Summary: Forced into an engagement with Mr. Collins, Elizabeth feels that her life is over. However, help comes unexpectedly in none other than Mr. Darcy of Pemberley. Will Mr. Darcy be able to prevent the ill-fated marriage? Or will Elizabeth be lost to Mr. Collins forever? Characters may be OOC.
Disclaimer: Pride and Prejudice is the sole property of Jane Austen. This story, however, is the property of the author © 2017, any unauthorized reproduction or publishing of any content of this story is strictly prohibited.
AN: Dearest readers, I sincerely apologize for the too long delay. I hope this chapter will appease you all.
Mr. Bingley is a man that one might surmise has a sunny disposition. His easy, unaffected manners, and pleasant countenance were all of which lent credence to this assessment. However, what many did not realize is that Mr. Bingley had a propensity to devalue himself, and so he heavily relied upon the opinion of others in concern with matters of the heart. This is not to say he denigrated himself in all aspects, no, for he was a shrewd, confident man in the matters of business. Choosing a life partner, however, is much different than making business decisions. Often times than not, Mr. Bingley questioned himself thoroughly. Was he handsome enough –good enough –for her? Did she truly love him, or was she (like so many others before her) after his money?
Indeed, life had taught Mr. Bingley to be careful –very careful –in the prospect of choosing a wife. This was an undeniably hard learn lesson to learn, once the harshness of reality set in. Aye, providence did him a great service when he overheard Miss Taylor those years ago. For what else could it have been, if not providence? He still remembers almost as if it were yesterday.
Mr. Bingley arrived at a ball he originally had no intentions of attending, however business out of town concluded much faster than he anticipated. Instead of making a call to his beloved, he decided he would surprise her. They would dance, and laugh, and once she would request refreshments, or declare she was in need of fresh air (for she used this trick with Mr. Bingley, who was utterly delighted to spend alone time with her), he would request a private word. They would go out to a lonely balcony, or step into a deserted parlor where he would confess his undying love. She would return his sentiments endearingly, and they would be engaged to wed.
Mr. Bingley planned it out perfectly, and carried the ring he had purchased just a fortnight ago for the occasion. Miss Taylor –Celia –only deserved the very best, and so he selected a ring that, he hoped, would compliment her beauty and grace. Once at the ball, Mr. Bingley set out to find his beloved, and found her he did. While approaching a balcony, he heard her unmistakable tinkling of her laughter. Smiling to himself, Bingley approached, but did not make himself known. He had decided it was the moment to propose. Surely, her being on the balcony was a sign from fate, so he seized the opportunity presented to him, and remained hidden. All he had to do was wait until Miss Taylor, and her cousin, Miss Morris made their way back inside.
And so, it was much of a surprise when, while waiting for the two women to finish their tête-a-tête, that he heard the most disturbing of confidences.
"I do not know how you do it Celia, put up with that man so," declared Miss Morris, "his father was a tradesman you know."
Miss Taylor sighed. "Yes, yes. It is an unfortunate business, but what could be done? Father wants me wed before the year is out, and Bingley is the only gentleman whom I believe will make me an offer."
"And what of Mr. Willoughby?" Enquired Miss. Morris.
"What of him?" Was Miss Taylor's harsh reply.
"Do not play coy with me, Celia. I am your *Gooseberry-picker, after all," said Miss Morris.
At this, Miss Taylor smiled coquettishly before replying, "Yes, 'tis a shame his wealth is all tied up to his elderly relation."
"So, will you give him up?"
"Heavens no! Why on earth would you say that?" Miss Taylor said, rather put out by all the questioning from her cousin.
"Ah, I believe I understand you rightly. Worry not dear cousin, I will continue to be your Gooseberry-picker, and I daresay your other young man will be none the wiser."
"As it should be. Although Bingley is not as handsome, nor as intellectual as Willoughby, he is still a good sort of man. He will take care of me, and give me all that is due as his wife."
"I still do not think you should act in such haste, many will turn their backs on you for marrying the son of a tradesman," Miss Morris cautioned.
Miss Taylor merely shrugged. "He is rather rich, is he not? I daresay that will make me happy enough." She replied airily.
Soon after, both ladies decided to go back indoors, neither aware of the captive audience they passed.
Bingley found himself understandably horrified, and utterly heartbroken. How could she speak of him so? Did she not care for him at all? Evidently not, given what he had just overheard. Moreover, how could one be so careless, really? She was in no doubt that an engagement was soon to come, and it would have, had he not overheard their confidences. Once he was certain they were out of sight, Bingley left the ball hurriedly, never to approach Miss Taylor again.
Although Bingley suffered acutely, he also learned to harden his heart when it came to the fairer sex, for he did not want to suffer such a disappointment again. And so, Mr. Bingley has had many flirtations since, and yes, found himself attracted to many women over the years, but none have ever truly touched his heart, not until now.
