Chapter XV

" I

say, Darcy, do you not think that was more than a little strange?"

? Focused as he was on thoughts of what had just happened, Darcy started from his ruminations to regard his friend. Unknown to him in his reflections, they had reached the road north of Meryton, the path that was becoming familiar to Darcy now leading them through verdant strands of trees and fields with rows of grains just beginning to grow into the stalks of waving bounty they would become in the summer. To the right of the road sat the lands that encompassed the estate of Lucas Lodge; though it was smaller, the estate showed all the signs of a guiding hand that knew his business; even if he did not care for the verbose and excessive civility of the estate's master, Darcy respected him for his management acumen.

? "I suppose it was," said Darcy, gathering himself to respond, "if one is not aware of the history between the Bennets and Philips."

? "Yes, I recall you mentioning something of it, though you said little," replied Bingley.

? "I apologize, my friend. It is not my story to tell."

? "No, that much is apparent." Bingley paused and regarded Darcy. "From what Philips said, I must assume that he had something to do with the Bennet family's eviction from their home."

? "Rather the man's father, as I understand it. Mr. Collins held Longbourn for decades; Philips is not old enough to be a conspirator in that business."

? Bingley shook his head. "That makes sense. If you do not mind, I shall ask Mr. Bennet if he will share more of the history when we return to Longbourn."

? "Not at all, my friend," said Darcy. "If Bennet is of a mind to tell you, it is not for me to object."

? With a nod, Bingley turned his attention back to his horse, kicking it into a quicker pace, eager to reach the estate. Darcy did not oppose a quick return, and matched his friend's haste, soon sighting Longbourn through the trees in the distance. Before they reached the door, Bennet emerged, watching them, his expression unreadable.

? "I can see Philips did not allow you to escape without saying something imprudent."

? "It appears you know him well, Mr. Bennet," said Bingley.

? "Not at all, nor do I wish to."

? The response was a little curt, but Darcy could not blame his friend. He well understood the issues between them.

? "I am certain you wish to understand more," said Bennet with a nod at his guest. "Let us go to my study, and I will share the history with you."

? Bingley nodded, falling into step with Darcy as they entered the house. The ladies were nowhere in evidence, which Darcy thought was for the best—they would not wish to hear the reminder of the distressing history. Bennet entered the room and moved to the table behind the desk, pulling out three glasses and a bottle of brandy. When all three men had their drinks, he invited them to sit with a motion of his hand.

? "Perhaps it is a little early in the day for such libations," said he, sipping his drink, "but I doubt we would be content with simple tea for such weighty subjects."

? "I do not object Mr. Bennet," said Bingley. "This business between you and Philips renders me curious, for most professional men such as this solicitor would not allow even such oblique comments as he did."

? Bennet snorted, utter disdain in his glare. "I met the man but once; he did not strike me as the sort of man inclined to discretion."

? "You made his acquaintance?" asked Darcy. "Given the history between you, I might have supposed he would maintain his distance."

? "I will refer you back to my comments concerning his character," said Bennet, a hint of wryness entering his tone. "Not long after our arrival, Philips imposed himself in this very room. We exchanged angry words, in which he insinuated he would have taken the estate for himself had he convinced old Mr. Collins to make him the heir. I told him to leave and never darken my door again and warned my girls from having anything to do with him."

? While Bingley did not understand and wished to ask, he remained silent. Bennet seemed to sense this, for he put his glass to his lips then turned his attention to Bingley.

? "The tale is no secret, Bingley, for all that it is akin to ancient history in Meryton. The pertinent events occurred long enough in the past that only the eldest members of the community remember there were Bennets here before Collins was the master."

? Bennet paused and grinned. "A few of them made comments to me of that very fact."

? With that, Bennet spoke of his family's history, his account focused on actual events rather than any useless tangents into motives or anything else not factual. As Darcy already knew the tale, he listened only with an absence of mind, his mind returning to the interactions between them during and after the tour of Netherfield Park. Philips appeared to be an austere man and more than a little unpleasant. What he had observed informed him that Philips was not a man with whom he would ever find friendship or would even tolerate long in a general sense. Though a solicitor and one of the country at that, his behavior reminded Darcy of those of his uncle's set, all pride and conceit.

? "That is an extraordinary tale, Mr. Bennet," said Bingley when Bennet completed his explanation. "What I do not quite understand is why Philips and his father would be eager to assist Collins with his larceny unless there is some connection."

? Bennet nodded his gaze far away in thought. "There is a connection between the Collinses and the Bennets, of course—it is nearer than I might wish. The Collins family has a history much like my own. To the best of my knowledge, as I told Darcy, they still own land, though I do not know the exact location or what it is called.

? "Perhaps four or five generations ago, a Bennet son married a Collins heiress and took on the name Collins. The heir to the estate at the time had died in an epidemic of some sort."

