Chapter 15 #3
“I am upset to hear that. If anything was to happen to you. . .”
Elizabeth’s lips were immediately on his. “Nothing will happen to me. You must accept the idea of sleeping beside me for the next fifty years.”
“No more than fifty?”
Her eyes crinkled with her smile. “Let us not fuss about details now, my love.”
“I spoke to Bingley about Jane this afternoon and conveyed to him that I would protect her from being hurt at any cost. He assured me that his intentions would be honourable. We shall just have to wait and see.”
“I cannot help thinking about Richard. I believe he was attracted to Jane, but she never spoke to me of her opinion in regard to him. He has been away for so long—did he say anything to you before he left here?”
“He found her very beautiful and enjoyed their walk but there was not enough time for him to get to know her. Time will tell whether Bingley or Richard is the right man for Jane. She may fall in love with someone she has yet to meet.”
“I can see it now: a long line of eligible young men lined up outside Stockton Hall!” Darcy laughed as he held his love. “How is our little one today?” He placed his hand on Elizabeth’s slightly swollen belly.
She rested her hand atop his. “Growing every day—the midwife said I should feel more kicking soon.”
“My love, I know you are concerned about the baby’s face but let us remain positive in regard to the low chances of a birthmark.
Besides, unlike your parents, we would use face powders or creams to hide the redness on our daughter’s face, so no one notices it.
No child of ours will ever hear a disparaging remark about her appearance. ”
“I do love you so.” His beautiful wife turned in his arms and ended all further discussion with an adoring kiss.
* * *
Elizabeth’s sister Jane visited Pembrook Cottage almost every day, and Mr. Bingley seemed to appear every time she was there.
Due to the inclement weather, the four friends spent a great deal of time inside the cottage, talking, playing loo and vingt-et-un, or listening to one of the ladies playing the pianoforte.
Jane could be seen smiling whenever Mr. Bingley was around, and he never took his eyes off her.
Elizabeth was beside herself with joy at their apparent pleasure with each other—she was almost becoming her mother with her hopes of their match!
When the weather cooperated, Jane and Mr. Bingley often walked together in the gardens.
She and Fitzwilliam wisely left them on their own.
They remained outside until the temperature dropped to an uncomfortable level—then and only then did they seek the warmth of the cottage.
One afternoon, Mr. Bingley was not with Jane when she entered the cottage. Elizabeth’s curiosity was up.
“You seem very pleased with yourself. Where is Mr. Bingley?”
“He went to Lambton to write some letters of business but will return tomorrow.”
“You are glowing, and you have not stopped smiling since you entered the room. Do you have anything to tell me?”
Jane sat beside Elizabeth and took her hand, gazing at their two hands together.
“Lizzy, Mr. Bingley told me he has never felt about any woman what he feels for me. We are not going to rush into anything since we have only known each other a short time, but he said he eagerly looked forward to seeing me tomorrow.”
Elizabeth put her arm around her sister and put her head upon Jane’s shoulder. “I am overjoyed for you, and you are wise not to rush into marriage as you did with Henry.”
“I no longer think of those days. Instead, I truly feel joyful for the first time since Papa died.”
* * *
The Darcys were seated at the breakfast table when a footman entered with the post on a silver salver, including a thin missive for her husband. What could it be? “Anything interesting, my love?”
“A note from Bingley. I wonder why he is writing. Was he not expected later?”
“He told Jane he was anxious to see her today. I hope it is not bad news.” Fitzwilliam read the note and dropped his head into his hand, shaking it.
“What is wrong? Is Mr. Bingley ill?”
“I fear it is worse than that.” He handed the letter to Elizabeth and watched as she read it. Her heart fell at the words within.
“Oh dear! How can we tell Jane? Yesterday, she told me she is able to smile easily for the first time since Papa died. Mr. Bingley had said he cared more about her than any woman he had ever met. She was finally acting like the sweet Jane I knew, and now I fear she will be distraught.”
“Bingley is to be respected for his willingness to behave as a gentleman, but he should never have got himself into that situation to start with. Bingley’s family has worked hard to maintain their reputation and has never been faced with disgrace or scandal.
