Beginning, Previous Section, Section VII
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Jump to new as of February 10, 2003
When Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennet arrived at Gracechurch Street, they were surprised to see both Jane and Charlotte there. Mrs. Gardiner had invited them to London for the two days that Elizabeth would be there so that all three brides could purchase things they might need for the wedding that could not be acquired in Meryton.
After depositing the ladies at the Gardiner home, and accepting an invitation to dine there that evening, the gentlemen went on to Darcy's home in Brook Street where they were happy to be greeted by Georgiana. In order to shield her from the unpleasantness he expected to encounter at Rosings, as a result of his aunt's letter, Darcy had left Georgiana in London with Mrs. Annesley, where she could catch up on her studies and with her friends while he was in Kent. After a happy reunion, Darcy recounted to his sister the change in their aunt's view of his engagement. She was surprised in the extreme by the alteration in Lady Catherine, but happy to have the unpleasantness behind them.
The rest of the day until dinner was spent in similar conversation at Gracechurch Street. The others were surprised to hear of Mrs. Bennet's new friendship with Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Jane was extremely relieved to learn that Darcy's aunt had accepted his engagement to Elizabeth. Charlotte was amazed that Lady Catherine had become such fast friends with someone so decidedly beneath her. It was not until later, when she received the whole of the story from Elizabeth in a more private conversation, that she fully understood what had occurred. Nevertheless, she was still surprised that the friendship had outlasted the effects of the 'special' tea.
During dinner it was settled that Georgiana would accompany the other ladies the following morning and then the entire party would dine at Darcy's townhouse in the evening. The six ladies visited London's finest shops the next day, and the three brides made their purchases. The dinner which followed, at the Darcy townhouse, was very pleasant. Elizabeth was happy for the opportunity to see the house, and was pleased with everything in it. Mrs. Bennet's pleasure in visiting Darcy's townhouse was perhaps even greater than her daughter's, and she eagerly praised all that she saw.
Finally, on the morning of the third day, Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth, Jane, Charlotte, and Georgiana were handed into Mr. Darcy's spacious carriage while he and Colonel Fitzwilliam mounted their horses to ride beside it. The Gardiners farewelled the travelers sincerely, with assurances that they would be at Longbourn two days before the wedding.
At last, the party arrived at Longbourn. Mr. Wickham and Mr. Bingley were there to meet them and after an extended visit Mr. Wickham escorted Charlotte to Lucas Lodge and the other three gentlemen returned to Netherfield with Georgiana. When they entered the house, they went immediately to the drawing room to greet Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. Colonel Fitzwilliam, having been recently inundated with tales of the two youngest Miss Bennets by their mother, had nearly forgotten that Bingley had two sisters who he would be meeting as well. Darcy had spoken little of Bingley's sisters in the past, so he knew not what to expect, but if they were anything like their brother he was sure they would be everything that was sweet and amiable.
Colonel Fitzwilliam's expectation upon the meeting was only that he would have the opportunity to enjoy the company of pleasant young women during his stay at Netherfield. He knew that at the age of thirty it was time for him to start thinking about settling down. Indeed, his mind had been bending more and more in that direction, with no little pressure from his parents, for many months now. But, he also knew he must choose carefully. A woman of fortune she must be (which removed the Miss Bennets from his consideration), but he also refused to settle for a woman he could neither love nor respect. Finding the correct balance of the two had proven more difficult than expected, but in all fairness he had not really been seeking a wife. Even in the past months when he had begun to think of marrying, he had not put any degree of effort into casting himself into the paths of eligible young ladies. Even now he would not say he was looking for a wife, but nor was he was one to fail to notice a good opportunity. He knew Miss Bingley had a good fortune and believed her personality must be similar to her brother's. As such, she was certainly a prospect he could not ignore.
These thoughts raced through Colonel Fitzwilliam's mind after he was reminded that Mr. Bingley had two sisters when that gentleman mentioned meeting the ladies, as they alighted in front of Netherfield. Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley appeared much as Colonel Fitzwilliam had expected. They were both very handsome and quite fashionable, and their manners were well-bred. His eyes lingered but little time on the one wearing a lace cap, but he allowed himself to study the other a bit more diligently. He was happy to see there was nothing lacking in her looks. In fact, he found that she was strikingly handsome. After her curtsey, she met his eyes and he could not help smiling slightly as a faint blush crept into her cheeks.
For her part, Miss Bingley had spent the past several weeks, since the time of the announcement of Darcy's engagement, in self examination. She had looked at herself carefully and, seeing the person she had become, determined that she was not satisfied. She had then resolved to be a person she could love and respect. She had found it difficult at first, and had tried to emulate others who seemed to be well liked and well respected. Yet, something was lacking, she was not being herself. After some time she had learned to be herself and still be a better person, a better version of herself. She identified matters of substance that interested her, matters other than fashion and gossip. She began to look to others with a view of finding something she could admire or respect about them. And, when she realized that she could never find happiness in the places she had been looking, such as in a man or in material concerns, she resolved to find it from within, by being the person she wanted to be, a woman she could be truly proud of in character rather than a woman obsessed with vanity in her own looks and fortune. It was long after these realizations had taken place, and long after she had implemented her resolve and even after she had begun to see the results of her efforts, in the tendencies of her own behavior that Miss Bingley met Colonel Fitzwilliam.
She found that neither the knowledge that he was the son of an earl and Darcy's cousin nor the knowledge that he was only a second son with little fortune was the foremost thought in her mind when she was introduced to him. She was rather thinking of his looks and his manner. He was not the most striking man she had ever laid eyes on (Mr. Wickham still held that distinction) but his countenance was pleasant and inviting. Every moment that she was in his presence he grew more attractive. After the introductions had been made, the gentlemen remained in the drawing room with the ladies a good quarter of an hour before Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam finally went to their rooms to refresh themselves from their morning of traveling. During this time, the conversation was dominated by Darcy telling the others of his travels and Bingley's sisters telling him their news of the neighborhood.
Darcy was relieved to find Miss Bingley's manner towards him as subdued as it had been prior to his departure from the country. He had witnessed the lingering glance exchanged between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Bingley and feared that his cousin would now become the object of the young lady's attentions. He then considered that with her fortune her attentions might not be unwelcome by his cousin, but he knew Colonel Fitzwilliam wanted more from a wife than just a good fortune and would not be taken in by her empty flattery. To his surprise, however, Miss Bingley hardly spoke while they remained in the drawing room, and attended most diligently to her sewing during the entire conversation. He was put somewhat at ease by her behavior as he realized that Colonel Fitzwilliam's lack of fortune was likely sufficient to deter her from pursuing him.
Later, when Colonel Fitzwilliam emerged from his room, he was unable to locate his cousin in the house and so walked outdoors to tour Netherfield's pleasure gardens. It was there that he came upon the most charming sight of Miss Bingley sitting on a bench in the sun, surrounded by blooming flowers and reading a book.
Upon his approach, she looked up from her book and greeted him. After returning her greeting, he inquired as to what she was reading. "It is a novel that Georgiana recommended to me, actually."
"Ah, a novel, does Darcy know that Georgiana has been reading novels?"
"I believe he does. In fact she expressed to me her surprise upon gaining his approbation of her doing so."
"I am all amazement!" said Colonel Fitzwilliam, "this easiness in his manner must be the effect of his association with Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
"I dare say it is," said Miss Bingley without the slightest sign of dissatisfaction, "they seem to compliment one another very well."
"I have never seen my cousin happier. Being in love does have a wondrous effect on some."
"Indeed," she replied quietly.
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled, "and pray what type of story is told in your novel?"
"A love story," replied she, "or two love stories I should say." Miss Bingley went on to describe the basic story of the novel she was reading to Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"This sounds to be a very interesting novel, who is the author and what is it called?"
"'Sense and Sensibility' is the title, and it is merely said to be by 'A Lady.' Georgiana has another by the same author that she has also offered to lend me."
"You seem to enjoy reading very much," commented the gentleman.
Miss Bingley cast down her eyes and replied, "I confess I have never been a great reader. I tend to find proper books quite dull. It never occurred to me to try a novel until I heard Georgiana praise this one so enthusiastically. She was kind enough to lend it to me before she went away. So you see my passion for reading has developed rather recently, but I have found myself lost in this novel, as never before."
