Chapter XXX

A fter the Bennets departed, those at Netherfield remained together for a time, talking quietly, or simply contemplating life, love, and happiness, or possibly less fraught subjects. Darcy was among the latter, and while Anne de Bourgh ostensibly conversed with Georgiana, she was engaged in watching her cousin, trying to understand him.

It was no feat to comprehend Georgiana, for the girl was as lively as any of them had ever seen. Of the Bennets, she could see no defect, for they were amiable and welcoming, the youngest girls great fun, Miss Mary a fount of musical knowledge, the elder everything lovely. Anne agreed with the last, did not know enough of Miss Mary to say, and thought the planned companion, of which Mrs. Bennet spoke and Anne's mother approved, would do the youngest Bennets a world of good.

Darcy, however, was much more difficult to read, for he was a closed book and always had been. There was no censure in his mien, and he appeared unaffected by Mrs. Bennet's questions, which had walked the razor's edge of being improper. If anything, Darcy became more content the longer the evening progressed. The question was why that should be and of what they had spoken, for Anne understood that if she could obtain that information, the rest would become clear. The new Anne de Bourgh, the woman not dominated by her mother and possessing opinions of her own, was determined to gain that knowledge.

"Well, Cousin?" asked Anne, drawing Darcy's attention to her.

The old Anne would not have spoken, and if she had, would have avoided the direct route, couching her questions in innuendo or generalities. That approach would yield no fruit with Darcy, and Anne was done being that timid woman afraid of her own shadow.

"How may I help you?" asked Darcy.

Anne regarded him through narrowed eyes, seeing her cousin's amused grin at once. Amused! He knew the company was alive with curiosity and had been waiting for someone to ask. That he had met Elizabeth in Meryton the previous day was a matter of common knowledge to the entire company, but Anne did not think it signified. Darcy had been as surprised by Mrs. Bennet's behavior and questions as any of them. No, his understanding had come while speaking with Elizabeth.

"You know what interests us, Darcy," chided Lady Catherine. "You were no less surprised by Mrs. Bennet's brazen questions than the rest of us, and now you are positively brimming with satisfaction."

"Oh, that," said Darcy, giving the impression of unconcern. "It is nothing, really."

"What is nothing, Darcy?" asked Fitzwilliam. It was clear Fitzwilliam was becoming frustrated with Darcy, amusing because Darcy had reversed the usual dynamic between them.

Darcy shrugged. "You all heard that the Bennets' relation lived for some years in Lambton, which is not five miles from Pemberley? Yes? Good. Mrs. Bennet spoke as she did, wishing to know the proximity of Lambton and Pemberley. The reason is that Miss Elizabeth is to travel to the north with her aunt and uncle, and they mean to visit Lambton and the scenes of her youth."

"Oh, that is wonderful!" exclaimed Georgiana, clapping her hands. "I can show Pemberley to Elizabeth!"

Anne regarded her young cousin with amusement, knowing that such concerns would be of paramount importance to Georgiana. She was not blind, and while she had congregated more with the younger Bennets, that was because Darcy had so effectively ruled Elizabeth's time. Georgiana, however, was aware of Elizabeth's sterling qualities and had gaining a sister—or perhaps five—firmly in mind.

"Let us not be so hasty," said Lady Catherine as she gazed at Darcy with some intensity. "As I recall, the Bennet relations are reputed to be in trade."

"If you have forgotten, Lady Catherine," said Mr. Bingley, his voice edged with glee, "you are presently staying in the home of a man whose fortune comes from trade."

Fitzwilliam snorted with laughter, while Mr. Bingley's sisters did not appear to appreciate his jest. The younger lady impaled her brother with her eyes, as if she could silence him on the spot.

"With all due respect, Mr. Bingley," said Lady Catherine, not giving an inch, "whatever your background, you are now moving to join the gentleman class, a laudatory goal. These relations of the Bennets are active in trade and have no intention of leaving it."

"Perhaps they are," said Darcy, finally rejoining the conversation. "Yet I have heard Miss Elizabeth speak of them before, and she has always done so in glowing terms. Can you suppose that a woman of Miss Elizabeth's quality would approve of unworthy people, even if they are relations?"

Again, Miss Bingley showed her disagreement, this time with a sardonic snort, something Anne would dearly like to point out was most unladylike. Her mother appeared to agree, for she fixed Miss Bingley with a quelling look, the efficacy of which was debatable at best.

"They may be the finest people in the world, but they are still in trade ."

"If you will pardon me, Lady Catherine," said Darcy, "I think Pemberley can survive any stain that comes of hosting such people for a time and do not believe such excellent people can have any detrimental effect."

"Do not forget the benefits of meeting Miss Elizabeth at Pemberley," observed Anne.

