Chapter 10

T he meetings with Wickham and Elizabeth threw Darcy into a storm of feelings.

From the first, he had no positive expectations, and he knew he had to prepare for the worst. As always, Wickham would do anything, and hurt anybody, if it was in his best interest.

The recollections of his conversation with Elizabeth warmed his heart and became a palliation for the distress caused by the scoundrel.

With anyone else, he would have been angry for the indiscretion and eaves-dropping into his private conversation. With Elizabeth, he was mostly relieved, as it offered a new reason for a deep bond with her. Her responses had been strong and passionate, just as she was. She had shown rage, compassion, and understanding — everything that he needed to share with someone. He took some time to reflect on what he had told the earl about the encounter with Wickham. He had only mentioned that he had warned Wickham about his actions and made him aware he was under strict scrutiny.

"I do not think there is much more we can do now," Darcy concluded. "I assume Richard will wish to talk to Colonel Forster in any case, so we can speak to him if you wish. What should we say? That Wickham leaves victims of his seductions and debts everywhere he goes? We may, but Wickham had the insolence to reply that all men of high society are doing the same."

"You should have shut his impertinent mouth, Darcy."

"I should have, and I still might. I could also hire someone to investigate what he has been doing over the last few months. If he has creditors — as he usually does — I shall purchase his debts and have him in my hand. It is the easiest way to throw him in prison whenever I want."

"That seems like a sound plan — easy and efficient, though expensive. However, do not overlook the usefulness of a well-directed fist."

Darcy laughed. "You and Richard are of the same mind."

"And you are too reasonable, Darcy. So, Bingley's sisters will not join us for dinner?"

"Apparently not."

"How kind of them. I am not sure whether I should pity Mrs Hurst or her husband. They both look so miserable. And Miss Bingley — that woman needs a man with the patience of a saint. She has many qualities ruined by an irritating temperament and a ridiculous arrogance. She is the daughter of a tradesman, yet she behaves like she is royalty."

"As you pointed out, Uncle, my own behaviour is also at fault, so I should not scold others. Miss Bingley is incredibly rude, but I know I have not been far from that myself on certain occasions."

"You were fortunate that Mrs Bennet and Miss Elizabeth pointed out your impoliteness so you could deal with it," the earl jested.

In the afternoon, they travelled to Longbourn by carriage. The weather had taken a turn for the worse, and it had begun to rain.

"I am eagerly anticipating the ball but also nervous," Bingley confessed. "I hope we shall have enough white soup. And I shall ask Mrs Bennet to allow Mrs Hill to come and help my housekeeper on the day of the ball. I wish for everything to be perfect."

"Nothing is ever perfect at a ball, Bingley," Lord Matlock teased him. "Not even at St James's Palace or at Almack's. You should be content if people enjoy themselves. That should be enough."

"I have to go to London for a few days, after the ball," Bingley continued.

"I shall go too. I must see Georgiana and spend some time with her," Darcy said.

"Then we can all travel together," the earl declared. "Will you spend Christmas at Netherfield, Bingley?"

"I believe so, but my sisters wish to stay in town, so I am not sure yet."

"Young man," the earl said, "you are the master of Netherfield and — I hope — of your own life. Your sisters have their own means — you are not responsible for fulfilling their desires. Does Hurst have a house in London, or do they stay with you?"

"Hurst has a house, but Louisa is displeased with the location. They mostly stay at my house on Grosvenor Street."

"So, they are staying in your houses, enjoying your food and drink, and they still have a say in your decisions? Does this sound laughable only to me?"

Bingley hesitated to reply. He looked at Darcy — who also remained silent — then back at the earl.

"My sisters have always been kind to me…since our parents died. I do not want to upset them…"

"That is very noble and commendable of you! I am sure you have been kind to them too — and still are. Conducting your life according to their wishes is a different matter."

"I know…"

"They must learn you are the master, and, if you marry, your wife will be the mistress, and your sisters will not have much to say in her decisions."

"I understand that…"

"And if your sister does not like her husband's house, they should sell it and purchase another one that pleases her. I assume both your sisters have their own fortunes."

"They do."

"Well then — this is the solution! And Miss Bingley may stay with the Hursts until she has her own house. Problem solved!"

