Disclaimer: I don't own Pride and Prejudice, all rights go to Jane Austen

Summary: See previous chapters

Chapter Twelve

After a lovely dinner, where he had been introduced to Mr McKnight, whom he had previously known more by reputation, and arranged his own call on Mr Bennet next week, Charles Bingley returned to Netherfield Park.

Mrs Nichols met them at the door, all apologies for the misunderstanding with Caroline. "Your rooms have been made ready, sir, but the maids are still dusting the parlour and drawing room. Will you be wanting supper?"

Charles shook his head. "We stopped at Longbourn to inform Miss Bennet of my return, and were invited to stay for dinner there. Thank you for being so quick at opening Netherfield for us."

The housekeeper looked pleased, and bobbed a curtsy. "I'll have a maid show your guests to their rooms. If it's not too bold to say, sir, Miss Bennet is a lovely lady and a fine choice, and we wish you every happiness."

The following morning, Charles rose early, in the hopes of actually making a dent in all the things he had missed while in the North. If he was to go to London and be back within the day, there was a great deal to be organised.

Aunt Claire and Miss Carrington were likewise early risers, though Miss Carrington protested that she was never truly awake until mid morning, and came down for breakfast shortly after him. Aunt Claire poured herself a cup of tea. "I quite liked the Bennets."

Charles was very glad to hear that, but still raised an eyebrow. "Even Mrs Bennet? She was Louisa's main sticking point."

Aunt Claire smiled, noting that he did not list Caroline's objections. "Mrs Bennet strikes me as the kind of woman who spent a lifetime having to make herself heard by whatever means were available. Even so, she appears to have a generous heart, and I cannot fault her desire to see her daughters married to good men."

In times of war, eligible men became even more of an endangered species than they already were. Couple that with the number of young men seeking their fortunes in Canada and the American Frontier - the new United States did not claim the whole of the continent, after all - and men who could afford to take a gentlewoman to wife were very thin on the ground.

Finishing his plate, Charles wiped his mouth with a cloth. "One of my stops in London will be to my solicitor, to get a marriage settlement drawn up. I suppose I should find a suitable piece of jewellery, too."

The two ladies exchanged looks that very clearly cast aspirations on his taste in jewels. Miss Carrington nodded firmly. "Light blue sapphires, to match her eyes, unless she has a favourite stone?"

Jane favoured a set comprised of pearls and diamonds, but that was because they had been left to her by her grandmother Gardiner. Aunt Claire agreed. "Something subtle, Miss Bennet does not strike me as the gaudy type."

Charles told himself that he had raised the topic, so he could hardly complain about the results. Instead, he sat down at the writing desk to finish a letter to Darcy.

To my most insular friend, Darcy,

I appreciate the invitation to Pemberley for Christmas, but cannot accept, as I will be returning to Netherfield now that my business in Scarborough is complete. I did sent a note to Netherfield a few days after my departure, as soon as I had a fixed address, and was unaware that neither you or Caroline received it.

Likewise, I appreciate your concern, and your valid point about my past infatuations. I can assure you that this time is different, and that I am well able to tell the difference.

With all respect to you as my friend, when did you exchange more than a few words of conversation with Miss Bennet, to be so assured of her feelings? Are you not forever complaining about young ladies who pretend more affection than they feel, to create expectations where none exist? Did you not state only last month that a lady should wait until a suitor declares himself before expressing admiration, for fear of seeming vulgar?

The fact that you stated this as a hint to Caroline, one which she completely disregarded, should make you reconsider her own talents in deciphering the subtleties of tone and body language.

In any case, I have not proposed yet, merely offered a courtship to see if we will suit. As a courting couple, Miss Bennet will have ample opportunity to tell me in private if she has any reservations or does not wish me to continue. Should an offer of marriage follow, I hope you will stand up with me, but I understand the trials of travelling before the snow melts, and will not hold your absence against you.

I will be in London tomorrow, to complete the business I had originally planned. If you are still there, I would be pleased to visit you.

Your friend

Charles Bingley.

He had just finished sealing the letter, and begun the one to his Man of Business, when Mrs Nichols entered. Which reminded him of another thing. "In the absences of a Mistress, Mrs Nichols, I believe you organise the tenant's charity baskets? Please do let me know if there is a need for additional funds or anything else."

The housekeeper nodded. "Of course, Mr Bingley. I have them well in hand, but will inform you if that changes." She handed him a letter, "Miss Bennet sent this from Longbourn. Apparently it is from Miss Bingley?"

Oh, what did Caroline want now? He reached for a letter opener, as Jane had sent it on unopened. "If it contains anything but an apology for those dreadful falsehoods she wrote to Jane - pardon me, Miss Bennet - before, I shall cut her allowance for the quarter."

