Previous Section, Section II

Chapter 9 – Quandaries

Posted on Tuesday, 1 April 2008

Thankfully, Mrs. Bennet was not often required to tax her mental capabilities. Her most difficult decisions in life revolved around what lace to purchase and to whom to tell the latest bit of gossip. However, the current situation was such that she was at a loss. At present Mr. Collins, the heir apparent, was intimating he came to make amends for the unfortunate circumstances of the entail by offering for one of her daughters. Normally, the prospect of an all but assured marriage would put her into raptures. Mr. Collins continued his monologue stating his intentions not requiring any immediate response from his hostess. This allowed Mrs. Bennet to consider the wisest, well, as wise as she ever could be dear reader, course of action.

Knowing that Mr. Collins would turn to Jane first, she knew she would have to quell that hope. Mr. Bingley has been so attentive and is so obviously a more eligible match for her dear sweet girl. Lizzy, well, thought Mrs. Bennet, normally this would be a fine opportunity for that headstrong girl, but there are all those gentlemen at Netherfield. Though she has tried, Mrs. Bennet could not quite determine which of those gentlemen were inclined toward her second eldest. She somehow though, did understand that with a court of all those men, even Lizzy could make a good match. Mary, now the middle daughter gave Mrs. Bennet pause. Thankfully for our dear Mary’s sake, Mrs. Bennet’s glance fell on the chair where Colonel Fitzwilliam had sat when he and Mary engaged in that lengthy conversation. Who would ever have thought that Mary would marry into the military? Mrs. Bennet quickly thought of her two youngest, but they were quite young and far too lively for the likes of Mr. Collins. As her favorites, she would not foist the affections of Mr. Collins towards them.

Finally Mr. Collins seemed ready for some sort of reply. Tragically, even this lengthy discourse did not allow Mrs. Bennet sufficient time to compose her thoughts. Accordingly the answer she gave to the bumbling suitor was quite muddled. All the gentleman was able to divine from the statement was that Jane Bennet was nearly engaged and apparently Mrs. Bennet was so flattered by his condescension that she could not compose herself.

If only Mr. Bennet had observed the exchange. As a true lover of folly, this was a sterling example.

Dear reader, though I also am fond of a comedy, the discomforting attempts towards courtship that Mr. Collins offered Elizabeth were more of a tragedy.

Elizabeth’s sanity was preserved for this painful seven night solely due to her ability to outpace Mr. Collin’s ponderous steps. Thus she would arrive at Netherfield at all hours to call on Georgiana. Georgiana, being fully sympathetic would harbor Elizabeth and instructed the servants to notify her no matter the time of day the charming Miss Bennet arrived. When an excuse could be found, Elizabeth would spend the entire day. On those occasions, Jane often was invited. Bringing her sweet temperament and a change of clothes for the oft muddied Elizabeth, Jane then divided her time between Mr. Bingley, Benjamin, and the ladies.

On these glorious days, the mornings were spent in the gardens. Elizabeth and Benjamin would play rousing games involving pirates, crusaders, and the like. Georgiana and Jane would stroll about until the two rouges either kidnapped the ladies or Georgiana was persuaded to play the pirate queen.

In the afternoon, the party divided. The sun’s warmth and Benjamin’s exhaustion would drive the party indoors. Jane would take Benjamin to his room for his rest where her gentle voice told those beloved tales. Elizabeth and Georgiana would find a cool room to sit and converse, sew, play music, or enjoy the silence that only good friends can share. Eventually Jane would join them and somehow at this point the gentlemen would search them out to determine whether everything was quite as it should be. Mr. Bingley would nearly stare at Jane when making his enquiries. Mr. Darcy would alternate between staring at Miss Elizabeth or at a spot somewhere over her left shoulder. This behavior caused much consternation to Elizabeth and amusement to Georgiana.

If a viable reason was stumbled upon, the two stayed for dinner.

Soon Mr. Collins felt it incumbent upon himself to offer a local lady the honor of his hand. Whether the lady felt the honor of this is unknown. What is known is that Mr. Collins quickly left the county and no young lady accompanied him on his return to Kent.

The Bennet household rejoiced, each member in their own fashion, over his hasty departure. The eldest finally were able to hold sensible conversation in their own sitting room and finally could receive Georgiana’s morning calls. The younger girls, yes, even Mary, found nothing wanting in Mr. Collin’s departure. Mr. Bennet was fully sensible to the peace regained in his study. Mrs. Bennet, well, she was able to calm herself as there were still plenty of eligible gentlemen for her girls.

