Ch. 9

Caroline Bingley sat at the dining table in the grand dining room quite alone that night surrounded by an abundance of delectable dishes. Her disappointment and irritation of dining alone was great.

She had always possessed an excessive amount of confidence in her cunning and beauty, but had failed to entrap Mr. Darcy at every opportunity. Rotten luck.

The house was notably quiet when Darcy returned to Netherfield with Bingley. "Charles, it appears that your sister has retired for the evening. I think I shall go choose a tome to pass the evening."

"Enjoy the library. Do remember to go to your chambers before falling to sleep, will you? I am to bed." He waved Darcy off and ascended the stairs as Darcy called out good naturedly.

"That only happened once." Fitzwilliam chuckled and opened the library doors. With a sure stride he went to pour himself a snifter of brandy and perused the shelves before choosing The Age of Reason. When he turned with his drink in one hand and the book in the other, he was startled to find an apparition in a negligee and robe. So great was his surprise that it took the larger portion of a second to discern who she was.

Mr. Darcy glanced at the double doors, noting that it was indeed still open. He bowed rigidly, "Miss Bingley, this is a surprise. Good Evening." He intended to leave expeditiously.

Miss Bingley had been waiting at the window while brushing her hair a thousand strokes. She tossed her brush away and rushed about the house when she heard the horses draw up to let the gentlemen out at the front. She had watched from a darkened alcove as her brother had ascended the stairs and left her quarry to the library. Convenient to her purpose, she had even asked for the assistance of a nearby maid who would surely catch the compromise she intended and spread the word.

She had been somewhat out of breath when she strode into the library. She did have the presence of mind, however to smooth her eyebrows and curl her hair around her breasts, before slowing her gate to one she hoped would be provocative and inviting.

After all the trouble she had borne, Miss Bingley had no intention of letting Mr. Darcy out of the room. She laughed and coyly smiled. "I do beg your pardon, Mr. Darcy. It seems I misjudged the tranquility of the house thinking that you had not yet returned or retired. Would you care to suggest a book for me? I am at your mercy, Sir." Purring the last statement, she slowly sauntered toward him and smoothed her long, unbound hair behind an ear. Her white shift was visible beneath the rose satin dressing gown that undulated as she walked and dramatically swayed her hips as she went.

He was not amused. "I will have to disappoint you, Miss. I am not in the habit of entertaining half-dressed ladies alone. There are many books to choose from. I will leave you to it." He raised a brow, stressing the word 'ladies' and carefully kept his eyes on her face. Darcy was livid that Miss Bingley would attempt to seduce and compromise him; he also experienced a moment of fear that they would be discovered and her scheme successful.

"Oh Mr. Darcy, you are so very noble." She continued to advance, but he was easily able to evade her outreached hand as he started to walk out the open doors.

Unfortunately Miss Bingley was able to block his way to the door. "Where are you going so soon? Perhaps we might get to know one another better... Fitzwilliam."

Her advances repulsed him so much that he wondered how she ever fancied an attachment on his part. How dare she use his given name! His nostrils flared indicating his indignation. Darcy moved swiftly and was able to side step around her once more. She would have moved to stop him yet again, however before he reached the outlet he raised his hand to signal her to halt and said over his shoulder, "Miss Bingley, I would be truly distressed if this evening's encounter is repeated. I recommend you stay abed in your chamber during the course of the night."

Mr. Darcy hastily made his way to his chamber, unknowingly passing the maid Miss Bingley had requested interrupt their interlude, and barred the door before letting out an explosive sigh. He was relieved that a few days would see him sleeping in his own bed, in his own home. He might even have to call upon his cousin to fence with him to maintain his lightness of foot; it is good to be prepared in case such an occurrence should happen again with someone other than his Elizabeth. Without pausing for his valet's assistance, he readied himself for bed pondering the conversation he had to broach with Charles in the morning regarding Caroline.

Since they would not be visiting Longbourn the next day to allow the ladies time to prepare for the trip, the schedule was unrestricted. He had promised to accompany Charles on a tour of the land and visit the tenants; there would be an opportunity to approach the subject of Miss Bingley during the course of the afternoon.

Fitzwilliam extinguished all but one candle and reclined on the down coverlet. With the combined glow from the fire and his solitary candle, he perused the first few chapters of his book. When his eyes grew heavy, he set the book down at his side falling into a deep slumber, forgetting to snuff out the candle flame.