Miss Jane Bennet was all that was good and pure in his eyes. She was an angel, he was sure of it. Or so he originally thought. So much so, he was to propose shortly after returning from London. He dared not propose at the Netherfield ball, his past experience prohibited him from doing so. With those happy thoughts in mind, Mr. Bingley quickly left Netherfield the day after the ball, eager to conclude his business and return to his angel. Much to Bingley's surprise, he was shortly reunited with his sisters, his brother Hurst and Darcy in his London home.
His family, and Darcy joined Mr. Bingley in the drawing room. After the greetings were exchanged, Mr. Bingley said, "Louisa, Caroline, Hurst, Darcy; not that I am not pleased to see you, but," here Mr. Bingley hesitated. He did not want to insult his family and friend, yet he had no other way of asking, so therefore decided forthrightness was the best way to approach, "what brings you to town? I thought we were to meet back at Netherfield." He raised a quizzical brow.
Mr. Hurst, clearly not wanting part of the scheme that was to unfold, excused himself in want of refreshing himself –in other words meant enjoying his brother's ample supply of port and sweetmeats, to those who know him. Once Hurst was out of the room, the verbal assault began.
"And why should we remain there, Charles?" Caroline questioned sweetly. "You are here. There is no reason for us to remain in that backwater county. I much prefer the diversions town has to offer, as does Louisa." She concluded, with a nod from Louisa showing her acquiescence.
"Yes but, I will be returning within a few days. What sense is there to coming only when we will be leaving again shortly?" Bingley reasoned. For he was going to return to his angel, there was no doubt about it.
"Pray tell, why should you be returning Charles?" Miss Bingley shot quick glances at their sister and Darcy. Charles noting this frowned.
"Why ever not!" He cried, "Surely you know that I must return. I have to return to my angel."
"Oh Charles, do be serious!" Mrs. Hurst chastened.
Bingley had an incredulous look on his face when he replied, "I have raised her expectations, I must return! Surely you understand, Louisa?""
"No, you must not. Indeed, you are fortunate you have escaped when you have before she caught you in the parson's mousetrap!" Miss Bingley replied hastily.
"Then I am gladly caught, for who would not want to marry such an angel," was Mr. Bingley's jovial reply.
"Do be serious! How could you fall for such a fortune hunter!" Miss Bingley cried.
At this, Bingley did a quick inhalation of breath, and calmed before replying, "Nay you are mistaken. Jane Bennet is the most honest, kind, and beautiful creature I have ever beheld. She is no fortune hunter, sister."
"Are you quite certain Bingley?" Mr. Darcy chimed in; mere observer just moments before, Darcy was now taking an active role in the argument, much to Mr. Bingley's dismay.
"Whatever do you mean?" He sputtered.
Mr. Darcy then went on explaining, in absolute detail, the reasons why Bingley should stay away from Hertfordshire, and most importantly, Jane Bennet. He discussed her want of fortune, inferior connections, the want of propriety from her family members –save Jane and Miss Elizabeth, of course –all of which Mr. Bingley adamantly rebuffed. For what does fortune matter, when he has enough fortune for the both of them? As to connections, well, she is a gentleman's daughter what more could he need? Certainly that being the case she will elevate him in the eyes of society. Although, admittedly, not as much as Caroline or Louisa would prefer, which is a small price to pay for his future happiness, in his opinion.
Seeing as he was not convincing his friend, Mr. Darcy decided to change tactics.
"I do agree, Bingley that Miss Bennet is all that is proper and lovely. I do not refute that my friend." At this Mr. Bingley smiled, he knew Darcy would see her good qualities, much like he did. "Though good heavens, have you not heard the mother?"
"Yes, I know Mrs. Bennet can be," at this he paused, attempting to choose the right word, for he did not want to insult his future mother,
"quite exuberant at times, yet I feel it shows how much she cares for her daughters."
At this Darcy snorted and the room filled with the sounds of his sisters' titters. Bingley uncharacteristically scowled in return, stood up and began to pace.
"Charles, stop pacing about in such a stupid manner. Do sit down." Miss Bingley entreated. Bingley looked at the proffered seat, but continued at his pacing, deciding it was better to work off his rising anger than sit down and have it build up even more.
At that point, Mr. Darcy walked over to his friend and placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "No my friend, that is not of what I speak. That woman is vulgar, and attempts to sell off her children to the highest bidder! Do you not remember her comments the first night we met the Bennet's at the assembly? What was that comment she made, regarding verses?"
Mr. Darcy furrowed his brow in concentration, "Ah yes, I remember. She said a man once wrote her pretty verses at fifteen. Fifteen Bingley! Why, that is almost Georgiana's age. She was a child yet, and had that man made an offer, I have not doubt that Miss Bennet would not be Miss Bennet at this time. I am certain of it, no matter what Miss Bennet's feelings were at that time."
