Chapter 8 Brewing up #2
“Mr. Bingley,” she called out. It was improper, but not as improper as raising the expectations of a maiden and then running away. She enjoyed the surprise visible on the gentleman’s face.
“Yes, Ma'am, I am Charles Bingley. I apologise. I am having some difficulty in remembering you,” he looked uncomfortable.
“That is probably because we have never seen each other before. We were never introduced. I am Mrs. Gardiner, and Jane is my niece. And before you ask how I know you, I only need one look at the pain in my niece’s countenance to realize you are the infamous Mr. Bingley who raised her expectations only to leave her to the ridicule of everyone,” she always preferred to talk straight.
She saw him visibly flinch at her accusation. She also saw him gather his wits and look straight into her eyes. Impressive.
“Yes, Mrs. Gardiner, I am that same Mr. Bingley. And I detest myself more than you think,” he looked genuinely pained now.
This finally prompted her niece to finally speak.
Jane
Jane was very uncomfortable when her aunt accused Mr. Bingley directly to his face.
She never liked conflicts and arguments.
She had many pressing questions for him, and she had enough composure to realize that this might be her only chance to ask them.
So when Mr. Bingley declared that he detest himself for running away from her, Jane couldn’t stop from inquiring.
“Then why Mr. Bingley? Why did you run away? You promised to return within a week. Why didn’t you?”
She knew her voice carried the whole pain she felt. For once, she didn’t care.
Mr. Bingley seemed to struggle to find the right words, pausing briefly. To her surprise, he looked around and pointed to a nearby park.
"I shall tell you everything. I shall be entirely honest with you, holding nothing back. But must we have this conversation here, on this bustling street? There's a secluded bench in that park. Would you and Mrs. Gardiner be willing to join me there?" He looked at her and then at her aunt.
Jane knew what she wanted, so she walked towards the bench. Her aunt quickly caught up, clasping her elbow. Mr. Bingley followed some distance behind.
Bingley
By this time, Bingley realized that Miss Bennet had loved him all along. Her initial shock at seeing him, along with the pain in her voice when she questioned him, made that transparent.
It seems Darcy was mistaken about her feelings for me. But wait, what exactly did Darcy say? He told me nothing directly. He merely inquired whether I was certain of her affection. He never disclosed his own observations. Nor did he advise me to stay away. What a fool I have been.
Upon reaching the bench he had indicated, Bingley commenced his confession.
He withheld no details. He disclosed his original intent to return to Hertfordshire and how circumstances had conspired against him.
He narrated how his sisters had followed him unbeknownst to him, and how his friend had been forced to return to London as well.
He recounted his sister's attempts to dissuade him from revisiting Hertfordshire, and the entirety of their arguments against the Bennet family.
He proceeded to recount his encounter with Darcy and their discussions.
He spoke at length, and when he concluded, silence lingered. Tears glistened in his angel's eyes. He yearned to console her, but he knew he did not have the right.
After a while, Mrs. Gardiner broke the silence, addressing the most crucial question.
"Why did you flee from Jane, Mr. Bingley? I've heard your sister's reasoning and Mr. Darcy's involvements, even though I believe Mr. Darcy acted as a true friend should. However, your departure from Hertfordshire and my niece remains unanswered."
Bingley took his time before responding. Although Mrs. Gardiner posed the question, his eyes were on his angel when he responded.
"Because I was a coward. I was afraid. I lacked the courage to fight for you, Miss Bennet.
I doubted that someone as lovely as you could genuinely love me for who I am.
When my sisters spoke of your supposed interest in my wealth, I allowed those words to sway me because, in reality, I lacked confidence in myself to be the recipient of your affections.
I was insecure and lacked the assurance to overcome that feeling. "
He lowered his gaze as he spoke those words, missing the smile that graced the countenance of the elder lady before him.
Mrs. Gardiner
Mr. Bingley impressed Mrs. Gardiner. He was not at all what she had anticipated.
Now I understand your pain, Jane. This is a gentleman worth pining over. He is refreshingly honest and straightforward. And he is stronger than what he considers himself to be. He just needs to realize it. Oh Jane, you will be the making of him.
And Lizzy is right. He is in love with you. His feelings are genuine. However, you mustn't make it effortless for him. He must earn your regard. You are a treasure, my dear, and should be cherished.
"Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Bingley. I am certain Jane values it. But does it alter the situation? Your sisters will persist in their resentment toward my niece. Their sentiments were unmistakable when they visited us," she addressed the matter directly.
She witnessed Jane rising from the bench, prompting her to stand as well. Mr. Bingley was looking thunderous.
Oh dear, Lizzy is right, again!
Rosings Park
Elizabeth
When her favourite sister was receiving answers to all her questions, Elizabeth was also receiving hers. Her walk with Colonel Fitzwilliam was illuminating on many levels.
So it was Mr. Darcy. Why did I ever doubt it? He is exactly the kind of man who would do something like this. And it is his nature to boast this to his cousin as if it is an achievement. To do this to Jane of all people. What a revolting man! Why do people call him a gentleman?
It was not as if Colonel Fitzwilliam named Mr. Bingley. He only mentioned that Mr. Darcy recently saved one of his friends from a matchmaking mother and her daughter. However, Elizabeth was confident it was indeed Mr. Bingley.
To think that I have been walking with him every morning for the past fortnight. God, I will have to see him this evening as well. How can I avoid that?
Lady Catherine has extended an invitation for the Hunsford party to join her for dinner this evening.
This came as a great relief to Mr. Collins in particular, as he had been anxious since his patroness had not issued an invitation sooner.
However, for Elizabeth, this evening seemed to promise only torment.
There is no way I can face Mr. Darcy today. In fact, what would I give to never face him again? I need to come up with some excuse for not attending today’s dinner.
Richard
Richard was relieved that he finally found a chance to converse with Miss Elizabeth alone.
His earlier observation was correct. Miss Bennet did not think well of Darcy. So he had to disclose things he would have never disclosed otherwise.
I can’t believe I had to tell her about Bingley’s near escape.
All Richard wanted was to highlight Darcy’s loyalty to his loved one’s. Yet, he failed to notice the smouldering fire beneath the lady's calm exterior.
It is a good day's work. Dear cousin, it is up to you now.
Brighton
Lydia
Miss Lydia Bennet was never one to think twice about anything.
In that, she was her mother’s daughter in every way.
She was eager for her journey with Mr. Wickham tonight.
She always dreamed about being the first Bennet daughter to marry.
And in all her dreams, she envisioned herself marrying an officer.
Yet, there exists an inherent instinct—an intuitive sense or premonition—that emerges within living beings when faced with threats.
This instinct is present in all creatures.
As she continued to pack her trunk for the impending journey, a niggling feeling pricked at her consciousness.
However, her audacious and impulsive sixteen-year-old mind was too strong for her intuition to do anything.
After dinner, she feigned a headache and retired early to her chamber. She took pains to sit up straight, determined not to succumb to sleep and miss her anticipated journey.
Piccadilly Street, London
Bingley
Bingley remained unaware that the anger surging within him was evident on his countenance. However, upon seeing the astonished expressions of the ladies before him, he endeavoured to relax his features.
“I beg your pardon for my lack of composure, ladies. But truth be told, I had no knowledge of my sisters' visits to you. I am both startled and angered by their secrecy,” Bingley told them straight. There is no point in hiding anything now.
Miss Bennet remained silent, a thoughtful look on her face, but her aunt had more to say.
“We sensed as much from your demeanour. Regrettably, there is more, Mr. Bingley. My niece wrote two letters to your sister – one from Hertfordshire and another from London. They were aware of her presence in London from the very beginning. Jane and I visited your London home. You were absent. Yet your sisters received us and informed us that you were spending most of your time with Miss Darcy. A week later, they paid us a brief visit, lasting no more than ten minutes. It was evident that they wished to sever the connection,” Mrs. Gardiner spoke without reservation.
“Why should I be spending time with Miss Darcy? Good Lord, she is a fifteen years old girl, not yet out in society,” Bingley was taken aback.
“In that case, there is more to reveal. Upon their departure from Hertfordshire, your sisters penned a letter to my niece, informing her of their leaving. In that letter, it was unequivocally conveyed to her that you had no intention of returning to Hertfordshire and that they all expect you to marry Miss Darcy,” Mrs. Gardiner disclosed.
Bingley found himself speechless; there was little he could say.