Chapter 6 Escape #3
“Darce, I am confused. I really like Miss Bennet. No, it is not just that. I love her. She embodies everything that is lovely, and she has profoundly touched my heart. I cannot think of anyone else more suitable as my wife,” Bingley came right to the point.
“Then what is your problem, Bingley? Why can’t you go back to Netherfield and court her?” Darcy inquired.
“It is Caroline. No, not just Caroline, Louisa also. Even Hurst joined them, though he remained silent. Caroline was going on and on about Bennets being unsuitable as a relation. She is accusing me of falling prey to Mrs. Bennet matchmaking ambitions. She says you will never marry her if I marry Miss Bennet.”
Darcy somehow managed to keep his composure. It was a struggle though.
“I will never marry your sister, regardless of whether or not you marry Miss Bennet. I am certain you are already aware of this fact,” he replied with some heat.
“Don’t I know it. I tried to say that to Caroline about Hundred times. She never listens. Darce, why don’t you find and marry someone, just to get Caroline off your back,” Bingley inquired.
Darcy’s mind immediately travelled to another Bennet lady, but was quickly brought back.
“Forget about my marriage for the moment. We were talking about yours. Why did you come here? What can I do for you?” Darcy asked.
“Do I need a reason to come here? I wanted to run away from my home. And your home was the first place that came to my mind,” Bingley retorted back.
God, he is at the end of his tether. It is very unlike Bingley.
“Forgive me Darce, I am not at my best. No, I am probably at my worst,” Bingley immediately apologised.
“No worries, Bingley. I can see that you are agitated. Tell me, what can I do for you?”
“I don’t know what I need to do. I cannot forget Miss Bennet. No, that is impossible. I will never forget her. But I love my sisters as well. I don’t want to ruin their chances in life for my personal gain,” Bingley replied.
Darcy stood up and walked around his table to stand near Bingley. It is time.
“Bingley, promise me that you will listen to what I am going to say. You may not like it. But you need to listen to everything,” Darcy began.
“Dear God, what is it, Darce? You are scaring me. Yes, I will listen to you. I always listened to you,” Bingley stared at him.
“First thing first, I had no involvement in your sisters' decision to leave Netherfield and follow you. They approached me just two days prior to the ball. Miss Bingley informed me that they intended to close Netherfield and follow you to London, with no intention of returning. They sought my assistance in persuading you that staying away from Netherfield, and specifically Miss Bennet, was in your best interest.”
“So that is why you followed them,” said Bingley.
“No, that is the point. I declined joining them. I told them I will never act behind your back. But they decided to follow you anyway and I was left without a host. Even now, if you decide to go back to Netherfield, and if you want my further help, I shall join you,” clarified Darcy.
“Thank you Darce,” Bingley replied honestly.
“Now, regarding your attraction to Miss Bennet, I did not want to influence you anyway and wanted to stay out of it as much as possible. I made that clear to your sister. What you are going through is a matter of heart. It is something only you can understand and decide upon. If you really love Miss Bennet and decide to go back to her, I will support you, no matter what. But I wish to give you some facts, some of my observations regarding the Bennets. I want to make sure you are aware of everything that transpired while we were in Hertfordshire. You can take it or leave it. It is your prerogative,” Darcy paused to see Bingley’s reaction.
Bingley looked on, confused and worried. Darcy continued.
“I am certain that Miss Bingley has already endeavoured to caution you regarding Miss Bennet's limited fortune, the situation with their entailed estate, and the like.
She may also have apprised you of their deficiency in social etiquette, their conduct in society.
Therefore, I shall refrain from delving into these matters.
If you are comfortable with these aspects, it is not within my purview to make further comments.
Instead, I wish to apprise you of three incidents.
Firstly, whilst dancing with Miss Elizabeth, Sir William Lucas interrupted us.
He made mention of the prospect of more dancing upon the occurrence of a certain desirable event, alluding to your impending union with Miss Bennet.
Then, by chance, I overheard Mrs. Bennet in conversation, speaking of Miss Bennet as one easily swayed and influenced, comparing her to Miss Elizabeth, who, as you can well imagine, possesses a far more determined disposition.
Lastly, during dinner, Mrs. Bennet loudly congratulated herself for having brought about an exceedingly advantageous match for her eldest daughter, even if there wasn’t even a courtship.
Pray tell me, what do you think about all this? ” asked Darcy.
“I don’t know. I am already aware that Mrs. Bennet is not the kind of mother I would have hoped for. Do you remember my mother, Darce? She was worse. I only care about Miss Bennet. About her younger sisters, well, they are young. They can only improve from here”, countered Bingley.
Darcy was not so certain of that.
“You completely missed my point, Bingley. Tell me, from your heart, does Miss Bennet return your love? Are you sure of her feelings?” asked Darcy.
That question completely took Bingley by surprise. He tried to respond, but was unable to come up with words.
“You don’t need to say anything, Bingley.
It is clear that you only considered from your side.