"You have found a charming spot for the activity. Your gardens here are quite lovely."
"I thank you. I recently discovered this bench, situated so perfectly for the enjoyment of both the warmth of the sunshine and the fragrance of the early spring blooms. I admit that I have always preferred being in town, but I have acquired a greater appreciation for the beauties of the country these past few weeks." Miss Bingley now realized that the conversation had been dominated by talk of her own preferences and she became embarrassed. It was still a struggle for her not to recede to her old habits, however much she now disapproved of them. Thus she added, "what is your own preference?"
"Both the city and the country have their advantages, Miss Bingley, I cannot profess a preference for one over the other. I am fortunate that I have been able to divide my time between both, but I spend most of it with my regiment." He went on to describe his career and the duties associated with it to her, in response to her inquiries which seemed to be fueled by genuine interest.
At length, Miss Bingley excused herself to see to the preparations for dinner as they were expecting a large party of guests. Colonel Fitzwilliam escorted her back to the house and in the hall they parted, each pleased with their meeting. Colonel Fitzwilliam found Darcy in the library where he told him of his encounter with Miss Bingley.
"I have found you at last, Darcy. I have just had a most pleasant walk in the gardens, where I encountered Miss Bingley situated most charmingly reading a book. Why did you never tell me how lovely she is, Darcy?"
"I believe I told you that both she and her sister are handsome young women."
"Yes, but that description did not do justice to her looks."
"I am surprised that you are so affected by them."
"And I am surprised that you were not. You were acquainted with her long before you met Miss Elizabeth and yet I wonder that she never attracted your interest."
"Perhaps that is because I took more than her looks into consideration. I hope that you will do the same."
"Of course Darcy, and I know I have only just met her, but she seems to be both amiable and intelligent. I had a delightful conversation with her in the garden."
Darcy looked at his cousin skeptically then replied, "I had thought, cousin, that you were above falling for the arts and allurements too often employed by the fairer sex."
Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled, "I saw nothing artful in her manner, and if she was in the habit of employing such arts then why direct them towards me? I am but a younger son with very little fortune. She could set her sights much higher."
"You are the younger son of an earl. Her family's roots are in trade. An alliance with you would give her a title and secure her a position in the highest circles. The appearance of wealth and fashion are more important to her than actual fortune. You only need look to her sister's husband for proof of it. He is not as wealthy as his wife appears."
"You seem to have a very low opinion of both of Bingley's sisters."
"With good reason."
"Then tell me why, if Miss Bingley is so mercenary in her intentions, did she not use her arts to secure your hand long ago, for she could have had both status and fortune by marrying you."
"Why do you assume she did not make an effort to do so? Do you think I would succumb so easily?"
"I do find it hard to believe that you could resist the attentions of a creature so lovely and sweet."
Darcy laughed, "lovely she may very well be, but sweet she certainly is not. Miss Bingley has made her aspirations with respect to me painfully clear since I met her. That is how I am so familiar with her ways. Her efforts only subsided after the announcement of my engagement."
"I did not detect any bitterness in her tone when we spoke of your engagement. She even said herself that you and Miss Elizabeth compliment one another very well."
Darcy appeared surprised, "did she? That is odd. Perhaps she was lacking in sincerity.
"Not at all. I detected no sarcasm in her tone. She seemed truly indifferent."
"It has been above three months since my engagement was announced. I believe she has had time to reconcile herself to the news. As for her arts, it took no great effort on my part to resist them, and I hope that, in spite of your perception of her sweetness, you will be on your guard in your dealings with her."
"Thank you cousin, but I believe I can handle my own affairs quite well. For all your present happiness I do not believe I require advice on matters of the heart from a man three years my junior. I have seen more of the ways of the world than you, Darcy, and I have certainly had enough dealings with the fairer sex to have learned a thing or two. I know what I am about."
"I certainly hope so cousin," replied Darcy, "now I am going to dress for dinner so that I can be ready when the guests arrive."
"We both know that it is only the arrival of one guest that you are concerned with, Darcy."
Darcy smiled, murmured a quiet, "indeed," and left the room. Colonel Fitzwilliam followed shortly thereafter.
When Colonel Fitzwilliam returned to the drawing room he could not help but laugh at the sight that met him. There sat Bingley, Darcy and Wickham ready for dinner and awaiting the arrival of the other guests. Upon entering the room he greeted Mr. Wickham warmly and then said, "the three of you are quite a sight, all awaiting your ladies fair! It is a good quarter hour before any of the other guests are expected is it not?"
"Your teasing shall not affect us," said Wickham, "I will own without scruple that I am a hopeless case."
"Miss Bennet and Miss Lucas have been away in town these three days," added Bingley, "I am happy to have them safely home."
"Ah, yes," teased Colonel Fitzwilliam, "I enjoyed their company very much while we were all in town together."
Darcy smiled and said to Wickham and Bingley, "let him have his fun now, for someday we shall have our turn to tease him in kind."
"Do you truly suppose we will?" asked Wickham, "I am beginning to despair that Fitzwilliam will ever fall in love."
Just then Miss Bingley appeared in the doorway to the drawing room. "Good evening gentlemen," she said, catching Colonel Fitzwilliam's gaze. Then, looking at her brother she quickly added, "have Miss Darcy and Mrs. Hurst not yet come down?"
The answer to her question was obvious, but Bingley responded nevertheless, "we have not yet had the pleasure of seeing them." Miss Bingley then excused herself to see to some last minute preparations for the dinner. This was the first large dinner party held at Netherfield since the announcement of Darcy's engagement to Elizabeth. The Bennets and the Lucases had been invited as well as the Longs, the Gouldings and even the Phillipses.
After Miss Bingley left the room Wickham said, "perhaps we shall have that opportunity sooner than expected."
Bingley was unsure what Mr. Wickham intended to imply and whether it had anything to do with his sister, but did not have an opportunity to ask as Miss Darcy and the Hursts entered the room the next moment. Miss Bingley soon returned to them and collected her brother to meet the guests at the door, while the others talked among themselves.
The Bennets were the first family to arrive. They were shown into the drawing room, where they were welcomed readily by the others. Jane and Elizabeth seated themselves next to Georgiana, while Kitty and Lydia took chairs opposite the sofa occupied by Mr. Wickham and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mrs. Bennet looked on with approval as she struck up a conversation with Mrs. Hurst, while Mr. Bennet began speaking to Darcy, who had been more than willing to give up Elizabeth's company for the sake of seeing her with Georgiana. Mr. Bennet amused himself by noting the furtive glances that often passed between his companion and his second daughter.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, in turn, amused himself by watching Wickham fidget uncomfortably as he glanced towards the door at every sound that might signify the arrival of more guests, while the Bennet sisters chattered away. At last, Wickham's anxiety was answered with the arrival of the Lucases. Colonel Fitzwilliam was duly introduced to the rest of that family. Lady Lucas then sat down on the opposite end of the sofa on which he sat, now that it had been vacated by Wickham in favor of a chair in a more private corner of the room and next to the one in which Charlotte had seated herself, placing her daughter, Maria, between them. She soon had more than Kitty and Lydia to contend with to gain his attention for her daughter, as the Longs soon arrived with their nieces. After the family was introduced to him, the Miss Longs sat in chairs near the younger Miss Bennets and Colonel Fitzwilliam found himself seated amidst five young girls who were all chatting away quite animatedly. He noticed Darcy spare a glance in his direction, then say something to Mr. Bennet who looked at him as well before the two men chuckled together. Colonel Fitzwilliam rolled his eyes and returned his attention to the young ladies to find that he had just become the topic of their conversation.
