Chapter II

M ore of what happened that first day ensued in the following days after Elizabeth's return from Kent. No conversation at Longbourn did not consist of the officers' imminent departure, lamentations concerning the cruel fate that awaited the youngest Bennets, and reproaches to their father for being so perverse as to break their hearts asunder with no consideration for their tender feelings. To say that Mr. Bennet was unaffected by their histrionics was a rather enormous understatement.

"Yes, yes," said Mr. Bennet more than once in those days. "You shall miss the officers cruelly, and they shall find themselves bereft of your company. As you have informed us of all such catastrophes without cessation every waking moment since the announcement, I believe we all enjoy an excellent understanding of the disappointment you face.

"As I and your mother informed you repeatedly, we shall not go to Brighton. The fact of the matter, Lydia, is that there is no money for such an endeavor, even if I had any interest at all in the scheme. As such, you must simply nurse your bruised feelings as best you can, and hopefully in silence."

Mr. Bennet directed a critical look at his youngest daughters. "That last is, I suppose, too much to expect. Perhaps I would do better to hire a companion, for you both require guidance to successfully move in society. You cannot become many degrees worse than you are."

"I do not require a companion!" declared Lydia. "I require only the company of the officers. Why, I have been out these past nine months—do you not suppose I know how to behave?"

"You are not out, Lydia," said their father firmly. "If you recall, your mother petitioned me to allow you to attend events with Kitty when she came out; she argued that Kitty joining us would leave you at home alone. In Meryton, we allow you a certain measure of freedom to take part in certain events, but you are most definitely not out. Unless I misjudge the matter, I suspect your mother, for one, now regrets allowing you even that much indulgence."

The look with which Mrs. Bennet regarded her youngest—exasperation mixed with censure—informed even one so wrapped up in her concerns as Lydia that it would be best to remain silent. For a wonder, the girl did, though she did not spare them a huff of annoyance and her glowers at them all. At least she was silent for a time, which none of them counted as a loss.

Elizabeth soon had other matters to occupy her attention, though Lydia continued to complain whenever the opportunity presented itself. While Mrs. Bennet was not so gauche as to lament Elizabeth's perverse rejection of Mr. Collins's suit now months after the event, Elizabeth's accounts of the Collinses' life and her doings there put her in a morose frame of mind, rendering her unfit for company. For several days, she stayed in her room except for mealtimes. Elizabeth, who had looked at her mother's recriminations with trepidation, understood with a certain level of philosophy that it was the best she could expect.

Therefore, in the following days, she occupied herself in Jane's company, listening to her sister's quietly spoken concerns for the future, and her understated regret at the loss of Mr. Bingley. Upon witnessing the state of Jane's continued heartbreak, Elizabeth thought Jane had overcome it as well as anyone could expect. Should Mr. Bingley present himself again in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth thought her sister, who still harbored love in her heart for the gentleman, would welcome him as if no time had passed.

This, of course, led Elizabeth to consider Mr. Darcy and whether the gentleman would feel compelled to share his new understanding of the situation in Hertfordshire with his friend. At first, Elizabeth thought there was nothing less likely, for she could not suppose Mr. Darcy wished his friend to marry so unsuitable a woman as Jane Bennet, even if Elizabeth had opened his eyes to his mistake. Had the gentleman not proposed to Elizabeth herself, she would have believed him capable of it. The knowledge that he considered her good enough to become his wife rendered any thought he harbored similar feelings concerning his friend and Jane ridiculous.

"I am still shocked about this business between you and Mr. Darcy," said Jane one evening in Elizabeth's room before they retired. Jane had made the same comment on more than one occasion since Elizabeth's return.

"No more than I was myself," replied Elizabeth. "I do not think I am exaggerating when I say that Mr. Darcy did not even once betray any sign that he cherished such feelings for me."

Jane turned to Elizabeth, her expression speculative. "Then you do not discount his feelings? I might not have expected it, considering your opinion of the gentleman."

