Chapter 4

The gentlemen returned to Netherfield late, in good humour and possibly slightly inebriated after imbibing with the Colonel after dinner. "What excellent company! Good food and drink, excellent conversation! Colonel Forster must keep a splendid regiment indeed!" exclaimed Bingley as they entered his study for one final nightcap.

"Well I am glad for you that you enjoyed your company this evening, Charles, as the company here at Netherfield was quite dreadful," said Louisa Hurst from a chair near the fire where she was waiting with her own glass of brandy.

"Louisa! Since when do you sneak into the study and drink brandy!" hiccuped Hurst as he fell into a chair. "Perhaps you can be more fun than I thought, my dear."

"Yes, well, let us leave something for another time, shall we?" Louisa said dryly. "For now we must discuss Caroline and the appalling disaster she has created tonight."

Bingley sank into a chair with dread, now completely sober. "What could she possibly have done now, when I gave her specific instructions on how to behave?"

"Yes, and then you left and did not prevent her from doing as she pleased," replied Louisa. "Charles, the evening was a disaster. Caroline refused to speak of anything other than Miss Bennet's unfortunate connections and told her how sad it was that no one would ever marry her. I am amazed the poor girl left without tears and she begged for the carriage the instant she laid down her fork. I am certain this is going to cause a great deal of trouble."

"Curse the day the Lord gave me a twin!" cried Charles. "I have had enough! I can take no more of Caroline's selfishness! Darcy, you were right when you said Caroline would try to sabotage me here!"

"And I believe she has been most successful, Bingley," replied Darcy darkly.

"But Miss Bennet is an angel! I am sure she will not hold it against me! If I go to Longbourn tomorrow and throw myself upon her mercy, I am sure she will forgive me for my wretched sister!"

"I would not wager on that, Bingley. Whilst I am sure Mrs Bennet will be all that is forgiving, to your fortune at least, I am led to believe from her sister, Lady Astley, that for all Miss Bennet's angelic looks, she has a firm resolve. She may not be willing to subject herself to your family again, and justifiably so. And for all your fortune, you are a renter here. The Bennets are the primary family of the neighbourhood, and have been for many years. The mother and youngest daughters may be vulgar, but the eldest Miss Bennets are well liked and respected in Hertfordshire. The neighbourhood will not take kindly to your family's abuse of her, particularly with your roots in trade," Darcy observed. "They would have overlooked your connections if your sister behaved in a genteel manner. Now they will say that it is Miss Bingley who is the vulgar woman from trade, and I am sure your connections in the neighbourhood will suffer if you do not take immediate action. And even that might not be enough if the Bennets do not forgive you."

"Blast it all to hell!" shouted Bingley as he jumped up and rang for a footman, shocking Mr and Mrs Hurst with his volume and language. "Caroline has gone too far this time! I will do what should have been done years ago!"

"Send in Miss Bingley's maid immediately," Bingley demanded when the footman entered the room.

"What will you do, Charles?" asked Louisa as the man turned about and left the room.

"She will leave at first light for Aunt Clara's in Scarborough. I will no longer welcome her to my home, and I will tell Aunt Clara that if she gives her any trouble to go ahead and send her to Cousin Malcolm and his wife. They will take none of her nonsense."

"But Charles, Cousin Malcolm lives in the Outer Hebrides!" Louisa gasped.

"I challenge Caroline to start mischief in such a remote location," smiled Bingley as the maid entered the room with Mrs Nichols.

"Mrs Preston, has my sister retired for the night?" requested Bingley kindly.

"Yes sir, she has been asleep at least an hour now. She did not even notice me entering the room a short while ago to clean up the items she broke when Miss Bennet left early," Mrs Preston answered.

"Would she notice if you packed all her belongings while she slept?"

"I doubt it, sir. Miss Bingley sleeps heavily. With an eye mask and cotton in her ears so as not to be disturbed. She keeps her bed curtains pulled tight. She sets great store by her beauty sleep, and usually speeds the process with a glass of Mr Bingley's brandy before bed," confided Mrs Preston, knowing who paid her salary.

"Well now we know what Caroline and Louisa learned at their girls academy, Bingley," Hurst giggled into his glass of brandy.