The Gouldings and the Phillipses arrived at about the same time, just a few minutes later. William Goulding was with his parents, and the Phillipses brought with them a Mr. Olsen, who was Mr. Phillips' new clerk. Colonel Fitzwilliam was relieved to find two more apparently eligible men present, even if they both seemed very young. Mr. and Miss Bingley entered the room behind the last of their guests. Colonel Fitzwilliam had not realized he had been waiting for their entrance until he found himself looking beyond the five young ladies vying for his attention and smiling into the eyes of his hostess. The lady, however, quickly looked away. Bingley moved to Jane's side with alacrity and took her arm to lead the way into the dining room. Miss Bingley's brother in law did not seem awake to her necessity of an escort and Mr. Bennet was about to offer her his arm when Colonel Fitzwilliam approached her instead, "may I escort you into the dining room, Madame?"
"Yes, thank you," she replied with sincerity.
Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Long, and Lady Lucas were all vexed by what they perceived as a slight to their daughters or nieces respectively. Colonel Fitzwilliam found himself pleased to be seated next to Miss Bingley where he was able to enjoy her conversation throughout dinner. He observed nothing in her demeanor to confirm Darcy's earlier report of her character, yet he knew Darcy too well to believe he could be exaggerating. Nor could he attribute his cousin's perception to mere vanity. Though vanity was one of Darcy's weaknesses, his vanity was of a different sort; and he had been too accustomed to receiving the attentions of women to imagine himself to be the object of admiration, whether sincere or not, without reason. Nevertheless, while he would not completely disregard his cousin's warning, Colonel Fitzwilliam was determined to judge this woman for himself. For Miss Bingley's part, as this was her first appearance in a large social party since her transformation, her changed manner did not go unnoticed by many of her guests.
After an enjoyable dinner, the ladies removed to the drawing room, leaving the gentlemen to themselves. Wickham wasted little time in teasing Colonel Fitzwilliam about his apparent pleasure with his dining companions. Colonel Fitzwilliam owned that he had enjoyed Miss Bingley's company greatly. Then, turning to Darcy who was nearby (while Bingley was engaged with his future father-in-law) he added, "I have seen nothing in her demeanor to match your previous account of her, Darcy."
"I have noticed that she is behaving very differently this evening than what I have been accustomed to seeing. I cannot account for it," replied Darcy.
"How long have you been acquainted with her, Wickham?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam, turning to Mr. Wickham.
"I first met her last November, but I cannot boast of knowing her nearly as well as Darcy. I have only had the pleasure of her company a very few number of times."
"And is she the same now as when you first knew her?"
"There is a difference in her that I cannot quite explain. She is as handsome and intelligent as ever, but there seems to be less of an edge about her now. She seems to be more agreeable than she was previously, particularly with the other ladies."
"You seem to take an eager interest in her, Fitzwilliam," observed Darcy.
"I am merely trying to reconcile your account of this rather remarkable young woman with what I have seen of her myself."
The three gentlemen were then joined by Mr. Olsen, who inquired about some of the young ladies present. After exchanging pleasantries through which it was determined that Mr. Olsen had been in town only two days and before this evening had been far too occupied with settling in and acquainting himself with the business, that he had not had the opportunity to meet any of the young ladies of the neighborhood. "I declare," he then added, "Mr. Bingley is a lucky man. His Miss Bennet is quite a beauty. But her next sister is nearly as pretty, is she not?"
Wickham and Fitzwilliam immediately looked to Darcy who wasted no time in saying, with a small smile, "more so in my opinion, sir, and spoken for as well."
"Forgive me, sir, I had no idea. Please accept my best wishes for your future happiness."
Darcy simply bowed.
Colonel Fitzwilliam then added, "I had better warn you, my good sir, before you continue, that the eldest Miss Lucas is also engaged to Mr. Wickham here."
"I thank you, sir," replied Mr. Olsen with a light laugh, "I would not wish to embarrass myself twice in one conversation." Then turning to Wickham, he said, "and may I offer you my congratulations as well, sir"
Wickham said, "I thank you."
Mr. Olsen looked thoughtful for a moment, then continued, "our hostess this evening is also a very handsome woman," Wickham noticed Fitzwilliam's attention become more focused on the speaker at this point, "but I suppose she is far out of my reach. I believe I will look to the youngest Miss Bennets and the Miss Longs for company this evening."
Wickham found himself relieved that the gentlemen had overlooked both Miss Darcy and Miss Maria Lucas in his quest for feminine companionship. He was not of the opinion that whichever of the young ladies Mr. Olsen settled his attentions on would be a fortunate one.
The gentlemen soon joined the ladies in the drawing room, where Darcy immediately went to Elizabeth's side, glancing at Georgiana who was in earnest conversation with Kitty and Maria Lucas. Colonel Fitzwilliam entered last, hoping that Mr. Olsen would capture the attention of some of the eligible young ladies present before he made his appearance. His plan was a good one, and left him able to approach Miss Bingley. "I am told, Madame, that you are an accomplished musician. I would very much like to hear you play."
A few months ago Miss Bingley would have disregarded such a compliment, attributing it to some motive other than sincerity. Now, she blushed lightly and replied, "I thank you, sir. I would be most willing to play for you, but perhaps you would like to hear from some of the other young ladies first." As hostess, Miss Bingley could not play without first entreating the other ladies present to do so. Luckily, very few of them played. Thus, Elizabeth played first, then she persuaded Georgiana to perform a duet with her. Mrs. Hurst then played for the company, and after two songs, Miss Bingley replaced her.
Colonel Fitzwilliam had been turning the pages for all of the performers and so remained at his post when Miss Bingley approached the pianoforte. He listened to her with great pleasure, her proficiency was rivaled only by Georgiana's. He complimented her playing with sincerity, and she was surprised to learn how truly pleased she was by his attentions.
After her performances, Elizabeth rejoined Darcy at one end of the room. Mr. Wickham soon joined them, as Miss Lucas had been called away by her sister to partake of conversation meant exclusively for the ears of ladies. "My dear Miss Elizabeth," he said, "allow me to express my great pleasure in hearing you play and in your ability to draw out Georgiana. The two of you will do very well together, I think."
"Thank you, Mr. Wickham, she is a dear girl."
"It seems she is nearly as delighted with your company as her brother is."
Elizabeth smiled, "oh I dare say she is much more delighted with me than Mr. Darcy," she teased. Darcy looked at her with an injured expression and she explained, "you see, Mr. Wickham, Mr. Darcy has never sung a duet with me."
"Ah but you are too hard on him, Miss Elizabeth, I dare say you would not be so severe if you had witnessed his speed and enthusiasm in claiming you as his own only a few moments ago."
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows and Darcy blushed slightly. "You have excited my curiosity indeed, Mr. Wickham, and you must tell me all about it, for I fear I will get no information from him," she replied.
"Alas," replied Wickham, "I must leave you to use whatever means are within your power to extract the intelligence from him for I see Sir William beckoning to me. But I have no doubt of your success, dear lady." He then gallantly kissed her hand, with a mischievous glance towards Darcy, and left her laughing lightly in his wake.
Elizabeth looked at Darcy expectantly and he said, "I will readily tell you anything you wish to know, my dear, though I confess I might have enjoyed waiting to see what means you would attempt to use to extract information from me."
"I would not wish you to reveal anything against your will," she replied seriously.
"I have no secrets from you Elizabeth," he responded quietly.
"I could not, of course, confess it in front of Mr. Wickham," she replied, "but I do rather like the idea of you claiming me as your own."
Darcy smiled, obviously also pleased with such a notion. "As usual, Wickham has made more of the occurrence than what it merited. After making some general statements about the young women in the neighborhood, Mr. Olsen simply observed that Mr. Bingley was a very lucky man for having won the hand of your very lovely sister. He then commented that you were quite handsome as well, with which opinion I could not but agree. I then gave him to know of our engagement. He wished me well and then began speaking of some of the other young ladies present."
"It sounds as if Mr. Olsen is indeed seeking a wife. He should be a favorite with my mother."
"It is only natural that he should do so. Now that he has established himself in his situation, and stands to inherit your uncle's business in time, he must begin thinking of starting a family."
"Yes, but as he is neither rich nor in possession of a red coat, I am afraid neither Lydia nor Kitty will give him a second glance. What sort of man does he seem to be?"
"I have not had very much time with him, but he seems to be a sensible, good sort of young man, though his mind is, I think, too much engaged with the charms of young women. He does not seem to be a man of great discernment."