"Whatever you are thinking, Anne, we agree," said Darcy. "The benefits of meeting Miss Elizabeth at Pemberley cannot be overstated."

"Do you truly mean to do this, Mr. Darcy?" asked Miss Bingley, appearing bewildered. "Shall you accept such people at your hallowed estate?'

Darcy resisted a chuckle at her characterization. "Pemberley is not holy ground, Miss Bingley. To many, it is a large and prosperous estate or an imposing house. To me, however, it is home. I said as much to Mrs. Bennet if you recall.

"It is not my intention to offend, but if I received your brother at Pemberley, I cannot imagine I would balk at receiving relations of whom Miss Elizabeth speaks highly. I am not so proud as to hold myself as superior to such people."

"The measure of anyone is in their character," observed Fitzwilliam, for once not appearing glib in the slightest. "That is the first lesson one learns on the field of battle, for I witnessed many a noble officer run at the first sign of trouble, while a common soldier, wounded nigh unto death, will take up whatever weapon he can find in defense of a comrade."

"Yes, yes, we all understand this," said Lady Catherine, the one member of the company least likely to accept such a creed. "This is an entirely different matter."

"If it is, I should like to know how," replied Darcy. "You know my sentiments about Miss Elizabeth, Aunt. How do you think she would see me if I treated her beloved relations with contempt because of their profession?

"But this is not the only reason for my determination to accept them. To state it clearly and without artifice, I will receive them because it is proper that I do. My father taught me to treat all men with respect and dignity. I neglected his teaching for a time, this I will own. I shall not do so again."

"Well spoken, Darcy," murmured Anne, Fitzwilliam nodding in agreement.

Lady Catherine watched him, her gaze searching, as if she wished to discover how resolved Darcy was. She might not have bothered, for Darcy was as immovable as a mountain once he determined his course. Georgiana, Anne noted, was shining with approval for the brother she idolized, and while Miss Bingley looked on Darcy with confusion and not a little horror, Anne thought she saw a hint of acceptance. Hopefully, it would take root, for there were few in Anne's experience more in need of humbling than Miss Bingley.

"Then it appears there is nothing to be done," said Lady Catherine at length, appearing resigned. "If you are determined to do this, then so be it. When you return to Pemberley, I shall accompany you."

"For what reason?" was Darcy's blunt response.

"Why, so that I can take their measure for myself and ensure they will be no detriment to your noble house."

Darcy regarded her with such a measure of alarm that Anne could not repress her hilarity, though she made a valiant attempt. The rest of the company, with notable exceptions, were grinning with delight at Darcy's predicament. Trust Fitzwilliam to sum up the entire matter and tie it in a bow.

"What an excellent notion! With Lady Catherine's help, Darcy, you cannot fail!"

Though Darcy glared, Fitzwilliam was far too jovial to allow it to affect him. She thought he would offer a caustic reply, but he appeared to think better of it, for he remained silent.

"While I cannot say for certain that I wish for Darcy's success," replied Lady Catherine, ignoring their humorous byplay, "I will not see the family shamed."

"You are, of course, welcome," said Darcy. "Please remember, Lady Catherine, that these people will be my guests. I do not wish to offend them or Miss Elizabeth."

"Do not concern yourself." Lady Catherine's airy wave of her hand did nothing to reassure Darcy. "I wish to understand their characters, not frighten them away."

So, it was settled. The outcome pleased Anne in one respect—she would keep Elizabeth's company for at least the summer, and when they married, she could stay with them whenever she wished.

One at Netherfield was not nearly so pleased with Mr. Darcy's intention to host those of trade, and she did not understand it. To say that the Bingleys' situation was the same as these relations of the Bennets was an insult and nothing less, for were the Bingleys not rising from their common origins to become something more? Caroline would not have confessed it before, but it was obvious now that she had never known Mr. Darcy nearly so well as she had thought.

This entire endeavor was a failure. It had never been the certainty that Caroline had thought it was, and now she had no choice but to acknowledge it. Three years of pursuing Mr. Darcy, of agreeing with his every opinion, of simpering, beguiling smiles, and showing him what a perfect match she would be were all wasted. Mr. Darcy had never intended to offer for her, not if he was so enamored with an insignificant country miss such as Eliza Bennet. Had Caroline known of these character flaws from the beginning, she would have given her attention to a more worthy subject.

Mr. Darcy had seemed like the perfect solution to the Bingley family's problem. As eager to forget her origins though she was, Caroline was no fool. The behavior of many of the higher-born ladies in the seminary she attended—Lady Catherine be damned, for there were many of exceptionally high status in such institutions! —had informed Caroline with no opportunity to misunderstand what they thought of an upstart from new money. For the Bingleys to rise above their common origin, it would hasten their acceptance, though they still needed time for the stench of the shop to dissipate.