? "That is a common enough occurrence," said Darcy. "There are a few instances of the same in the Darcy family history."

? Bennet acknowledged his point and continued. "For a time, our families became close. How it all came about I cannot say, but when my father was away on a tour of the continent, his father fell ill, and in his delirium, Collins and Philips's father persuaded him to disinherit my father in favor of Collins. There was also some mention before that time of the possibility of an entail. If there had been an entail at the time, Collins could never have disinherited my father.

? "As for Philips, I do not know the exact state of the connection, though the families intermarried long before the time of my grandfather. They are cousins to some degree. There is also a connection between the Bennets and the Philipses, though it is more distant than even what we share with the Collinses."

? "Did Collins pay Philips for his involvement?" asked Bingley. "I can imagine no other reason to risk such fraudulent business as you describe."

? "If I wished," replied Bennet with an air of unconcern, "I might find the answer in the old ledgers of the estate. Recent volumes are nigh incomprehensible, but the older ones might yield answers. At present, I am occupied with learning all I can from Darcy here. I suspect there was some sort of pecuniary remuneration, but that is all speculation."

? "I suppose it truly does not signify," agreed Bingley.

? "Exactly," said Bennet. "The rest you know. My father approached his close friend, Darcy's grandfather, and received his support, ending as a parson in Nottingham. Like my father before me, I held the living at Woodborough, where the Bennet family spent the decades of our interregnum away from Longbourn."

? Bingley grinned at Bennet's turn of phrase. "Does ‘interregnum' not refer to the interrupted reign of a king or ruling family?"

? Bennet laughed, but Darcy answered. "Perhaps it does, my friend. But you cannot suggest it does not describe the Bennets' situation."

? "Yes, I suppose you must be correct," replied Bingley. "Still, this business with Philips strikes me as strange. He may resent his failure to secure the estate for himself, but he gains nothing by behaving as the injured party."

? "No, he does not," agreed Darcy. "If you ask me, the man lacks restraint and is blind to his family's culpability. From his comments to us, I detected a hint of eagerness to paint Bennet as the villain and himself as the aggrieved."

? "Yes, I suppose he does, at that," mused Bennet. "I know nothing of the history of Collins and the Philipses after they forced my father from Longbourn. Therefore, I can only guess how the neighborhood received the news of the theft."

? "It must have affected Philips's business," said Darcy. "Even if they kept the details secret and invented some plausible reason for the disinheritance, the gentlemen of the area would be wary of dealing with a solicitor who conspired to pass the estate to another in a highly questionable fashion."

? "Were the Philipses somehow complicit in the death of Mr. Collins's son?" asked Bingley.

? Bennet laughed. "I think we are straying into speculative realms, my dear Bingley. Anything is possible, I suppose, but to the best of my knowledge, there was nothing suspicious about the death."

? "An initial payment would have been enough to convince an unscrupulous man," said Darcy. "Thereafter, Philips's attempt to gain the estate would be more akin to a crime of opportunity."

? "That is true," said Bingley. He turned a grin on Bennet. "I had no notion you would involve me in such intrigue, Bennet, but I thank you for it nonetheless."

? "You are very welcome, Bingley," said Bennet. "It is our duty to entertain our guests, is it not?"

? Bingley grinned. "I suppose it is. Then I hope it will please you to learn that I now hold the lease on Netherfield Park."

? "That is excellent news," said Bennet, with nary a hint of amusement at Bingley's boyish enthusiasm. "As I am new at this business myself, I can only congratulate you for having the courage to do the same."

? "Thank you, Mr. Bennet. I am certain we shall be amiable neighbors."

? "That we will. If, however, you intend to poach my steward while he is still assisting me, I urge you to reconsider." Bennet flashed an amused grin at Darcy. "I am afraid I cannot allow him to leave just yet."

? "Then I suggest you learn quickly, Mr. Bennet," said Bingley. "Though Darcy must steel himself to endure my younger sister, my agreement with him predates yours. You may still have access to him while he stays at Netherfield, but I must claim the greater share of his attention for myself."

? "Treachery!" boomed Mr. Bennet. "I accept you into my house, and this is how you repay me? I have half a mind to call you out, sir!"

? "If you both do not desist," interjected Darcy, "I shall return to Derbyshire and neither of you shall benefit from my expertise!"

? Bingley exchanged a look with Bennet and they both collapsed in guffaws. Darcy struggled to maintain a stern countenance, but lost the battle with his mirth, as their laughter proved contagious.

? "I cannot think your threat is at all serious, Darcy," said Bingley amidst his chuckles. "Given what I saw of your interest in Miss Elizabeth last night, it seems unlikely a team of horses could pull you away from Longbourn at present."

