Compromised! Read online

  Speech had always come easily for Bingley. It was one of the characteristics that had drawn Darcy as his friend. Yet, to admit that he did not have control of his own family appalled him. He feared Jane would turn away from him once she knew.

  “It was just moments after the events in the library last night before our party removed to Netherfield Park. There, Caroline was confronted with her actions.” Bingley paused in thought. “You must know that she felt a prior claim to Darcy’s affections and it was her intention to become his wife. I believe it was her bitter disappointment driving her to a drastic outburst.”

  When he noticed Elizabeth’s raised brow, it dawned on him that it must have sounded like he was excusing his sister’s behavior. Before he could continue, Darcy joined them.

  “Yes, Bingley.” He moved to stand at Elizabeth’s side. “Please explain what happened after you left Lucas Lodge.”

  Darcy had not meant his tone to sound sarcastic. Nevertheless, he was frustrated. Mr. Bennet would not allow Elizabeth to travel with him and Miss Lucas to Pemberley, not unless they were married. Even though the thought of being married quickly was most pleasing to him, Darcy knew the reasons for waiting the two months were valid. He stepped closer to his betrothed.

  “Well, as I was saying...” Bingley struggled to find the words. He looked pleadingly at Jane. “Caroline explained that Mr. Wickham had approached her with the request that she help Miss Elizabeth. To Mr. Wickham, Miss Elizabeth appeared distressed and he thought a woman of Caroline’s breeding could help. He told Caroline he would escort Miss Elizabeth to the library whereupon Caroline could follow and provide assistance.”

  “Is that right, Bingley?”

  “Yes, Darcy, that is exactly what my sister told me.” Bingley was starting to realize he might have been duped. “She arrived in the doorway at the same time as Mr. Denny. Caroline said the shock of seeing the couple in a passionate display caused her to make a loud declaration.” Bingley walked closer to Darcy and Elizabeth. “She felt that her actions in proclaiming a compromise was deserving of shame. Caroline left this morning, along with the Hursts, for London. She said she could not face the Bennet family after what she had done. She meant no harm.”

  “Is that right, Bingley?” Darcy could see the direction the wind was blowing and he did not like it one bit.

  “Just before their departure, Caroline reminded me that the Bingley name is now besmirched in Hertfordshire and that I should close up Netherfield Park and retire along with the rest of my family.” He looked longingly back at Jane. “But I could not make myself go, Darcy. I could not.”

  By then, Bingley’s voice had quieted to a whisper, and his chin was almost resting on his chest. Darcy raised his eyes to the heavens and exhaled loudly. Stepping forward, he put his hand on his friend’s shoulder.

  “Bingley, my man.” He waited until the young man looked up. “That is an extraordinarily large crock of porridge.”

  Bingley was surprised at his friend’s statement. “Why do you speak thus, Darcy?”

  “Because several witnesses saw your sister approach Wickham— not the other way around. They were in deep discussion for a considerable length of time before Wickham put the steps into motion.” Darcy was not comfortable with this discussion. “Caroline has lied to you to gain your sympathy and obedience to her desires. She wants you separated from Miss Bennet and wants to separate Elizabeth and me as well. Her actions were not borne of good will towards my intended. It was her plan to distance both you and me from Longbourn forever.”

  “I suppose you are right.” Charles Bingley was not lean of understanding, but he was often blind to the conduct of his siblings.

  “Bingley!” Darcy was getting irritated with his friend. “Recall the comments your sister made at Netherfield Park about the Bennet family. Did she in any way give you the impression that she desired a connection with them?”

  “She did not.”

  “And how has her conduct and speech been towards Elizabeth?”

  Bingley was starting to realize that the only one blind to his sister’s conduct and purpose was himself. “She was often unkind.”

  “Why, Bingley? Why do you think that was?”

  When he chose not to answer, Darcy replied. “Because she allowed her jealousy to overcome any good qualities, if she even has any good qualities. Caroline is used to getting her own way. Your sister has demanded you dance like a puppet anytime she pulled your strings.”

  The words, though harsh, were necessary. Darcy felt terrible for having to speak to his friend in this manner. But, Bingley’s ignoring the goings on in his household had affected his beloved and nothing or no one would be allowed to bring harm to Elizabeth—not even Bingley.