Darcy smiled. For his uncle, problems were always easily solved. As much as he denied it, he resembled Lady Catherine. His mother — Lady Anne — had been the only one of the three with a completely different nature.

"By the by, do you happen to know whether it is difficult to purchase a licence?" Bingley suddenly asked, and two pairs of eyes stared at him.

"What kind of licence?" Darcy enquired.

"A marriage licence, of course."

"Are you engaged? This is quite a surprise!"

"I am not engaged. I just asked, just in case…"

"I see. I am not familiar with the procedure, as I have never needed one." Darcy smiled. "But while we are in London, we shall enquire."

"May I assume you intend to become engaged and to marry very soon? That is why you need a licence?" Lord Matlock questioned a blushing Bingley.

"It is not about my intentions only…I just wished to have this piece of knowledge."

"A man should always be informed," the earl said.

There was no time for further discussions as the carriage stopped at Longbourn.

∞∞∞

"Lord Matlock, please choose the seat that you prefer," Mrs Bennet invited him.

"Madam, you are very kind, but you should all take your usual seats, and we shall take the spare chairs."

There was a little bit of a bustle, then the Bennets were all seated. Lord Matlock sat between Mr Bennet and Elizabeth, with Darcy opposite them. Mr Collins moved his chair next to Darcy's. At the middle of the table, Bingley was happily situated next to Jane Bennet; the younger girls sat at the other end of the table, far from the earl and Darcy.

"Mrs Bennet has outdone herself with this dinner. I hope you will enjoy it," Mr Bennet said.

"We are grateful to Mrs Bennet for her efforts. We have no doubt about the outcome," Darcy answered, his friendliness clearly puzzling the lady of the house.

"Indeed, Mr Darcy, from my first dinner at Longbourn, I have appreciated the cooking. The potatoes are remarkably well boiled," Mr Collins interjected.

"Yes, Mr Collins assumed one of my daughters had cooked!" Mrs Bennet said. "As if I would allow them in the kitchen!"

"I tried to help Cook a few times, over the years," Elizabeth said with a smile, "but she never allowed me to do more than to taste her dishes. She is as protective of her kitchen as she is talented at cooking."

"I meant no offence by my assumption," Mr Collins responded. "It is my opinion that a woman who is not raised among the highest circles of the society should know how to run a household, including the kitchen. Even Lady Catherine agrees with me."

The statement was another hidden criticism of Elizabeth — as all the Bennets clearly noticed. Darcy sensed the tension and wondered about it.

"Every man has a certain idea of what a woman should know or do or look like. It is amusing that most men do not realise that women also have their own ideas and expectations of men. Therefore, men assume that a woman desires their attentions, when in fact, that woman might find them repellent."

As soon as he finished his speech, Darcy was surprised by the obviously strong response his words had elicited. Mr Collins cleared his throat and sipped from his glass, Elizabeth pressed her napkin over her lips, and Mrs Bennet looked confused.

"Mr Darcy, I believe your words are the wisest ever said in this house," Mr Bennet declared. "Most men need to hear them, though many would disregard or not understand their meaning."

"I could not agree with you more, Mr Darcy, and I must thank you for your sensible observation, on behalf of all women," Elizabeth said. "Sadly, many women are induced for various reasons to accept even attentions they find repellent, simply to secure their own future."

"Marriage and a family should be the purpose of honourable women," Mr Collins replied, irritation apparent in his voice.

"Marriage and a family should be the purpose of any honourable person," the earl said. "Unfortunately, that purpose does not always bring joy and fulfilment."

"Marriage should be based on affection and respect. If not, it must be very sad," Miss Jane Bennet whispered, drawing all eyes to her.

"I agree, Miss Bennet. Sadly, there are both men and women who are induced into matrimony for reasons that should not even be considered. Very few men or women have the strength to fight their family and society's demands."

The earl's countenance darkened, and he quickly finished the contents of his glass, then filled it again.

"But society has strict rules that must be followed. Otherwise, it would be chaos! That is what Lady Catherine always says," Mr Collins repeated.

"Catherine says many things — some of sense, others not so much," the earl replied. "There have been several occasions when I sadly did not possess enough strength or wisdom to choose the voice of my own mind and heart over the demands of others. And I have regretted it ever since. I believe it is better for a man to be harmed by his own mistakes and to learn from them than to suffer because of the poor advice of others."

