Chapter XXI

D arcy heard of Miss Caroline's faux pas long before the end of the evening. It was strange for her to lose control of her temper in such a manner as to spawn gossip sufficient to make its way through an entire room in the course of an evening.

? "Miss Caroline has already provided some amusement for our neighbors, I see," said Miss Elizabeth late that evening as they were sharing the last set. That Bingley's sister had noted it and watched them, impassive with perhaps a hint of a contemplative air about her, had escaped neither Darcy nor Miss Elizabeth's attention.

? "I would not have expected it of her," confided Darcy. "Miss Caroline has always taken the greatest care to portray herself in the best possible light. If London society expects a certain level of behavior or sophistication, she has always striven to exemplify those qualities."

? Miss Bennet regarded him, the compassion for a woman Darcy was not certain deserved it clear, though she did not look in Miss Caroline's direction. "If you will pardon my saying it, Mr. Darcy, that suggests an attempt to push past the limits her descent has placed upon her. Does she suppose that those members of society of whom you have spoken will withhold their contempt because she displays a refinement exceeding their own?"

? "You have hit on the crux of the matter," sighed Darcy, fixing her with no little fondness for her perception. "Those who call themselves the highest of society claim to value proper behavior but may put such things to the side if the perpetrator is of high enough standing. It is the unfortunate truth that those inhabiting such circles will not accept her for those reasons she tries to remedy through her behavior. The only members of the society she craves who might accept her are those who wish to look down on her common origins and bask in their superiority, or perhaps a few impoverished nobles desperate for her dowry. If she were to marry such a man, I cannot imagine she would find happiness."

? "Perhaps she might find contentment in the standing she would gain?" asked Miss Elizabeth.

? Darcy shook his head. "Impoverished nobles find themselves in desperate situations because of certain drawbacks of character, or perhaps they inherited positions from those plagued by the same. While she might find contentment in the latter, I am certain she would not with the former."

? "It is not what I wish for in life," said Miss Elizabeth, her pity for those who did clear in her sadness.

? "Nor do I," replied Darcy. In part wishing to push past the disagreeable subject, Darcy said: "Tell me, Miss Elizabeth, do you suppose we would do so well together if I was not so wealthy?"

? "Undoubtedly," replied Miss Elizabeth, her response lightening to a form near teasing. "As your wealth does not render you insufferably proud, I cannot imagine I would find you altered if you did not possess so much. I do not need untold riches—remember, I thought I could expect nothing more than a parson, a situation that would suit me so long as I loved my husband."

? "Then it appears there is nothing to be done if I do not win your love."

? "I thought you already understood that."

? "I did, Miss Elizabeth, but a little confirmation can never go amiss."

? Soon the set ended, and the wonderful evening drew to a close. Darcy bowed to his fair partner, accepting her hand as he escorted her to the side of the dance floor, intending to exchange a few last precious words before they separated to different houses. In this he had a willing conspirator, for it appeared Miss Elizabeth was equally reluctant to cede his company to others.

? "Thank you, Miss Elizabeth, for a most wonderful evening. I have never enjoyed an evening of dancing so much as I have tonight."

? "It was all I had ever hoped, Mr. Darcy," replied she. "If only you did not need to go to Netherfield Park, I believe I would be very well pleased."

? With a smile, Darcy caught her hand in his and pressed his lips to it, wishing he could touch the skin of her hand and cursing the gloves she wore. "Though we must part and I am disappointed at our coming distance, I promise to visit as often as events allow. I hope you will consent to also visit Netherfield."

? "Of course, I shall, Mr. Darcy. And I shall hold you to your promise." She grinned at him. "Tell me, sir—how long do you suppose it will be until it is appropriate that we move to the next level of our relationship?"

? "Soon, Miss Elizabeth," replied Darcy. "It may even be much sooner than you think."

? With a smile, she said: "Then I shall wait for that day with anticipation."