  The younger man looked back at his angel and saw her head turned away from him, her face pale. “Jane?” he whispered, uncertain how she felt about him. He was uncertain how he felt about himself. Taking several deep breaths, Bingley realized he was at a crossroads. Realization hit him squarely between the eyes. It was immediately followed by resolution. He looked directly at Darcy.

  “Then, for everyone concerned, including myself, it is good she is gone.” He spun around and went back to the bench where Jane was seated.

  When Elizabeth determined Bingley’s intentions of healing any breech between him and her sister, she wrapped her hand around Darcy’s elbow. They walked on.

  “Fitzwilliam, I can only imagine this was not what you had hoped to encounter on your return from London.” Elizabeth shook her head at the ridiculousness of the whole situation. “It is a fine kettle of fish—or, as you stated, a crock of porridge.” She could not help but chuckle as she looked up at the man walking so closely beside her.

  “My dearest, only you would see the humor in this situation.” He was amazed at his betrothed. Her response to what was an attack on her person, provided a foretaste of the future. For the rest of his days, he would not live with a bitter woman like so many of his married acquaintances. Yes, there would be joy in his life no matter the circumstances. That thought brought the first feeling of peace and contentment since his arrival at Longbourn.

  “If I did not, sir, I believe I would cry.” She felt him pat her hand where it was wrapped around his arm.

  “Oh, Elizabeth.” Checking back to discern that Bingley and Jane were unaware they were not alone; he removed his gloves and cupped Elizabeth’s cheek with his right palm. “Am I wrong to wait to marry? Standing this close to you, I feel that I must have lost my mind when I agreed to the date with your father.”

  Elizabeth smiled into his hand. “You dear man.” How easily she became lost in the clear blue of his eyes. They drew her emotions from her heart, like water drawn from a deep well, and she knew that she loved him more than she could ever love any other man. She respected him for standing firm for what was right and good. And she cherished him for caring for Charlotte.

  At the sound of a man clearing his throat, they quickly stepped apart. Mr. Bennet was standing alongside them. They both were completely unaware he had approached.

  “Darcy, I might have a solution to what I unintentionally overheard.” As a father, he could not be happier with the choice his Lizzy had made. The young Master of Pemberley would challenge his daughter’s intellect and opinions. He could foresee great things for the young couple. “Might I suggest you travel to Derbyshire and bring Miss Darcy here to stay with Lizzy until you marry? She could, then, become acquainted with Miss Lucas while Charlotte remains in her own home, allowing the Lucas family to become resolved to her future. It would also allow your sister to meet her five new sisters.” Mr. Bennet laughed. “And she could become as silly as they are.”

  Darcy failed to see the humor in his suggestion, though he did see the wisdom of bringing Georgiana to Netherfield Park. Wickham was to be gone that day to Marshalsea. There would be no need for a hostess at Bingley’s estate as the men would be spending their time at Longbourn. Having Georgiana in close association with Elizabe
th, Mary, and Jane would benefit her greatly. Even the two youngest Bennet daughters would introduce her to the type of debutantes Georgiana would meet in society. It would be better for her to learn how to respond to these silly characters under the close supervision and guidance of Elizabeth.

  He looked at his betrothed and tilted his head in question. She smiled beautifully and he knew what needed done. With the five days he already spent caring for business in London, by the time he returned with his sister, there would be fewer than six weeks until the wedding. Darcy glanced back to his soon-to-be father-in-law. “I will leave immediately.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Had Elizabeth looked back at her eldest sister, she would have been puzzled by the expression on her face. Normally serene, Jane looked both unsettled and unhappy. Since the beginning of their acquaintance with the gentleman from Netherfield Park, Jane had been impressed by Charles Bingley. He was always finely dressed and groomed. His face was handsome and welcoming. He was exceedingly polite and pleasant. Jane, then, looked at Mr. Darcy. Here was a man who was taller, handsomer, better dressed, and wealthier. She envied Lizzy none of that. To Jane, nothing she listed mentally carried nearly the value that his maturity and protective nature held. Darcy was a man who bore the weight of responsibility comfortably, as if created to care for others. Jane was genuinely happy for Lizzy and she could tell that Darcy valued her sister highly. They would work and grow together until they became, as the scripture says, one flesh. Would that happen to her if Mr. Bingley offered for her as their mother hoped?

