Chapter 10
The Morning’s Happenings at Netherfield Park
Darcy went to the breakfast room in anticipation of Georgiana and the two Miss Bennets joining him once they were done with…whatever was more important than breaking their fast.
“Mr. Darcy,” Miss Bingley spoke carefully when she walked into the breakfast parlor.
“Miss Bingley,” Darcy said, unable to mask his surprise. “That shade of lavender quite becomes you, madam.”
“Thank you, sir. Miss Lydia was quite blunt in telling me I chose colors and styles not suited to me or a day in the country.”
Darcy well understood the wryness in her tone; this was one of the few compliments he had ever given Miss Bingley, and it was sincerely offered.
“I am surprised at Miss Lydia’s candor,” Darcy said, then braced himself. He nearly betrayed his shock when she replied with nothing but a wan smile. “I believe I owe you an apology, Miss Bingley. I have been a poor guest in my rushing off to Longbourn at every turn.”
Darcy felt nonplussed but relieved when Miss Bingley did not sit beside or across from him. Instead, she set her cup two places down on the opposite side of the table.
“Are Miss Mary and Miss Darcy joining us soon?” Miss Bingley said, turning her head from him.
“I understood it to be their intent. I do believe we are to be invaded by every Bennet in the county today, Miss Bingley. You have generously invited Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth for afternoon tea. And, it so happens I came across Miss Elizabeth and Miss Kitty on my walk this morning. Upon my return, I escorted Miss Kitty to Netherfield Park. She had a desire to visit with her sister and Georgiana before your festivities.”
“After these many years as friends, you know Charles would prefer you treat any home of his like your own.”
“You are very kind. I appreciate your generosity in allowing them to cultivate a friendship with my sister,” Darcy said, bracing himself for whatever Miss Bingley intended to say now that the pleasantries were observed.
“Sir, being in company with you these last years, I think I might claim an understanding of your character, too. You do not like disguise, and you are unappreciative of any presumptions made about you,” Miss Bingley said, lifting her chin to meet his gaze.
“True.”
“I think you too hard on yourself, take too much on your shoulders. It is a trait both helpful and harmful. I, however, have chosen to be blind to my faults, focusing more on those of others.”
“Looking at oneself is often how we see others with graciousness, if not clarity. I have seen many who were quick to judge long regret their hastiness. One example is the young debutante who brushed aside Duke Harrington as an old codger last year. It is a mistake I, too, have made in the past. It is a fault I am working to correct. I had not done the same with the duke, mind, though I understood her inclination,” Darcy said, then sipped his coffee to hide his wariness of where she intended to take this conversation.
Miss Bingley laughed, a low and lilting sound he had not often heard from her.
“The poor girl. Her family has not yet recovered from it, and may never,” Miss Bingley agreed. “Mr. Darcy—”
“Come, you have called me Darcy these same years you have known me. I can think of no cause for this to change.”
“Thank you, Darcy. Now, if you’ll allow me some latitude, I would speak. What I say will, at first, upset you. Then, I hope, will give you comfort.”
“You have my undivided attention, Miss Bingley.”
“What I have to say is overdue. Later, I intend to speak to my brother, sister, and Harold. I came to the breakfast parlor at this early hour so I might start with this apology.”
“Then may I refresh your tea?” Darcy asked.
“Your forbearance must be infinite, sir.”
After pouring her tea, Miss Bingley took a long swallow. Darcy was gratified to see her calm. “I wonder if we should add whiskey?”
“Ha, perhaps,” she said with humor.
“Now I am terrified.”
“You need not be. I overheard you and your sister talking the evening before dinner.” She raised her hand when he started to apologize.
“I beg your pardon for how my unguarded words might have pained you, Miss Bingley.”
“I was determined to make you jealous and dressed to outshine all the ladies in Hertfordshire. I was…so furious when your singular compliment was that you were pleased we would be just fifteen minutes late to an assembly you had no wish to attend. I now comprehend the remark as a result of the many occasions I delayed you and Charles. It would take too much time from your day to apologize for each instance. Here now, for every time I have delayed you meeting your obligations, I again offer an apology.” Miss Bingley forced herself to meet his eyes.
