Chapter 7: Bingley's Return
Elizabeth and Jane were sitting in their shared sitting room when Caroline and Louisa joined them. "We were just thinking about caroling, and we thought we should practice. It would be so much more fun with the four of us." Caroline began.
With an odd glance at Louisa, Elizabeth replied, "Yes, I suppose we should practice. We have been singing carols since we were children, but I suppose a few months each year could fade our memories."
"I knew you would understand." Caroline winked as though they agreed.
Elizabeth supposed this to mean that Mr. Darcy had hinted that he enjoyed caroling with his sister. Jane looked forward to singing, and the four managed a few carols when Mr. Darcy joined them. Suddenly, Caroline's voice was louder than the others.
Mr. Darcy moved quietly to stand behind the sofa opposite their gathering. He attempted to observe each lady equally, but his eyes were drawn to Elizabeth's lovely face bursting with happiness. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she held her sister's hand. The sisters would look at each other occasionally and their merriment would increase, as though they were enjoying a private memory. Elizabeth's voice was lovely and perfectly in tune with the others, despite Caroline' attempt to overshadow them.
When the song ended, Mr. Darcy applauded the group. "You sound lovely, ladies. I am fortunate to be able to spend so much time in your presence. Perhaps we should move to the music room so that you could play as well."
Jane happily replied, "That would be excellent. I have a book to read." She turned to her sister once again. "I should like to hear you play. I can hear well enough when the door is open."
"No, Jane. We do not need the pianoforte to enjoy our music. I would prefer you to be with us. I know you do not wish to burden the footmen to carry you, and our liveliness would not be the same without you." Elizabeth did not really wish to spend time with only Caroline, Mrs. Hurst, and Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Darcy was not daunted. He knew Caroline and Mrs. Hurst would move to the music room regardless of the Bennets. He had no wish to be alone with either group of sisters alone. "I would be happy to assist you, Miss Bennet. Your voice is lovely and ought not to be forsaken."
Caroline, knowing that her abilities on the pianoforte would make a good impression, was eager to ensure Mr. Darcy joined them. If it took having the Bennets in the room also, so be it. With a flourish, she exclaimed, "That is capital, Mr. Darcy. You are such a kind gentleman, to be of such help. Of course, I must insist that my dear friend joins us. You are so strong, and she is a very slight girl." For good effect, she fluttered her eyelashes at him. He was looking at Elizabeth instead, and entirely missed her efforts.
Jane blushed at the thought of him carrying her. She was too kind to decline, so she lifted her arms in acquiescence, ignoring the heat of her blush. Mr. Darcy came to her side and picked her up with ease. Caroline held the door and stayed at their side as they moved to the music room. Elizabeth and Louisa trailed behind with wonder at Caroline's obvious displays of affection.
In the music room, Mr. Darcy placed Jane on the sofa nearest the pianoforte. Caroline and Louisa sat together on the bench in front of the pianoforte. They began playing an Italian sonata before Elizabeth had even claimed the space beside Jane. "This is an unusual carol." She said softly to Jane.
Jane smiled, but she was entirely too kind to laugh at the Bingley sisters. Instead, she took Elizabeth's hand and softly chided her.
Mr. Darcy, relieved of his burden, moved to the window and stared out. He could hear Elizabeth's quiet laughter. It was far more enchanting than the words of love coming from Miss Bingley's poorly chosen song. Even with a fine voice and excellent melody, the words could not move him like Elizabeth's laughter. He knew he should have left with Bingley. He would need to take care not to allow his thoughts to wander. It was all too easy to imagine Elizabeth as Mrs. Darcy. There would never be a dull night with such laughter at Pemberley.
When the song ended, Caroline huffed in frustration. Mr. Darcy was not attending to her. She then turned to her sister and spoke softly. "Louisa, you must sit with the Bennet sisters so that Mr. Darcy must turn the pages for me. Tell them you are tired and wish to rest."