"Darling, do leave the jokes aside for now," Louisa frowned at her husband.

"Very well," said Bingley. "Please pack everything tonight except a sturdy travelling gown for tomorrow, and keep a few more handy in the luggage. She will be leaving on a long journey to our aunt in Scarborough at first light. If it is not too much to ask, I would like you to accompany her there. Once you arrive, she will no longer have need of your services, although you may remain as a guest of my aunt for a few days before your return journey. Unless you have another opportunity you would like to take advantage of, I will have you conveyed back here and we will see what work we can find for you."

"If I may, Charles?" interrupted Louisa. "Mrs Preston, my maid has given notice, since she plans to marry. If you would like to return here, or wherever I happen to be when you return, we could make a trial of it."

"I would be glad to work for you, ma'am. Your maid, Mrs O'Brien, has nothing but good things to say about her position," responded Mrs Preston happily. She knew from servant hall gossip that Mrs Hurst was never violent or cruel like Miss Bingley. Mrs O'Brien made her opinion on Miss Bingley's antics known below stairs. Her lot would be much improved.

"It will make for a long night, followed by a frightfully long day of travelling tomorrow," said Bingley.

"I don't mind, sir. Miss Bingley is likely to be angry right at first, but she dislikes travel as you know, and usually tries to sleep as much as possible during a long carriage journey. I will be able to rest then."

"Very well, I shall not keep you then, for the sooner you get started, the sooner you can rest before your journey," replied Bingley. "Mrs Nichols, please make sure the stables have the carriage ready. Double the usual footmen and outriders to accompany Miss Bingley. And please return here to the study shortly to collect an express, which I will prepare to send to our aunt."

"Right away, sir," said Mrs Nichols. "Does this mean Mrs Hurst will take over as hostess?"

"Unless something else comes up to prevent it, yes I believe she will until further notice," replied Bingley, with a raised eyebrow at Louisa. "If anything changes, we will let you know."

"We may not be here past the next few days, Bingley," mentioned Hurst a moment after Mrs Nichols and Mrs Preston closed the door behind them. "Of course, I do not mind if Louisa takes over for Caroline, but I may as well announce that Louisa is in the family way. If all does not go well here in Meryton, I would rather not have her exposed to unpleasantness."

"Of course, I quite agree!" exclaimed Bingley. "Congratulations to you both! I know how long you have been hoping! I am quite chuffed to be an uncle! I must be allowed to buy my niece or nephew a pony!"

"Perhaps just a rocking pony at first, Brother," chuckled Louisa happily. "It will be some time before we are ready for a real pony. Perhaps for some future birthday. I must admit I will feel easier not having Caroline with me for the duration. I will be much more relaxed, I think."

"It is a sad state of affairs that the best thing our sister can do for all of our lives is go away. It makes me quite unhappy to have such a thought," observed Bingley glumly.

"That is indeed a depressing idea. But rather than dwell on it, let us all get some sleep. It is late, and you will have your hands full with Miss Bingley in the morning," said Darcy.

"I will come down early and lend you my support, but I will prefer Louisa to avoid the scene altogether, Bingley," stated Hurst.

"I believe I agree with you, dear. Here, drink this brandy for me. I poured it because the idea of it made me feel calmer, but the smell turns my stomach now," Louisa handed her husband her glass as she dropped a kiss on his head and went upstairs.

*****

Darcy woke much earlier the next morning than was his custom, but he could not sleep any longer. He tossed and turned all night long, wondering how this business with Miss Bingley would affect his dealings with Lady Astley, and also confusion about how he wanted his dealings with that lady to proceed.

She was beautiful of course, the handsomest woman of his acquaintance: she was also intelligent, lively, and kind, and seemed wealthy, although he was still confused about why she resided in Netherfield's dower house. He learned that she had some marvellous connections, once he took the trouble to listen to the gossip of her neighbours. However, she also had some ghastly connections. He was unconcerned about the connections to her tradesman uncle; many gentlemen and even noblemen were involved in investing, importing, and speculation, including himself. The most intelligent of the nobility and gentry would all find ways to diversify their income in the coming years.

