? I do not understand; I thought you were prepared to offer for Miss Bennet."
"Miss Bennet? ha!" Bingley scoffed, the look in his eyes causing Darcy to fear slightly for his friend's sanity. "I should be congratulated for my escape from the lady. It is only quite unfortunate that I should be unable to forget her."
"What...what do you have to accuse her of Charles?" Darcy asked hesitantly. He had been relying on Bingley marrying Miss Bennet to secure the happiness and well being of the family should the worst happen to him and Miss Elizabeth. However, if Charles had left her behind with a broken heart, he feared not only losing any opportunity of finding himself in Miss Elizabeth's company again, but that she might construe Bingley's actions to have been influenced by him. He had just barely begun to improve her opinion of him, and he was sure to have lost it once more. He did not doubt that whoever influenced her before would not hesitate to convince her of his own guilt in the affair.
"Why are you so concerned, Darcy? I know you all but gave me your blessing the last time we met, yet I would have thought you of all people would appreciate me not giving myself over to a woman based off of an infatuation. For years you have steered me away from women who have flattered me for my riches. Why have you changed your mind now?"
"I have not changed my mind; I simply do not see why you have left behind the one woman who was not after you for your money."
"She may not have been after my money, but she does not love me," Bingley said as his shoulders slumped in despair.
"I have never heard such fustian nonsense before."
"How dare you mock my pain, Darcy!" In anger, Bingley stood and placed his hands on the desk between them as he leaned towards his friend. "You, who are sought after by every woman you meet, could know nothing of the pain I have suffered these past months. I loved her, and I thought she loved me; yet she does not. You cannot comprehend what I am suffering."
Struggling to not give into his own anger, Darcy looked up at his friend and forced himself to calmly reply. "You are wrong, Bingley. I am very much aware of what it feels like to love someone only to lose them. Nothing can ease the pain such a loss brings. You, however, have not lost anything besides your own confidence. I saw the way Miss Bennet looked at you; I wonder how you could not see her feelings."
"No Darcy. I saw them, and fool that I am believed her."
"Charles, why do you refuse to acknowledge what is right before you?"
"I have other knowledge Darcy that far outweighs what I wish to see." Despair once again replacing his anger, Bingley fell back into his chair. "Caroline and Louisa told me that they received a call from the Bennet ladies the morning you left Netherfield. They told me that the relief on Miss Bennet's face when she realized she would not have to endure my company during the visit was almost as disconcerting as Mrs. Bennet's attempts to begin redecorating the rooms. When asked if she cared for me, Miss Bennet replied that she found me to be nothing more than an amiable young man."
Darcy watched incredulous as Bingley told his tale. Supposedly, his sisters had left Netherfield to share their concerns with him as they did not desire to see their brother enter a marriage where his love was unrequited. Since their arrival in London, Miss Bingley had written twice to Miss Bennet, but both letters had gone unanswered.
"So you see, Darcy, I could not bear your disappointment. You had expressed such excitement at returning to Hertfordshire in your letters; I knew not how to tell you I no longer desire to return."
Darcy felt all his pent up anger and frustration give way as he listened to Bingley's words. Because of Bingley's cowardice, he felt his few last chances with Miss Elizabeth slip away. He knew not how he would be able to gain admittance into her society again without first confronting the being watching over her. While he had made much headway in repairing his reputation in the neighborhood at the ball, his own absence, alongside Bingley's, was sure to have reversed several of his efforts.
"You disgust me, Bingley," he said as he watched his friend's eyes widen in shock. "For years you have allowed your sisters to rule your life, and now, when you have finally found something worth standing up for, you allow them to once again ruin everything for you."
"Darcy, I..."
"I was not finished, Bingley," Darcy yelled as he stood from his chair. A slight twinge of remorse washed over him when he saw Bingley cringe away from him, but he quickly shoved it aside. "Are you so unsure of yourself that you refuse to see through their biggest lies yet?"
"Are you accusing my sisters of spreading falsehoods?" Bingley asked as he also stood up in anger.
"I am," Darcy said standing up taller as he wished to use his height to intimidate his friend. "The entire time we were in Hertfordshire, I listened to your sisters ridicule the Bennets and the society as a whole in every possible respect. Not once did they say anything nice beside that of calling Miss Bennet a sweet girl. Do you truly believe they would step aside and watch you marry a woman whose family and position in society they despised? They saw before them, a couple who were so obviously in love with each other yet stood in their way to attaining a higher social standing. As such, they have used your own lack of confidence against you."
"My sisters would never do such a thing, Darcy. They care for me and had no desire to see me hurt by that woman."
"'That woman?' I am ashamed of you Bingley. You are blind to all that is around you. Where there is nothing but malice and spite in your life, you see love and caring. When you finally found love, you threw it away because your sisters claim she is not worthy of you. But they way I see it, you are not worthy of her."