On the morning after their cousin’s departure, the eldest Bennet girls hosted an extended visit from Georgiana, her brother, and Mr. Darcy. Georgiana became engrossed with a conversation about the small flower garden with Jane, the principal guardian of those flowers. Accordingly, a visit to the spot was proposed. The five walked out together, though they were quickly separated into two groups.

Jane, Mr. Bingley, and Georgiana went to closely examine the garden. Mr. Darcy was left to entertain Elizabeth as she fell behind to fix a lace in her shoe.

“Miss Elizabeth, I must thank you for all you have done for my sister,” he began.

Elizabeth interrupted, “I have done nothing Mr. Darcy. Georgiana is a sweet girl. I count myself blessed to name her as a friend.”

“On the contrary, Miss Elizabeth, you have enlivened her again. After,” here he paused for the slightest of moments, “a difficult situation last summer, I feared for her. She seems to have regained her good humor and liveliness.”

Elizabeth demurely looked at her hands as they manipulated a blade of grass.

“I have never seen her this animated and cheerful,” Mr. Darcy commented as Georgiana let out a sparkling laugh a few feet ahead of them.

“I believe, sir, that you are implying I have corrupted her to be as frank and incorrigible as myself!” Elizabeth teased.

Unfortunately, Mr. Darcy was not familiar with the fine art of teasing and mistook Elizabeth’s meaning. “Miss Elizabeth, I assure you I would never malign a young lady in such an ungentlemanlilike manner.” Mr. Darcy was stiff and awkward with his declaration.

Alas, Elizabeth seemed as bound to misunderstand Mr. Darcy as he was her. She took immediate office that he would presume she would insult a gentleman. She was offended that he thought so little of her intelligence. She was mortified that he would see her as little more than a particularly effective paid companion; one acquired without the difficulty of pay. The two went from a pleasant conversation to a brief but passionate argument to a harsh silence.

Mr. Darcy invented an excuse to return to Netherfield soon leaving his sister and Mr. Bingley to accept the invitation to supper at Longbourn.

The next day, Elizabeth wished to return the polite call of Georgiana. Staying true to her habits, she donned sturdy shoes and began the walk to Netherfield. Nearing the house, she found Mr. Darcy wandering the shrubbery.

“Miss Bennet,” the gentleman said with no little surprise. Why he would not expect to see Miss Elizabeth traipsing across the countryside on a pleasant morning merely owned to the sad fact he was not as familiar with her as he thought.

“Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth politely replied dropping a curtsy. “I hope you are well this morning.”

“I am well, thank you. And your family, how are they this morning?” he asked in halting tones.

“My family is well,” Elizabeth replied, frustrated with this cold civility.

“It is a lovely morning, is it not?” Mr. Darcy continued. “It is on such mornings I find myself wishing to be at Pemberly.”

Elizabeth made a polite response, giving Mr. Darcy all the encouragement needed to continue on the one subject on which he could speak at length. As he expounded the view from a particular field or the immense time required to ride the circumference of the estate, his countenance softened and an expression of wistfulness nearly overcame his features. However, Elizabeth was determined to continue walking at his side, not looking at his face. Thus, to her, this lengthy speech regarding his estate sounded to her as if he were a braggart.

Before Elizabeth could offer a response, thankfully, they were at the steps of Netherfield and the two parted ways. Elizabeth was most displeased as she was now, more than ever, in firm belief that Mr. Darcy was arrogant and inconsiderate. Georgiana noticed her ill mood, but wisely chose not to comment. The two spent a pleasant morning making a mockery as they attempted to play duets.

Later in the day, Georgiana went to find her brother. She had not seen him since breakfast and wished to spend some time with him. Determining that he was most likely to be found in the library she went thither. Her supposition was proven correct.

Upon nudging the heavy door ajar, she heard voices in earnest discussion. Quickly recognizing it was Mr. Bingley and her brother, she began to retreat. However, the subject matter was such that her female instincts propelled her to remain and eavesdrop.

“Bingley, are you quite certain? This is no small step for a man,” Georgiana heard her brother say.

“Darcy, I am well aware of that. I love her. I am well able to care for a wife. This is what I wish,” Mr. Bingley declared.

“Be that as it may, are you certain she feels as that she feels for you as you do for her? I have not detected any particular regard from Miss Bennet,” at her brother’s words Georgiana gasped.