? With those and a few words of endearment, Darcy escorted Miss Elizabeth to the entrance, and standing with Bingley's party and the Bennets, they exchanged farewells and went to their separate coaches. As they departed, Darcy looked out the window at the Bennet carriage, noting Miss Elizabeth looking at him. She cast him a mischievous smile, put a hand to her lips, and blew him a kiss. In response, Darcy mimed catching it, much to her delight, and the Darcy carriage moved on ahead of Bennet's, and Darcy lost sight of her. For the rest of his journey to Netherfield, Darcy indulged in remembrances, the joyful times spent in her company, while basking in the relief that Bingley and his sisters traveled in Bingley's carriage. Darcy did not think he could have done any justice to conversation at that moment, for his thoughts were too full of her.

The following morning, the residents of Netherfield enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, the hour later than Darcy preferred to break his fast. Evidence of the evening's entertainment marked them all, for Darcy could see fatigue set into the faces of the ladies, and even Bingley appeared less than his usual sprightly self. They also displayed a similar sense of contemplation, no doubt thinking on the previous evening.

? Bingley, of the three, was the easiest to understand, his silly smile evidence his thoughts fixed on the person of Miss Bennet. While Bingley was often eager to admire young ladies, he rarely followed that admiration with action, and even then, had never gone beyond a few dances and a little light flirtation. Darcy did not doubt that Bingley was smitten by the eldest Bennet daughter. Miss Bingley was much more pensive, her focus not on any one person. After her dance with Bennet, she had been a popular partner, sitting out only a few dances, her gentle manners provoking the approval of those in attendance. Darcy did not suppose she was interested in a closer relationship with any man in the neighborhood, but he thought she would adapt to the other ladies, forming friendships without difficulty.

? Then there was Miss Caroline. The events of the previous night and her indecorous comment rendered the evening something of a failure for her, though Darcy did not doubt that continued good behavior would improve her reputation. What was interesting to Darcy was that she did not sneak surreptitious glances at him as she often did, instead appearing to immerse herself in her thoughts. Of what those thoughts consisted Darcy could not quite say, but he knew the knowledge of his courtship with Miss Elizabeth would not induce her to give up a dream she had harbored since soon after he had met her. With this opinion Bingley had concurred, as they had taken the opportunity after their return the previous evening for a nightcap in Bingley's study.

? "I apologize, Bingley," Darcy had said after they had taken their seats, glasses in hand.

? Bingley, who had not been attending, turned to him with confusion. "For what, Darcy?"

? "For the manner in which Miss Elizabeth and I imparted word of our courtship to your sister last night."

? "Pardon me, Darcy," replied Bingley with a serious look, "but I was not aware of anything in out of the common way. The news of your courtship was on every tongue, so I did not remain ignorant of it for long." Bingley grinned and leaned over to slap his shoulder. "I know of nothing regarding Caroline, however."

? "Then let me inform you, my friend," said Darcy.

? As briefly as he could manage, Darcy offered an account of his conversation with Miss Caroline and Miss Elizabeth. When he had finished, Bingley regarded him appearing somewhat bemused.

? "If you ask me," said Bingley, "you handled it in as gracious a manner as you could. I do not blame you for it, my friend, for I know there was no other choice than to make Caroline aware of it."

? "Can I assume you said nothing of my connection with Miss Elizabeth after you returned to London?"

? Bingley grimaced. "You are correct. Not only did I not wish to provoke Caroline's displeasure, but I thought it would be cruel to leave her in suspense. It was some time before the lease began, during which she might be miserable. As I could not know whether your connection would grow closer—though I will note that I did have a notion—I judged it better to remain silent."

? "Yes, I suppose that was for the best."

? Darcy considered his friend and how best to frame his next question. There was nothing to be done but ask it, and while Darcy regretted the bluntness, it was better his friend understood his position.

? "Do you suppose your sister will cause trouble?"

? A frown settled on Bingley's amiable features. "If you are asking if she will wish to push you apart or release her spleen on Miss Elizabeth, I do not suppose she will. Caroline has always striven to act as properly as she could."

? "Yet, the disappointment must be injurious to her state of mind," said Darcy. "You know how long she has wished for my good opinion."

? It was nothing less than the truth, and Bingley could not deny it. "Perhaps she will. I do not suppose she will lose the use of her reason."