Let us endeavour to view matters from Miss Bennet's standpoint. Let us presume that she holds affection for you, with her mother not merely in support but actively urging her toward you. In such a scenario, why does she persist in concealing her sentiments, even from you? It is apparent that you harbour your own reservations concerning her affection for you.”
Bingley remained silent.
“Let us entertain another possibility. Miss Bennet may not harbour romantic affections for you but rather embodies the role of a dutiful daughter, willing to enter matrimony with you for the sake of her family's financial stability. I must emphasise that I do not cast any aspersions upon her character in the slightest. Not for an instant do I regard her as a mercenary. She holds deep affection for her family and perceives in you a husband capable of providing support when the need arises. She stands ready to sacrifice the prospect of falling in love, all for the welfare and security of her family.”
Bingley continued to stare at him.
“It is evident that your union with Miss Bennet would bestow advantages upon the Bennet family, and thus, Mrs. Bennet ardently promotes such a match. She has, moreover, succeeded in cultivating widespread expectations within the society of Meryton that you will soon offer your hand to her daughter. Had you remained at Netherfield, you would assuredly have found yourself compelled to make such a proposal to Miss Bennet. Mrs. Bennet took great care to ensure it.”
“Are you trying to say that it is a trap and Miss Bennet is an accomplice in that scheme?”
Darcy could hear Bingley’s voice breaking. Poor man.
“No, Bingley, do not attribute words to my mouth. My sole aim is to ensure that you are apprised of all potential scenarios. Should you decide to propose to Miss Bennet, you will be going against the wishes of everyone in your family. You deserve, at the very least, a lady who cherishes you for your true self, not merely for your wealth. Miss Bennet possesses a kind heart, but whether she is the suitable match for you, that determination rests solely in your hands,” clarified Darcy.
Bingley looked on, so Darcy continued. This will be painful, but I need to say it.
“I have another concern, Bingley, and it is you.” Darcy did not try to sugarcoat it.
“Me?, What are you talking about, Darce?” Bingley suddenly looked up.
“Four months ago, you talked to me about one Miss Abel. She was your angel then. Three months before that, it was Miss Johnson. Do I need to go on?”
Darcy could see various emotions running through Bingley’s countenance.
“You are not confident about my feelings yet. You think I am infatuated with Miss Bennet, but not in love with her,” Bingley understood.
Well, it was easier than I thought.
“I must refrain from commenting on the extent of your feelings, as I would not presume to do so for Miss Bennet's emotions either. Nevertheless, you should be aware of them. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and decisions in this regard should not be taken lightly.”
Bingley looked lost. He was in real pain.
“Furthermore, it is essential to consider the difference between the rural society and the circles of London. Miss Abel and Miss Johnson may continue to walk around in London with their reputations unharmed. However, in the case of Miss Bennet, the more you raise expectations that you cannot meet, the greater the risk to her reputation. I trust you have no intention of causing harm to her or her family, do you?” asked Darcy.
Bingley was shaking his head even before Darcy finished his question.
“Good God, no Darce, that is the last thing I want,” Bingley cried.
Darcy had nothing further to say. He sat back on his chair and observed his friend, who remained silent for a long time before asking him.
“I suppose you will not be advising me on what to do next, will you?”
“No, Bingley, I have provided you with the facts and some of my observations. You need to decide what to do. Be assured that I shall stand by your side, regardless of the path you ultimately choose,” Darcy replied.
Bingley nodded and remained silent. Then he stood up to leave. But on reaching the exit, he turned.
“Darce, I know I am blessed with many things in my life, but having you in my life is one I cherish the most. I am truly, truly happy that you are my friend.”
With those words, Bingley walked out. Darcy sat there with his heart full. Me too, Bingley. Me too.
Longbourn
Elizabeth
While the two gentlemen were having their conversation in London, Elizabeth was also engaged in a conversation with her dearest friend, Charlotte. She was having trouble accepting the fact that her dearest friend had just agreed to marry Mr. Collins.
“Engaged to Mr. Collins! my dear Charlotte, impossible!” she cried.
She could see that her friend expected this outburst. Charlotte did not immediately react.
She looked at her with a firmness that Elizabeth found disconcerting.
Then, in a calm voice, she explained the reasons for her decision.
She spoke of her advancing age, her long standing status as a spinster, her gnawing apprehension of never receiving a marriage proposal in her lifetime.
Charlotte bared her fears of becoming a burden to her father and brother, and shared her hopes of finding security and stability through her union with Mr. Collins.
“I was never a romantic, Eliza. All I ask for is a comfortable home and Mr. Collins can provide it. I know you think that I deserve better than Mr. Collins. Maybe it is true, but life never works like that. I also pray to God that you never find yourself in a situation like mine, being compelled to contemplate such sacrifices,” Charlotte concluded.
There was nothing for Elizabeth to do other than wishing them all imaginable happiness. Charlotte’s words about being a burden to the family tugged at her heart.
Here I was congratulating myself on escaping marriage to Mr. Collins. Charlotte just embraced the very same fate with her eyes wide open. It is inconceivable. I hope I will never have to make such a compromise in my life.