"In all truth," replied Elizabeth with an uncaring shrug, "I hardly know what to think. Even after I received his letter, I thought he had other feelings which would soon overcome any attraction he once held toward me. Now, I am not so certain as I was."

The letter Elizabeth had kept to herself—her angelic sister would never ask to read it. Not only did it contain information concerning his efforts to detach Jane from Mr. Bingley, of which she had not informed her sister, but it was somehow an... intimacy she had no wish to share. There was nothing of affection in Elizabeth's heart for the gentleman even now, yet she could not bear the thought of allowing anyone, even her dearest sister, to read what he had written to her. Elizabeth could not explain it with any satisfaction, even to herself, but there it was.

"Given what you told me," said Jane, "I suspect your feelings for Mr. Darcy are softer now than they were before."

"Given what I thought of him," rejoined Elizabeth, "there was little chance my opinion could become worse."

Jane offered an understated smile. "That much is true, Lizzy. If I am honest, however, I wonder if you even understand your feelings at all yourself."

Confused, Elizabeth regarded her sister. "What do you mean?"

"Just that your reaction to Mr. Darcy has always been strong, Lizzy. It has always struck me as odd that his words at the assembly provoked you to the anger you displayed. Your response to incivility is almost always humor seasoned with a fair measure of disregard. You laugh, rather than take offense."

"I did laugh, with Charlotte soon after I overheard Mr. Darcy." Elizabeth paused, still trying to understand Jane's point. "Do you not suppose I had cause to be offended?"

"Without a doubt," said Jane. "Yet you are no stranger to incivility and have witnessed and been the victim of others' slights. Usually, you care nothing at all for ill-informed opinions. Yet Mr. Darcy provoked much more of a response than any other time that I can recall."

"I... I do not know what to say," replied Elizabeth, trying to think back on her dealings with Mr. Darcy.

"But you do not disagree with my assessment," said Jane.

"Well..." Elizabeth considered it for a moment, then shrugged helplessly. "Perhaps you are correct, but I cannot recall. Mr. Darcy did offend me, it is true, but I cannot recall feeling any more affronted than any other offense I ever received. If what you say is correct, then my behavior has not been at all good."

"I do not speak to criticize, Lizzy," replied Jane. "It just strikes me that your reaction was more excessive than I expected. When you perceive a slight to me, you do not hold back in your denunciation. When you are the target, however, you laugh at it and then ignore the perpetrator."

"Then what does this tell you?" asked Elizabeth, curious as to her sister's assessment.

"I am uncertain," replied Jane with a frown. "Perhaps that your feelings for Mr. Darcy are not nearly so plain as you might think. I might almost say that you are closer to esteeming him than you believe. To truly push past your previous disdain, however, you must see him with unprejudiced eyes."

Elizabeth considered her sister's assertions. "Then you suppose I should allow him to make his case to me?"

"No, Lizzy," replied Jane, her smile brimming with affection. "I do not intend to suggest you should entertain a renewal of the gentleman's offer. I only suggest that you try to see him as he truly is, rather than what your first impression informed you that he was. He may yet surprise you."

Later, when Jane bid her goodnight and retired to her room, Elizabeth lay awake, considering everything her sister had said. Jane's words carried the inference that her judgment of Mr. Darcy had been too harsh, that there was more to the gentleman than Elizabeth had ever allowed possible.

Was there more to Mr. Darcy? The truthful woman in Elizabeth allowed that there was, for had he not proposed to her in contravention of everything she had ever thought she knew about him? True, his offer was as insulting as it had been ridiculous. The more Elizabeth considered his proposal, the more she wondered if his method of expressing himself had not come more from his upbringing than his feelings. It was also possible he had spoken as he had out of nervousness, though the notion filled Elizabeth with mirth at the thought. Of all men, Elizabeth had never met one so self-assured as Mr. Darcy.