"I think that is true both for men and women," Elizabeth said.

"My father used to say it is better to live with the consequences of your actions than with the regrets of not daring to act at all," Darcy interjected.

"Your father was a wise man, Darcy," Lord Matlock said, emptying his glass again. "Most of his actions were appropriate, and he rarely lacked the courage to do what was right. Very few men can say the same, and I am not one of them."

"Lord Matlock has a tendency to be too hard on himself," Mr Bennet interjected, "and I would gladly contradict him, but we have had enough serious conversation. Mr Bingley, is everything ready for the ball? Mr Collins, will you stay for the dance or return to Rosings?"

His host's effort to change the subject left no choice for the others. Darcy exchanged a glance with Elizabeth. The earl's apparent distress made him uncomfortable too; what affected his uncle so deeply was a mystery to him.

"I shall stay until after the ball, though I was tempted to leave yesterday," Mr Collins said.

"Oh, how lovely! I am sure you were, Mr Collins! And I am sure all will be well in the end!" Mrs Bennet cried. Darcy noticed Elizabeth's sudden pallor and her obvious distress.

"We are happy that you have decided to stay, Mr Collins. I just hope you have not changed your plans based on expectations that will likely not be met," Elizabeth said.

"I am capable of altering my plans as I find appropriate, my dear cousin Elizabeth. Your concern is appreciated but not grounded, nor needed."

"Lizzy, your father said we have had enough serious conversation!" Mrs Bennet said before Elizabeth could respond. "I am sure Mr Collins knows what is best for him! Sir, would you like more potatoes?"

It was not until dinner was almost over that the conversation finally loosened and a joyful disposition spread throughout the party.

Lord Matlock's spirits seemed to rise as he related some memories from his days at school with Mr Bennet.

"I was never very good at sport," Mr Bennet admitted. "Horse riding especially was not my favourite activity, and Lizzy takes after me in that."

"You were good at fishing and fencing. But not riding, indeed." The earl laughed. "It was the only thing at which I bested you."

"There were other things too, if we are to be honest." Mr Bennet laughed too. "I hope your sons inherited your talent. I am glad I only have daughters — they do not need to excel at riding."

"My sons are excellent sportsmen — better than me. And so is this young man here." He gestured to Darcy. "He could give you or Miss Elizabeth riding lessons. He has been an excellent rider since he was small. So has his sister, Georgiana."

Darcy was shocked by the notion of giving Elizabeth riding lessons; he glanced at her, and she looked flushed.

"I thank you for the offer, but I shall decline," Mr Bennet said. "At my age, the only sport I am interested in is fishing."

"Darcy and I always fish when we are at Pemberley," Bingley said.

"I would be happy for you to come and visit one day, Mr Bennet," Darcy heard himself saying, puzzled by his own invitation. "I trust you would enjoy the lake and the streams — as well as the library."

"Mr Darcy, you could not have made an invitation sound more appealing," Mr Bennet answered. "While I am aware it is only a polite gesture, you are in great danger of me accepting it."

"I hope you will, sir," Darcy said, a little more at ease and attempting a smile. He was grateful that nobody had insisted on the part about riding lessons for Elizabeth.

"Mr Darcy, you promised you would also give Mr Bennet some lessons on estate management," Mrs Bennet interjected. "Another year has passed, and our income is still insignificant!"

"Mr Darcy was kind enough to promise, but I never agreed," Mr Bennet responded. "I would rather we learnt to live on our present income than strive to increase it. At my age, I prefer to leave that kind of effort to the younger man who will inherit Longbourn one day."

"I promise I shall try my best, Mr Bennet," Mr Collins replied, seemingly happy to be mentioned.

"I am sure you will, Mr Collins. You just need to wait a little longer until I die."

Mr Bennet smiled, the earl laughed, and Mr Collins looked disconcerted again. Darcy looked at Elizabeth and met her laughing eyes. She sipped from her glass, then licked her lips, and Darcy became suddenly warm and thirsty.

After dinner, the ladies retired to the drawing room, but the gentlemen enjoyed only one cigar and one drink before they joined them. The party lasted until after midnight, and it ended in a much better disposition than it began.

There were only two more days until the ball.