  Charles Bingley watched the couple walk away and knew with confidence that Darcy would have figured out Caroline’s motives immediately. How long was he going to act the school boy? In front of him sat the most beautiful woman he had met—a woman who was no longer looking him in the eye. His heart dropped to the bottom of his stomach. It seemed to him that no matter how many times he decided he was going to act like Darcy, he failed.

  Jane finally turned to the man in front of her. He was broken. She wondered if she had the power and the knowledge to fix him as was her inclination. Looking towards the house, Jane watched her father as he observed Lizzy. Pride radiated from him. Did he feel the same way about his eldest? It was something to ponder. Her gentle nature moved her to help Bingley along.

  “Mr. Bingley, sir.” She quietly inquired, waiting for him to raise his head. “Might I ask a favor of you?”

  He was quick to respond in the affirmative, as she suspected it was his nature to do.

  “Might you sit next to me and keep me company? I find I need to share with you a matter of some importance.”

  Before she could finish the sentence, he was seated beside her on the bench.

  “Mr. Bingley.” Jane again waited. “I need to express how much I appreciate you arranging for your sister to be gone from Netherfield Park.”

  “I did nothing.” It shamed him to admit his failing.

  “But, sir, that is not true, is it?” Jane refused to back down. “Did you not arrange for the staff to ready Miss Bingley for departure last night? Did you not arrange for transport to London this morning? Did you not make sure she was in the carriage and on her way?”

  “I did!” Bingley was feeling better by the minute.

  “And think, Mr. Bingley. What more could you do for Miss Bingley?” Jane prodded him along. “You know your sister better than anyone else. Will she be inclined to gossip about the events of last night while she is in London? Will she be tempted to spread malicious rumors about Mr. Darcy and Lizzy in hopes of garnering sympathy? Or, will she quietly consider her actions and strive to improve herself? What think you, sir?”

  Bingley knew with clarity what his sister would do. She would use every opportunity to cause dissension between Darcy and Elizabeth. If he did not immediately take steps, the damage to his friendship would cause a breech that might never mend. Caroline had become bitter and manipulative.

  “Something needs done, Miss Bennet.” Bingley slapped his open palm on his knee. “And I know just the thing.”

  Jane watched Bingley as his excitement grew. He was formulating decisions and she was proud to watch him mature in front of her eyes. She could not help the smile that emanated from her lips.

  Bingley noticed. He reached over and tenderly caressed her hand in his. With Jane Bennet, he had his answer.

  “Miss Bennet, the perfect solution to help Caroline find her place in my household and in society is for me to marry and bring a wife into my home. Under the tutelage of my spouse, Caroline will understand she no longer makes the rules. Rather, she will need to abide by them.” He was proud he had arrived at the answer so quickly. Bingley gently squeezed Jane’s hand. So absorbed was he in metaphorically patting himself on the back, he missed the look of horror on her face. “With you by my side, Miss Bennet, your gentle nature would be an example for Caroline to imitate. Our home would be filled with peace.”

  Before he could slide off the bench, landing on his right knee, Jane forestalled him. She pulled her hand away from his and stood.

  “Sir!” Jane took a step back. “You presume too much.”

  Bingley was perplexed. “Were you not expecting my address, Miss Bennet?” He had overheard mention many times by Mrs. Bennet that an attachment was anticipated and would be welcomed.

  “Mr. Bingley, sir.” Jane’s tender nature balked at causing hurt. Nevertheless, she did not want to leave him with false hopes. “I pray you do not ask me to be that wife. Your sister and I could spend a lifetime together and we would never have peace. That you would demand your wife rein in your sister because you have failed to do so is unjust. And, Mr. Bingley, it is not the type of employment I have been raised to expect in a marriage.” She gave a quick curtsey. “Please accept my apologies, sir, if I have caused you pain.”