Mrs Nichols excused herself as he opened the missive, which promptly dashed any dim hopes of Caroline's better nature. The very first sentence conveyed assurance of their being settled in London for the winter, continued chiefly with praise of Miss Darcy and several blatant falsehoods of the increasing intimacy between himself and Darcy's young sister, as he was apparently staying at Darcy House. How remarkable of him, to simultaneously exist both in London and the dining room of Netherfield.

Charles Bingley had never been a great supporter of sarcasm. It was an odd sensation. His face must have well conveyed his opinions, because Aunt Claire paused with a slice of toast halfway to her mouth. "What shall you do?"

What was there to do but to have a very uncomfortable conversation with his friend. Caroline's lies must not be allowed to spread further than they already had. "I must show this and the other letter to Darcy; he should know the kind of falsehoods Caroline is spreading. If Miss Darcy were out, these letters could be considered Compromising."

Miss Carrington frowned. "Is it enough? From what you say, Mr Darcy barely tolerates her now; will anything truly change?"

Darcy was wealthy and well-connected enough to simply pretend that the unpleasantries of life didn't exist. He might decide to do the same with this. "In truth, Aunt Carrington, I am at a loss. I can cut her off and force her to live on her allowance and the interest of her Dowry, but I have no control over the Hursts, and Louisa is easily swayed by her."

He privately doubted that Hurst could afford Louisa's spending and Caroline's, or that he would be willing to host her for very long, but he might last out the Little Season.

Aunt Claire hummed, but Miss Carrington looked thoughtful. "Perhaps… Augusta, my dear, what do you think of bringing her to Scarborough for a year? Show her the life of a spinster and encourage her to actually apply herself to seeking a husband, rather than waiting for an offer that will not come."

Neither woman looked particularly enthused at the idea of subjecting themselves to Caroline, but Aunt Claire was nodding. "That may indeed work, my dear Lily. The life of an unmarried woman can be very lonely, especially if one's personality does not encourage company. If nothing else, after a twelve-month, Caroline will be more appreciative of her brothers' hospitality."

Charles would welcome any solution that ended with a more tolerable Caroline, but he would extend one last chance. "First, I will see if she shows any repentance over her actions. She will face consequences either way, but her reaction will determine the severity."

Aunt Carrington smiled. "That is a very mature decision, Charles. I am proud of you."

Sir Jasper's Norwegian cross-breeds were not as impressive as most gentleman's mounts. Small as horses went, and dun-coated, they were strong and agile, and their endurance was certainly something to boast of, requiring far fewer rest stops than Charles's Bellopheron, who was likely going unexercised in a London stable somewhere.

Charles made a mental note to inquire about Sir Jasper's prices for a mount for Jane, after they married.

The meeting with his solicitor and the men whose business he invested in went smoothly, and by the lunch hour, he left Sir Jasper browsing the bookshops and found his way to Mayfair, knocking on the door to Darcy House. As one of Darcy's few friends, he was admitted immediately and shown to Darcy's study. "Bingley! It is good to see you. I hope whatever summoned you away has been resolved?"

Charles shook the offered hand. "You as well, Darcy. I'm happy to announce that if the Luddites do spread north, Scarborough should be safe from their efforts, and my reputation in Hertfordshire was not completely ruined by my sister's hasty departure."

Darcy had the grace to look a little abashed. "That is good to hear. I received your letter, and while I still do not entirely agree, you are correct that you are your own man, and I have little knowledge of Miss Bennet to base my judgement off."

At least there was no need to start this visit with an argument; Charles found himself rather relieved. "Before we get to the true cause of my visit, I should remember my manners. How is Miss Darcy?"

Darcy smiled; whatever his flaws, no-one could accuse him of not loving his sister. "She is well; I believe she and Mrs Annesley were to take tea in the parlour soon. Shall we join them, or is your call a matter of business?"

Miss Darcy should know what Caroline was claiming, as well, if only so she could refute it if asked. "Nothing too dreadful for the ears of a fifteen-year-old, I assure you. I would be happy to join them."

Miss Darcy was, indeed, as tall as Miss Elizabeth, or perhaps even a little taller. Perhaps it was something in the waters of Pemberley. The usual pleasantries were exchanged, and Miss Darcy was permitted to practice her skills as a hostess when the tea arrived.

Finally, Charles judged that it would not be rude to get to his purpose for coming. "The sad truth is, Caroline's departure without warning was not the extent of her offences. She also sent two letters to Miss Bennet, and I cannot in good conscience keep them from you."

He handed the two letters to Darcy, who read them swiftly, and cleared his throat awkwardly. "I… that is to say, Bingley, I esteem you highly, but Georgiana is not of an age…"

Charles waved a hand. "I know that very well, Darcy! Your pardon, Miss Darcy, I do not mean to belittle you, merely to state that you are quite young to consider marrying yet."