P&P

The day before their departure to London was chaotic in the Bennet household. Mrs. Bennet and her nerves were in an uproar flitting from one room to another as easily as one subject to another. Elizabeth managed to distract her for a moment when her mother admonished her for the insufficient packing of her trunk. "Mama, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley have ordered new gowns for our outings in London society. It is unnecessary to pack more. We might have to purchase new luggage to tote all the purchases home as it is."

"Nonsense! They bought new gowns? How wonderful! You will be treated like a queen with ten thousand a year! And Jane too! Oh, my girls! You will have all you desire. But you cannot just pack that! Hill! You must bring more accessories. Now lay out all that you have there. Hill! I need you!"

The morning went on in that vein until nearly tea time when Jane quietly asked her mother about sewing projects to bring, which sent Mrs. Bennet on another errand to her room. Jane and Lizzy breathed a sigh of shared relief. Lizzy smiled and looked around before grabbing Jane's hand. With an impish gleam in her eyes and a finger to her lips, she pulled Jane with her outside and ran for the side garden, out-of-sight from the front rooms of Longbourn.

They were laughing when they stopping. "Oh, Lizzy! What are you doing?"

"Dear Jane, I knew you would never initiate an escape. So I determined that you were waiting on me for an excuse to abscond from the house. Come and join me for a walk." Jane was uncertain so Elizabeth continued, "You will be greatly restored and can even lay the blame on me."

Jane smiled, relenting and twining her arm with her sister's. "Lizzy, there is no need to take responsibility, for I must admit that I am appreciative. It is surprising how quickly a gentleman can become family, is it not? I keenly feel Bingley's absence this morning."

"It is perhaps suitable that that your Bingley and Mr. Darcy did not. I do understand your feelings. I keep pinching myself to be sure I am not dreaming."

Their walk continued companionably. Both ladies had fears that remained unsaid regarding the temperament of the Ton and the complexities of London society that they were sure to encounter on the arms of their beaus. Previous trips to London had been enjoyed with the Gardiners. Their relations had taken them to parks, theaters and shops, but they had never been in the company of consequential persons or exposed to the gossip among the Ton.

Seated together on the rock at Oakham Mount they found great comfort in the peacefulness and shared company. They keenly felt their future separation—even while anticipating the happiness to be had—and resolved to value every moment together.

With a smile, Elizabeth pointed out a duo of horses racing away from them in the distance. There was no question in their minds as to their identities. Mr. Bingley's elegant black horse stretched his legs just shy of Mr. Darcy's dapple grey horse, Caerus. The gentlemen were out inspecting the Netherfield lands and meeting with tenants, ending their tour in the direction of the manor. Even with the distance, Elizabeth could not mistake the confidence of posture owned by her lover. She had not sought riding lessons since her youth, but her thoughts strayed to the riding lessons that Fitzwilliam had promised. For the experience out-of-doors to gain a deeper knowledge of Fitzwilliam's character, she prayed that their London excursion would come and pass quickly so they could return to Hertfordshire.

"What fine figures they make." Elizabeth turned to her sister. "I am glad for this morning with you."

"Lizzy, I am sure London will not be so bad. Even once married, though we will be apart, Bingley is still a friend to your Mr. Darcy, as I am your sister. We shall have many opportunities to be together."

Elizabeth smiled at how well Jane understood her, while again watching the running horses as they disappeared behind some foliage. "Jane, I had no idea that this London excursion would turn into an opportunity to parade before the Ton. How naïve I was... If your plans do not take you far after the wedding, perhaps you and Mr. Bingley can join us at Pemberley for Christmas. The Gardiners have also been invited. I understand that Christmas was a grand affair before Darcy's mother passed, and I am determined that my first holiday as Mistress shall be a memorable occasion."

"That would be lovely. I will discuss it with Bingley. I do not want to usurp any plans he might have already made."

"Of course not." After some silence passed, Elizabeth's imagination began working overtime causing her to inquire. "What do you see of your life in the next score of years? I can't help but wonder at the revelations yet to come—a new family and children. I wonder at how much traveling we shall do. Though I think I shall be very happy becoming intimately acquainted with Pemberley and spending all of my days there."

Jane giggled then teased, "Lizzy, I always thought you were the practical one. I think our lives shall be splendid, but there is no way to predict what is to come."

Demonstrating an aptitude for mischief, Lizzy replied with a voice reserved for storytelling. "No? I predict that you and Mr. Bingley will foster a dozen fair children so agreeable that never a harsh word shall grace your halls. You will soon grow extremely weary of the short distance between Netherfield and Longbourn, which shall bring about the search for a new home. Consequently, Bingley shall purchase an estate not ten miles from Pemberley to be near the Darcys. The Darcy and Bingley children shall be as attached as siblings ought."