Where did this leave her? With many questions and precious few answers, questions that had little likelihood of ever becoming clear. What man rejected by a woman and with such acrimony would act to put himself in her company again? Surely not a man such as Mr. Darcy who, though perhaps not as reprehensible as Elizabeth had always supposed, surely possessed enough pride to render any such behavior unpalatable. Elizabeth did not blame him—she would be quite uncomfortable should he appear again. She could not imagine what he would feel.

For a time, she wondered what it would be like to return Mr. Darcy's affections. On a purely physical level, there was little enough of which to complain, for Elizabeth could not think there were half a dozen women in England who would not allow Mr. Darcy to be amongst the most handsome of his sex. The thought of such a man focusing on her with love and devotion—desire—set Elizabeth's heart racing. What woman would be so perverse as to refuse such attention? Elizabeth Bennet, apparently, for she had done just that.

It was all useless, of course. Elizabeth could not imagine she would ever see the gentleman again, let alone receive a renewal of his proposal. Yet the experience was invaluable, for it taught her many things, not the least of which was the fallacy of her own infallibility. A rushed judgment was fraught with error, a mistake that Elizabeth did not wish to make again.

Bingley, the good fellow that he was, accepted Darcy's explanation for his sudden departure and his determination to avoid Miss Bingley in the future. Darcy could say nothing of her slight against Miss Bennet, of course, for Darcy had said nothing to his friend of his meeting with her in Kent and could not speak of the scene in the parsonage. No living person would ever hear of his humiliation if he could avoid it. Miss Bennet might inform her sister, and likely would if what he knew of their closeness was at all accurate. That information, however, would never go beyond them, for Darcy trusted Miss Elizabeth to keep it in confidence.

As he had suspected, Bingley had seen something of his haste to depart his house that evening, and knowing what he did of Darcy's opinion of his sister and their conversation before the event, he had expected something. Careful to avoid repeating anything that would bring his friend grief, Darcy had only alluded to a comment that had provoked his displeasure. Bingley accepted that without question, and without requiring Darcy to be more explicit.

"I am not surprised, my friend," said Bingley when they discussed the situation. As he might have expected, Bingley had not visited Darcy for more than a week after that evening. Bingley was a social man, one who delighted in the events of the season. Bingley was not nearly so enthusiastic this season, no doubt influenced by his continued regret concerning Miss Bennet, but that did not mean his friend did not participate.

"I apologize, Bingley," said Darcy, "but I am not of a mind to tolerate your sister's behavior any longer."

From any other man, Darcy would have expected a sharp retort, yet Bingley's reply was a chuckle. "And yet, you endured her these past three years, and I thank you for it. I know how my sister can be."

Darcy nodded, saying nothing.

"Then I suppose that means you will not join us for dinner again?" asked Bingley with a wry grin.

"If your sister dispatches it, I shall not," replied Darcy. "Also, any invitations I make to you will be for you only and will not include your family. Those invitations I shall endeavor to offer by word or put into your hands alone. Should we meet at a function, I will offer Miss Bingley the customary civilities and nothing more."

Bingley did not bat an eyelash at Darcy's statement. "Caroline will be fit to be tied when you do not ask to dance with her, but perhaps she will finally understand your sentiments. Heaven knows I tried to make her understand without success."

"I apologize, my friend," said Darcy. "I know your sister will be difficult, but I can no longer tolerate her naked ambition and her certainty that I will offer for her."

"Do not concern yourself, for I do not blame you. Your patience in the face of Caroline's excesses far exceeds what anyone else of my acquaintance would have endured."

Bingley paused and considered, then he shook his head, allowing a chuckle. "In fact, I suspect my sister is becoming less certain of her success. Of late, it appears her friends have noted your distance, leading to questions my sister has no desire to answer."

Darcy grimaced and shook his head. "If she is experiencing difficulty because she hinted at her certainty of my proposal, it is her own doing."

"That it is," agreed Bingley. "The situation has not become untenable, but it is enough for my sister to wish to be away from town. As such, we are to depart for the north to visit family. Our last visit to York was two years ago, so I dare say some time amongst them will do us good."

