A Mutual Accord

Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

M r Bingley had asked Jane for a courtship and had been accepted. Mrs Bennet, beside herself with joy, refused to accept that her daughters had accepted courtships and not engagements . They were as good as married in her eyes. Mr Bingley could not bear to tear himself away from Jane, and decided to postpone his journey another day. Both gentlemen agreed to stay for the rest of the day, and for dinner. Messages were sent to Netherfield informing Bingley’s sisters of their plans, and inviting them to the celebratory dinner Mrs Bennet was, even as they wrote their missives, planning in the kitchen with the cook. A message returned from Hurst that the ladies had both taken to their beds, and would not attend.

Darcy told Bingley that he would accompany him to London the following day, and bring Georgiana back with him, so that his sister might get to know Elizabeth as they courted. Darcy also planned to bring Richard, and the vowels that he held of Wickham’s. After this last defamation of his character, Darcy was determined to do the right thing now, and have the man locked up where he could hurt no one. Elizabeth had shared with him an account of Wickham’s lies, and also his attempt to seduce young Lydia, and Darcy was provoked beyond all measure. How dare the man continue his behaviour, and worse, on girls who had nothing of value to offer him but themselves, and could not even provide him with the financial security he sought so desperately? The man was not even seducing for the sake of his financial security. He was doing it for no other reason than to satisfy his own carnal desires. It had torn Darcy’s heart when Elizabeth spoke with anxiety about the safety of her sister and the other young girls in the neighbourhood. Darcy decided that it was time he and Richard finally ended Wickham’s reign of terror.

Mr Collins, wishing for less attention than the other men had received when he asked his question, managed to secure a private moment in the garden with Mary that afternoon, when he proposed marriage, and was accepted with great joy. He then quietly sought Mr Bennet’s approval, which was given, and the announcement was made to the family at dinner, which increased the joy of all the family tenfold.

“I knew how it would be!” cried Fanny Bennet, as Mary blushed, and Collins accepted the congratulations of the men and his future sisters. The two would not marry immediately, but enjoy a long engagement. Mary expressed a concern that she had not yet learnt all that she must in the kitchens and with the housework that she needed to be a proper wife to a parson, and asked if they might marry at the end of the summer, giving her ten months to prepare. Mr Bennet had concurred wholeheartedly, and informed Collins that it was good for him as well, to continue to work on his self improvements, and prepare his home for his bride before he wed.

Mr Bennet had an idea, and he told no one of its conception, only sent an express to Sir Henry Maulver, the local baronet, who lived in London and owned Netherfield, then informed Darcy that he had business to attend to in London, and begged a ride in his carriage to his brother Gardiner’s house. Darcy invited Bennet to stay at Darcy House, but he declined.

“I shall not intrude on you young bucks,” Bennet chuckled. “You have better things to do in town than spending time with an old recluse like me.”

“I am rather a recluse myself, so we young bucks are probably more boring than you imagine.” Darcy smiled. “The invitation stands, should you change your mind.”

“I shall certainly visit this great library I hear so much about from the Bingleys,” said Bennet in earnest.

“The great library is at Pemberley, and well worth the trip if I may say so myself, though the library at Darcy House is still well worth a visit. My butler will be ready for your arrival, and whether or not I am home, you are welcome to enjoy it as long as you like, sir,” the younger man said. Darcy would move a bed for Mr Bennet into his library if the man allowed him to marry his second daughter.

Early the following morning, when the two men were riding to Longbourn to break their fasts with the family and collect Bennet, Bingley asked, “Darcy, do you still keep that gelding in your London stable? The one you rode when Alastor was laid up? What did you call him?”

“Bartholomew,” Darcy answered as they slowed their horses to a walk. “He is still kept in London, though I believe I will send him to Pemberley to work on the farms and serve as an extra riding horse soon. Why do you ask?”

“Did you know that Mr Collins cannot ride?” said Bingley.

“I did not, though I suppose I had not considered it.”

“Would you mind bringing the animal back with us? I have offered to teach Mr Collins to ride. He is not a small man, and so he will need a large horse, but I fear starting on a stallion or a mount with too much spirit might be too much for him. Your Bartholomew has such an easy temper.”

“I do not mind at all,” Darcy replied easily. “Do you think it is wise, and does the man have the composure for it?”

“Well he is a man, and I suppose he could acquire a little trap if it does not suit him, but if he is to be the master of an estate, he ought to learn, do you not agree?” said Bingley. “I must admit that I find it charming that the Miss Bennets have committed themselves to helping him learn, and Jane says that Mr Bennet does occasionally lend his time as well to the endeavour, but there is only so much one can learn about being a gentleman from women, do you not think? It is good of Mr Bennet to help him when he feels like it, but I think the man would be better advised by the example of gentlemen nearer his own age. I confess that I feel obligated on more than one count to assist him.”

“It is a worthy endeavour, but why do you feel obligated?” Darcy inquired curiously.

“You have been more than generous with your friendship, Darcy, and where would I be if you had never decided to extend it?” asked Bingley.