? "Your acquaintance with your sister is far more profound than my own, Bingley," said Darcy. "Trust me, I do not think the worst of her, though I never appreciated her ambitions regarding my marital status. I will own, however, that her reaction when it becomes clear she will not prevail does concern me.

? "At the risk of offending," continued Darcy, wishing to lay his concerns out for Bingley to see, "let me say that I will not tolerate slights or barbs designed to injure Miss Elizabeth in my eyes. Should it become a problem—and I believe and hope it will not—I will have no choice but to return to Longbourn. If it comes to that I will, of course, continue to offer my support to you as if I still lived at Netherfield."

? Bingley's eyes widened at Darcy's assertions, but he did not respond at once, considering his words before he made any reply. It was a mark of Bingley's excellent character—and his knowledge of his sister's ambitions—that he did not take offense at once to the suggestion that his sister might descend to malicious behavior.

? "If you recall," said Bingley after a moment, "last year during the season, rumors made their way through London of your courtship and imminent engagement to a young lady."

? Darcy scowled, but he nodded curtly. "Miss Cartwright. An example of how the lips of the gossips are loosened by the smallest detail. I danced with Miss Cartwright at two balls and in the eyes of society we were as good as engaged."

? "I offer my sympathy, my friend," laughed Bingley. "Germane to my point, however, was Caroline's reaction to the rumors. As I recall, she made no overt comments and no attempts to push herself on you, and she remained friendly with Miss Cartwright."

? "That is true," acknowledged Darcy, "but this is an entirely unfamiliar situation, Bingley. Anyone with a lick of sense knew those rumors were false, but I am courting Miss Elizabeth."

? "I will give you that," replied Bingley. "Yet, I expect the result will be the same. I will not suggest Caroline has given up all hope, but I do not think she will be so crass as to make comments at Miss Elizabeth's expense or stoop to anything like it."

? "Very well, Bingley," said Darcy. "I appreciate you allowing me to state my concerns. Please know that I do not think ill of your sister, regardless of my disinclination to see her as a potential marriage partner."

? "Not at all, Darcy. I completely understand."

? Then Bingley, in true Bingley fashion, pushed such concerns to the side and grinned. "Let me again thank you, Darcy, for I know what you are giving up in agreeing to stay at Netherfield and assist me."

? "I am happy to do it, my friend," replied Darcy, sipping his drink. "Bennet commented to me just the other day that it was perhaps best I depart, given my closer relationship with Miss Elizabeth."

? "Yes, I suspect he is correct. In joining me here, however, you not only must endure the distance from your lady, but you have agreed to assist a second lost sheep in learning the extent of his pasture. I would not blame you if such a burden became tiresome and heavy to bear."

? "It is nothing more than any good friend would do," said Darcy.

? "Even so, you deserve my thanks."

? Soon thereafter, the friends took their leave of each other and sought their beds. Snell, who had waited for Darcy to return as he expected, reported nothing untoward in anything he heard from the servants. While it might be too early for any gossip about the ladies in residence to circulate, Darcy could not help the relief that swept over him. Bingley, he suspected, was correct, and his sister would not be a problem—or at least she would not be an overt problem. Darcy hoped she would not be, for he did not wish to think of the uncomfortable scenes that might ensue if her comments strayed into injudicious remarks designed to offend.

? As he sat at breakfast with his hosts, Darcy considered his friend and their conversation in his study the previous evening. Of note, Bingley had said nothing of his fascination with Miss Bennet, something of a surprise. Bingley was of such a warm and verbose disposition that Darcy expected him to wax eloquent about the lady he had found in Hertfordshire. Yet, Bingley had said not a word, which, if Darcy thought on it, was another sign of his friend's budding regard. With such a lady to admire, he would not wish to cheapen the experience by speaking of her as if he had already engaged her when he, in truth, could not claim an extensive acquaintance. Bingley's restraint pleased him, for now that he was certain Jane Bennet was to be his sister, he must concern himself with her happiness, to say nothing of Miss Elizabeth's interest in the same.