"Then I must praise God that that man never proposed to my beloved!" Bingley cried.
"That is exactly the point, Bingley! Do you not see? Miss Bennet will do anything to please her family," Darcy reasoned.
"She loves me Darcy, I know it. I feel it!" Bingley was getting so worked up his face started matching his hair.
Seeing this, Darcy made a calming gesture, "She smiles at you Bingley, I cannot deny it. Although I cannot deny that she smiles at you just as she smiles at anyone."
"'Tis not so!" Bingley declared vehemently, fists clenched at his sides.
"Is it not? I assure you Bingley, I, as well as your sisters," Darcy then made a motion to Caroline and Louisa who nodded in agreement, "were watching you both carefully a few days ago at the ball."
Here, Mr. Darcy paused and had a large intake of breath before delivering this verbal blow, for he knew he was going to hurt Bingley with his observations. "Although she received your attentions with pleasure, she did not invite them by any participation of sentiment. Indeed, her look and manners were open, cheerful, and engaging as ever, but without any symptom of peculiar regard, and I remain convinced from the evening's scrutiny."
"Nay Darcy, you are mistaken! You must be mistaken." Mr. Bingley said, almost pleadingly.
"I cannot be. For you see, I shall not scruple to assert to you that the serenity of Miss Bennet's countenance and air was such as might have given the most acute observer a conviction that, however amiable her temper, her heart was not likely to be easily touched. – For you, my friend, I wish it were not so. However, I do not believe her to be indifferent because I wish it, I believe it on impartial conviction, as truly as I wished it in reason. She does not love you Bingley, she wants you for your fortune as did Miss Taylor!"
At this declaration Bingley stumbled to the chair, hands over his face trying to calm his breathing. When he felt he had his emotions under (tenuous) regulation, Bingley finally replied through gritted teeth, "Do not compare the two, sir! Jane is nothing similar to Miss Taylor!"
"Look at me Bingley! Look at me," when Mr. Bingley finally me his eye, Mr. Darcy continued. "Why would I lie? Granted, Miss Bennet likely has more altruistic motives than Miss Taylor, I give you that. However, you cannot deny that she would be forced to accept you to secure her family. Her mother will insist upon it. Are you willing to condemn not only yourself, but your beloved as well, to a lifetime of unhappiness? For that is what you will have if you marry Miss Bennet, I assure you." Mr. Darcy concluded solemnly.
"Are you certain, Darcy. Quite certain?" Bingley eyed Mr. Darcy through unshed tears. He felt most undignified, yet he had to know.
"Charles! Why would dear Mr. Darcy lie? Besides, Louisa and I have served as witnesses, and could attest that what Mr. Darcy says is true. Is that not so, Louisa?"
"Yes," Mrs. Hurst nodded emphatically, "'tis quite so!"
Ignoring Miss Bingley's outburst and Mrs. Hurst's subsequent reply, Mr. Darcy solemnly said, "yes Charles, I am certain."
With that affirmation, Bingley's shoulders slumped. "Please leave me," he finally said.
"But Charles, surely you will not go anymore, not after what we have revealed," Miss Bingley whined.
"I said," Bingley almost shouted, "leave me be!"
With that, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley quit the drawing room immediately, muttering something about ungrateful brothers that do not know what is good for them.
Mr. Darcy, however, did not. Instead he placed a gentle hand on his friends shoulder and gave him a supportive squeeze. "I shall leave you be, Charles, since it is your wish. Pray, do not hesitate on sending word if you so wish it. I will always be here for you, my friend." With that, Mr. Darcy departed the Bingley townhouse and left for his own with a heavy heart.
And so, Mr. Bingley allowed himself to be persuaded to quit Netherfield, never to see Miss Bennet again. What his companions did not account for, nor could they have expected, was that Bingley had requested updates from the Netherfield steward, Mr. Johnson. Truly, although he agreed to leave, he could not bring himself to close off all connections to Hertfordshire, not quite yet. Unbeknownst to his sisters (and Darcy), Mr. Bingley left instructions with the newly appointed steward to contact him with all the news of Hertfordshire before his departure.
What Mr. Bingley could not have imagined, indeed what anyone could not anticipate was Mr. Johnson's good will toward the Bennet family, specifically, the eldest daughters. And so, it was much to the surprise and dismay of Mr. Bingley when he received a letter from Mr. Johnson, updating him on Netherfield lands. This, in and of itself, would not be so fretful if there was not a line at the very end bringing news that it was believed the Bennet family would soon be in celebration of matrimony, with absolutely no mention of which Bennet lady it would be.
"Blast!" Bingley cursed, then quickly set off into action.
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*Gooseberry-picker: According to an article called Victorianism- Adventures in Victorian Slang, a Gooseberry-picker is "a confidant in love matters, who shields the couple, and brings about interviews between them."