It was more the lady's stepmother and youngest sisters that concerned him. He admitted he was greatly attracted to her – her dark eyes could not help but captivate him – and he truly wished to introduce Lady Astley and some of her excellent friends such as Miss Lucas to Georgiana's society. However, aligning Georgiana to Mrs Bennet and Miss Lydia could have disastrous consequences to her reputation and marriage prospects, should Mrs Bennet spend any time in town or when Miss Lydia ruined herself as she was bound to do.

No. He could not pursue Lady Astley. It was a shame, he supposed gravely. He liked the lady, although it was still too early to speculate where that may have led. She seemed to put him at ease in a way no other lady had ever done before, but he could not ruin his sister's chances.

That still did not mean he wished to have Lady Astley's disapprobation. He still did not know much about her, although he planned to make inquiries when he returned to town. Indeed her ostracization from her family and her current residence was puzzling, but he would rather not ask for too many details from her neighbours and invite speculation. She was intelligent, and pleasant to speak to, and he hoped to maintain the acquaintance when he left Netherfield. The situation with Miss Bingley put that in jeopardy. Would she be willing to maintain a friendship with the friend of a family who had injured her sister in such a manner?

Darcy finished pulling on his riding boots, and made his way to the stable to give his horse a pounding ride. As he saddled his horse, he mentally planned his morning.

Bingley intended to have a breakfast tray sent to Miss Bingley's room after the inevitable scene that would happen when that lady was awakened by her maid. He did this so the gentlemen could eat an early breakfast in some semblance of peace while Miss Bingley prepared for her journey. Mrs Hurst would also take a tray in her room.

The scene should happen soon, since Bingley planned to have his sister awoken at first light, and the sun was beginning to rise now. He was relieved to miss the spectacle. Darcy had tolerated more than his share of Miss Caroline Bingley's behaviour.

*****

After breakfast, at the moment that it was the appropriate time for a polite call, Bingley and the entire Netherfield party, excluding Miss Bingley of course, would make haste to Longbourn to convey the apologies of their entire party for Miss Bingley's treatment of Miss Bennet, and to beg the family's and Miss Bennet's pardon.

Bingley planned to ask the gardeners to make a splendid bouquet of roses for Mrs and Miss Bennet and each of the Longbourn sisters. He also planned to invite their entire family to dine at Netherfield Park, and to a ball that Bingley hoped to throw for the neighbourhood in a few weeks.

As Darcy and his horse flew across the fields, he saw a familiar shade of midnight blue on a magnificent dapple grey mare. The scene was more of a blur than anything else, as the horse and rider were moving at a most incredible speed.

The lady was followed at a distance by two discreet riders. Darcy spurred his horse, and gave chase with a whoop. The lady glanced back over her shoulder and spurred her horse even faster.

When the lady finally gave in and allowed Darcy to catch her, his horse was lathered and panting, while her horse looked as fresh as he presumed it must have when it was saddled.

"That was more like a high speed chase than a race! Lady Astley, I must say, that is a marvellous looking grey, and she looks remarkably well exercised; where did you purchase her? I have never seen her equal," asked Darcy as they began to walk the horses to cool them.

The grey was marvellous. With a shining silver coat and perfect dapples down the lower legs, ending in four perfect black socks and crowned with a glossy black mane and tail, the mare was a stunning piece of horseflesh.

"I bred Artemis in my stables at Newmarket. I thank you for your compliment, sir. How is the party at Netherfield this morning? I hope all is well there," replied Elizabeth with a strange expression.

"Now I am quite wrongly rather desperate to ask more about your stables, but I can see by your expression that you have already heard about your sister's experience at Netherfield last night," replied Darcy with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. "I must say that does not bode well for Bingley, who is quite upset over the matter. Is your sister quite well now, Lady Astley? I understand her hostess was distressing in the extreme."

"I have yet to see her this morning, but she was quite desolate regarding her experience last night," answered Elizabeth carefully.

"Bingley gave his sister strict instructions for her behaviour last night. Unfortunately she desired to sabotage Bingley here in an effort to remove him to London, because she detests the country. Sadly, Miss Bennet was the means Miss Bingley used to gain her way. Bingley is sending her away to their spinster aunt in Scarborough as we speak, and that lady has been instructed to send Miss Bingley to their cousin in the Outer Hebrides if she gives any trouble there. He and the Hursts will not allow her in their homes again. The entire Netherfield Party will travel to Longbourn later this morning to render our apologies to Miss Bennet and her family," Darcy said. "Bingley is quite determined to make this right."