“I accept both, Miss Bingley.”
“Thank you, but I am not yet finished. We had barely entered the hall, and introductions were made, when I saw you do something you had never done in a room full of people you did not know. Your smile revealed your dimples. You are devastatingly handsome when you do, sir. You should find reasons to smile more often.”
Darcy felt himself blush. “Thank you.”
“Pray, do further allow me to speak. You did not hesitate to dance in favor of standing to the side of the room. You enjoyed the evening more than any other I have ever witnessed. I could never have imagined it. Even I, one who ignored your hints of disfavoring my company, bore witness to how comfortable you were, happy even. And in a way, you have never been when around me.” Miss Bingley grimaced.
Darcy appreciated her restraint, making every effort to show less than what she felt.
“It was never my wish to be the source of your pain, Miss Bingley.”
“I am aware it was unconsciously done. In getting to know them better, I can say neither Miss Bennet nor Miss Elizabeth will marry without love and respect. This permitted you to be at ease. But Miss Lucas, I admire above all.”
Surprising him further, she took the unprecedented step to dismiss herself from his consideration. “It was in comparing our behaviors that I understood my familiarity has made you uncomfortable. I apologize.”
“Miss Bingley, I have often wondered at your calling yourself my friend. You never treated me thus. Instead, you attempted to make me believe you were suited to be the next mistress of Pemberley. Something you insinuate to other ladies, likely to dissuade them.”
Miss Bingley looked away from him as she said, “Coveting the wealth and position rather than the man. One of greater value than all of your possessions, I learnt too late. I have humiliated myself over and over again.”
Darcy held out his handkerchief but remained silent. She had embarrassed them both in her attentions toward him.
“Thank you, sir.” Miss Bingley laughed and sniffled at the same time. Darcy knew she found humor in the fact that this was the first time he had ever made such a gesture, one made because she had given him up.
“You are quite welcome, Miss Bingley.”
“I have been shown more goodwill here than I have ever experienced. Two days ago, Miss Mary gave me a new, complementary scent. Miss Lydia assisted me in choosing colors and styles better suited to my person when Louisa and I had intended to occupy her with conversation so Charles and Miss Bennet might have time to speak.”
“That was thoughtful of both of you.”
“It is not altogether altruistic. Miss Lydia was quite audacious, if insolent, when she asked if I worked at acting the…shrew. I find her quite a diverting character. She also demanded to know what pleasure I found in overdressing only to amuse others. She declared the modiste on Bond Street had lied if she said the colors and style flattered me.”
Darcy wondered if he should respond to such a candid declaration, but her admission deserved his honesty.
“Then Miss Lydia has greater discernment than many ladies of the ton can claim. I commend you for giving one so young due consideration. It is apparent she is gifted with understanding, and you have benefited from her forthright opinions.”
“Though humiliated, or perhaps the word is humbled, I asked her to speak plain.
I was shocked to hear such understanding of fashion spoken with sense by a girl ten years my junior.
She is to assist me today at the mantua-maker's shop. Yesterday, she made liars of the modistes who claimed my gowns were perfect for me.”
Darcy said, “I find all the Miss Bennets have a unique style that flatters the individual without being in disharmony with their sisters when you see them together. If Miss Lydia is the one who has such a vision, I believe you to be in capable hands.”
“At first, I thought her an amusement, but I must agree.” Miss Bingley clasped her hands together. “Now, I may well again overstep, but, as a friend, I must discuss with you a subject of great important.”
“A phrase that makes every man’s knees start knocking.”
“I can hardly believe I am broaching the subject myself… But Miss Elizabeth. She has captured your attention like no one has in the last six years I have known you, sir. How are you to secure her if you do not show her your regard? You express your enjoyment of her company far more than is your wont. True. But she does not know you as we do. To me, your appreciation of her liveliness is evident. But a man must do more. He should show a lady more of how he feels if he hopes to secure her.”
Miss Bingley laughed when Darcy could just manage to swallow down his coffee. She stood to make a plate of eggs and ham, and then shocked him further when she placed it before him.
“A man must also be patient that a lady might come to know him,” Darcy said, again uneasy with this frank conversation.