"Caroline! I have no wish to sit with them when I can be here with you. He is listening, and that is enough. You cannot order me to serve you. I am older than you and married."
Miss Bingley hissed at her sister. "You are married, and so you must help me along. Mr. Darcy cannot stand being with the Bennets. Give him reason to come sit with me."
Louisa rolled her eyes but did as she was bid. "Jane, dear, you are looking much better today. The change of scenery suits you. Mr. Darcy, does she not look improved?"
"Miss Bennet is lovely as always." He did not turn away from the window to observe her. He knew Miss Bennet well enough now to know she was blushing at such attention. He appreciated her simple modesty.
Miss Bingley began to sing and play her next song, so they all respectfully turned to her. When she reached the end of the page, she slowed her pace, as though it would appear difficult with no one to turn the page for her. Resuming full speed, she began to sing again. Mr. Darcy did not move from the window. Such obvious attempts at gaining his attention would never succeed.
Trying again at the next page, she began to slow her song. Unfortunately, she had garnered the wrong person's attention. Elizabeth appeared instantly and took the seat beside Miss Bingley, turning the page before Caroline missed a note. Laughing at Miss Bingley's disappointed look, Elizabeth joined Caroline in song.
Mr. Darcy finally took a seat to watch the performance. Miss Bingley preened in display. Elizabeth avoided laughing, but her eyes shone brightly as she observed Miss Bingley's fluttering lashes and smiles. The song ended to a round of applause. Elizabeth took control of the music selection, and they turned back to carols that everyone could sing. Mr. Darcy immediately joined in the song. Elizabeth was astonished at the depth of his voice. More than once, she found herself observing him closely. He was not unaware of her attention, nor was he displeased by her scrutiny.
After half an hour and a few dozen songs, Elizabeth suggested they had played enough for one day. "I am certain Mr. Darcy has more important matters to keep him busy than to entertain us. I believe I shall fetch a book and read for the afternoon."
Mr. Darcy was immediately at her side to offer his assistance. "I shall gladly escort you to the library."
"Oh, yes! For there is no enjoyment like reading." Miss Bingley declared. He had barely risen when she followed him. Now, she tightly gripped his arm, fluttering her lashes in what she thought was a coquettish manner. Mr. Darcy briefly wondered how strong her eyelids must be to flutter so quickly.
At his astonished look, Elizabeth gently rested her arm on his and suggested they all move to the library. Jane politely declined, stating that she would rather rest. Mrs. Hurst declared she would check on her husband and summoned a footman to take Jane back to her sitting room. Jane gracefully accepted the footman's help as she was moved to her room, watching Mr. Darcy awkwardly escort his two ladies to the library.
As they entered the library, Elizabeth released his arm so that she could move around the sparse shelves. Miss Bingley had no such interest. She gripped his arm tighter and declared that they would read together. She urged them to a sofa with room for just two people and sat down, tugging him with her.
He sat politely, as far from her as he could on the sofa. "Should you wish to read, I suppose I ought to fetch a book." He then rose and moved to where Elizabeth was browsing the limited selection. "You are searching for a play. That would pass the time."
Elizabeth turned abruptly when she realized he was so close. Blushing, she replied, "Jane enjoys plays to poems, and Shakespeare has many hidden meanings that make it interesting."
"Yes, I remember my cousin enjoying a similar hunt with his friends at school." He looked at the tome in her hands. "Much Ado about Nothing is a lighthearted play." Worried that she would leave soon, he surprised himself by adding, "perhaps we should all read it together. We can each take a role or two. With the cold afternoons, we would be occupied for many hours."
"That is an idea." Elizabeth replied, not sure if she should agree to his scheme. She had meant to read to Jane alone in their room.
"Mr. Darcy always has the best ideas. I love the play. The prince is the most dashing of heroes."