? Sedentary pursuits were the order of the day, and after some time spent in the study, speaking of what they knew of the estate, Darcy joined his friend in seeking the ladies. The Bingley sisters were in the sitting-room engaged in quiet pursuits, which consisted of speaking together, while Miss Bingley held a book and Miss Caroline had a basket of embroidery by her side. After offering muted greetings to the ladies, Darcy produced a book of his own, while Bingley held some correspondence he had not yet perused. For a time, they sat in this agreeable manner, even though Darcy knew it would not last; Miss Caroline had been giving him looks ever since he had entered, suggesting she would speak before long. Darcy was not incorrect in this supposition.

? "Brother," said Miss Caroline after some time of this, "what did you think of last night's entertainment?"

? Bingley, who had been reading his letter, oblivious of his sister's interest, laid it on the sofa to better consider her question. "Much the same as we all thought, I suppose. The music, the refreshments and so on were of good quality, though we all apprehend that we could get better in the ballrooms of London. The most important part of such an evening is, I suppose, the people. Again, while perhaps not as refined as those in London, they were pleasant, and their welcome unrestrained."

? "For some," observed Darcy, "refinement such as London can boast lacks any kind of charm."

? "Aye, I suppose you must be correct," replied Bingley with a laugh, "though I will note that I fare much better in London's sitting-rooms than you."

? Darcy inclined his head, not insensible of Miss Caroline's interest. While she claimed Darcy as a friend in her own right, Darcy had attempted to minimize the time she spent in his company, such that he did not think she had ever heard his opinion of society except by hearsay.

? "Are you so severe upon your peers, Mr. Darcy?" asked she.

? "It is unfortunate, Miss Caroline, but perceived refinement often breeds unfortunate character traits. Superciliousness, an unfortunate tendency to consider oneself better than others, predilections toward excessive gambling or immorality—these things are all common in the so-called refined circles inhabited by those who consider themselves the best of society."

? "All that and more could be said of Prinny himself," laughed Bingley.

? "Just so, my friend," said Darcy with a nod. "I do not hold with that set, for I strive for a more upright character." Darcy shrugged, feeling a hint of self-deprecation coming over him. "Whether I always uphold the standards I attempt to assert is for others to decide, for I make no more claim to perfection than any other man. It is the attempt that matters, and that is where I think most who are set in their iniquities fail."

? Miss Caroline considered him. "Then you prefer the country and those who inhabit it."

? "Not necessarily," acknowledged Darcy. "There are benefits to the season, though my definition of benefit may differ from others'. I enjoy the cultural activities available in London, for example. Dancing, as you know is not one of my favorite pastimes, unless I am acquainted with my partner. Unfortunately, I often feel hunted in a ballroom."

? The woman gave away no reaction, but Darcy was certain she had not misunderstood his implication. It was possible she had never considered her ambition—and that of so many others—in such stark terms before. Miss Caroline had never been the worst behaved young lady interested in him for his position, for in truth, her naked ambition aside, she was demure and restrained. Her persistence, he suspected, was a consequence of his friendship with her brother, and for that he could not blame her. Perhaps this new perspective would bring understanding, even if he still did not think she would relinquish her purpose.

? "As for the people of the country, which was your initial question, they are as prone to character flaws as anyone who frequents London society. By and large they are different but defects all the same. That is why I prefer to deal with others based on my perception of each individual. There is a certain level of civility we should offer to all with whom we meet, but anything more is based on our familiarity, comfort, and wish to further a relationship."

? "Well spoken, Mr. Darcy," said Miss Bingley with a nod. "There are ladies with whom I prefer not to associate, but I try to always maintain polite relations with them. There are also ladies I consider close friends, and this is because of a commonality of interests and compatibility of characters."

? "Precisely, Miss Bingley," said Darcy with a nod and a smile.

? Miss Caroline considered this. "I suppose you must be correct, Mr. Darcy. Then might I assume you have enjoyed your time in Hertfordshire?"

? "Yes," replied Darcy, "though I will own that I do not consider most of those who live nearby friends for those reasons your sister enumerated. Take Sir William Lucas, for example. Sir William's position is a recent elevation, his knighthood granted for service to the crown. Before being knighted he was a prominent merchant in Meryton, and served as the town's mayor, or so I understand. Though the position deserves respect, his background is not illustrious.