"That sounds perfectly agreeable to me, Madam Fortune Teller." Jane stood bringing Elizabeth with her. "Now, dear sister, we must return to soothe our father should mother's nerves invade his library."

"Indeed, and it will soon be time to change for supper."

Arm in arm, they made their way back to Longbourn, laughing and thoroughly enjoying their hiatus.

That night as Jane and Elizabeth readied themselves for bed there was a knock on the door. It opened to admit Kitty. She smiled brightly and sat on the bed before saying, "I will miss you both dreadfully. You are sure to take the all the fun with you! Can I stay a while to talk?"

Jane continued to plait her hair and smiled tolerantly, "Of course, dear sister. Should we also invite Mary?"

Kitty hopped off the bed and opened the door, shouting down the hall for her other sister.

Elizabeth's countenance displayed her exasperation. "Kitty, there is no need to wake the neighbors!"

"Oh!" Kitty had the decency to look apologetic. "I did not think she would hear me over her reading if I did not call out. You know how much concentration she gives her sermons. Besides," she then jumped onto the foot of the bed, "you and Jane have never invited us into your room to join your evening parties."

Jane was troubled over the truth of Kitty's statement. Lizzy and Jane had always been very close. Due to the temperaments of their younger sisters, the older girls had endeavored to teach and guide them rather than befriend them. "I am terribly sorry, Kitty. You are right."

Mary chose this moment to look in and inquire if someone was sick.

Catherine Bennet had no intention of making her sweet sister feel badly. First she addressed Mary, "Do come in and join us, Mary. We shall be a joyful party of sisters before the eldest two cart themselves off to London." As Mary—in a state of curiosity—took a seat next to Kitty at the foot of the bed, Kitty continued, "Jane, please do not trouble yourself. I was more a friend to Lydia and her silliness. I do not regret anything, but I will miss my older sisters when you are married and too happy with your lives to bother with me."

Elizabeth forsook the vanity table for her side of the bed across from Mary. She pulled the counterpane over her crossed legs and scoffed. "Posh! You and Mary will always be our sisters. I am sorry that we haven't been better friends, but you are always welcome to visit me at Pemberley. I think you will like it. The park is breathtaking and the pianoforte in the music room could even keep your attention, Mary, to say nothing of the library."

Mary raised her brows at that. "You do mean that Lizzy? How big is the library?"

Elizabeth laughed. "I have never seen so many volumes contained in a single room. I think I should get lost there."

Jane teased, "Then you will have to leave a trail of breadcrumbs. I am certainly intrigued."

"Oh yes, dear Jane, that might work if there were not so many maids about to clean them up." The four sisters laughed. When Elizabeth calmed she said, "It is nice to have such good sisters." She claimed a hand from Mary and reached the other out to Kitty before indicating that Jane should also put her hand onto the pile. "A pact! We must forevermore be close friends. No matter what life gives us, we shall always have our family."

Jane was delighted with the idea and continued in the same light. "We must always be open and truthful to each other."

Kitty giggled. "That is easy! I have another one. We must always write letters to share our adventures and become closer confidants. It would be a shame if we came to be strangers when we no longer live together. Mary?"

Mary took a deep breath, thinking. She was touched by the inclusion and the initiative of her older sisters. She did not have the gift of understanding people as well as Elizabeth or Jane's optimistic nature, but she could perceive that she had much still to learn from her sisters. With a small smile at each of the three faces of her sisters, she boldly said, "We must take the time to be like this: alone together discussing whatever notions come to mind. I believe there is much we can learn from each other this way, without the judgments of others or interruptions in discourse." Lizzy, Kitty and Jane each nodded their heads in agreement. Silently hands were squeezed with fondness.

It was Kitty who spoke after they broke contact. "So what are you going to do in London besides have fun and go shopping?"

Jane shrugged, "I do not know. I think Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley have made some plans but we ought to coordinate our outings with our Aunt Gardiner. I would not want to cause a disruption to her household."

Elizabeth nodded, "Mr. Darcy indicated that the dressmakers are to meet us at the Gracechurch Street house when we arrive so we have fashionable gowns to wear while in London. These are in addition to the clothing Mama wants to buy for the wedding and after. I can only guess what the plans are. I am assuming that we will meet with the Hursts and any of Mr. Darcy's family if they are in town."

Kitty mooned over the prospect of new fashionable gowns as Jane asked about Darcy's family. "I am not acquainted with anyone other than his cousin, the Colonel, and his sister, Georgiana. I do hope Colonel Fitzwilliam will be there. You will like him, Jane. He is very personable."

