I know, it has been a while. Here's the chapter many of you have been waiting for. I hope it meets expectations, or exceeds them.
Mr. Darcy contemplated many things whilst he enjoyed his breakfast. Mrs. Andrews had been a surprise. He had met her mother-in-law, of course. She was a popular and well-bred lady in the neighborhood, and was, therefore, invited to many gatherings. He learned of her connection to the Bennet's early on, and found himself very curious as to what kind of man would marry the fourth daughter when the elder where still available, and to an estate they would not inherit. It was very suspicious.
He had heard rumor that it was a love match, that the couple were greatly enamored with one another. There was no word spoken of an illicit affair, nor a smudge to the young woman's reputation. In fact, many of the neighbors shared that she had once been very like the youngest girl, until she reached her seventeenth birthday, then she seemed to settle down and become more like her elder sisters. Since his friend was, himself, so enamored with the eldest Bennet sister, it gave him at least a little hope that the youngest, too, would settle down.
Then, yesterday, Mrs. Andrews came to visit. She was as lovely, and her personality was most engaging. Short though her visit had been, he found he could not disapprove of her, even though she teased him just a little and made a joke about her mother one would not normally made in company who was still new. It amused him greatly. He thought about the conversation that had ensued once Mrs. Andrews had left and Miss Elizabeth went to tend to her sister.
Flashback
"Brother, was it really necessary to invite Miss Eliza to stay, and to invite Mrs. Andrews and her husband to visit tomorrow?" complained Miss Bingley.
"I believe having one of her sisters near will be of great comfort to Miss Bennet, and do not pretend as though you are not as curious about Mr. Andrews as I am. I am glad I have been provided with a chance to finally meet the man."
"Indeed," agreed Darcy.
"See, even Darcy wishes to make the man's acquaintance," Bingley crowed.
"One must wonder about a man who would make such a match. The Bennet's have no prospective connections. They have an uncle who is an attorney in Meryton, and another in Trade. His home is near Cheapside," sneered Miss Bingley.
"Probably so he might keep an eye on his warehouses," laughed Mrs. Hurst.
"I would not care if they had uncles enough to fill all of Cheapside, I would find them just as agreeable. And obviously, I am not the first man to think so," Bingley boasted agin.
"Yes, Mr. Andrews does give them a little leverage, I grant you," said Miss Bingley, "but we have no real idea as to what kind of man he is."
"Mrs. Andrews is very agreeable, and you enjoy the company of his very genteel mother" stated Darcy, shocking the inhabitants of the room.
"Thank you, Darcy!" cried Bingley. He smiled with glee at his sisters. Mr. Hurst was no longer paying attention.
"Yes," conceded Mrs. Hurst, "both his mother and wife are very genteel, though his wife is a little bold, but given who her mother is, it is not surprising. But surely you do not agree with the Bennets allowing Miss Lydia out at such an age."
"No, sister, I do not, but they are her parents. Mrs. Andrews, I heard, was very much like her sister, and she settled down. Perhaps the same will be said of Miss Lydia."
"Be that as it may, a child has no place in Society."
"I must agree with Mrs. Hurst," put in Darcy. "It would not be looked well upon in Town, or any neighborhood other than her own."
"Their friends and neighbors do not seem to mind, so I do not see that we should either. It is not popular, but it is not forbidden either," finished Bingley.
End of flashback
Their conversation ended after that. At first glance, he had dismissed the family. Though he now found himself drawn to Miss Elizabeth, he knew he could not bring himself to actually make an offer for her. Her circumstances were too far beneath his own. However, though he wished for more for his friend, he found less to dissuade his friend away from his 'angel'. Today would be the real test. If he found legitimate cause to warn his friend away from his purpose, he would do so. If, however, he found the man to be exactly as he had been told, he would leave it be.
Bingley and his sisters were already in the salon when he entered the room. Mr. Hurst had left them to go for a ride. Darcy nearly envied the man.
"What sort of man do you think Mr. Andrews shall be, Louisa?" asked Miss Bingley.
"Well, Mrs. Bennet claims he is a very handsome man, and I have yet to hear anyone claim differently. I did hear a tale that he tends to lean towards more childish behavior, but Miss Lucas said that was what his mother always accused him of, and I would say that a mother might exaggerate when it comes to her children, both for the good and the bad. Miss Sims believes him to be a very rude individual. I suppose we shall have to draw our own conclusions."