"I will try not to let that last observation cheapen the compliment he made to my beauty," replied Elizabeth with an impertinent smirk.
"His insipid observations cannot do justice to your beauty, Elizabeth."
They continued in conversation until Miss Bingley finished playing and the card tables were set up. The remainder of the evening was spent at cards, until supper was served and then the guests departed.
Wickham was the last guest to depart. Both Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam lingered outside with him long. When they re-entered the drawing room, they found Miss Bingley saying to her brother, "I am glad you had such an enjoyable evening, Charles. It pleases me to see that you have found such happiness."
Darcy was surprised by these assertions, and Colonel Fitzwilliam only smiled. When Mr. Bingley perceived them he explained, "the Hursts have retired to their chambers, and I was just describing how much I enjoyed the evening to Caroline."
"Allow me to congratulate you on a very successful dinner party, Miss Bingley," said Colonel Fitzwilliam. "The dinner was impeccable and the company even better. I do believe all of your guests had an enjoyable evening."
"I thank you, sir," she replied, casting down her gaze. Then after a moment she said, "I believe I shall retire as well. Good night Charles, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam." With that, she ascended the stairs and went to bed with thoughts of Colonel Fitzwilliam filling her mind. Little did she know how prominently she figured in his thoughts as well.
The morning after the dinner party at Netherfield, Bingley and the Darcys called at Longbourn rather early. They invited Colonel Fitzwilliam to accompany them, but he declined, stating he would prefer to take a long ride to investigate the surrounding countryside. When Colonel Fitzwilliam returned, he cleaned up and then went into the pleasure gardens, in the hope of meeting with Miss Bingley again. He found her as she had been the day before, reading on the same bench.
Upon his approach, she closed her book and they enjoyed a pleasant conversation as they strolled through the gardens taking little heed of the time. They talked of many things, including books, music, art, and the gardens that surrounded them. Colonel Fitzwilliam enjoyed every moment of the conversation, as Miss Bingley continued to prove herself intelligent, well-informed and very agreeable. He took the opportunity again to tell her how much he had enjoyed the previous evening. By the time they were summoned indoors by a servant sent by Mrs. Hurst, Colonel Fitzwilliam was quite bewitched by his companion. He had never before been so affected by a woman. He would have been gratified to know that she felt the same about him.
Miss Bingley was reveling in the genuine and natural affection she had begun to feel for Colonel Fitzwilliam. She was thrilled with the sensation of admiring a man simply because she enjoyed being with him, and not for more superficial attractions. She had never known feelings such as this and she was so pleased with simply experiencing them herself that she scarcely gave a thought to whether they might be returned. For a woman who had denied herself the sensation of any real emotion for years, she was content for now to just feel the exquisite sensations inspired by his attentions.
While Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Bingley were enjoying one another's company, Bingley, Darcy and Miss Darcy were spending time with the Bennets. Upon arriving at Longbourn, they had visited with all the ladies of the house, save Lydia, who was thought to be out walking on her own. A scheme to walk to Oakham Mount was decided upon by the young people and they set out together. Jane and Mr. Bingley soon outstripped the others, who had not gotten far before Kitty professed a disinclination for walking the distance to the mount. Instead, she suggested showing Miss Darcy some of Longbourn's pleasure gardens. By the time, this was all decided and the two youngest ladies were left behind, Bingley and Jane could scarcely be seen ahead of Darcy and Elizabeth who continued together up the path at a leisurely pace.
When Bingley and Jane had set off the former had set a quick pace with the purpose of gaining some privacy by distance. Jane had only laughed as she struggled to keep up with him. When they were out of sight of the others he boldly grabbed her hand to assist her as she scrambled along, laughing with him. They reached the top of the mount in good time, and were able to rest at last. Jane sat on a grassy slope that overlooked a large field of wild flowers and Bingley sat beside her. After some brief conversation of the beauties surrounding them, Bingley asked Jane, "did you enjoy your evening yesterday?"
"Very much," she replied, "Caroline is a very gracious hostess."
"She was gracious last evening, but I do not know that she has always been so. Have you noticed a change in her recently?"
Jane was thoughtful for a moment, and then replied, "she seemed better pleased with her company than she had been in the past. These past few weeks she has appeared more content."
"I have noticed that her manner seems less affected than what it used to be. I do not know if you are aware of this, but she opposed a match between us at first. But since her return to the neighborhood in January, she seems more than merely reconciled to it, I believe she is sincerely happy for us. I only hope I am not seeing what I wish rather than the truth, but I never failed to notice her artifice in the past. What is your opinion? Do you believe the change in her manner to be genuine?"
"I do," said Jane, without hesitation.
Bingley smiled, "you are too good."
"That is what Lizzy says. But truly Charles, your sister deserves that benefit of the doubt, and if she is truly attempting to amend her ways, your faith could be of great service to her."
"Of course, you are right, as always," he replied, standing and then assisting her to her feet. They walked to the other end of the mount where a rocky ledge overlooked a patchwork of fields just beginning to give forth their green sprouts, and a river that ran along the edge of them.
Jane pointed towards the river and said, "if you follow the river down another half mile beyond that large oak tree, it leads to a small waterfall that empties into a pool. During the summer, many of the children from Longbourn village swim and play there." Bingley stood behind her and took in the view over her shoulder as she spoke. As her talk turned to fond childhood memories of she and Lizzy coming to this place together, he gently placed his hands on her arms, and she leaned back into him slightly. He was emboldened by her response to wrap his arms all the way around her. They stood there peacefully for several moments in silence, admiring the view. At length, however, Bingley could no longer resist the sweet scent that was emanating from Jane's person. Without thinking, he nuzzled into her neck and, as she did nothing to show she opposed his actions, he began placing kisses on her soft skin.
"I love you so, Janey," he said quietly.
"My dearest Charles," she replied as she turned to face him, placing her hand aside his cheek. The next moment his lips were upon hers. After an extended kiss, he paused long enough to say, "I have longed for some time alone with you lately, my love."
"Soon we shall be together always," she replied, "I hope you will not grow tired of me."
"Impossible," whispered Bingley as his lips touched hers again.
It was at this moment that they heard the voices of Elizabeth and Darcy on the path leading from Longbourn. They each took a step back from one another, just as the other couple came into sight.
Now the four of them shared some pleasant moments together taking in the views afforded by their lofty position. Elizabeth and Jane began to reminisce about their youth and Darcy and Bingley were content to watch and listen to their lady loves in admiration. Soon, it was time to return to the house, where Darcy and Bingley collected Georgiana and took their leave.
Meanwhile, Mr. Wickham had called upon Charlotte at Lucas Lodge that morning as well. After spending above half an hour in conversation with Charlotte's family during which he had accepted their invitation to remain for a family dinner, Lady Lucas charged her eldest daughter with an errand to Meryton. Wickham was happy to offer himself as an escort, and so the couple set out. As they passed through the gate from Lucas Lodge, Charlotte made towards the direction of the main road, but Wickham said, "let us take the long way," and bent his steps towards the path they had taken from Meryton the day he had proposed to her, the second time.
Charlotte assented, adding that this particular path through the countryside was one of her favorites. They spoke of many things as they walked leisurely, not the least of which was their future life together. Charlotte, having a practical mind, concerned herself with all the details of their situation and shared her plans and ideas with him. He took great pride in seeing her give so much consideration their future, and they discussed the various possibilities open to them animatedly.
As they approached the spot where they had renewed their engagement, Wickham stopped and took her hand. She looked at him with a knowing smile. "This is my favorite spot," he said pulling her closer to him.
"It is amazing how much we have in common, Mr. Wickham, for this is my favorite spot as well."
"It is just above a fortnight until we wed, my love," he observed.
"Are you counting down the days?" she asked.
"I am counting down the minutes," he replied gallantly just before he gently kissed her lips. She responded to his advances enthusiastically, and soon their kisses became more fervent. Wickham allowed his lips to travel from hers to her throat and along the lines of her neck to just beneath her ear. He only stopped when she let out a moan of pleasure. He was not in the least displeased with this reaction, but it gave him to realize that things had gone a bit too far. "I am sorry," he said, "I should not have allowed myself to . . . please forgive me."