"Oh dear," Elizabeth sighed. "It is kind that Mr Bingley is so desirous of making his apologies. Unfortunately things have become quite complicated, and we may be rather past that point, sir."

"In what way, may I ask, madam?" inquired Darcy.

"My father has decreed that no Bingley shall ever pass his threshold again, and my stepmother is so incensed with Jane for offending Miss Bingley that she has turned her out," answered Elizabeth sadly. "Jane no longer resides at Longbourn."

"How can this be? What would cause Mrs Bennet to act in such a way?" exclaimed Darcy.

"I cannot speak for my parents' rationales in their decisions," replied Elizabeth. "Truly the entire situation has become quite a disaster."

"Where is Miss Bennet now? Is she safe?"

"Yes, she is. When my mother declared Jane must leave, my sister Mary sent a messenger for me immediately, and I arrived with all haste to retrieve her. Jane has not yet decided where she will permanently reside. We remove to my home in London tomorrow for one week. Jane will spend time with me and with our aunt and uncle while she makes her decision. I suspect she will prefer to reside with them in London. Mary has decided to make her home with me at this time," Elizabeth explained. "I really cannot say whether Jane will feel up to a visit from Mr Bingley today. I think I should find out her feelings on the matter. She has been in shock, I think, and she had little to say on the matter last evening."

"I am quite in shock at these events myself, Lady Astley. None of us would like to ambush Miss Bennet when her world has been turned quite upside down, but I know Bingley will not rest until he has rendered his apologies to your family, Miss Bennet in particular," said Darcy. "This is grave news indeed. I must away to Netherfield at once to relay all of this to Bingley, for he will want to know it immediately. I know that I cannot be responsible for these events, Lady Astley, but I must tell you how sorry I am for you and your sisters that they have occurred. I am horrified by the results of Miss Bingley's behaviour."

"As much as I appreciate that, Mr Darcy, even Miss Bingley cannot be held responsible for the actions of others such as my parents, who have not helped these matters at all."

"Before I return to Netherfield, it occurs to me that now Miss Bingley will no longer be residing there, I could invite my sister to join me here in the country. She has travelled with my aunt from Matlock to our home at Pemberley, and they will soon be coming to London. If I brought her to Hertfordshire, madam, would you allow me to introduce my sister to you?"

"I would be delighted to meet Miss Darcy," stated Elizabeth.

Mr Darcy tipped his hat as he wheeled his horse around and rode with all haste back to Netherfield.

*****

Netherfield was as expected when he returned, with Bingley and Hurst in the breakfast room and the sounds of Miss Bingley shrieking upstairs.

"I hear Miss Bingley is preparing for her journey," observed Darcy as he entered the room, and began to serve himself from the sideboard.

"Hurst had the brilliant idea to move her clothes and what she needs to prepare for the day as well as her breakfast tray to her dressing room and locking the doors to her bedchamber while we were speaking to her in the study." said Bingley. "That way when she went back upstairs she had very little access to many breakable objects. She has very little to do there other than break her fast and get ready to leave. We even removed the mirrors. I believe in two or three hours it will be time to go to the Bennets."

"I hate to give you this information, Bingley but you should wait before you make your visit. Events have not progressed in a positive direction at Longbourn, and Miss Bennet no longer resides there," said Darcy.

"Whatever can you mean? Where else would Miss Bennet reside? Is she well?" asked Bingley, surprised.

"She is safe and well, to my knowledge, but I would rather wait for the rest until Miss Bingley has left the house. There is no point in allowing her to feel as if she has won in any way by learning of the results of her behaviour."

Darcy listened and ate as the two men described their conversation with Miss Bingley until the door opened and Mrs Nichols entered. "Begging your pardon, sir, but the carriage is ready, and Miss Bingley is on her way down."

They all rose from their seats and made their way to the hall. Caroline's many grievances and complaints preceded her down the stairs.