For Caroline, it had been enough to know that as the wife of Fitzwilliam Darcy and niece by marriage of an earl, she would finally be the one looking down on others. Those of the highest sets might still titter behind their hands at the upstart who had captured such an eligible man, but her success would have blunted that displeasure. Then Caroline would have all she ever wanted. At least the veneer of it would be enough to make her happy, or so she thought.

Now it was all ashes, revealed as nothing more than hubris. Mr. Darcy had never wanted her. The double failure to prevent Charles from marrying the chit's sister was an even further affront. Yet there was nothing Caroline could do. If only Charles had not overheard them speaking! Then they might have gone to the north and prevented this calamity. Yet Caroline knew that too was a delusion, for Charles had made that fact abundantly clear.

"If you think to interfere with my courtship with Miss Bennet," Charles had said the night they had arrived unannounced at Netherfield, "you had best reconsider. I will tolerate no further meddling in my affairs."

"That is not the reason for our coming, Charles."

The reply had been Louisa's, for Caroline had been engaged in studying her brother to determine the extent of his resolve. She had not liked what she found—not in the slightest.

"Good, because I intend to make Miss Bennet my wife. If you presume to persuade me against her, I will evict you from the house, sisters or not."

"Surely you would not be so callous as to throw us out!" exclaimed Caroline, not believing her ears.

"Surely you would not be so callous as to treat Miss Bennet infamously, lie to me, and conspire to ruin my happiness and that of a wonderful woman who has never done you harm."

There was a mocking note in Charles's voice that, again, Caroline did not like.

"It matters little," said Charles, not giving them a chance to respond. "I have decided and will not move from my purpose. Miss Bennet is the most generous soul alive, but I can tell you right now that you will need to earn her forgiveness and trust."

"Why we should concern ourselves with such matters I cannot say," groused Caroline.

"Because, Caroline," was her brother's stern reply, "a person of moral character acts to make amends when they misstep. Further discussion on this subject is fruitless, for I will not listen. Yet you should know that your involvement in our lives will depend upon your good behavior and your ability to offer sincere apologies. If you refuse, you will exist at arm's length, never trusted with intimacy again."

"But Charles!" gasped Caroline. "You are responsible for me! I must live with you!"

"No, Caroline," replied Charles, as pitiless as the predator he now resembled. "You are of age and may have your own establishment paid for with your own funds."

"I could never live in the same style!" cried Caroline, horrified by what he was telling her.

"No, you could not," replied Charles agreeably. "Yet you would live commensurate to your means. If you wish to continue to benefit from my largesse, Caroline, you will make amends. Miss Bennet is not so proud as to require it, but perhaps you should start by groveling and see where it takes you.

"One matter further," said Charles while Caroline was attempting to assimilate what he told her. "I am not so blind, Caroline. It is no less than obvious that you wish to rescue your campaign to entice Darcy to offer for you. If you wish to avoid humiliation, give it up now. Not only does Darcy not want you for a wife, but he has his eye on another."

"Mr. Darcy will never turn his back on his noble heritage by proposing to Eliza Bennet!" spat Caroline, forgetting every measure of restraint.

"Had you seen them yesterday," said Bingley, "you would not be so certain.

"Regardless, I do not mean to further discuss it beyond this one warning. Leave Darcy be. He will not have you."

Would that Caroline had listened to Charles and accepted it! Little though she had believed him then, it was now clear that everything he had said to her was the truth. Mr. Darcy had returned to Hertfordshire for Eliza and had put everything aside to make a fool of himself for that little baggage. How Eliza Bennet, of all people, had worked on him when Caroline had failed, she could not say, but the truth was now staring her in the face. There was little left to be done but to slink away and nurse her wounds away from this humiliating spectacle.

In the morning, she would speak with Louisa. Though they had informed their family of their change in plans, Caroline knew they could return to York, regardless. There, she could recover from the setback and plan what she would do in the future. There must be someone who would see her for what she could bring to a marriage.

Charles could stay and court his mousey little doxy if he wished—Caroline would not stay to watch as he ruined all their father had struggled to provide for his children. Caroline would hold her head up higher than this.

"Well, Darcy, it appears your course is now set."

Darcy nodded, holding his glass negligently in one hand while he stared into the flames. After dinner and the rest of the company retired, Bingley had invited him to his study for a nightcap. It was just they two, for even Hurst and Fitzwilliam had retired.

"It is the perfect solution if you consider it," mused Darcy. "Mrs. Bennet has been better behaved since our return, but her questions tonight prove her suspect behavior. At Pemberley, I will have Miss Elizabeth away from her mother, and if her relations are as excellent as I suspect, they will be no impediment to my designs."

