Chapter 26
Chapter twenty-six
Bingley arrived at Darcy House while most of the family was still at breakfast. When he was announced, he stood awkwardly for a few moments before turning to Mr. Bennet.
“Sir, might I have a word with Miss Bennet?”
Mr. Bennet regarded him with a twinkle in his eye. “Of course. She is sitting just there.”
Bingley straightened. “I meant, if I might speak with her in private.”
Mr. Bennet turned to Jane. “Do you wish to speak with Mr. Bingley?”
Jane gave a small, pleading smile. “Papa, do not tease so. Yes, I would.”
Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged an amused glance.
“You may use my study,” Darcy said.
“But the door will remain open,” Mr. Bennet added. “You may have ten minutes.”
Jane rose, and Bingley led her from the room.
They entered Darcy’s study, and Bingley closed the door partway. He gestured toward a chair, and Jane sat, her hands folded with quiet composure, though a hint of nervousness betrayed her.
Bingley stood before her for a moment, then, as though unable to do otherwise, sank to one knee and took her hand.
“Miss Bennet, I had intended to speak properly, but I find I cannot recall a word of it. Only this, I love you. You are very beautiful, but it is your sweetness, your goodness, that has won my heart entirely. Nothing would make me happier than to spend my life with you, if you would allow it.”
Jane’s eyes filled with tears.
Bingley’s expression changed at once. “Oh, pray do not be distressed.”
She shook her head, smiling through her tears. “I am not distressed. I am very happy. I should wish the same.”
His breath caught. “Then, that is a, yes?”
Jane rose, her composure giving way at last, and placed her arms about him. “Yes.”
He drew her into his arms, holding her as though he could scarcely believe his happiness, before bending to kiss her with warmth and unmistakable affection. When she responded, he lingered, as though reluctant to release her.
When he lifted his head, their foreheads rested together for a moment.
“I must speak with your father,” he said softly, though he did not at once release her.
Jane nodded. “Yes, that would be best.”
He gave her one last affectionate embrace before offering his arm, and together they returned to the dining room.
***
When Jane and Bingley reentered the dining room, Bingley paused.
“Mr. Bennet, Miss Bennet has done me the honour of accepting me. We would be most grateful for your blessing.”
Mr. Bennet regarded them both for a moment before rising. “Yes. I believe we have a few matters to discuss first.”
He turned to Darcy. “May we make use of your study once more?”
“Of course,” Darcy replied.
Bingley followed Mr. Bennet from the room.
Jane remained where she stood, her composure wavering slightly, until Elizabeth came to her and embraced her warmly.
“Oh, Jane, I am so happy for you.”
“Thank you, Lizzy. But Papa looked so very serious.”
“I would not be uneasy,” Elizabeth said gently. “Sit down. They will not be long.”
She glanced toward Darcy for reassurance but paused when she saw the concern in his expression.
Elizabeth took the seat beside him. “You are uneasy?”
Darcy lowered his voice. “Miss Bingley.”
Elizabeth leaned back slightly and cast a thoughtful glance toward Jane.
***
In the study, Mr. Bennet closed the door and motioned Bingley to take a seat.
He regarded him for a few moments before speaking.
“I have some concerns regarding your sister, Miss Bingley.”
Bingley frowned. “My sister, sir?”
“I would not have my Jane subjected to daily criticism,” Mr. Bennet said calmly. “Miss Bingley is not without her… opinions, and I do not think she would readily yield the management of the household.”
“Jane is not weak. But she is inclined to think well of others, even when they do not deserve it. I will not have her made uncomfortable in her own home.”
Bingley considered this with more seriousness than he had shown before.
“Caroline can be… particular,” he admitted. “But I had not supposed she would behave so poorly toward Jane.”
“Perhaps not openly,” Mr. Bennet replied. “But small slights may wound just as surely.”
Bingley straightened. “If there is any question of where my loyalty lies, you may be entirely at ease. It is with Jane and always will be. My sister will conduct herself properly, or she will reside elsewhere.”
Mr. Bennet inclined his head slightly.
“That leads to my next concern. Your sister and brother-in-law appear very comfortably established with you. Is that arrangement to continue?”
Bingley hesitated, then gave a faint, self-aware smile.
“You believe me too accommodating.”
Mr. Bennet returned the look without apology.
“I wish to know what sort of life my daughter is to have. Whether your income is to support your household or extend indefinitely to others.”
He added more quietly,
“I have not always been the most attentive husband. I should like Jane to fare better.”
Bingley nodded, his expression steady now.
“Jane’s happiness will be my first concern, sir. Any arrangement that threatens it will be altered.”
Mr. Bennet studied him for a moment longer, then rose.
“See that you remember it.”
He extended his hand.
“You have my consent. Welcome to the family.”