Miss Darcy looked very confused, and craned her head, trying to read the letters from a distance. "Does Miss Bingley imply an understanding of some kind? My brother promised that he would wait until I was presented before there was any talk of matrimony."

Charles cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, yes, which is why I had to tell your brother and you at the first opportunity. Fortunately, I had already asked Miss Bennet for a courtship before she received the letters, but she was still quite hurt by them."

Darcy fidgeted in his seat a little. "Miss Bingley did ask my help in keeping you distracted from returning to Hertfordshire and Miss Bennet. Of course, that was when we thought you were actually in London."

Miss Darcy leaned forward. "However did you return in time? The snows are usually dreadful at this time of year."

Charles smiled. "My friend, Sir Jasper Longbottom, was kind enough to offer the use of his sleigh. After the thaw, I shall have to send someone to retrieve my carriage."

Miss Darcy giggled, then grew serious. "Thank you for telling me about your sister's deception, Mr Bingley. I should have hated to have been asked about it and unknowingly caused trouble."

Thank goodness one of the Darcy siblings had a hint of social awareness! Charles still wasn't certain whether Darcy was actually oblivious, or just wealthy and well-connected enough that he could afford not to care. Darcy shifted again, "Have you seen Miss Bingley yet?"

Charles shook his head. "She and the Hursts are the next stop on my calendar. I owed you the knowledge of her actions, before Caroline could provide excuses."

Matching expressions of sympathy suggested that his hosts could anticipate just how difficult that meeting would be. Finally, Mrs Annesley set down her teacup. "How is Hertfordshire? I have never been there."

That was a happier subject. "It is quite a lovely country. The people have been very welcoming, and I look forward to learning more about estate management in the spring. There is a Militia regiment, though I confess I have been avoiding any gathering that includes Mr Wickham, after he proved that his conversation is largely limited to complaints about you, Darcy."

Miss Darcy fumbled her teacup at the name, confirming Charles's suspicions that the 'old history' between the families was still very much present. "I have no intention of prying into private matters, Darcy, but if I am to defend your good name, I need at least the bare facts."

Darcy scowled, but was interrupted before he could say anything. "Mr Wickham is a liar and a scoundrel, and not to be trusted around young ladies!" Charles and Darcy both looked at Miss Darcy, who had spoken with a very rare vehemence. She blushed deeply under the sudden attention. "I know you kept silent in the hopes of protecting me, brother, but exposing him as a liar would rob his tales of power."

Charles cleared his throat. "Mr Wickham is a very popular figure among the young ladies and their Mamas, Miss Darcy. If I am to warn them away, I would welcome whatever you feel comfortable in telling me."

Miss Darcy drew a deep breath to steady herself. "Last summer, Mr WIckham seduced my old companion, in order to importune me, based on the favour my father had shown him when I was a child. My brother arrived for a visit before they had the opportunity to act, but I later learned that I was not his first victim. Many of the others were not blessed with my fortunate escape."

That certainly absolved Darcy of his foul mood whenever Mr Wickham was brought up. Of course, the two men had been in the same area barely a fortnight, and rarely interacted. He poured Miss Darcy another cup of tea. "I will be sure to keep your name out of the tale, Miss Darcy. Thank you for your bravery in sharing the tale."

Darcy sighed. "He is also a prolific gambler, and has a habit of running up debts wherever he goes. He ran through the thousand pounds he inherited, and the three thousand he accepted instead of Kympton, in less than a year."

That certainly put a different spin on the Wickham's boasts of being ill-used! Darcy was not finished. "In the past, I have paid respectable merchants and establishments, so they did not suffer when Wickham ran out on his bills. I will have copies of the debts made and sent to you, if you need proof to warn the locals."

Charles nodded decisively, mentally adding a dinner with Colonel Forster and his senior officers to his social calendar. "I would appreciate that greatly, my friend."

The relief on Darcy's face seemed disproportionate, as if he were not used to being believed on the subject of Wickham. Charles put that aside for another day as the atmosphere relaxed. "Now that is settled, would you care to stay for luncheon before you brave Grendal's Mother in her lair?"

Charles laughed, even as he feigned offence. "What on earth does that make me?"

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A/N: The Darcys ended up taking over this chapter, but don't worry, the blow-up with Caroline is coming...

I did want to show a bit more of the Bingley-Darcy friendship, even if they have been disagreeing a bit, and then Georgiana poked her head in. Without Miss Bingley around, she's a lot more open with a trusted friend of her brother, who she knows well and doesn't have to be shy around.

As ever, comments and questions are much appreciated, and if you want a far better-edited version of the story, it's available for pre-order on Amazon, under the pen-name Natasja Rose.

Thanks

Nat