"You will only have her there for a short time," replied Bingley. "If they tour the principal sights on their way to Derbyshire, they will stay only three or four days at Pemberley."

"That may be so," acknowledged Darcy. "Yet I hope I can persuade them to hasten to the north. There are some worthy sights to see, but extra time at Pemberley visiting the scenes of her youth will be a powerful lure to Miss Elizabeth's aunt."

"Mrs. Gardiner," said Bingley. "I asked Miss Bennet the name of her relations at dinner tonight."

"I should have thought of asking myself," mused Darcy.

"Yes, you should," said Bingley. "If you wish to retain her good opinion, I suggest offering every measure of civility in your power."

"I plan to do no less."

"Good. I hope you will use your time wisely."

"It may not be possible to secure her consent to an engagement before she returns home," said Darcy. "But I mean to make a serious go at it."

"What of Lady Catherine?"

The merriment in Bingley's voice was not conducive to Darcy's good humor, though it was not his friend's fault. Having Lady Catherine nearby when he engaged in his courting was not even close to ideal, even if she had not harbored the hope of his marrying Anne for many years. There were a thousand ways she could offend Miss Bennet or the Gardiners, so many that Darcy did not even wish to consider it. She might even do it hoping Darcy would "come to his senses," as she might say.

"Perhaps it would be best to ensure she understands the consequences of misbehavior," reflected Darcy.

"That depends," said Bingley. "The consequences must be severe enough to make your aunt pause, and undesirable enough that she would not wish to provoke you."

"The cessation of any intercourse between us would do the trick."

Bingley whistled, eyeing Darcy with astonishment. "Though I know of your determination, I had not thought you would go that far in dealing with your aunt."

"It would be no loss on my side," said Darcy, shaking his head with exasperation. "Most of my family have dreamed of cutting ties with Lady Catherine. She has the most peculiar talent of infuriating everyone around her, and most especially those who know her the best."

"Miss de Bourgh's activities have proven that with no hint of doubt!" chortled Bingley.

"Just so," replied Darcy.

"Then you should speak to her before you depart," said Bingley. "It would be best to couch it in terms that make your meaning clear but avoid offending your aunt."

"Actually," replied Darcy, shaking his head, "I suspect the direct approach would yield better results. Lady Catherine, in case you have not noticed, is not a woman made for subtlety. She is a woman who appreciates directness."

"I suppose you must be correct!"

For some time after they sat in companionable silence, both caught up in the consideration of their situations. What form Bingley's contemplations took Darcy could not say, though he suspected a certain blonde beauty played a large role. For Darcy's part, he alternated between reminiscences of his interaction with Miss Elizabeth that evening, and considering what he might say to Lady Catherine, and what might prove most effective in curbing her natural ability to offend.

"When shall you depart for Pemberley?" asked Bingley.

"That is conditional on the exact timing of Miss Elizabeth's departure," replied Darcy. "She said her relations delayed the tour for two weeks. I believe I will return to Pemberley before Miss Elizabeth departs, as that will give me enough time to prepare for her arrival."

"I am certain your staff is more than capable, Darcy."

"Yes, they are," said Darcy, not rising to his friend's jest. "As Lady Catherine is to go, it is desirable to settle there before our guests arrive, and Anne will no doubt appreciate the ability to rest as well."

Darcy turned to regard his friend. "What of you? If you wish, I will be happy to invite you to join us. The Bennets' relations would no doubt include Miss Bennet in their amusement if they asked. Perhaps you may also conduct your wooing without interference."

"I thank you for considering me, Darcy," replied Bingley firmly, "but I do not think I need any more time for wooing. If I have my way, I shall be engaged before you depart."

"I offer my congratulations, my friend," said Darcy warmly. "I know you will be happy."

"That I will," agreed Bingley with a grin. "And more so, as I suspect Caroline has finally given in to the inevitable."

"Oh?" asked Darcy, interested to hear it. "Has she said something to you on the subject?"

"Not yet," replied Bingley. "I watched her while the Bennets were here and after when we were speaking of your intention to invite them to Pemberley. She may yet prove intractable, but her demeanor suggested that she has realized all her schemes have come to naught."

"I hope, for her sake, that you are correct, Bingley."

"As do I."

"Well," said Darcy, rising to his feet, "as pleasant as this has been, I believe I shall retire. Tomorrow is another day, and I would not remain in this attitude for so long that I am not alert in the morning."

"An excellent suggestion, my friend," said Bingley, draining his glass and standing with Darcy. "The sooner I retire to my room, the sooner I shall dream of Miss Bennet."

"We are two fools in love, are we not?" asked Darcy as they exited the room.

"Mayhap we are," replied Bingley. "Yet it would astonish me to learn you wished to be in any other place."

"No, you are correct, Bingley. For the moment, I am more than content."