"Charles, I do not see how you can send me away without a by your leave. Certainly Miss Bennet and I can come to an understanding about our difference of opinion. Do not you agree, Mr Darcy?" cooed Miss Bingley as she tried to take his arm.

"I am certain I can have no opinion in a matter so wholly unrelated to me, Miss Bingley. This is between you and your family. It is not for me to interfere," ground out Mr Darcy as he avoided her talons and removed himself from her reach.

Miss Bingley behaved as expected, wheedling, demanding, begging, and then cruelly insulting her brother before she was eventually led into the carriage with Mrs Preston. As the carriage left the drive, the men made their way to Bingley's study, where Darcy made them aware of the situation.

"As I was riding this morning I came upon Miss Bennet's sister, Lady Astley, on her own morning ride. The information I received from her is that Mrs Bennet was enraged at Miss Bennet for insulting your sister, and has turned her out of Longbourn," Darcy relayed darkly. "Lady Astley refused to discuss Mrs Bennet's reasoning for this; however, she has suggested that Mr and Mrs Bennet are at odds. Mr Bennet has insisted that no Bingley will ever cross his threshold again, while Mrs Bennet maintains that Miss Bennet may no longer reside at Longbourn unless she apologises to Miss Bingley. She and her sister Miss Mary are now with Lady Astley at Lilac Cottage."

"I cannot comprehend this! What would make Mrs Bennet turn out her lovely daughter because of Caroline's wretched behaviour? I cannot begin to think how I might put this right!" cried Charles."Darcy, what is your advice?"

"Whatever Lady Astley has said about Mr Bennet's intentions, you have yet to be denied entrance to Longbourn. As a gentleman, you still owe the family an apology. You should go as you planned, perhaps without the flowers, for I would be loath to reward Mrs Bennet in any way for how she is behaving, and make your apologies to the family," advised Darcy.

"I would also pen a letter to Lady Astley if I were you, asking if Miss Bennet might receive you today or if not, if you may call on them in London, and send the flowers along with the note. Perhaps a very nice bouquet each for Lady Astley and Miss Mary, and then something very stunning and special for Miss Bennet. If you really want to lay it on thick, include a small posy for young Miss Astley. Lady Astley is a widow, so it is quite proper for you to send her a letter."

"London? Are they planning a trip to town?" asked Bingley.

"Lady Astley indicated that Miss Bennet has not decided where she will permanently reside. They will leave for Lady Astley's town house tomorrow morning, and stay for one week. Miss Bennet will spend time with her sisters and her aunt and uncle there while she contemplates her decision," replied Darcy. "It makes sense if you consider it. Miss Bennet's reserved and quiet nature may not be equal to encountering Mrs Bennet in public yet. I am sure she could do with a change of scene after her distress."

*****

Darcy went to bathe and change from his riding clothes as Bingley arranged for the bouquets and letter for Elizabeth and Jane. Hurst went upstairs to explain the new situation to his wife.

Before an hour passed, one letter, three bouquets, and one tiny nosegay was dispatched to Lilac Cottage, and one hour after that, the entire Netherfield party was in the carriage on their way to Longbourn.

When Banks entered the breakfast room, the three ladies were dining quietly with Miss Diane, who was quite taken with her eldest aunt's lovely golden hair, and was trying to obtain Jane's attention any way she could. Jane, not being ready to accept Elizabeth's friendship and feeling guilty about it, was attempting to ignore the child.

"A letter and flowers for the ladies of the house from Netherfield Park, ma'am," announced Banks as the footmen followed him into the room with three stunning bouquets of roses. One in peach, one in yellow, and a third enormous array in a stunning shade of scarlet, each in an exceedingly lovely and terribly expensive looking crystal vase.

Banks held a small nosegay of tiny pink rosebuds, stems wrapped in pink ribbon and lace, out to Elizabeth. "For Miss Astley, according to the card, ma'am," explained Banks.

"How lovely!" Elizabeth exclaimed as the ladies all swept to the table in front of the window where the flowers were placed. "Mary, these yellow ones are for you, from Mr Bingley and the party at Netherfield. The peach ones are for me. And Jane, this stunning scarlet array is yours. I am no expert in flowers, but this is quite the most stunning arrangement I have ever seen, even in the best houses in London. Look, darling," she cooed to Diane. "Our friends have sent you a lovely posy of flowers. Take it to Nanny, and find a lovely vase to put them in near your bed. Mama and Aunt Mary will take our walk with you and Beau in a little while, Sweet Pea."