Charlotte merely smiled and said, "there is nothing to forgive, but perhaps it is better if we continue on our way, my mother will soon wonder at the length of our absence."
Wickham had little doubt that Lady Lucas would be wholly unconcerned if they stayed away until dinner time. He replied by offering her his arm and once she had taken it and they had begun walking he replied, "I think I have found a new favorite spot."
She looked at him in confusion and said, "truly? so soon? where?"
"Right here," he replied planting one last feather light kiss on the spot just beneath her ear that he had been paying particular attention to when she had moaned. She blushed and smiled, but said nothing.
The rest of their walk was uneventful, as was their errand into Meryton. After they had met their purpose for coming into town, they walked down the main road through the town in the direction of the road to Lucas Lodge. On their way, they came upon a large orange cat lying in their path, taking advantage of a sunbeam that fell between the buildings. As they approached it the cat stood up, stretched and then rubbed himself against Wickham's legs. "Hello Tom," he said, "may I introduce Miss Lucas to you, Miss Lucas, this is Tom."
"How do you do, Tom?" asked Charlotte, as she bent to scratch his ears. Tom merely purred in response.
Charlotte stood again when she heard Wickham, say, "ah, there is Denny."
They crossed the road to meet Mr. Denny, who was just coming out of the officer's quarters. The two gentlemen spoke for a few minutes as Denny began to complain of his insufficient income.
Wickham discarded his complaints and simply told him he should exercise some economy in his spending. "You would do well with spending more evenings with a book and fewer at the card tables," he added.
Denny laughed and then, glancing at Charlotte said, "you are quite domestic already, Wickham. But if I had that five pounds you owe me, I would not be so strapped."
Charlotte turned a piercing gaze on Mr. Wickham, who was laughing with Denny, but she said nothing. The next moment, she saw Lydia emerge from around the corner of a building just ahead of them. "Lydia," said Charlotte, moving towards her, "whatever are you doing here alone?"
"I have been to visit my aunt Phillips, if you must know," replied Lydia.
"But your aunt's home is in the other direction, Lydia. Where are you coming from now?"
"I was calling upon Miss King, she had asked me to view the new dresses her uncle sent her from Liverpool."
By now, Denny had taken his leave and Wickham caught up with Charlotte and Lydia. "Did you come into town alone?" he asked incredulously.
"Yes, Kitty wished to remain at home and await Miss Darcy's visit, but I could not sit indoors all day."
"We were just on our way back to Lucas Lodge, perhaps you would like to walk back with us as far as Longbourn," said Charlotte.
"No thank you, my aunt is expecting me."
"But it will be dark soon," protested Charlotte, "surely you do not intend to walk home alone, at night."
"Good lord no, I am sure I would get lost. Be so kind as to stop at Longbourn and ask my father to send the carriage round to the Phillipses after tea." With that, Lydia was on her way to the Phillips home.
Charlotte simply shrugged, and turned towards the road. There was a heavy silence for the first quarter mile. Charlotte was lost in her thoughts. Her previous fears had been reawakened, Wickham's habits would bring discord and discontent to the rest of her life. Their income would be dwindled away by his debts of honor, they would live in constant fear of threat from his creditors. Charlotte became ashamed as these thoughts reeled through her mind. She recalled the previous times she had misjudged him, but had she? In each circumstance she had only his word to prove that she had been wrong. She wished he would say something in his defense, but he did not seem inclined to discuss it. At last, Charlotte could contain herself no longer, "five pounds? You lost five pounds at cards?"
Wickham looked at her in surprise, then said, "of course not. I do not owe him any money. It is a joke. I would never wager such an amount."
"What kind of a joke?"
Wickham smiled, "Denny and I met, several months ago, in London, after we had both taken a commission in our present regiment. We rode into Meryton together on post horses. Mine was larger and stronger, a male; while Denny had a small, stout mare. When we left the city he pointed to some landmark up the road and wagered five pounds his horse could outrun mine. I told him he would be a fool to make such a wager but I would in no way risk such a sum. I then told him I'd give him five pence if he could overtake me, and urged my horse forward without warning. He caught me up though, and made it to the appointed place first. I could not believe it. I do not know how the little mare did it. I paid Denny his five pence and, though he took it, he laughed and pretended to insist that I owed him five pounds. He has teased me about it ever since."
Charlotte said nothing, but looked away from him contemplatively.
After a moment of watching her think, Wickham asked, "Charlotte, do you still harbor doubts about my honor?"
She still did not speak, but he could see from her expression that it was so. He gently took her in his arms and asked her, "why? Have I ever given you a reason to doubt my word?"
His embrace felt so good to Charlotte, so strong, so comforting. "No," she replied, sighing heavily into his chest, "it is only my own fear that causes me to doubt you."
"What do you fear?" he asked.
"Allowing my feelings to mislead me."
"Is that possible?"
"I do not know," she replied in a frustrated tone. Then she pulled away from him and they began walking again as she continued, "you know I would have been satisfied to marry without love."
Wickham nodded, as he recalled his short-lived rivalry with Mr. Collins with disgust.
"I never hoped for more than a comfortable situation. Even though it often seemed beyond my reach."
"Is my situation not comfortable enough for you?"
"Oh yes, of course it is. Our income will be more than adequate, and it is more than I have ever really allowed myself to hope for. It is allowing my feelings, rather then my judgment, to govern my choice that alarms me."
"If you had not loved me, would you have agreed to marry me?"
"Probably, your situation is an eligible one and I had not many prospects. Nay, in truth I had no other prospects, and would soon have been on the shelf."
"Charlotte!" he said.
"Well, it is true. Do not believe that I deceive myself about my looks."
Here Wickham stopped again and looked right into her eyes as he said, "I think you are beautiful."
She smiled, "I know you do, but it is only because you love me."
"You do not doubt my love for you, then?"
"No, I know that you love me."
Wickham smiled, "then how can you doubt anything else. I would never do anything that might cause you pain or grief or injury. I could not. Besides, you have already said that you would have chosen to marry me if your judgment alone had governed your choice."
Charlotte smiled, "I had never looked at it that way before."
"And do you love me?"
"You know that I do."
"Then you shall be very happy as Mrs. Wickham, for you shall have both a comfortable situation and real affection."
"Mrs. Wickham, how well that sounds!"
"I like it," he replied before kissing her. After several moments of enjoying that activity, he spoke again, "I was going to let this be a surprise, but if it will ease your concerns I will tell you that Darcy insists on giving us a monetary gift upon our marriage."
"That is very generous of him, he has already done so much for you."
"I do not feel right about it, but he insists that it was his father's will. I made him promise that this would be the last assistance he would render to me and he agreed, except for furthering my career which he believes he is bound to forever due to a promise he made his father."
"Your friend is an honorable man."
"That he is."
"And I know that you are as well, George."
Wickham smiled, "I am pleased to hear it, but you must promise to tell me of any doubts you continue to have. I would not wish you keeping such thoughts secret."
"I promise," she said solemnly.
They then resumed their walk, stopping first at Longbourn before continuing on to Lucas Lodge. When they arrived there, Charlotte conveyed Lydia's request to Mr. Bennet who sighed heavily. "Thank you for troubling yourself with conveying her message." Then he turned to Wickham, "tell me, sir, will you be staying at Lucas Lodge for dinner." Wickham replied in the affirmative. "If you will be returning to Meryton after tea I offer you the use of my carriage as it seems that it will be going there in any case."
"I thank you, sir, and I accept your gracious offer. I shall stop by here after tea."
With those arrangements settled, Charlotte and Wickham spent a few moments visiting with Jane and Elizabeth before returning to Lucas Lodge. Elizabeth looked as lively as ever, but Charlotte noticed that Jane seemed to have a glow of contentment about her that contrasted her usual serenity. After a short visit, Charlotte and Wickham departed for Lucas Lodge, and the Bennets settled in for a quiet family dinner at home.