“Under ordinary circumstances, I would agree. But the regiment is coming. An officer might divert her attention from you before you conclude there is cause to take your chance with her. No. You will have to behave more like Charles if you hope to woo Miss Elizabeth. And he will need to act more decisively to win the sweet Jane Bennet’s affections. ”
“Why would your brother need to behave more decisively? I believe they are perfectly suited to one another.”
“I confess I never imagined there was a woman who would have so unselfish and tolerant a nature as my brother. He is lucky to find her before another swoops in and makes her his bride. Her being so obliging means she requires a steadfast man, one who will make certain she is not taken advantage of by those who would use her sweet temper for their gains.”
“You will forgive me my surprise, Miss Bingley. You have gone from attempting to secure me for yourself to attempting to matchmake me. With a woman you have not once conversed with in the whole week we have been in her company beyond words of greeting, no less,” Darcy said, affecting his driest of tones.
“I think it is time I be the friend you have been to us.”
“You, too, should smile more, Miss Bingley. As you have decided to matchmake me, I shall consider whom you would make an excellent match.”
“You, a matchmaker? I fear the ton may not survive this congenial Mr. Darcy. No, I retract all and must insist you remain taciturn and scowl at everyone. All will wonder what you are about should you begin grinning at those you encounter,” Miss Bingley warned in a becoming and sportive tone.
“What is this? My sister and my best friend are in amicable conversation?” Bingley stepped into the breakfast room, looking between the two of them in astonishment.
“I attempt to determine how best to aid your quest for Miss Bennet and to help our friend Darcy win his Miss Elizabeth. You said yourself the regiment is coming, Charles. Not even ten thousand a year can turn a lady’s head as fast as a man in a red coat.”
Darcy raised a quizzical brow at the confession.
“I have watched ladies swoon at the very sight of Colonel Fitzwilliam’s dashing countenance these many years. I swoon at the sight of it.” Miss Bingley fanned herself with dramatic flair. “But if either of you informs him of it, I shall deny it.”
“Keep on this path, Miss Bingley. You will catch yourself a husband who is both affable and solicitous, and who prefers society. The regiment is coming. No doubt there will be many gentlemen’s second sons who would appreciate your dowry while showing you off to your best advantage.” Darcy chuckled.
“Never!” She gasped in affected shock.
“Whatever is in the water here in Hertfordshire has done you both a great deal of good,” Bingley said after joining them at the table with a cup of coffee. “Now, tell me what you have in mind, dear sister. I do not like the thought of any officer winning Miss Bennet’s attention.”
“What say you to hosting a ball, Charles? Perhaps in a month? And you might begin your courtship today. You, too, Darcy. That gives you time to acquaint yourselves with the ladies better. I expect to have good news by this same time tomorrow.”
Ignoring their spluttering, Miss Bingley left the room after saying she and her sister would soon leave to collect Miss Lydia from Longbourn.
“What did you say to Caroline?” Bingley asked.
“I am mortified to admit, I insulted her. She overheard my sister and me discuss how I should seek a wife, a lady with characteristics opposite to your sister. I apologize, Bingley. I did not intend to wound her.”
“It was inevitable. It may well have been necessary for her to accept that you never would request her hand. Perhaps she will now consider other gentlemen with greater interest.”
“There is more than your courting Miss Bennet to discuss,” said Darcy.
“I am all anticipation, Darcy. You are behaving quite unlike yourself.”
“It is time I found a wife. Ana charged me to, and, in hearing her expectation, I learned it is also my wish. You have said the same. I think you may never find better than Miss Bennet for you.” Darcy added in a low voice in case someone was outside the room. “And Miss Elizabeth for me.”
“Then you are considering a courtship?”
“Miss Elizabeth is the first lady I can picture as the next mistress of Pemberley,” Darcy confessed. “But there are things I feel you need to know.”
“Such as?”
“They are the nieces of Edward and Madeline Gardiner. I cannot but think it was Miss Bennet they hinted of when they promised to introduce you to one of their favorite nieces the next time she was in Town.”
“You think?”
“She has all those same manifold attractions they described. But there are other considerations that I learned of while speaking with Mr. Bennet, his wife, and Miss Elizabeth. Do eat while I acquaint you with the particulars.”