  With that, she turned and walked into the house. As she moved closer to the doorway, her father approached and put his arm across her shoulders, pulling her to him for comfort. Though he had not heard the conversation, it was easy to determine what must have happened. There was only one reason for a single man to try to kneel before a beautiful young woman. That Jane stopped him testified to a stronger determination than he knew she had.

  “Well done, Jane.” Mr. Thomas Bennet had been a lackadaisical parent, which proved itself in the conduct of his youngest children. With his two eldest? He could not have been prouder.

  ***

  Darcy and Elizabeth returned from their stroll and noticed the young man sitting alone on the bench—stupefied. They looked at each other, wondering what had happened to Jane.

  “Bingley, I have said my goodbyes to Elizabeth and need to depart immediately for Netherfield Park to arrange travel to Pemberley. Will you be staying in Hertfordshire or journeying with me?”

  When his friend failed to respond, Darcy grabbed him by the shoulder and shook him.

  “I am to London, Darcy.” Bingley was dejected. “A decision needs to be made about the future of my unmarried sister.”

  Nothing further was said until they arrived at Bingley’s carriage. The groom was in place and a footman waited at the opened door. Darcy’s horse was tied to the back. All was ready for departure. Bingley hurried into the carriage interior while Darcy took advantage of Mr. Bennet’s absence to say a proper farewell.

  “My Elizabeth, I have yet to leave and am already longing for my return.” His voice was a whisper. He took her hands in his and softly kissed the backs of each. “I need to know before I leave—are you pleased we will marry?”

  “You are my heart, Fitzwilliam Darcy.” Elizabeth’s love was reflected in the brightness of her eyes. Tears pooled, but did not fall. “I beg of you to travel safely and return soon. Pray consider your reasons carefully for delaying our nuptials and I will do the same.”

  “Then, may I ask, Elizabeth.” Darcy bent his head to whisper in her ear. “Do you desire to wed soon?”

  “Yes.” She whispered back. “It is my desire.”

>   He kissed her, uncaring if her father was watching or not.

  ***

  Caroline Bingley had used her hours since arriving in London to her own advantage. Her first priority was an express sent to Rosings Park in Kent. Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Darcy’s aunt, needed to know how her wayward nephew had been taken in by Eliza Bennet. Before Caroline’s luggage was unpacked, she demanded a change of clothes to her most fashionable day dress. It was time to make calls. Her purpose? To share the sad tale of the fall of Mr. Darcy to a country chit with no prospects, no connections, and no appeal.

  ***

  Elizabeth’s heart dropped to her toes as she stood and watched the carriage depart Longbourn. She waved until it was completely out of sight. It would take two to three days to reach Derbyshire and at least a day to prepare for returning to Meryton. Traveling back with a young sister would be different from being alone. Darcy would not be able to push the limits of his horse’s tolerance with Georgiana in the carriage. One week. One hundred sixty-eight hours. Over ten-thousand minutes. The sigh escaping from Elizabeth was long and drawn out. One minute less than the minute before.

  “Lizzy! Lizzy Bennet, you come inside.” The shrieking sound of a harried Mrs. Bennet was familiar to her ears, though rarely welcome. Elizabeth suspected that Jane had refused Bingley and could imagine her mother’s nerves. Knowing what awaited her should she go inside, she turned away from Longbourn and walked to Lucas Lodge.

  ***

  Charlotte Lucas allowed Elizabeth entrance to her bed chamber. Elizabeth was wary, not quite knowing the temperament of her friend. The older woman scooted towards the headboard of the bed, allowing room for Elizabeth to sit beside her.

  “You have come.” Charlotte bluntly stated. Then she smiled. “I had suspected you would.”

  “Charlotte?” Elizabeth was slightly bemused at the calmness radiating from her friend. “Are you well?”

  A full-bodied laugh came from the seven and twenty-year-old. “Why would I not be, Lizzy? I received my first and only kiss from a handsome man who has much skill in the art, I have the prospect of having my own home, no longer being a burden to my parents, and I will be seeing a part of England I have never been to before. I choose to look at this as an adventure, dear lady, not a reason for sorrow. And, as a bonus, I will be near my dearest friend. So yes, Lizzy, I am well.”