"What does the letter say, Lizzy?" asked Mary when the footmen removed the vases to go to the correct bedrooms.

The ladies all resumed their seats and finished their tea as Elizabeth opened the letter and read aloud.

Dear Lady Astley,

Please forgive my writing to you upon such a brief acquaintance. I beg your indulgence to be allowed to express my sincerest apologies for the behaviour of my sister, Miss Bingley, towards your family. Words cannot express the feelings of all of our party at Netherfield regarding the events of last evening. My sister Miss Bingley has chosen to retire permanently to our aunt's home in Scarborough, and if she is unable to maintain appropriate behaviour while she is there, she will go then to our cousin in the Outer Hebrides.

This morning we go to Longbourn to convey our sentiments to Mr and Mrs Bennet. We hope to call upon Miss Bennet at Lilac Cottage today as well, to invite you all to dine with us at Netherfield. If Miss Bennet is not ready to receive visitors, I would be happy to follow your company to town and call upon her there. I await your response, and pray to have the opportunity to beg Miss Bennet's pardon in person.

Your Servant,

Charles Bingley

Elizabeth had already apprised Jane and Mary of her conversation with Mr Darcy that morning. "The penmanship is quite terrible, I almost wonder how literate the man is, but the sentiments seem sincere. What do you think, Jane? Are you ready to entertain Mr Bingley and his guests today?"

"I just do not know, Lizzy. I feel so confused about everything. I like Mr Bingley, but everything is so muddled now."

"Jane, I would be surprised if you did not feel confused," encouraged Elizabeth gently. "I believe Mr Bingley's actions have proven his regard for you, but you have only just met a few weeks ago. It is far too early to have hopes of any kind. However, his behaviour also proves at the very least that my first impression was correct, and that he is an estimable gentleman whose friendship would be very amiable. He seems to be very sincere. I believe he deserves a chance to show his qualities. That does not mean I believe you must receive him today if you are not ready. It is your choice, Jane. If you are not ready today, you may receive him at my home in London if you wish. Or we may even delay our departure for London by a few days. I wouldn't like to rush you if you aren't ready. There is even a chance that Mama and Papa might change their mind after Mr Bingley speaks with them today. You may be able to return home."

Jane bowed her head and brushed away a tear sadly. "I am sorry, but I cannot return to live at Longbourn under any circumstances now. I would even take a position before I did so. My experience last night was too difficult, and I cannot return to that house to live. For good or ill, Mama has made her choice, and so have I. I will continue to honour my mother as much as I am able, but I cannot live never knowing if I will be turned out from one moment to the next. I hope it is not an inconvenience, Lizzy, but I will accept your offer to go to London, and will make my home with my aunt and uncle, if they will have me. Now I must decide what to do about Mr Bingley."

"I understand your feelings, Jane. Please be assured whether I am alive or dead, it will never be necessary for you to take a position," assured Elizabeth. "I have made provisions for each of my sisters."

"Jane, you just experienced two unacceptably distressing events in the last several hours," pointed out Mary. "It is perfectly natural for a lady to take some time to regain her composure after such experiences. I am sure we all appreciate Mr Bingley's sincere efforts, and I am sure that the gentleman and his guests will understand if you are not ready for company today." Mary hesitated for a moment, wondering whether Jane cared what she thought before plunging on. "If I were in your position, I would have our sister send a reply thanking Mr Bingley for his kindness and the lovely roses, explaining that while you receive them with gratitude, you have yet to regain your composure, and invite him to call upon you in London, where you will be residing from now on. If he does so, and when he does so, will tell you much about his intentions. Then you can decide from there how you wish to receive his attentions."

"That seems eminently sensible, Mary," observed Elizabeth.

"Indeed it does. I will take your advice, Mary," said Jane. "Lizzy, will you send the reply?"

"I will do so immediately, Jane, and then you are both welcome to join Diane and I for our morning walk with Beau."