“You would be precisely where you are now, presumably, but with rather fewer connections in town, I suppose,” answered his friend. “You had perfect manners and were already profoundly likeable when we met. Perhaps I have exposed you to the ton, but the rest of your success in society is on your own merits.”

“But what sort of gentleman would I be if I observed another man struggling, and did not help him when I could have?” said Bingley. “Especially after the generous example you have set for me, and the efforts that Jane and her sisters are expending? Surely, you must wish to be of every assistance to the ladies.”

“I shall not attempt to deter you, and indeed, I shall help wherever I am able, though I believe you credit me with more goodness than I deserve,” Darcy replied. “Of course you may use the horse for as long as it suits you.”

When they arrived at Darcy house, the men separated, Bingley to go and wash, and Darcy to send a note to his cousin, then do the same. By the time he descended the stairs after bathing, then taking a tray in his sitting room, Bingley had left to attend to his business, and Darcy’s cousin, the Honourable Colonel Richard Augustus Fitzwilliam, was waiting for him in his study.

“Darcy!” Richard boomed, standing as he entered the room. “I thought you were settled in the country for some weeks! Did the beauties of Hertfordshire disappoint?”

“Quite the reverse, cousin, but more about that later,” Darcy began.

“Oh ho! With a remark like that, you believe you can just change the subject? Is there a particular beauty in Hertfordshire?”

“There is, but first, a more important subject.”

“What could be more important than the fall of the great Fitz to a country beauty?”

“Wickham.” No other word was necessary to silence Richard’s teasing.

“When you promised me that you would inform me when you located him again, I half expected you to conveniently forget,” Richard grumbled.

“And so I might have done, but he is slandering me again, and not even to any purpose. He is not even attempting to improve his lot, just chasing skirts. Poor ones, who have nothing to offer him but their own ruin. I cannot countenance allowing it to continue,” explained Darcy. The two men discussed Wickham’s appearance in the village, his falsehoods to the locals, and his pursuit of Lydia Bennet, and two others like her, Darcy had learnt before he left Meryton. This included the youngest daughter of Sir William Lucas, and the daughter of the haberdasher. None of the accounts suggested that he had ruined the girls entirely, but it was obvious that he was spinning his web, and would have them all where he wanted them quite soon.

“And what about this beauty you spoke of?” Richard inquired. “You may as well just tell me, I’ll have it out of you or Bingley soon enough.”

Darcy told Richard everything, even an account of his insult to Elizabeth. He was in the habit of unburdening himself completely to his cousin, whom he regarded as closer than any brother. “It is my wish to bring Georgiana to Meryton, though perhaps I should return for her after Wickham has been dealt with.”

“It is long past time you began treating that girl like the woman she is growing to be, Darcy. Much of her experience was a result of your belief that she was too delicate to know of Wickham’s crimes. Not that I had considered telling her about it either, but I do hope we have both learned our lesson. Georgie is still reserved in most company, but she has learned a great deal from her recent months spent with my mother and Priscilla. It would do the girl good to see the dragon bearded in his den, and done with. Bring her with you from the off, I say.”

“Elizabeth would give her all of the feminine support she might need. Not that your mother and Priscilla are in any way lacking, but Elizabeth has a streak of fire in her. Her courage rises with every attempt to intimidate her,” mused Darcy.

“She sounds like the perfect example for Georgie,” replied Richard agreeably. “And she will need that spit and fire against Lady Catherine and the harpies of the ton. What else do you like about her?”

“She is somewhat like Bingley in temperament, but rather more sensible. Not that Bingley is insensible , but he sees the best in others, until it blinds him to their faults. Miss Elizabeth is easy in society, but her gregariousness is tempered with her sharp wit. She is well read, and clever. I think I should never bore of her company and conversation. She will be a jewel among the ton, I am certain of it. Most importantly, she is entirely artless and authentic. There is a sincerity in her that I admire, for I have never seen its equal in any woman in society. Where another woman would ignore my faults, Elizabeth holds me to a higher standard. I already trust her implicitly, and she makes me wish to be a better man,” Darcy confided.

“I simply cannot wait to meet this paragon,” Richard said excitedly. “Darcy is finally to be leg shackled. If you do it before your thirtieth birthday, I shall make a fortune at the club. My bet has been down in the books for three years against at least twenty gentlemen who believe you will not marry until you are at least forty.”

Darcy wrote a note to his solicitor, informing him that he would collect Wickham’s notes later that day, and set out for his Aunt Matlock’s house with his cousin.

“Brother!” cried Georgiana as she leapt from the pianoforte as he entered the room with Richard. “Why did you not tell us you were coming?”

“I have a surprise for you, Georgie. I have met the woman I hope to marry,” Darcy told his sister, after greeting his Aunt Eleanor, and Cousin Priscilla. He took a seat near her, and continued. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire is the exceedingly kind and beautiful second daughter of a country gentleman, and she has agreed to enter a courtship with me.”

His aunt and cousin each burst into happy and excited exclamations, giving him their heartfelt congratulations and well wishes. Georgiana blushed and said, “Will she like me, William?”