I have told him that Jane is my sister and I shall do whatever necessary to protect her, and I intend to keep my promise. ”
“There is no way we could have prevented what happened—they are both adults. I dread telling Jane when she arrives for I fear she will not take it well.”
* * *
Jane called at a later hour than was her wont, and Elizabeth had been spending her time twisting her handkerchief as she waited. “I was expecting you earlier. Are you well?”
“I wanted to look especially nice today and took a little extra time getting ready. I know we have not known each other long, but the way he looks at me makes my heart flutter. I have a strong feeling he will. . .Is he with Darcy?”
Her sister was clearly eager to see Mr. Bingley again, and Elizabeth was uneasy about imparting the news. “He is not coming today.”
“Oh dear, I hope he is not unwell?”
“Pray sit beside me—I have some disturbing news.” Her sister did as asked, and Elizabeth took her hand. “Fitzwilliam received a note from Mr. Bingley early this morning. He is on his way to London.”
“London? I thought he was planning to visit his relatives in Scarborough.”
“This is very hard for me to discuss, but when Mr. Bingley returned to the inn last night, an express awaited him. I shall not name the parties involved, but the gist of the missive was that a nobleman’s daughter has found herself enceinte and claimed Mr. Bingley to be the father.
Fitzwilliam doubts he would have returned to town if there was no possibility it is true. ”
“That cannot be! Why did he say such endearing things to me if he was involved with another woman?” Jane’s hands were shaking and there were tears in her eyes. “They must have cared for each other deeply to create a baby.”
“I fear it is true, dearest. Fitzwilliam told me that in the past that Mr. Bingley frequently thought himself in and out of love but believed his friend had matured enough to act more responsibly with young women. After he met you, Fitzwilliam warned him not to toy with your affections. Evidently, this liaison occurred before Mr. Bingley changed his ways.”
“How can I begin to think about this news? I began to open my heart to him—and now this. He was so caring and kind to me. . .” Tears fell from her eyes as she stared at their clasped hands.
“I shall never trust another man. I hope you and Darcy have many children so I can be their doting Aunt Jane and spoil them every day.”
“Pray, do not say that. Someday, you will meet a gentleman you can love and trust. You deserve someone who will love you as my husband loves me.”
“I should like to return to Stockton Hall now. I need time alone to think about all you have just told me.”
“I shall call for your carriage. Stay here with me while we wait; there is no need to say anything more. Just remember—you will find the true love of your life one day.”
* * *
When Fitzwilliam returned from his meeting with Bethel, Elizabeth was distractedly staring out of the window. She attempted to school her features from her anxiety when she greeted him.
“What happened when you told Jane?”
It was no use. Her eyes filled with unshed tears.
“It was as bad as I feared. She was incredulous at first, and when she finally believed me, she began to cry. She asked how he could have spoken such endearments to her if he cared so much for another woman. She doubts she can ever trust a man again.” He sighed as he put a hand on her shoulders and rubbed.
The sensation did help. He was a good husband.
“Is she resting upstairs?”
“No. She left as soon as her carriage was brought around. I understand her desire to be alone.”
“It may take time, but she will recover from this heartbreak.”
“I hope you are correct—she cannot take another disappointment.” Elizabeth herself had a little bit of a heartbreak on her sister’s behalf. Poor Jane!
* * *
Several weeks later
Darcy received a letter from Charles Bingley and showed Elizabeth who had sent it. He was aware it would not be accepted with happiness, and his feelings were much the same.
“Whatever can he want now?” Elizabeth asked angrily—clearly she had no interest in anything the man who broke her sister’s heart had to say.
After reading the message, he turned to her and ran his hand over his face.
“It seems that before the wedding ceremony could take place, his future wife lost the baby, and they were both relieved to part ways. Bingley said he was in love with Jane but promised he will never see her again if that is what she wants. For now, he is in Scarborough and plans to remain there for an indeterminate period of time.”
“I think it best Jane never learn about his message.”
“Yes, I agree.”