Elizabeth scrunched her eyebrows together as she attempted to understand Miss Bingley, but before she could claim the prince as anything more than a side character, Mr. Bingley burst through the door.
"Darcy, old chap! I knew you would be in here." He walked in and greeted his friend warmly before noticing the other two occupants of the room. "Miss Bennet, I am sorry not to have greeted you first. How does your sister fare? I heard there was something of a fever while I was gone, and I was greatly disturbed."
"Yes, but it was a minor chill," Miss Bingley intervened. "She recovered and only wants for entertainment as she cannot move about freely. We are discussing the idea of reading Much Ado about Nothing. We can each take a part."
"That is an excellent plan." Lord Devon announced as he entered behind Mr. Bingley. "I shall play Claudio." He moved to Miss Bennet. "If you will be Hero, of course. You would make the perfect Hero with your beautiful hair and expressive eyes."
Elizabeth laughed. "I am more suited to Beatrice, if you please. My sister is the beauty. I was not aware you would return."
"I met Bingley after a couple of days and decided I should enjoy renewing acquaintances in Hertfordshire. He is a great friend, always willing to add to the party. London is boring and dull at the moment."
"Meaning you have already lost all your allowance at cards." Mr. Darcy spoke up, entirely displeased with how close Devon was standing to Miss Bennet.
"I am not destitute, and I brought your cousin as well. We shall be a very merry party. Beatrice, is it?" He winked at Elizabeth. "Then I shall be Benedick. I will leave Mr. Bingley and your sister to play Hero and Claudio. They are the gentler pair. I like more liveliness and fun." He winked again, causing Elizabeth to wonder if he had a muscle twitch.
She moved away from the bookshelf and Lord Devon. "It is a pleasure to see you again, sir. I believe I shall entertain my sister for a time. Perhaps I will see you at dinner." With a polite curtsey, she darted out of the room before anyone could attempt to change her mind.
Mr. Darcy watched her go just long enough for his cousin to notice as he entered. With a slight blush, knowing his cousin would guess his thoughts, he greeted Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"I heard mention of a play. Bingley, you would be up to something, even if you did only just arrive." He turned to his hostess who was still disgruntled at Mr. Darcy's abandonment. "Miss Bingley, it is a pleasure to be a guest here. I hope you do not mind having two more men to entertain for the holidays. Bingley was certain you would enjoy our company."
"You are more than welcome, Colonel." She would never say no to hosting the second son of an Earl. Mr. Darcy had the largest fortune, and he had already inherited, so he was still the bigger catch. More gentlemen simply meant that she could show off her hostess abilities with greater finesse. "Mrs. Nichols will show you to your rooms as soon as they are ready. I shall see to the details." With a slight glance at Mr. Darcy to see that he was not paying any attention, she huffed and departed.
"Your business was successful, Bingley, was it not?" Mr. Darcy asked.
"What, oh yes, of course." Mr. Bingley took a quick drink from the sidebar. "Everything is as it should be, I believe. We can remain here through Christmas at least, and then return to London for the season. You will stay through Christmas, will you not? We should be delighted for your company." Mr. Bingley said as he wondered how to bring up Jane Bennet again.
Thankfully, Mrs. Nichols entered to lead Lord Devon and Colonel Fitzwilliam to their rooms. Mr. Bingley took the chance to change out of his traveling clothes as well. Mr. Darcy agreed that he would stay before excusing himself to the stables intending to check on his horse. He knew that Miss Bingley would not follow him there without changing first into her riding habit. He was certain of half an hour of silence.
AN: The next chapter is my favorite, I think. It is written and edited, so I will post it tomorrow. I am so sorry for the delay, my beta seems to have gotten busy. I have another beta, so if you notice this chapter has more errors, we are still getting to know each other.
I am well, recovering from a surgery so I am on bed rest for 2 weeks, though I am getting up and typing when I can, and getting ready for visits from my sisters in law. I hope you all are happy and healthy for the holidays.