They did not have long to wait. Miss Elizabeth entered the room then, and not ten minutes later, Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were announced. Darcy would deny it if anyone asked, but he was greatly amused at the expressions Bingley's sisters displayed when the couple entered the room. Knowing what many ladies considered handsome, he would agree that Mr. Andrews fit the term well. He watched as Mr. Andrews was introduced to his very excited friend and his sisters, before coming forward himself.
"It is a pleasure, Mr. Darcy. Before I left for University, my father took me on a tour of several of the surrounding counties, with the intent of showing me how a proper estate should appear, outside of our own. Dalton has always been a prosperous estate, but he believed I should have others to compare it to. Pemberley was one of the parks he insisted we visit. It is a truly exceptional estate."
Darcy might have preened a little. "Then I hope you and your wife visit it should you decide to come through the neighborhood."
"We shall. How do you find Hertfordshire, Mr. Bingley?"
"I find it very pleasant. I do not think I have met with more agreeable people in my life!"
Mr. Andrews nodded. "The neighbors are very friendly, I'll give you that. Up until three years ago, my visits to this part of the country had been near nonexistent, despite my mother's family home residing in the neighborhood. Once she decided to return, I found myself visiting very frequently. They are good people."
After a little more small talk, Mrs. Andrews inquired after her sister. Miss Elizabeth escorted her to visit, accompanied by Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, who were not pleased to find that the positive things said about Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were true. Before she left, the newly married couple shared a smile. It was a pleasing site he had not seen often, outside his own parents. His uncle and aunt, as much as they cared for one another, were rather ridged when it came to Society's expectations. The three gentlemen were now alone.
Bingley started to say something several times before stopping. Darcy, not one to enjoy much conversation, searched for an appropriate topic. Mr. Andrews chuckled and brought the attention of the other two men to himself. "Women do not realize how much they are truly needed, especially when there is a lull in conversation. You know, I looked at this house for my mother, when she decided to relocate. She didn't wish to live with her brother, but she also did not wish to be too far situated from him. She decided this house was too large for her, and settled for the house she now resides in. I do agree that her choice suits her very well. I understand that the owners are willing to sell?"
"Yes. When I signed the lease, I was told that if I decided I liked the place, I have the option to buy it for my own."
They grew silent again, and Darcy noticed Mr. Andrews looked a little anxious. Finally, he sat forward.
"Lord, grant me sons. I'm not sure I can handle daughters," he muttered. Darcy and Bingley shared a look.
"Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy I am sure my reputation has been made known to you. I am a rather blunt individual. I don't like to skirt around issues if I can help it. I have been in the neighborhood for two days, and already I have heard from several people their opinions on you and your actions since taking up residence here. Mr. Bingley, you seem like a likeable fellow. Mr. Darcy, unfortunately, you are not as favorably looked upon. I don't know if you knew this, so I thought I would inform you of it. My wife and I have a favorable opinion of you, if that matters.
"But back to my point. For better or for worse, the Bennet's are now my family. Mrs. Bennet and Miss Lydia, and on occasion Mr. Bennet, can be trial, but largely, they are a good family. My father-in-law has seen fit to bestow upon me certain responsibilities where my new sisters are concerned. This being the case, it has been brought to my attention that you spend a great deal of time with Miss Bennet when you attend the same parties and gatherings. This does not bother me, however, as her brother, new to the position as I am, it is my duty to see to her best interest."
Darcy saw that his friend had no idea how to respond. He cleared his throat. "I had heard reports that you were known to share your opinions unashamedly."
"Indeed. Mr. Darcy, do you have any younger siblings?"
"Yes, a sister."
Mr. Andrews raised a brow and he felt he understood. There was little he wouldn't do to protect his family, especially Georgiana.
"I now have four sisters I must look out for. I am sure their lack of a proper upbringing has been noted, for the younger girls at least. Where they may be found wanting in areas our circles place more value in, they more than make up for in essentials. I did not marry my Catherine because of what she could give me monetarily. I have wealth and a plentiful estate enough to provide for several generations, should they take the same path my grandfather, father, and myself have, and not waste their resources on frivolous distractions. I am more than capable of seeing that my sisters are looked after. I won't have any of them trifled with." He took a sip of his tea and watched the two men before him interest.
Darcy's respect for the man rose a little. He certainly didn't dance around a topic, and he obviously took his responsibilities seriously. He glanced at his friend and found him to be speechless. There was no time for further discussion, however. Mrs. Bennet, along with her last remaining daughters, had come to call. Once they had been shown to Miss Bennet's room, the gentlemen were joined by Bingley's sisters and Mrs. Andrews.