“In addition there is her family. Her mother, three youngest sisters, and even her father exhibit positively ridiculous behavior. They are not exactly of our social circle,” Georgiana was appalled as her brother continued.

“Are you certain you wish to align yourself with such a family?” Mr. Darcy concluded.

At this moment, Mr. Darcy was to receive a considerable shock.

“Fitzwilliam Darcy I am positively ashamed to call you my brother at this moment!” Georgiana flew into the library. Her face was flushed; her entire being tense with anger. She took a position directly in front of her brother’s stance by the fire place. Though their statures were far from equal, the intense emotion flowing through Georgiana made her seem a more powerful creature than her brother.

“How dare you presume to know the feelings of a woman so far removed from your circle of intimates! How dare you to presume that the lack of shameless flirtation denotes a woman who does not love! To malign her family when you, yourself, associate with them and allow the eldest to be of my closest acquaintances is utterly hypocritical!” Georgiana paused to draw breath.

The gentlemen were in a mild state of shock. Neither ever witnessed such force from the young girl. Indeed she was showing a side of her personality yet to be explored.

“How dare you criticize a delightful young woman who is the picture of appropriate and genteel behavior. In fact, dear brother, she is very much like you. Neither of you express deep emotion, but that does not translate to a lack of such feelings. Perhaps if you looked to those with a deeper understanding of Miss Bennet’s feelings and thoughts you might find a far different depiction of her attachment to Mr. Bingley? Perhaps if you had taken time to speak to me or her sister, Elizabeth, you would be well aware that she does indeed care for your friend. Perhaps if you took the time to look beyond the first impression you would see a thoughtful, deeply loving, intelligent young woman!” Georgiana finally realized what she had said.

For a full five minutes the three stood staring at each other, amazed by the preceding moments. Surprisingly, Mr. Bingley was the first to gather his thoughts into words. His question was unsurprising.

“Are you saying, Miss Darcy, that you believe Miss Bennet cares for me?” Mr. Bingley asked.

Georgiana looked away from her brother. “Yes, Mr. Bingley, I can say that I believe my dear friend cares very much for you.” She offered a small smile.

Mr. Darcy was still shocked by the words and manner of his sister. He stood, staring at her with great incredulity. Mr. Bingley apparently gathered his gumption in addition to his thoughts.

“Well, Darcy, as much as you know I value your thoughts on any matter of importance, I must yield to the wisdom of your sister. I do believe that she may be more knowledgeable in this matter,” Mr. Bingley was widely grinning by this time and quickly determining the earliest hour he could reasonably call at Longbourn in the morning.

Finally Mr. Darcy spoke, “It is apparent my sister is better acquainted with the issues at hand. You had best take her word over mine. Please excuse me.” Mr. Darcy then quickly left the library.

With this outburst, Miss Darcy crossed from the realm of obedient and subdued school room miss to a young woman of known opinions and fierce emotions. It would continue to be a rough journey as she completed the transformation. Miss Darcy feared her brother was irrevocably upset with her. Even in his mood of anticipating every happiness, Mr. Bingley saw her distress. Knowing the surest way to improve her mood, he led her to Benjamin’s rooms. The two spent the remainder of the afternoon with the boy.

Mr. Darcy was far from upset with his sister. In fact, he knew this day was inevitable. She would not remain the shy, quiet, girl who saw her brother as a father-figure. Inevitably she would become a young woman and realize her brother was nothing more than a young man struggling to maintain an estate and raise his sister.

As Mr. Darcy strode out from Netherfield he thought on the changes within his sister. He was pleased the discomfort and awkwardness of her youth were fading. Her confidence was admirable, especially knowing she would face the wagging tongues of the Ton soon. While her new found confidence would make life a considerably more challenging for him, he was wise enough to recognize that it would prove invaluable for his sister. He always knew she was witty, intelligent, and intuitive. Finally, the latch was lifted and she finally felt free to express herself. Problematic though it may prove, Darcy was grateful for this change.

Here though, he came to a discomforting thought. No matter how he examined the situation, the obvious fact was that the release of Georgiana’s spirit was due to exactly one cause. Miss Elizabeth Bennet provided such guidance and support for his sister that he never could do. For a young man who had learned to manage an estate, household, and the Ton when other young men were off enjoying the pleasures of life, the recognition of his limitations was such he could not easily accept. Yet the evidence proved Elizabeth Bennet his superior in this matter.