? "I noted his interest the moment he descended from his carriage," said Bennet. "And Lizzy appears no less affected. The only concern I have is whether his lady aunt will smite us all for the temerity to act against her august decrees."

? Bingley again lost his composure in laughter. "From what I heard of his aunt, none of us are likely to escape her wrath. It is fortunate she is not a monarch, for she might condemn us to the scaffold."

? Then Bingley sobered and he directed a serious look at Darcy. "All jesting aside, my friend, you cannot doubt that Caroline will not appreciate your attention to Miss Elizabeth."

? "If you will pardon me, Bingley," replied Darcy, "your sister has no right to any say in how I conduct my affairs."

? "No, I dare say she does not." Bingley appeared more than a little bemused. "As a word of advice, you may wish to step lively and ensure you have an unofficial courtship before we return at solstice. Caroline will not like it, but she may be more inclined to accept it if you present her with a fait accompli."

? Bingley's sister was the one facet of his friendship with Bingley that vexed him, tempting Darcy to unleash a regrettable retort. Miss Caroline's character was not his friend's fault, a thought that prevented Darcy from responding as he was inclined. Besides, something whispered to Darcy of the wisdom in Bingley's advice; he was far more than interested in Miss Elizabeth. Was there any reason to drag his feet?

? "That may be prudent," said Bennet, though eyeing Darcy, his manner uncertain. "You and I spoke of the potential drawbacks to any interest in Elizabeth, but I will not gainsay if you decide to push such considerations to the side."

? Bennet offered him a grin and added: "And I am far from opposed to welcoming you as a son."

? "If it will help, I will keep you advised as to my progress, Bingley," said Darcy. "Perhaps some word of the impossibility of her ambitions will induce Miss Caroline to better behavior."

? "If it is all the same to you," retorted Bingley, "I prefer to keep my hearing intact, but I shall do what I can if the opportunity arises."

? Darcy understood his friend's meaning. Bingley was not a forceful man—it was that fact, coupled with his elder sister's similar character that led to the family dynamic, for the youngest sibling had received all the forthrightness and determination of character for the three. Bingley was certain to make no more than oblique comments to his sister, regardless of anything Darcy told him via the post. In the end, it did not signify, for Darcy had no intention of allowing Miss Caroline any hope of catching him. He had spent too much time avoiding Miss Caroline and liked Miss Elizabeth far too much for that.

"I hope it will please you all to learn I am to be your neighbor," said Mr. Bingley with much enthusiasm that night at dinner. "It will be a delight to live so close to you and to introduce my family to your acquaintance. Please say you will welcome them with all the warmth you accepted me into your home."

? "Of course, Mr. Bingley," said Jane. "We shall be happy to receive them."

? As Mr. Bingley had been looking at Jane when he spoke, it was only natural that she should respond to his statement. Yet Elizabeth saw how the gentleman fixed his attention on her, how his eyes seemed to have an extra measure of sparkle when looking at her, something Elizabeth and Mary did not provoke in equal measure. Mr. Bingley, thought she, was a man who did nothing by half measures; it seemed he put everything of himself into whatever he was doing, and this more particularly manifested itself when he considered Jane.

? For Jane's part, it was far more difficult to discern her feelings, for Jane's reserve was in inverse proportion to Mr. Bingley's openness. It was clear to Elizabeth at once that Jane liked the gentleman, even considering her diffidence. It was yet early, for they had only become acquainted with each other the day before, but if Jane liked the gentleman, she would need to learn to show him something of her esteem, lest she lead him astray with her modest manners.

? "Do you take possession of the estate on the quarter day?" asked Mary.

? "Yes," replied a cheerful Mr. Bingley. "I hope to arrive with my sisters soon thereafter. And I apologize to you all, but Darcy has consented to stay at Netherfield and offer me the same service he has given your father."

? "I still have not forgiven you for that betrayal, Bingley," interjected Mr. Bennet. "You should remain silent on the subject, lest you conceive of a sudden desire to travel to London this very night!"

? "Then I had best hold my tongue!" exclaimed Mr. Bingley. "That, you must understand, has never been among my superior talents!"

? "No one of us would ever have guessed," came Mr. Bennet's dry statement amid their mirth. Elizabeth noted that Mr. Bingley laughed as loudly at his quip as anyone else.

? "You are to go to Netherfield, Brother?" asked Georgiana.

? "Bingley requested it of me long ago, Georgiana," replied Mr. Darcy. "I trust you comprehend his shameless use of that conversation to his advantage."

? "I most certainly did!" chimed in Mr. Bingley.

? Georgiana fixed an amused grin on Mr. Bingley but turned back to her brother. "If it is no bother, I should prefer to stay at Longbourn." She turned her smile upon the Bennets. "I hope it is not an imposition, Mr. Bennet. I have grown fond of your daughters and would not wish to depart from their company so soon."