"How did you find your sister today, love?" Mr. Andrews inquired of his wife.
"She is little better," she replied sadly. "The consensus is that she will need a few days of rest to fully recover."
"Do you think she would be more comfortable in my mother's home? It is not far and the drive should not do her any harm."
Mrs. Andrews looked thoughtful, but before she could answer, Bingley spoke up. "It is no trouble to care for Miss Bennet here. I would hate for her to have a relapse for fear that her presence here was an inconvenience. She is most welcome, anytime she feels the least bit poorly."
Darcy stifled a groan at his friend's awkward declaration. He could see Mr. Andrews working to control his own response, though his was clearly out of amusement. Mrs. Andrews answered. "Thank you, Mr. Bingley."
A long silence stretched afterwards, which was quickly filled with Mrs. Bennet and her daughters entering the room. After her determined speech on how ill her daughter was, her son-in-law once more brought up moving Miss Bennet. The woman seemed more outraged than Bingley, who seemed to take offense at the man's insistence that the eldest Miss Bennet be removed from his home. Darcy himself had wondered about his motive until he witnessed Mrs. Andrews' subtle nudge to her husband, who only grinned back at her. Darcy kept his features neutral, but he found the interaction both amusing and endearing. Miss Lydia then decided to speak up.
"Mr. Bingley, I remember you saying that you thought to throw a ball soon. Do you intend on doing so? I think it would be a wonderful way to make new friends."
Mr. Andrews's countenance hardened as his eyes darted to his wife's younger sister. The young lady actually flinched when she noticed. Bingley, oblivious to the actions of his guests, agreed to the scheme, honestly enjoying the idea of a ball. Mr. Andrews then stood and announced that they should all be off. Mrs. Andrews conferred with Miss Elizabeth and decided another visit would be unnecessary. Once Jane was well, she would visit with her sister again at Longbourn.
As they moved for the door, he heard Mr. Andrews ask Miss Lydia to accompany them to his mother's home. This intrigued Darcy. It seemed the man was serious about taking responsibility for his wife's sisters. Once they had gone, Miss Elizabeth excused herself to see to her sister, and he and Bingley both made a quick exit to avoid whatever his friend's sisters were going to say about their departed guests. On the way to his friend's study, Darcy thought over all he had learned of the man, and found that he did not lack in the virtues he held the highest. The only negative he could think of to hold against Mr. Andrews was his marriage to a woman beneath his status, but even then, it was clear that the couple cared for one another very much. How could he, in good conscious, hold that against the man?
Inside the study, Darcy took a seat and watched his friend pace.
"How dare he insinuate that I cannot care for Miss Bennet! And not once, but twice! In my very presence! The insolence of the man! If he wasn't married to Miss Bennet's sister, I would not welcome him again in my house."
"Calm yourself, Bingley. He meant you no harm."
Bingley stopped pacing and turned to his friend, aghast that he could defend the man. "He meant me no harm?! Darcy, he attacked my ability to provide aid to someone in need!"
Darcy, unable to keep it in, chuckled. "He was testing you for a response the first time. The second, he was trying to get a rise out of his wife's mother. He seemed to derive a bit of amusement from flustering the woman."
"What?" Bingley questioned his intelligence with a look.
"He told us that he was given the responsibility to seeing to the Miss Bennets' futures. A duty he is obviously taking seriously, given how his demeanor changed and his steps to take Miss Lydia to task."
"What are you talking about?" the poor man was obviously confused.
Darcy outright laughed. "You were so angry at his actions, you never thought to question his motives, or pay attention to what was going on around you. He was not pleased with Miss Lydia's prodding of you to hold a ball. She knew it too, and I am sure her trip to Mrs. Andrews home will be no pleasure drive."
"You like him!" Bingley pointedly accused.
"I do. I may not agree with his initial choice of wife, but I cannot criticize it either. They obviously care a great deal for one another, and Mrs. Andrews has been nothing but respectable. In fact, the Miss Bennets are all very respectable, now that I really consider it. I admit, I allowed my first impression and their circumstances to cloud my judgement."
"Your opinion has changed because you find him respectable?" It was clear that he thought Darcy had taken leave of his good sense.
"Yes, though not entirely. It does seem, however, that you do not merely have to convince the lady to marry you. Now, you must convince her brother that you are worthy as well. I wish you luck. If he is half as serious as I am about Georgiana, you have quite the job ahead of you."