“She certainly will, sister,” he promised. “You are dearer to me than any person alive, Georgie, the only link I have left to our mother and father. I should never select a lady who would do aught but adore you. Miss Elizabeth has four sisters, and I know she is greatly looking forward to meeting you.”

“When will we meet her, William? Will she visit London?” begged Georgiana as their Uncle Reggie entered the music room.

“Her father has travelled with me to London, where he is staying with his relations on Gracechurch Street while he attends some business. I was hoping you would accompany me back to Meryton in three days' time.”

His aunt and cousin began vocally expressing their great desire to accompany them into Hertfordshire, insisting that he would need all of the feminine support and advice that he could muster, and refusing to be left behind. Darcy had no desire to have his courtship become a family spectacle, but he knew that the ladies would never let the matter rest.

“You do understand that you will be the guests of Miss Bingley,” he informed them. “If you can tolerate that, I shall solicit an invitation from Bingley for you.” They were not to be swayed, though they had previously refused all attempts by the woman to gain an introduction in the past.

“If her brother is to be your relation, then we shall have no choice but to take the woman in hand,” sighed Aunt Eleanor. “We might as well begin directly.”

“Oh, Mother! Must we?” whined Priscilla, and with good reason. Miss Bingley in the presence of those she felt superior to was bad enough. Miss Bingley in the presence of those whose ranks she aspired to was nearly overpowering.

“I cannot make you like her, but if she is to be connected with us, then she needs to learn how not to embarrass us,” her mother insisted. Lady Matlock immediately sent an invitation to dinner around to the Gardiners and Mr Bennet for the following evening, which was accepted in short order; and Sir Henry Maulver, was included at their request. Darcy and the Fitzwilliams knew Sir Henry well enough from town, though Darcy did not notice that the man owned the house that Bingley leased until Mr Bennet pointed it out. Darcy knew that Bennet’s business in town was to meet with the man, but nothing more.

Bingley was to attend dinner at Matlock House as well, and was enthusiastic in his invitation for as many relations and friends as Darcy wished to come to Netherfield and stay. “I could hardly complain, I cannot count how many times my sisters have insisted upon accompanying me even when they were not invited,” Bingley laughed.

The Gardiners arrived, accompanied by Mr Bennet and Sir Henry Maulver, who they learned was godfather to both Mary and Elizabeth. Mr Bennet and Sir Henry, they quickly learned, were hatching a scheme as an engagement present for Mary and Mr Collins, but the plan was a complete secret until they arrived back in Meryton.

“Bingley!” cried Sir Henry. “Might I beg a bed for a night or two in my house until this grand engagement dinner Bennet has instructed Fanny to plan?”

“Of course, Sir Henry!” I shall send a messenger ahead of us, instructing my sister to prepare the master’s chamber. I can stay in another room, my sister is preparing the entire house for a large party.”

“I will not hear of it! You are the master of Netherfield until you give up your lease! The Mayfair room in the guest wing will suit me fine, boy,” the man insisted. “I am certain your sister will wish to house Lord and Lady Matlock in the Cavendish suite, and quite right, too.”

Sir Henry Maulver was in his late forties – three or four years younger than Mr Bennet’s two and fifty – and had been widowed ten years ago with no children. His wife, Lady Alice Maulver, had doted upon Elizabeth and Mary. Jane was also liked very well by both of the Maulvers, but being Fanny’s favourite, Lady Maulver found less opportunity to dote upon the girl, for Mrs Bennet had kept Jane very close in her youth. When Lady Maulver died in childbed in her third attempt to deliver an heir, Sir Henry gave up the house where they had been so happy, and moved permanently to London. His heir was his nephew, the son of his late younger brother. The young man had been rather wild at university, and had been sent to the militia to steady him until it was time for him to inherit. The neighbourhood did their best not to hold Sir Henry’s subsequent neglect of his tenants against him. His wife had been very attentive to her duties, and beloved by their tenants, and he could not bear the remembrance.

The Bennets had not seen Mr Philip Maulver since he was a boy – he was now a young man of about five and twenty. Mrs Bennet had railed against the fates – and Sir Henry’s obstinate nature – for preventing him from reopening Netherfield and bringing the young man into society with her daughters for years. Having a daughter installed at Netherfield had long been a dream of Fanny Bennet’s.

The dinner was exceedingly enjoyable, Lord and Lady Matlock liked Mr Bennet well enough, and Lord Matlock was already acquainted with Mr Gardiner on business matters. Darcy regretted that Elizabeth should not be present when his family came to know hers, though she had suggested that if his family met her father and uncle, and approved of her by association, that her nerves would be more at ease when she met them herself. Darcy had assured her of his aunt and uncle’s friendly and gregarious nature, but Elizabeth still had difficulty believing that she might be accepted by an earl and his countess, particularly when that earl was also the foreign secretary. She was surprised that Lord Matlock did not wish for his relations to make politically advantageous marriages, but Darcy informed her that the earl believed that political matches invariably fell prone to scandal when the participants were unhappy, and so were not worth the trouble, particularly when so many politicians were so corrupt they could not be expected to keep their promises.