Hertfordshire Christmas
MJ Stratton
DARCY
“You did what?” Miss Bingley’s shrill voice echoed around the parlor.
Darcy lifted a hand to his head, wincing as the lady’s strident tones made a burgeoning megrim pulse against his temple.
It was the early hours of the morning after Bingley's ball, and the last guests had departed half an hour ago.
He longed for his bed, but politeness dictated he remain for at least a few minutes.
Unfortunately, that meant he would now be present for the coming confrontation.
“Yes, I proposed to Miss Bennet.” Bingley stood tall, his arms folded and his chin stiff with defiance. “We are in love, which is my primary concern when selecting a bride. Besides, in marrying a gentleman’s daughter, I further elevate our family. Is that not what you wish?”
Miss Bingley sighed heavily. Condescension rolled off her in waves.
“Charles, you must have misunderstood me.
Marrying the daughter of a gentleman is only part of the requirements.
Who are Miss Bennet's aunts and uncles? Who is her mother? Her connections to trade make her entirely unsuitable and beneath you in every way!”
Darcy started. It was odd, hearing his opinions coming from Miss Bingley's mouth.
Being so aligned with her made him squeamish and uncomfortable.
He agreed with her summation in every respect except for one.
Miss Bennet's position as a gentleman's daughter placed her in a higher social sphere than the Bingleys, whose fortune came from trade.
He would never say it aloud, however, for it was not his place to interfere in another's business.
He shifted uncomfortably as he recalled a conversation he had with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst before the ball.
“You must help us, Mr. Darcy,” Mrs. Hurst insisted. “Charles is poised to make the worst mistake of his entire life!”
“Indeed,” Miss Bingley chimed in. “We must take him away from here. My brother means to go to London after this evening's tedious affair. We will follow him and persuade him to stay. If he only knew the evils of the match…”
The conversation had ended with Mr. Darcy promising to consider the matter.
He had observed Miss Bennet closely during the ball, searching for any evidence she held his friend in esteem.
Bingley was fortunate that there were no expectations placed upon him that could not be overcome.
Darcy had no objections to the lady other than his concern she would marry for mercenary purposes.
Indeed, he had seen no evidence of her regard.
Miss Bennet smiled at everyone and he believed her heart could not be easily touched.
His observations would remain unspoken now, for it was too late.
“Jane loves me, Caroline, and that is what I wish for in a match. I have no need of a well-dowered wife, anyway -my fortune is more than enough. Goodness, I would be miserable if I married for anything less than mutual respect and affection! Louisa, you may be happy with your lot, but I want more.” Bingley turned pleading eyes to Darcy, who shook his head minutely and remained silent.
Bingley sighed but squared his shoulders resolutely.
He uncrossed his arms and placed a hand on the back of a chair.
“If you cannot be happy for me, then you are free to depart.”
Miss Bingley gasped and placed a hand dramatically on her chest. “You wound me! I care for you as my dearest and only brother. It would not speak well of me if I did not protest this foolhardy decision! Your marriage will also affect me and my prospects. Did you not consider that?” She cast a long glance at Darcy, who pretended he did not notice.
Bingley scoffed. “You care only for your own ambitions. I will no longer give in to you simply to keep the peace. My happiness is of paramount importance.”
“Fine.” The lady stood and snapped her fan in her hand. “Do as you will. I will not remain and be tainted by association. Louisa will agree with me, of course.”
Mrs. Hurst nodded. Her husband snored beside her, completely oblivious to the battle taking place around him.
“We shall leave tomorrow,” she said resolutely.
“Town is preferable to the country, anyway, and I am certain we will have many balls and parties to entertain us there. Do not expect support when you discover Miss Bennet is purely mercenary.”
Bingley looked wounded. “I thought you considered her a friend,” he accused, scowling at his sisters.
“She proved to be a worthy diversion in this backwater -nothing more.” Miss Bingley turned towards the door, pausing as she waited for her sister. She turned to Mr. Darcy. “May we count on your company when we depart, sir?” She batted her eyes and smiled coyly.
Darcy panicked for a moment before replying in an even tone. “I cannot say what my plans are. Perhaps I will know more after a good rest.”