Dinner was a quiet affair at Netherfield as well, with only those in residence in attendance. After tea, Colonel Fitzwilliam entreated Miss Bingley to play for him. She again asked Georgiana to play first, but Miss Darcy begged to be excused as she wished to finish a letter to her cousin Anne in the course of the evening. Miss Bingley said, "as you wish," and then moved to the instrument with Colonel Fitzwilliam following, to turn the pages for her. The other four sat down to cards, and Colonel Fitzwilliam found himself left in Miss Bingley's exclusive company for most of the evening. They talked and she played in turns. Then, at his request, she attempted to teach him a simple song, and they laughed together at his clumsiness. Although the others in the room noticed the intimacy between the two, no one ventured to disrupt it.
After dinner and tea at Lucas Lodge, Wickham returned to Longbourn as arranged to be conveyed back to Meryton. When the carriage pulled up in front of the Phillipses' home, he alighted and went inside to fetch Lydia, with the intent of seeing her into the carriage. When he was shown into the drawing room he saw that Mr. Olsen had also dined at the Phillipses. He announced his purpose to Mr. Phillips, and Mrs. Phillips urged him fervently to join the party. He declined her invitation and reiterated his purpose. After many complaints that the night was too young to end, Miss Lydia was ushered outdoors to the waiting carriage by her uncle. Wickham was reminded of his folly in flirting with her and her sister, Kitty, on one occasion and was thankful, not for the first time and certainly not for the last, for his Charlotte. He could not imagine being married to someone like Lydia Bennet. When Lydia was safely settled into the carriage, bound for Longbourn, Wickham walked back to his lodgings with his mind and heart full of Miss Lucas.
At Longbourn, once Lydia was safe at home, and the family had retired, Elizabeth and Jane found some time for private conversation together. Elizabeth began by asking for particulars about Jane's time on Oakham Mount with Mr. Bingley before she and Darcy had arrived.
"We spoke of Caroline," replied Jane. Elizabeth was surprised, this was certainly not the reply she had expected. Jane continued without noticing her sister's reaction, "Charles wanted my opinion as to the sincerity of her changed manner."
"What did you tell him?"
"That I believe her to be sincere, but she deserves his faith in any case. I know what you will say, that I am too apt to see the good in her, and that I am deceived."
"Indeed not, Jane. I admit that last evening her manners were very different from what they have been in the past. Yet, I have been away for so long and I was so little in her company the last few weeks before I went to Kent, that I can hardly judge her behavior. I must rely on you to tell me how she has been since I went away."
"I did see her a few times while you were in Kent. She seemed to have a real desire to become better acquainted with me. Her manners have improved gradually to what they were last night, and I have truly come to enjoy her company."
"I will say that she no longer seems in possession of that haughty air that once marked her character. She also does not talk with Mrs. Hurst as much as I remember. There is something that I cannot quite describe which gives me to believe that the changes we have seen in her are genuine, though I can hardly account for their occurrence."
The two young ladies talked late into the night about many different things before finally retiring.
The next several days passed in like manner. Longbourn house and Lucas Lodge became engulfed in the planning of the wedding. One thing the mistresses of both houses agreed upon was that it would be an affair to be remembered. The couples to be wed found their time less their own, and spent very little of it to themselves. The gentlemen, when they visited the homes of their brides, were constantly asked their opinions regarding various details about which they cared not.
Colonel Fitzwilliam often accompanied Bingley and the Darcys to Longbourn, but he found that he grew tired of Mrs. Bennet's machinations in throwing him in the way of Miss Kitty Bennet. He saw very little of the other daughter as she was seldom at home. Just as often, however, he chose to remain at Netherfield; and inevitably, when he did so, he spent much of his time in the company of his hostess. The friendship between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Bingley grew into a deep affection, rather more quickly than either would have expected.
On one of his visits to Longbourn with his cousins and Bingley, Colonel Fitzwilliam found the rare opportunity for some conversation with Miss Elizabeth, without Darcy's presence; and he struck up a conversation with her. Eventually, he was able to direct their discourse towards Miss Bingley without raising Elizabeth's suspicions of his motives. What he did not know was that Elizabeth was almost as curious to learn the colonel's impression of that young lady as he was to hear her view on the matter.
She was surprised when he told her the amount of time they had spent together, their pursuits during that time, and his description of her manners and behavior. Elizabeth could not account for it. Miss Bingley's behavior towards Colonel Fitzwilliam was much different from her previous behavior towards Darcy. Yet, could she merely be trying a different tactic to capture him, having failed with her previous object? Would she consider the colonel, with his limited fortune, worth her pursuit? Then Elizabeth recalled that Miss Bingley's changed manner had been effected long before Colonel Fitzwilliam had entered the neighborhood, and therefore could not merely be a ruse to gain his attention.
"Darcy and Wickham have told me that she was, not so long ago, very different than she is now. Yet, I can see nothing in her of the woman they describe. She has a certain strength of character, as well as intelligence and wit, and I cannot discern the conceit or artifice in her manner that I am told she possesses."
"Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham's account of Miss Bingley's prior behavior is quite accurate. However, she has undergone a marked change of late. I cannot describe it, she is still much the same in her person, but she now lacks a certain mean-spiritedness that once marked her demeanor."
"And what do you think of this change you have seen in her?"
"To my perception, it appears genuine. I have not been much in company with her lately, but Jane has, and she agrees with my assessment. Have you asked Mr. Darcy for his opinion?"
"We have spoken of it. Though he too is puzzled by what he believes to be uncharacteristic behavior on her part. He has warned me to take care in my dealings with her."
"That would not be ill-advised, Colonel Fitzwilliam," said Elizabeth, smiling as she now realized the purpose of her companion's inquiries, "but I do believe you to be perfectly capable of sketching her character based on your own dealings with her."
"That is just what I intend to do, but I thank you for sharing your opinions on the matter with me nonetheless, Miss Bennet."
"You are quite welcome."
Colonel Fitzwilliam thought carefully about everything Miss Bennet had said as well as Darcy's and Wickham's assertions; but most of all he considered his own observations of Miss Bingley. He knew, instinctively, that the woman she was with him was the real Miss Bingley. Perhaps, she had been hiding her true self behind a facade of artifice and disdain, but he felt strongly that he had been shown the real beauty she possessed deep within, and that this lovely side of her character only wanted nurturing and encouragement. He continued to spend as much time with her as he could, and as time passed, the more he was disposed to rely on his own perceptions of her.
By the time the wedding was but one week away, Colonel Fitzwilliam could acknowledge to himself that he was in love with Miss Bingley. This day also marked the end of Wickham's service in Colonel Forster's regiment. He resigned his commission and took up residence at Lucas Lodge for the week. He was to join his regiment in Newcastle in three weeks time, giving him two weeks to spend with Charlotte after their marriage before he resumed the obligations of employment. They would spend one week in town, where, though they had been invited to stay with the Darcys, they secured separate lodgings. They would then remove to Newcastle to secure a house in advance of the day Wickham was required to report to his new colonel. Darcy had offered to have house ready for their arrival, but Charlotte preferred to choose for herself.
On the same day that Wickham moved into Lucas Lodge, Lady Catherine de Bourgh arrived at Longbourn with her daughter and the Collinses. Darcy's other relations would arrive two days before the wedding, the same day the Gardiners were expected, and would be staying at Netherfield.
Darcy and Bingley and Georgiana were all at Longbourn when Lady Catherine arrived. The reunion between the lady and Mrs. Bennet was brimming with mirth and enthusiasm. Lady Catherine immediately began giving her opinions as to the house and grounds, but all in all pronounced the place to be most charming. For Elizabeth, the best part about this reunion was the expression on her father's face upon witnessing it. After paying his proper respects to Lady Catherine and welcoming his daughter, Mr. Bennet locked himself in his library. Lady Catherine's first order of business was not to be shown to her rooms or to rest from her travels, but to concern herself with being made fully aware of the plans that were in progress for the upcoming wedding, and to find all the faults in them. In the confusion that ensued at Longbourn, Darcy walked up to Elizabeth, took her hand, without a word, and led her outside.
As they distanced themselves from the house he said, "how much time do you think we have before they discover we are missing."
"Not very much, I am afraid," she replied laughing.
When they were finally out of sight of the house, Darcy wasted no time in drawing Elizabeth into his arms and kissing her soundly on the lips. "I have missed you," he said.