? "We are eager to keep your company," said Elizabeth.

? As she was saying this, Elizabeth noted the men sharing a look and knew at once what it meant. If what she had heard of Miss Caroline Bingley was close to an accurate portrayal of her character, Elizabeth thought it for the best that Georgiana remained at Longbourn.

? "If you are willing, Darcy," said Mr. Bennet, "I have no objection to your sister staying here. It seems my daughters are unwilling to relinquish her company."

? "Then it is settled." Mr. Bingley directed a kindly look at Georgiana. "It will disappoint my sisters to learn you are not to stay with us, but I think this is for the best. Perhaps you will assist me in introducing them to your new acquaintances, for I have high hopes you will all be the best of friends."

? "I should be happy to assist, Mr. Bingley," said Georgiana.

? Thereafter, the party settled into their sundry conversations based upon who was near to whom. Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth noted, chose a seat by Jane and carried on a lively conversation with her, with most of the liveliness on his side. As Jane was far more animated than was her wont, her sister's response to the gentleman satisfied Elizabeth for the moment. Mary and Georgiana were together in close conversation, and the way they whispered and glanced about the room, Elizabeth was certain they were exchanging jests at the expense of their elder siblings. Mr. Bennet sat alone with a book in his hands, but Elizabeth noted how his attention appeared to settle upon the company, and he interacted with the younger girls occasionally. This left Elizabeth to Mr. Darcy's company, which had been their custom of late.

? "It is shocking that your sister would give up your company, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth, turning her attention to the gentleman by her side. "I did not expect her to prefer new friends to her familial connection after so short an acquaintance."

? "She does appear impressed with you and your sisters," said Mr. Darcy, showing no hint of a smile. "It is a relief to me, for my sister has often wanted for friends."

? "She is a wonderful girl," said Elizabeth. Noting Mr. Bingley's position next to Jane, Elizabeth leaned toward the gentleman and said: "I assume there are... other reasons for her desire to remain here."

? "Yes, I suspect there are. I might prefer to stay here myself, but I did promise Bingley to assist and shall not foreswear myself."

? "You are an excellent friend, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth.

? The gentleman smiled but he did not reply at once. He appeared pensive, and while this was not an uncommon manifestation of his character, Elizabeth thought there was something singular on his mind that evening, though what it might be she could not say. They continued in conversation, and Mr. Darcy was as interesting as ever, but there was a hesitation in his manners to her that was a novelty. Before the end of the evening, she would learn what it was.

? It happened as Mr. Darcy was relating an anecdote of his cousins, the daughters of the earl with whom he was particularly close. The matter was a trifling one, such that Elizabeth did not think it provoked what happened next. Rather, she suspected he had been thinking of it the entire evening.

? "I hope to make their acquaintances someday, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth. "Your aunt and cousins sound like estimable ladies, indeed."

? Mr. Darcy regarded her for a long moment, such that a fluttering began in Elizabeth's midsection that became worse the longer the gentleman regarded her. When he spoke, the words did not all come out at once, but his meaning was clear.

? "Miss Elizabeth," said he, "it has not been long since we made each other's acquaintance."

? "It has been about a month," said Miss Elizabeth, relieved to be free of the spell he was weaving over her.

? "Yes, it has," agreed he. "Yet I feel I have known you much longer than that."

? "Well, we did meet before," teased Elizabeth. "I remember you when you visited when I was but thirteen."

? The gentleman grinned and said: "Do you suppose we can count a courtship back to that early date?"

? Elizabeth lifted an eyebrow, though the fluttering in her belly had returned tenfold. "Unless you believe it acceptable to court a thirteen-year-old girl, I do not suppose we can."

? "No, I suppose you are correct." Mr. Darcy eyed her for a moment before saying: "I am not proposing, and you would not accept me if I did at this early date. However, as I am to leave this house for my friend's new estate, I cannot help but suppose it would be beneficial to use my time remaining at Longbourn to expand our acquaintance."

? Understanding his meaning as she did, Elizabeth could not help but grin. "Dare I suppose that the coming of a particular lady provokes you to haste?"

? "Let us simply say, Miss Elizabeth," said Darcy, "that the threat of the lady's coming does not lend itself to hesitation. We will not be ready for an engagement before her arrival, but I should like to have some indication of whether we would suit before I must endure her presence at her brother's house."

? "Then, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth, "I believe we may proceed with whatever haste you are willing to risk. It would benefit us both if we understood more of our feelings before you must leave my father's house."

? A glance about the room appeared to inform Mr. Darcy that they were unobserved, for he caught her hand in his and bestowed a quick kiss on its back. "Then let us proceed at once, Miss Elizabeth."