She seemed satisfied with the answer and glided from the room, Mrs. Hurst close on her heels.
***
Bingley sighed heavily and moved to the sideboard, pouring himself some brandy before sinking into a chair. Hurst snored on, and Darcy waited patiently for his friend to speak.
“Do you mean to abandon me as well?” Bingley sounded dreadfully morose, and he stared blankly at the wall in front of him. “I expect you disapprove of my choice.”
Darcy considered his words carefully before responding.
“We all know Miss Bennet is a genteel, angelic sort of lady. She smiles at everyone, treating those in her sphere of influence with kindness and consideration. Can you be certain she loves you with the same intensity you feel for her? Bingley, marriage to a mercenary lady would be catastrophic! What if her placid smiles hide sinister motives?”
“I never thought you would be so united with Caroline. Perhaps you and she are more suited than I thought.” Bingley took a drink.
“Miss Bennet behaves as a proper lady ought. She does not simper or flirt and has waited patiently for me to declare my feelings before confiding hers. If you had only seen her tonight after I proposed. Her countenance I shall never forget, so radiant was it. And when we kissed-”
“Enough, Bingley. I do not need to hear that part.” Darcy felt his ears growing warm.
He did not want to picture his friend in any sort of tender embrace, let alone sharing such intimacies with a lady.
Unbidden, a pair of fine eyes appeared in his thoughts, and he wondered if Miss Bennet would share her news with her sister before they retired for the night.
He stood and went to pour himself a drink before joining Bingley where he sat.
“If you are certain of her affections, then I shall congratulate you and say no more. I had my reservations, but I admit I do not know the lady as you do.”
“Yes, you are more preoccupied with her sister.” Bingley's words made Darcy choke on the brandy in his mouth, and he coughed violently.
Bingley laughed and slapped him on the back.
"I am not blind, Darcy. Occupied as I have been with Miss Bennet -Jane-, I saw how Miss Elizabeth drew your attention. Why else would my sister be so eager to get you away from Hertfordshire if not another woman?”
“I cannot,” Darcy wheezed, his throat still smarting from the abuse. “She is beneath me-”
“There you go, spouting Caroline’s nonsense.
Are you not your own man? You have no one to please but yourself.
I would wager you will not find another of Miss Elizabeth's caliber amongst the ton. She has been raised to speak her mind, not capitulate because a man insists he is right. A perfect match -for you. She is witty and charming, and she parries my sisters’ waspishness with ease. ”
“I thought you were trying to convince me of Miss Bennet’s good qualities,” Darcy muttered. “Bingley, as much as I admire Miss Elizabeth, it can go nowhere. My uncle would protest. And my aunts! Lady Catherine would never let me hear the end of it.”
“And their opinions are more important than your happiness?”
Bingley's words penetrated something deep within him. Were the opinions of his relations more important than his happiness? No, he thought.
“I will not abandon you,” Darcy finally said. “I promised to remain, and so I shall. Georgiana is in Derbyshire with my aunt and uncle, and she already expects me to remain here for the winter.”
“And what of Miss Elizabeth?” Bingley affected an innocent expression, struggling to smother a burgeoning smile.
“I can promise nothing,” he replied. “The matter requires more reflection.”
“As you like it.” They went to bed a short while later, and Darcy remained awake for some time, contemplating how very much he wished to court Elizabeth and make her his wife.
***
5th December 1811, Lucas Lodge
DARCY
Darcy adjusted his waist coat as Bingley and he stepped into the parlor at Lucas Lodge.
As usual, the room was filled to capacity.
It was their first evening out since the Netherfield Ball.
Bingley had gone to London for business, taking time to see his solicitor to make arrangements for his upcoming nuptials.
Darcy had remained at Netherfield, content to enjoy the solitude whilst his friend was away for a couple of days.
Miss Bingley and the Hursts had departed as they threatened -or promised, as Darcy saw it.
Miss Bingley had expressed disappointment that Darcy would remain, but had whispered her hopes that he would be able to persuade her brother further.
Darcy had no intention of doing anything of the sort.