"You spend the greater part of everyday in company with me."
"But I rarely have your attention."
"You will soon be removing me from my family forever, you would not begrudge me sparing them some of my attention now, in my last days among them?"
"No, of course not, Elizabeth, we can return to the house anytime you like."
She smiled, "I think we can remain here a few minutes more."
Her acquiescence was rewarded with a lingering kiss, which was interrupted by the sound of Hill calling, "Miss Elizabeth," from the lawn near the house.
Darcy breathed a frustrated sigh and Elizabeth said, "only one more week."
"It seems an eternity."
"I fear you will not always be so eager for my company as you are now. Someday you may indeed come to regret your present impatience."
Darcy chose to respond to this statement using a method of communication other than the spoken word. His kiss was so powerful, so passionate, that Elizabeth could scarcely remain standing. She comprehended that he was wholly absorbed in his present occupation and completely unconcerned with Hill's eminent approach. She gently pushed his chest until he backed away. "Never!" he said huskily with a smile.
Elizabeth smiled back and boldly leaned up to place a last kiss on his lips before she moved towards the house calling, "Hill, we are here."
The eternity that was the last week before the wedding passed rather quickly, as eternities go, for those involved and their families. The Gardiners arrived at Longbourn and Lord and Lady _____ arrived at Netherfield with little incident, but with great consequences -- those being their demands on the time of their nieces and nephew, respectively.
A large dinner party was held at Netherfield the last night before the wedding with all of the Longbourn, Netherfield, and Lucas Lodge inhabitants in attendance as well as the Gouldings, the Longs and the Phillipses, who brought Mr. Olsen with them. Joy, happiness and mirth abounded. It was now quite evident to everyone that Colonel Fitzwilliam admired Miss Bingley. During the separation of the sexes following the meal, Mr. Wickham approached Mr. Darcy and said, "your cousin is bewitched."
Darcy glanced at Colonel Fitzwilliam and smiled. "So it seems. You are not the only one who has noticed," he replied gesturing to his uncle who was in earnest conversation with Mr. Bingley. "He has told me, however, that he knows what he is about, so I shall leave him to his own affairs."
"A wise choice my good man," replied Wickham, "I am glad you have learned something from your early opposition to Bingley's choice."
"Bingley will be very happy."
"And so will his sister, I think."
"You have been besotted with love for too long, Wickham, your mind now moves far more quickly from admiration to matrimony than it should. You sound like a woman."
"Ha," replied Wickham, undaunted, "I'll warrant your cousin shall leave Hertfordshire an engaged man."
"He departs tomorrow!"
"I am fully aware of that, in spite of other more pressing events scheduled for that day as well."
"Simply because you fell in love in less than a fortnight does not mean that such is the way with everyone."
"I don't know Darcy, perhaps some who might fall in love just as quickly simply waste too much time fighting against it."
"Perhaps some simply take care in making important choices."
Wickham smiled and said, "I see we are both immovable in our ways," as he raised his glass of port, and continued, "to our many differences, Darcy, may they always keep our friendship interesting."
Darcy touched his glass to Wickham's and both gentlemen took a swallow.
At last, the day of the wedding arrived and the three marriages took place. A large gathering was held in the garden of the church following the ceremony, where a breakfast of fruits, breads and pastries was served with coffee and tea. The three couples, as expected, were glowing with happiness.
As the guests began milling about partaking in conversation, after they had eaten, Colonel Fitzwilliam sought out Miss Bingley and asked her to join him in a stroll through the church's pleasure gardens. He did not realize that Mr. Bingley, in spite of his own happiness this day, noticed their departure. It is not surprising that his attention should be given to his sister considering the obvious interest of her suitor. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Bingley walked together for some time, until at length the gentleman stopped and gestured towards a bench for his companion to sit down. He sat next to her. They were completely alone.
Colonel Fitzwilliam cast his eyes upon his beloved, and could not help but admire her beauty. Her gown was very becoming, particularly the color, which his mind could only describe as 'peaches and cream,' and which showed her soft porcelain complexion to best advantage. "Miss Bingley," he began, "these past weeks since I have met you, I have come to feel a very strong affection for you, the likes of which I have never before known. You are the sweetest, most delightful woman I have ever met. I love you deeply, and I beg you to consent to be my wife."
Miss Bingley simply stared at her suitor. She was not prepared for this. She was still learning to experience her own feelings, she could not attend to his as well. She began to question herself. Was she ready for this? Was her transformation complete enough to undertake a marriage of affection? Her prior considerations were not a limiting factor. His family connections and position in society were impeccable. His fortune, though not of the magnitude she had previously aspired to, would be more than comfortable when coupled with her own. There could be no objection to the prudence of the match. She must decide on her feelings. She closed her eyes and examined herself as Colonel Fitzwilliam watched her in wonder. She asked herself, "what do I feel?" as she relaxed her mind and her body so that her emotions were in full control of her. She found that she felt warmth, contentment, and pure joy in response to his declaration. She felt desire, she wanted to be with him, to derive her happiness from him and to bring him as much happiness as was in her power to give. She wanted to share her joys and her sorrows with him. In addition to all of t his there was yet something more, a feeling deep within her that she could not identify, but that burned strong and fierce and gave her great pleasure. She opened her eyes in surprise as she realized what it was. Colonel Fitzwilliam was surprised by her actions, but he had little time to contemplate them as she immediately said, "I love you!" almost simultaneously with her own comprehension of the sentiment.
A broad smile graced his features and he took her hand in his, kissed it gently, and said, "I hope that is an affirmative response to my inquiry."
"Oh yes," she replied enthusiastically.
He reached out and touched her cheek, then took her into his arms. They sat thus for several minutes, then Colonel Fitzwilliam realized that Bingley had just been wed, and would not likely be available to discuss his sister's future for some time. He grew serious and in response to her questioning gaze he said, "you know I am returning to town today," she nodded, "I fear I will not have the opportunity to speak to your brother before I go."
"I will be removing to town next week with the Hursts. Then we are to go to Scarborough. But we are all invited to Pemberley in July, along with the Wickhams."
"Then I will secure an invitation from my cousin so that I might see you there. At that time I will consult with your brother about all the arrangements for our marriage." Then Colonel Fitzwilliam revealed a smirk that betrayed an amusing thought.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I never thought that I would be asking for my bride's hand from a man seven years my junior!"
Caroline laughed as well, then grew serious. "I do wish my parents could have met you."
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled, "I would have liked to meet them as well," he replied. Then noting her grave expression as she recollected them he continued, "I am sorry, I did not intend to remind you of anything unpleasant."
"It is quite all right," she replied, regaining her spirits, "perhaps we should return to the others."
Colonel Fitzwilliam arose, and offered his arm to his beloved. Mr. Bingley saw them emerge from the garden and could not help but note the joy in their countenances. He walked over to them with Jane, who asked Caroline to join her in returning to the party. When the ladies were gone, Bingley addressed Colonel Fitzwilliam. "Is there something we should discuss, Colonel Fitzwilliam?"
The colonel was surprised by Bingley's initiative and laughed lightly before answering, "indeed, sir, Miss Bingley has consented to be my wife, and I hope that you will give us your blessing."
Bingley grasped Fitzwilliam's hand enthusiastically and said, "you have my blessing. It is clear that you are very attached to her. I know you will take good care of her."
"Thank you, I will."
As the two men were shaking hands vigorously, they were being watched from across the way by two others, "I told you," said Wickham to Darcy.
Darcy simply said, "so you did," then, looking around, added, "now where is my wife?"
During the course of the day, Bingley and Fitzwilliam planned a date for the latter's wedding to the former's sister, and agreed on the terms of the settlement while the news of the engagement spread among the company.
It is probably best that Mrs. Bennet learned of her loss of Colonel Fitzwilliam as a potential husband for one of her daughters at this particular event, for her joy at having two daughters married could not be dampened by his failure to choose Kitty, though she did not scruple to insist that he had used her daughter very ill.
Lady Catherine could not but approve the match, though she sympathized with her dear friend's loss. Miss Bingley was attractive, well- bred, well-connected, and well-dowered, she lacked nothing but some family to boast of, and that could certainly be found somewhere in her history, or invented, if necessary.