Time seemed to slow as Bingley staggered back in pain. Eyes full of hurt and betrayal he turned and left Darcy's study without another word. Darcy listened as moments later Miss Bingley's shrill voice floated through the open door.
"But Charles," she whined, "Darling Georgiana and I were having such a wonderful time. And I have not had the chance to greet our dear Mr. Darcy. He would think me quite rude if I left without seeing him."
"That is enough Caroline! Darcy does not desire to see you now, and I do believe we are better off without his acquaintance."
Peals of "Charles how could you say such a thing" were lost as the front door was closed behind them. The house once again silent, Darcy picked up his forgotten glass of brandy, downed the contents in one swift gulp, then turned and threw it across the room to shatter in the fire as he let out a yell of frustration. As he watched the flames flare as they came into contact with a few drops of the liquid, he heard soft steps outside the study door.
"William?" Looking over, he saw Georgiana hesitantly take a step inside. "Would you care to explain what has just happened between you and Mr. Bingley to cause him to remove his sister in such a manner from our house?"
"What has happened is I have finally discovered how much of a fatwit* Mr. Bingley is," Darcy said with an angry snarl.
"William!" Shocked, Georgiana covered her mouth. Never before had she heard her brother use such coarse language as he always strove to be proper in all things. If the Bingley's departure had not concerned her, her brother's fierce mien and harsh words had. She was certain that some great calamity must have occurred between the two friends. "You must not say such things."
"Must I not? No Georgiana, you are wrong. Bingley is not deserving of your kindness or sympathy. I know I shall spare him none."
"But what has he done that has so angered you brother?"
"Done? Why he has done nothing and therein lays the problem!" Darcy yelled. "No...I am glad he has not returned, for she does not deserve a man like him."
"I should have known that a woman was involved by your tone," a pleasant voice sounded from the open doorway.
As both siblings turned to view the newcomer with surprise, they were greeted by the sight of a well dressed man eyeing Darcy with much amusement. Although slightly shorter and stockier than Darcy, the familial resemblance between the two was obvious. Both shared the same nose and chin as well as the same broad forehead. But where Darcy's was covered by his thick wavy dark hair, the other man's was framed by his straight light brown hair.
Letting out a squeal of excitement, Georgiana rushed towards the man who enthusiastically enveloped her in her arms. "Richard, I am so glad you are here!"
Chuckling, he placed a kiss on her forehead before looking up in time to see Darcy's sneer of annoyance. "I am pleased to be here as well, sweetheart, although I do not believe your brother would agree."
"On the contrary, cousin," Darcy smirked, "I should have known to expect you today rather than tomorrow as you said. You always have the unpleasant knack of showing up when it the least inconvenient for others."
"Oh Darcy, how you wound me," Colonel Fitzwilliam said with a hand over his heart as he mimicked a swoon.
"Must you always laugh at me?" Darcy snapped at him.
"I am afraid I must, for if I do not, there will be no one else to do it for you. Besides, while I myself am quite curious as to the Bingley's sudden departure, I do not believe you wish your entire household to hear your tirade." With a raised brow, Fitzwilliam made a show of closing the study door effectively shutting the three away from any prying ears.
Anger deflating in embarrassment, Darcy collapsed into his chair as he looked up towards his cousin and sister. "Thank you, Richard. You are, as always correct. And Georgiana, I am sorry that I was not more reserved in my outbursts around you."
Just as Georgiana was about to reply, her cousin grasped her hand and pulled her behind him as he walked towards the chairs in front of Darcy's desk. Plopping himself down in one of them, he motioned towards Georgiana to do the same before leaning forward in expectant excitement.
"There is no need for you to apologize. I am glad that you allowed your anger to get the best of you. I believe I have told you on many occasions that it would do Georgiana here much good to see a more human side of you."
"Richard..." Darcy growled in warning as he saw his sister blush in mortification.
"Oh no need to get yourself all in a miff," Fitzwilliam said as he brushed aside Darcy's menacing glare. "Now, I do believe you were about to tell us all about your conversation with Mr. Bingley." Leaning back, he crossed an ankle over one of his knees and settled his hands in his lap.
"I will do no such thing, Richard. It is of a most private business between the two of us."
"You cannot expect me to believe that now do you? If that was true then you would not have shouted so for all to hear. Besides, your conversation with Bingley deprived Georgiana here of her guest which, combined with your angry demeanor, has caused her much confusion and distress."
Eyes narrowed, Darcy glared at his cousin who sat there relishing in his victory. "While I do agree that you have made several wonderful points, I still fail to see why you are here."
Smiling mischievously, Fitzwilliam raised an eyebrow and said, "As her other guardian, I have a right to know of anything that might cause her distress."
Defeated, Darcy shook his head in exasperation. "When exactly did you arrive, Richard? We had not expected you until tomorrow."