To admit this rankled every fiber in Darcy. Here was a country girl of inferior breeding, little wealth, and less formal education. How could she possibly know more of raising a young girl than he?

Thus Mr. Darcy wandered the grounds of Netherfield for some time. His ramble kept him from dining with his friend and sister. As he ascended to his rooms and kept to himself that evening, he was unaware of the plans for the morning.

At a nearly indecent hour Georgiana Darcy left without notifying her brother of her departure. As she was escorted by Mr. Bingley, the staff of Netherfield saw nothing amiss. The two left on horseback for Longbourn.

Upon beginning to ascend the lane at Longbourn, the ladies of the house were thrown into a tumult. Elizabeth and Kitty were shooed down to greet their guests. Jane had the exclusive attention of Hill and the maid while Lydia and Mary were left to their own attention. For all involved, it was quite beneficial that Mrs. Bennet was still in her dressing gown and night cap.

Elizabeth rose from her curtsy and caught the significant expression in Georgiana’s eye. Being quite quick herself, Elizabeth put the circumstances together and determined that today would set her eldest sister on the path to happiness.

In surprisingly short time, Jane came down the stairs accompanied by Lydia. The two youngest Bennet girls began an inconsequential discussion apart from the others. Knowing that breakfast would be delayed this morning and obviously there were more important matters to be settled, Elizabeth proposed a walk to Oakham Mount. The view was particularly pleasant at this early hour.

After Elizabeth and Jane gathered their bonnets and cloaks, the four set out on their morning walk. Georgiana skillfully took Elizabeth’s arm setting the group in the perfect placement. The two young women followed the young couple at a comfortable distance. Neither pair could hear the words of the other unless a concerted effort was made, yet the girls could legitimately play the role of chaperone.

“Well, Miss Bennet, I do believe that we shall shortly be speaking of lace and flowers,” Georgiana declared.

“Quite right, Miss Darcy. Alas for me, I believe all I will hear at home for weeks to come will be lace, flowers, satin, five thousand a year, and ‘what pin money’! How shall I ever survive?” bemoaned Lizzy.

The two gave up their pretensions and enjoyed a mirthful chuckle. Neither wished to disturb the pair in front of them.

“Do you think his family will approve of the match?” Elizabeth asked.

True to her developing nature, Georgiana hesitated a moment before saying, “His sisters are pretentious creatures. The younger has set herself after my brother. They seek status, fashion, and wealth. Happiness, love, and friendship are concepts they are ill-formed to embrace. However, the elder has a house in town and the younger often stays there. Especially with dear Benjamin, Miss Bingley chooses to stay with her sister, Mrs. Hurst. We both know that Benjamin heartily approves of your sister. The question there remains whether he will be willing to share her with Mr. Bingley!”

Elizabeth was sorry that Mr. Bingley’s sisters were unlikely to be friendly to her sister. She paused for a moment as she realized that upon marrying Mr. Bingley, Jane would become instantly a mother.

“Jane will be facing many adjustments with her marriage. I do think that she will find great happiness with Mr. Bingley. As for Benjamin, he will find a wonderful mother and likely adore Jane,” Elizabeth noted.

“Who could not adore Jane?” Georgiana said. However, her countenance fell as she said this and Lizzy just happened to catch the expression.

“Georgie, whatever is the matter?”

“My brother is the most ridiculous, superficial creature placed on this earth. Why he could not see how wonderfully made for each other Mr. Bingley and Jane are is utterly beyond my comprehension. And to say such unfeeling things! Oh, Lizzy, I have never been more furious in my life!”

Shocked by this sudden outburst, Elizabeth asked, “Whatever do you mean? Are you quite alright?”

Georgiana hesitated, but realized that as her only true, dear friend, she needed to unburden herself to Elizabeth. Telling the story of what passed the night before, Georgiana confirmed all Elizabeth’s thoughts.

While Elizabeth previously had only a general feeling of Mr. Darcy’s arrogance, managing nature, and complete disregard for the feelings of others her assumptions seemingly were confirmed. This new information vindicated her first impression of the gentleman. She congratulated herself on determining his nature as an excessively disagreeable gentleman.

The two conversed over the matter for a few more moments before a radiant Jane turned their way. Her beatific face confirmed their conjectures. Soon there would be a wedding at Longbourn.

To Be Continued . . .