"I cannot agree more," replied Darcy. "Perhaps some time in reflection will teach her something of herself. It would do her good if she learned to... moderate her expectations."

"With that, I cannot agree more."

Falling silent, Darcy considered his friend, his thoughts returning to the matter of Miss Bennet and Bingley's persistent affection for her. Was he being unfair to his friend by keeping the intelligence he learned from Miss Elizabeth from him? Was it his right to prevent his friend from reaching for that which might bring him lasting happiness?

The notion of Bingley marrying Miss Bennet was not appealing, and not for any lack in the lady. Rather, his friendship with Bingley would put him in contact with her, and perhaps bring him into Miss Elizabeth's sphere again. While the thought that he should attempt to change her opinion had occurred to him, he had not come to any conclusion about that situation. Bingley marrying Miss Bennet might be a blessing, but if Miss Elizabeth continued to spurn him, it may be more of a curse.

Yet, to keep the matter from him was not fair to Bingley, and a betrayal of their friendship. The question was how to go about broaching the subject, and how to ensure their friendship did not suffer because of it. Perhaps an oblique approach would be best.

"What do you mean to do after your visit?" asked Darcy, carefully feeling his way forward.

"I will own I had not thought that far in advance," replied Bingley. He paused as if he wished to say something, then shrugged. "I suppose we shall return to London, for Caroline is never so happy as when she is here."

"There is another option," said Darcy. "You still hold the lease on Netherfield, do you not?"

Bingley's frown was not unexpected. "Until Michaelmas unless I renew it. To be frank, I am beyond surprised that you would mention Netherfield as an option."

"It is your leased property," replied Darcy, "one you have not looked in on since November."

"Have you reconsidered your arguments to me in December?"

It was far blunter a question than Bingley would usually ask. Fortunately, he had a ready answer.

"Nothing in my suggestion is intended in such a way, Bingley. The estate is yours for the moment, and until the lease ends, it behooves you to pay at least some attention to it, if for no other reason than to protect your investment. If nothing else, a brief visit to inspect the place and ensure all is in order for when you return it to the owner will not go amiss. Perhaps you might indulge in a little hunting while you are there—as I recall, it was a rather fine location for it."

Bingley rolled his eyes. "As Hurst stated without cessation."

For a long moment, Bingley considered Darcy's suggestion. When he responded, he revealed nothing, which was quite unlike Bingley.

"I shall consider your suggestion, Darcy. At present, I am for the north, and we shall depart before the end of the week."

"Of course, my friend. Then I shall see you when you return."

The two rose together, Darcy escorting his friend to the door to see him off. As Bingley entered his carriage, Darcy considered him, wondering if his counsel to his friend had been efficacious. Should Bingley decide against returning to Netherfield, Darcy knew he would need to be more explicit with his friend. He owed Bingley that much, even if the peril of cooling their friendship came with such an action.

When Darcy returned inside, it was to the sight of his sister regarding him. Always happy to see her, Darcy smiled and approached, kissing her cheek in greeting. Georgiana accepted it, offering her own in response, but he could see that she was still hesitant.

"How was your visit with Mr. Bingley?"

"The same as usual," replied Darcy with a grin. "Bingley lightens my mood so much that I appreciate his friendship. Unfortunately, I will need to do without it for a time, for Bingley is to go to the north to visit family."

Georgiana frowned at this news. "Were you not to invite them to Pemberley for the summer?"

"I had forgotten we had discussed the possibility," said Darcy reflexively, not having considered what his sister would say to this news.

"I apologize if I am overstepping, Brother, but I am curious why you reconsidered."

"You are not overstepping, dear. But I think we should take this conversation elsewhere."