Mary rolled her eyes when Kitty exclaimed, "A Colonel?!"

Elizabeth was amused. "Indeed. He is the 2nd son of the Earl of Matlock. I met him when he was visiting their aunt, Lady Catherine, with Mr. Darcy. I do not believe the Collins' and I would have received as many invitations to dine at Rosings if those gentlemen had not wished it."

Jane asked her youngest sisters if they had need of anything from town and what their intentions were while Jane and Lizzy were away. Mary replied to the later question. "When you slipped out of the house, Mama hounded Papa about arranging a church date for your wedding. I would like to go with him to meet with the parson later in the week."

Elizabeth laughed. "I wondered why he was not here when we returned! There was no time to ask him."

Mary nodded solemnly. "Indeed. I gathered from the conversation that he went to Netherfield to discuss arrangements—and escape the house."

Kitty giggled. "You should have heard Papa taunting Mama." She lowered her voice to mimic Mr. Bennet, "'Now, my dear, there can be no date without the completion of legal matters and I have yet to sign my name to any documentation.' La! I would very much like you to take detailed notes on the attire of the aristocracy and I would adore a lacy parasol."

Jane looked worried, "What did Papa mean by it?"

Elizabeth replied, "Do not fret, Jane. I know that Mr. Darcy is meeting with his solicitor regarding documentation and your Mr. Bingley might have a similar errand while in London. Papa just enjoys teasing our mother." Turning to Kitty, she continued, "Kitty I will scour the shops in search of a parasol and be sure to scrutinize the attire of every lady we encounter. What of you Mary? Would you care for new gloves or a trinket?"

Mary was a modest girl, and so replied in a negative fashion before stifling a yawn. It was then decided that the younger girls would retire to their own rooms so that Jane and Elizabeth could rest. The girls embraced their older sisters before softly closing the door behind them.

Jane and Lizzy shared a smile and a 'sleep well' before snuffling the candles on their bedside tables. Both were pleased with the evening's exchange and saddened that they had missed so much time enjoying the friendship of their younger sisters. The last few days had wrought so many alterations that Elizabeth was content to lay in reflection for a half hour before sleep overcame her.

P&P

The staff at the Darcy townhouse had much to occupy their time. The house was in a state of chaos as new and seasoned maids bustled up and down the stairs to ready the house for Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy, their guest, Mr. Bingley, and the approval of a new mistress. The steward, Mr. Arens, was puzzled at the separate contradictory notes sent from the Darcy siblings, but had much to occupy his time so that he did not dwell on them long; rather, he endeavored to carry out the Master's instructions to open the house.

He was confident that the housekeeper had the household in hand. Once the gardeners, footmen, and grooms were occupied with their respective occupations, he accompanied the cook to the outdoor market to select the choice produce and meats to augment the items found in their own small garden. Assured that the task did not need his further involvement, he made his way to the couturier, Madame Marguerite, to verify that she had established preparations for the future Mrs. Darcy.

At first, the boy in the front of the shop told Mr. Arens that the Madame was not available. However, once he was told that Arens was there on behalf of Mr. Darcy, the boy smiled apologetically and directed him to a back room where Madame Marguerite was sitting amongst mountains of fine fabrics and lace. Her two assistants listened intently to her instructions, one taking notes while the other tagged fabric samples, as she examined fashion plates and debated materials.

"Mon Dieu!" She exclaimed when he introduced himself and inquired on Mr. Darcy's order. "I will have to hire more aides, certainement. But it shall be as Monsieur Darcy wishes. Such a purchase! I am indeed fortunate. We will sew day and night to have the Mademoiselle's new gowns in a few days. I already have my sister and nephews stitching skirts and shifts upstairs."

Mr. Arens smiled and passed her a heavy purse in payment. "Thank you, Madame. Mr. Darcy is certain to be pleased with your haste. I have been informed that they are to arrive tomorrow. I was given to understand that the size of the next payment is dependent upon the timing, quality, and the happiness of Miss Bennet, of course."

She nodded solemnly, "Of course."

"Then I will leave you to it, Madame." He bowed and left the shop hearing Madame Marguerite clap her hands and direct one assistant to round up any idle persons to sew for the mysterious Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

Satisfied with his errands, Mr. Arens made his way back to Darcy house to supervise the repair of a newly broken window and double-check the security of the rewired chandelier.

At the day's end, he was grateful that neither Darcy was seen. The next day would be conducted in a calmer manner managing the normal duties of the staff, since the preparations for the family had been seen to.

AN: What should be Miss Bingley's punishment? Do you believe the nature of the Bennet sister's relationship will really change?