? "I esteem Sir William, but I do not consider him a friend, as we have little in common, and, in your sister's words, I do not consider our characters at all compatible. He is a good sort of man, but his company is not stimulating. That does not mean I will treat him with contempt or ridicule, but it does mean I will not go out of my way to seek his company."

? "Your assertions are no less than any of us should endeavor to emulate, sir," observed Miss Caroline.

? "I dare say you are correct," agreed Darcy. "It is what our parsons preach to us every week. Back to the original point, however, whether correctly or incorrectly—and I will assert my opinion contains at least a kernel of truth—I find those in the country to be more genuine as a rule. It has always seemed to me that most of ‘refined' society possesses wealth, status, connection, and other such transitory or worldly virtues, yet not always goodness of character. I shall not declare that I am better than they, for it is not my place to judge. Yet I hope that I see people as individuals, and not as tools I can use for my own ends."

? Miss Caroline nodded her agreement. "Well spoken, Mr. Darcy. I cannot agree more. For my part, I considered the people we met last night much the same as you do. There are good people among them, and I am not opposed to moving in their midst, but I suspect I will find few genuine friends."

? "The Bennets, I assert, are the best of them." Bingley grinned. "If you all abuse me as favoring pretty young ladies, I shall deny it most fiercely."

? "I would never dare to suggest such a thing, Bingley," said Darcy with a straight face.

? "It is interesting to hear you say that, Charles," said Miss Caroline. "The Bennets are, after all, the newest members of the gentleman class in Meryton.

? "Before you all abuse me," added she, "I only speak it as a fact and from no desire to censure."

? "I heard," said Miss Bingley, "that their ancestors owned Longbourn."

? "Mr. Bennet's grandfather," said Darcy. "Through legal chicanery, his son was disinherited, and a Mr. Collins assumed control of the estate. When Mr. Collins died, the estate reverted to its original masters."

? "That is interesting," said Miss Bingley. "Did this Mr. Collins not have an heir to inherit? Why would he go to the trouble to steal the estate only to give it back later?"

? "His son died many years ago, or so I understand," replied Darcy. "Why he returned it to the Bennets rather than leave it to some extended relation I do not know, and Bennet does not either."

? "Then it is fortunate for them," said Miss Caroline.

? The woman's character, proper to the slightest degree yet subtle and ambitious enough to have ulterior motives, rendered anything she said suspect to hidden meaning. Whether she meant something else in this instance Darcy could not say, for she appeared sincere to his eyes.

? "This talk of the Bennets brings something to mind," continued Miss Caroline. "I heard a rumor last night that you were courting Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Knowing something of your usual conduct in society, I pushed back against the gossip, for I have never seen you pay particular attention to any young woman. Given what you said today, however, I wonder if I was in error."

? "Yes, Miss Caroline," said Darcy, "you were in error. I asked Miss Elizabeth for a courtship last week and she accepted. This invitation of your brother's was fortuitous, for Bennet has jested that it was about time I left his home."

? "Ah, then I offer my congratulations, Mr. Darcy," said Miss Caroline. "I apologize for misjudging the situation—I shall need to apologize to the lady as well, for I confess that in my surprise, I was not so temperate as I ought."

? "Not at all, Miss Caroline," said Darcy. "You could not have known, and I can appreciate why one who knows something of me might have suspected unfounded rumors in a country ballroom."

? Miss Bingley nodded and turned back to her embroidery, and they all returned to their previous activities. In the matter of Miss Caroline's statements, Darcy thought he could determine her state of mind, and decided she was both sincere and insincere at the same time. She was, undoubtedly, sorry that she had reacted with such unthinking anger—he suspected she would apologize to the lady as she suggested as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

? In the matter of her congratulations, however, Darcy suspected her felicitations were not heartfelt at all, for it was his firm opinion that she had not relinquished all hope of persuading him. The exact direction her attempts to persuade him might take he could not be certain, but Darcy determined to remain wary.