Georgiana agreed, and he escorted her to the sitting-room where they would find privacy. There, Darcy endeavored to explain what happened the night of the dinner at Bingley's house, his thoughts concerning his friend's sister, and what she had said to him. Darcy said nothing of her insult to Miss Elizabeth, of course, for he had shared nothing of Miss Elizabeth, his growing fascination for her, or his aborted proposal. Instead, he focused more on Miss Bingley's general behavior and his growing disgust, culminating with his decision to distance himself from her.

"You know enough of my opinion of Miss Bingley to understand that losing her society will be no trial for me."

Darcy grinned and nodded. "Well do I know it, Georgiana. Unfortunately, Miss Bingley is not so perceptive. According to Bingley, she has experienced the fruits of her assertions concerning her relationship with me."

"Miss Bingley claimed you would propose to her?" demanded Georgiana, her eyes growing large from astonishment.

"Even Miss Bingley is not so blatant as to claim such a thing openly," replied Darcy. "While she will not speak of a coming betrothal, she did not hesitate to insinuate as much to her cronies. It seems her friends are questioning the veracity of her claims."

For a long moment, Darcy experienced his sister's considering regard. "If you will forgive me, for a time I thought it possible that you would offer for her."

"No, Georgiana," replied Darcy with a firm shake of his head. "Miss Bingley has never been an option to assume the position most recently held by our mother. I have always seen her as the grasping social climber she is. Even if our relations would not deplore her background as unsuitable, I have no affinity for her."

A slow nod comprised Georgiana's response. "Then I am happy to hear it, William, for I never thought Miss Bingley would be anything other than a most disagreeable sister."

"And an even more disagreeable spouse!" exclaimed Darcy. "Perhaps there may be some man in England who could tolerate her; I am not that man."

Darcy thought to say that he would never take such a step as to propose to a woman without consulting her, but the words died on his lips. It was the simple truth that he had done exactly that when he proposed to Miss Elizabeth. The difference was, of course, that Darcy was convinced Georgiana would love Miss Elizabeth as an elder sister and a woman to emulate. Such was not possible with Miss Bingley.

"Then I am sorry for the distance that must arise between you and Mr. Bingley," said Georgiana, catching Darcy's attention again.

"Thank you for the sentiment, but I believe all will be well," replied Darcy. "While I will not attend Bingley at his house, nothing prevents me from inviting him here, and we can still meet at our club and on other such occasions. If anything, I believe our friendship will grow stronger without Miss Bingley's interference. There will still be occasions when I will be in her company, for she may visit and we may attend the same function, but I will only offer her the barest civility."

"That is well then." Georgiana regarded him and said: "Miss Bingley has hinted that I would make an excellent bride for her brother."

Darcy snorted his exasperation. "I suspected as much. If you were truly attached to him and he to you, I would not stand in your way, regardless of what the earl might say on the subject. But you are only sixteen and will not come out for two more years."

"That is true," said Georgiana. "Mr. Bingley is an excellent man, and I am prodigiously fond of him. But I do not consider him a prospective husband and I do not think he sees me as anything other than a younger sister."

"I am happy to hear it, Georgiana. Let us concentrate on your introduction to society and leave such weighty subjects as love and marriage until after you become accustomed to moving among your peers."

"Thank you, Brother," said Georgiana. "I cannot agree more."

She rose and kissed his cheek, excusing herself and leaving Darcy in the company of his thoughts. It was a relief that his sister did not entertain such feelings for Bingley, for he suspected his friend would not return them. Georgiana, though a handsome young girl, was not Bingley's preferred type, and while that did not mean he would not look outside that sort of woman, Darcy suspected any such tender regard would end in heartbreak for his sister. If what Darcy suspected of Bingley's continued affections for Miss Bennet were at all accurate, Bingley returning to Hertfordshire would seal that matter altogether.

As for Darcy himself, there was still much on which to ponder. If Bingley should return to Hertfordshire, did he dare accompany his friend? Should he put himself in Miss Elizabeth's company again, if only to determine if he had any chance of earning her regard? Darcy had no answers. He suspected there would be no answer until he braved further disappointment by acting on his instincts. Whether he could summon that courage was an unanswered question.