Rolling his eyes at Georgiana, he winked at her as she hid a smile behind her raised hand. "You have already notified me of my unwelcome early presence so there is no need to say it again. However, I was able to leave my duties a day early and decided that I could use an extra day of my lovely cousin's smiles to bolster me through our upcoming Easter pilgrimage." Pleased to hear Darcy's snort of agreement, Fitzwilliam continued. "I arrived here a little over half an hour ago when I was informed that you were with Mr. Bingley while his sister had cornered poor Georgiana in the drawing room. Unsure how I could rescue her without sacrificing myself, I saw myself up to my room to refresh myself. I was on my way down when I heard you yelling in here about her not being worthy."
Ignoring his sisters giggles in response to the description of Miss Bingley's visit, Darcy eyed his cousin carefully. "You heard nothing else?" Seeing him shake his head, Darcy continued. "While both Georgiana and I agree on your opinions of Miss Bingley, I see no reason to share my disagreements with her brother with the two of you. Suffice it to say that we argued and he left in anger no longer desiring my company. You should both be relieved to know that we shall not have to suffer through that woman's attentions for quite some time."
"Oh but William, Mr. Bingley's friendship means so much to you, you know I am always willing to keep Caroline busy while they are here," Georgiana said.
Admiring her sympathy, Darcy reached across the desk to grasp her outstretched hand. "Thank you, dearest. But I am afraid that Bingley will not forgive me for quite some time. I said many things for which he now despises me."
"Are any of them true?" Fitzwilliam asked.
"All of them, I fear," Darcy said as he dropped his sisters hand and sat back in his chair again. "I did not even tell him all I wished to. She truly does not deserve a man like that and I wish him to know it. He cannot control his own unruly family, how could he take on hers? No, despite what he wishes, I am glad he will not marry her."
Sharing amused glances, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana were relieved that it was nothing more than a simple attempt to protect his friend and told him as much. Confused, Darcy watched the two of them leave the study. Thinking back on his words, he failed to see how they could have misunderstood him so. Shaking his head, he decided that their views on the subject mattered little so turned his attention once more to the business matters needing his attention before he left for Rosings.
.
.
.
Entering the park, Darcy took a deep breath of air. Although not as pure as the air found in the country, it was far improved over that of the city in general. Having been sequestered in his solicitors' office for the majority of the day, he was anxious for some fresh air and the chance to stretch his legs before spending the following morning cooped up in a carriage with his cousin.
As much as he loved Colonel Fitzwilliam, the man was far too jovial for his recent somber mood. Ever since discovering Bingley had not returned to Netherfield two days ago, Darcy had been unable to focus on anything besides his own disappointment and regret. He was angry with himself for having given in to the being watching them and leaving Miss Elizabeth behind. He should have left Georgiana to the care of their cousin and pursued her until she remembered him.
Pausing, Darcy looked around the park. It was the first time he had been there as he usually took to the paths at the park across from his townhouse or at Hyde Park. Pleased, he noticed that this particular park had less of the grandeur of the other two and more natural growth. While still planned, the paths were not as structured as they rose and fell with the lay of the land all while following the natural path of the trees. With a smile, he began to walk.
Before long, Darcy became lost in the beauty around him. Reaching out with his consciousness he could feel the many creatures as they mingled with the parks other attendees. He could also hear the joyful melodies of the many trees and flowers in bloom. A peaceful smile overcame his facade as he allowed himself to set aside the heartbreak of the last few months in the glow of newborn spring.
The sound of children's laughter nearby brought him out of his reverie. Letting his gaze wander towards the sound, he was arrested by the sight of a familiar figure. Confused yet delighted at her presence there, Darcy quickly strode towards her.
"Miss Bennet!" He called cheerfully as he drew near the young woman sitting next to a nursemaid.
Surprised at being addressed, the eldest Bennet sister turned to observe his approach and he saw a hesitant smile cross her face. Standing, she turned from her companion to offer him a curtsey. "Mr. Darcy, sir. What a surprise to see you here."
Sweeping her a deep bow, he looked into her face and offered a sincere smile. "Indeed I believe this to be a most fortunate happenstance. It is indeed a pleasure to see you again. Have you been long in London, Miss Bennet?"
Darcy did not miss the despondency that flashed in her eyes at his question. "I have been staying with my aunt and uncle since the new year, sir."
"And are you enjoying your stay?"
"I...I am, thank you. My cousins there have kept me quite active and entertained it would be hard to not enjoy their company," she said indicating the children playing in the grass. Darcy turned and watched their antics for a moment with a smile as he saw Miss Bennet eye him nervously from beneath lowered lashes. "I hope your sister is much recovered, sir. I understood her to be ill when you left Hertfordshire."
"I thank you; she is very well recovered now."