As for Lord and Lady ____, they were a bit concerned with the quickness of their son's choice, but conceded that Miss Bingley had been an attentive and capable hostess during their stay at Netherfield and seemed to be a pleasant, amiable young woman. They could find nothing to object to other than the speed in which it all had been accomplished.
Meanwhile, once the guests had begun to depart, Darcy gave Wickham a paper, folded up as if for the post. Wickham opened the page and read the terms and amount of Darcy's gift to him. Wickham was astonished when he read the amount, "five thousand pounds?" he asked. "That is too much."
"That is quite the opposite of what I was thinking, I fear it is not enough."
"Darcy . . . " said Wickham, but at that moment they were approached by their wives and Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth, leaving Mr. Wickham to share the news of his gift with Mrs. Wickham.
"Where have you been, Mrs. Darcy?" he chided.
"Attending to our guests, Mr. Darcy," she replied.
"By my reckoning only one third of the assembled company can be considered 'our guests,'" he replied.
Mrs. Darcy simply laughed at her husband's speech, and replied, "well then, let us join some of the Bingleys' and the Wickhams' guests, shall we?" as they approached a group of their friends to discuss the loveliness of the ceremony once more.
Mr. Bennet soon grew tired of the event. The disadvantage of hosting it at the church was that he had no library to escape to. He began to walk towards the pleasure gardens for some solitude when he noticed movement from the side of the hedge that rounded the outer gardens of the church. He walked around the outside of the hedge but saw nothing. He heard some rustling and occasional giggling coming from around the corner, however, and continued in that direction.
When Mr. Bennet finally rounded the corner he was confronted with the sight of Lydia and Mr. Olsen entwined in one another's arms, kissing quite passionately. He cleared his throat.
"Papa!" said Lydia, without a trace of embarrassment.
Mr. Olsen was embarrassed enough for the two of them. "Mr. Bennet," he said weakly, and with no small amount of fear in his voice. If it is possible to turn red with shame and white with fear at the same time, Mr. Olsen certainly accomplished it.
Mr. Bennet was relieved to see that the man had some sense of shame. "I believe there was something you wished to ask me, Mr. Olsen?"
It was at this moment that the true realization of the gravity of his conduct and the consequences it would have for him overwhelmed Mr. Olsen, as his fear transcended his embarrassment. "Yes sir, of course," he said hoarsely.
"Very good, Lydia you will excuse us and return to the wedding party."
"But I want to stay and hear Mr. Olsen, Papa."
"Lydia!" said Mr. Bennet, in a voice that brooked no opposition, "you will do as you are bidden."
Olsen looked on with no small amount of anxiety as he thought of what a future with this girl would hold for him.
Without any further encouragement, Lydia ran to her mother's side.
"Now, Mr. Olsen."
"Mr. Bennet, I would like to request permission to marry your daughter, Miss Lydia."
"My permission is granted. You may call on her tomorrow and you will then be afforded a private interview with her. Unless . . . dare I hope that it is not necessary?"
Mr. Olsen felt further shame as it was discovered that he had been kissing Miss Lydia without an understanding, and indeed with no intention of forming one. He just hoped that Mr. Bennet would never learn just how much kissing he had been doing with her during the past two weeks. "A moment with her would be most appreciated, sir," he mumbled.
"Fine, we will work out the particulars of the marriage settlement after you have spoken to her."
The gentlemen returned to the party to observe that many of the guests were departing. The three carriages were lined up to take two of the newly married couples to London and one back to Netherfield. Fond farewells were exchanged among the families, friends and neighbors of the brides and grooms. Colonel Fitzwilliam returned to Netherfield and departed from there with his parents and Georgiana, after a long and heartfelt farewell with his betrothed. They went by Longbourn, so that they could travel with Lady Catherine's carriage as far as London. The Collinses were to remain at Longbourn until Saturday, when they would return to Hunsford in time for the service on Sunday. The good-byes exchanged by Lady Catherine and Mrs. Bennet were perhaps, more passionate than those exchanged between the lovers at Netherfield, while Mr. Bennet looked on in amusement, still appalled with the strength of the friendship between the two women.
The morning after the wedding, Mr. Olsen proposed to Lydia, who accepted with alacrity and pretended surprise. She sent her beloved to ask her father's permission and then went to boast of her good fortune to Kitty. Mrs. Bennet was beside herself with joy when she heard the news and lamented only that she might have had all five daughters married within the space of a year had Colonel Fitzwilliam only fallen in love with Kitty. Kitty, for her part, was perfectly happy with her situation. She thought she would rather like the attention she would get as the only unmarried Bennet daughter, and she would be able to visit her elder sisters and perhaps find romance in far away places while Lydia would be stuck in Meryton with Mr. Olsen.
Mr. Olsen's hopes of keeping his prior indiscretions with Lydia a secret after the announcement of his engagement were ruined. Within two days, Lydia had seen fit to tell all her friends about the great fun she had been having sneaking around to meet Mr. Olsen clandestinely, and she did not scruple to provide particulars of the nature of the fun they had been having together. Mr. Bennet nipped her gossiping in the bud, under threat of being locked in her room until her wedding (which could not come too soon for him), but not before some damage was done. He became more hopeful for Kitty's prospects in Derbyshire, as Lydia's indiscretions could not reflect favorably on her sister.
Kitty Bennet did indeed find her destiny in Derbyshire. She visited her sisters often and showed great improvement under their care. The marriages of her two eldest sisters served to cast her into the paths of many rich men, just as her mother predicted. Although she received their attentions with pleasure, she learned from the various marriages of her sisters to choose wisely. Ultimately, after turning down two marriage proposals and deterring countless others before they came to that, she accepted a very well situated clergyman within Pemberley's patronage, and was very happy.
Anne de Bourgh was introduced into society the season following her cousin's marriage, under the chaperonage of his wife. Elizabeth and Anne became dear friends during this time, and the latter fell in love with and married a young, titled, and very wealthy widower with two small children. Anne was delighted with her new family and lived out the rest of her days in happiness. Lady Catherine approved the match and remembered to give her dear friend, Mrs. Bennet, credit for the idea of presenting Anne at court. The friendship between the two ladies continued as fervent as ever, until the end of their days.
Georgiana Darcy also came out the same season as Anne did; and though she received many admirers and much attention, she spent her first season more concerned with her cousin's future than her own. Indeed, their intimacy that formed over the months they spent in London together gave them a foundation for a lifelong friendship far beyond their previous strained relationship. Eventually, after two more years, Georgiana met a man who gained both her affection and her brother's approval. She was wed from Pemberley and lived her life quietly and happily with her husband and children.
The Collinses were neither the happiest nor the unhappiest couple in this tale. It can be said that they were very content. When Mr. Bennet passed on, many years after the events herein related, they moved to Longbourn with Mrs. Bennet. Mrs. Collins was thoughtful enough to give her mother the deference of continuing to act as mistress of her house until she voluntarily gave up the office due to age and infirmity.
The Darcys, the Bingleys, the Wickhams, and the Fitzwilliams, all enjoyed long and uncommonly happy marriages. The Bingleys moved to Derbyshire within a year of their marriage. Eventually the Wickhams and the Fitzwilliams settled in the area as well, and all the friends were within fifty miles of one another. Intercourse between the families was frequent and always much looked forward to by the children of the houses.
Mr. Wickham's dream of elevating his family's status reached fruition through his own success in his career, the generosity of the Darcy family, and his wife's economy. None of Mrs. Wickham's fears regarding her husband's character came true and he proved himself time and again to be the best of men. Mr. Wickham's eldest son inherited a sufficient fortune to allow him to purchase a modest estate. Thus, the Wickham's became true members of the gentry, and their properties and holdings grew with each subsequent generation. The grandchildren of the steward of Pemberley, moved easily within the same social circles as the grandchildren of his employer. The unlikely friendship that had blossomed in the woods and on the riverbanks of some of the most beautiful grounds in Derbyshire's wilderness between two boys born so different in rank and disposition, endured throughout their lives, through good times and bad, until their very last days, and for many generations thereafter.