"There were many I believe who were quite surprised that you had not returned as you had said. Your company has been missed."
Eyeing her carefully, Darcy wondered if she was referring to the neighborhood in general or dare he hope she referred to her sister. "I was sorry I could not return. I am afraid the winter hit us quite hard in Derbyshire making travel ill advised. I have only just returned to town this week."
"Yes, I had heard of the unusual winter you had. I have been told that spring is only now beginning in that part of the country."
Cocking his head in surprise he asked, "You are familiar with Derbyshire, Miss Bennet?"
"No I am afraid I am not. My aunt, however, grew up in a small town called Lambton and keeps up many correspondences with her past acquaintances. Are you familiar with the town, sir?"
"I am indeed!" He said with great pleasure. "Lambton is but five miles from my estate and I have spent many happy summers running there and back."
Laughing at the idea of a young Darcy running, Miss Bennet offered up the first sincere smile he had seen from her that day. "I am happy to hear that, sir." Pausing, her face immediately fell again as she seemed hesitant to ask him what she wanted to know. Bolstering up her resolve, she squared her shoulders and looked him in the eye. "Have you had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Bingley or his sisters since the fall, sir?"
"Only twice. I met with Mr. Bingley immediately after I returned from Hertfordshire to explain why I needed to remove my sister to Pemberley, and again once two days ago when his sister called upon mine. I do not believe we shall be much in company."
Concerned at the relief evident upon his face, Darcy could not help but inquire as to her own meetings with Bingley's sisters. "I understood you and your sisters to have called upon Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst the morning I left Netherfield. I am sorry to have missed you."
Brows knit in confusion, Miss Bennet stared up at him. "I know not of what you are referring to Mr. Darcy. My sisters and I never had the opportunity to call in thanks for the ball as I received a note from Miss Bingley saying that they would be wintering in London. I did call upon her shortly after arriving in town, and she reluctantly repaid me the call several weeks later. I have not seen nor communicated with her since."
Anger once again welling up within him, Darcy bit the inside of his cheek before forcing himself to reply calmly. "Is Mr. Bingley aware of your presence in town? I am sure he would have been delighted to have called upon a neighbor of his." Seeing her shake his head in despair, he saw in her the same heartbreak he had been feeling since leaving Hertfordshire.
"I know it is not appropriate for me to discuss such things with you Mr. Darcy, but I hope you will forgive me. Miss Bingley assured me that her brother knew of my being in town but was much engaged with you and your sister. While I have begun to believe that Miss Bingley was never truthful with me, I regret that I failed to convince my sister otherwise. She believes Miss Bingley's lies and blames you in part for Mr. Bingley's removal from Netherfield."
"And does she also blame me for your own heartbreak?" Looking up at him in shock, she saw concern and compassion instead of the anger she expected. Nodding yes, she looked towards the ground. "Miss Bennet, you have done no wrong. You must not blame yourself for the thoughts and opinions of others. I wish I could ease your suffering, but I fear Mr. Bingley and I did not depart on the best of terms the other day as he also believes his sisters' lies. If I could help him I would, but he will not accept me into his company at present."
"Mr. Darcy, you are too kind and I thank you. However, I am resolved to think of him no more. Perhaps we may meet again one day, but in the meantime, I believe I am better off without the attentions of such an inconsistent gentleman."
"You are very wise Miss Bennet and I wish you the best."
"Thank you, sir." At that moment one of her young cousins ran up to her to inform her that they wished to return home. Turning towards Darcy, she offered a tentative smile. "Would you care to join us for tea, Mr. Darcy? I am sure my aunt would be most happy to welcome one to her home who is familiar with Lambton."
Chuckling he said, "I thank you madam but I must decline until another time. My sister and cousin will be wondering where I am if I do not return soon, and then I must finish preparing for my trip into Kent in the morning."
Miss Bennet's eyes lit up with excitement as she heard of his destination. "Are you perchance going to visit your aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh?" Raising an eyebrow he confirmed that he was indeed. Pure happiness and joy bubbled up in his chest as he heard her laughing reply. "Well then, Mr. Darcy, I wish you a very pleasant journey. My sister Elizabeth has been staying with our cousin and his new wife, the former Miss Lucas, at Hunsford for the past fortnight and I believe has been much in company with your aunt. I sincerely hope you shall have the pleasure of her company often."
With a large smile, Darcy bowed over her hand. "I cannot thank you enough Miss Bennet. I shall indeed look forward to renewing my acquaintance with your sister. I wish you a very happy day."
After her brief curtsey and farewell, Darcy watched her help the nursemaid to gather up her cousins before walking away. Filled with renewed hope, Darcy turned and headed back in the direction he came. He was most anxious to return home in the hopes that the night would pass swiftly so that he could be soon reunited with his beloved Iliana once more.
*1800's slang for silly person or fool
