Page 9 of Body and Soul (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #8)

Chapter Nine

November 28, 1811 London Darcy

“Y ou are wrong!” Mr. Charles Bingley stood up and began to pace the room. Darcy watched expressionlessly. Bingley’s sisters, Mrs. Louisa Hurst and Miss Caroline Bingley, scoffed and shook their heads.

“Miss Bennet is a sweet girl, Charles, but she can be nothing to you. She is the penniless daughter of an insignificant country squire. Her relations are ill-bred and gauche. How can you think of uniting our family with someone so beneath us? Everything our father worked for would be lost!”

“In marrying Miss Bennet, I would be elevating our family! Lest you forget, she is the daughter of a gentleman. Fortune or no, she outranks you and me!“ Bingley shook his head violently. “You are wrong to disparage her so, especially after you claimed a friendship with her!”

“She was a diversion whilst we rusticated in the country. Nothing else.” Miss Bingley sniffed disdainfully. “She would never survive London.”

“And you, Darcy?” Bingley turned to him. “Do you agree?”

“Your sisters make valid points. Marrying Miss Bennet would lessen your position in society greatly. Her family is never in town. She is an unknown and would do nothing for your efforts to distance yourself from trade.” Darcy shook his head. Bingley would overcome his fascination with this new blond angel before too much time passed. He needed to drive the point home. “Besides, I do not think Miss Bennet’s affections are the equal of yours.”

His friend stopped pacing, his face falling. “She loves me,” he replied. His voice wavered, and Darcy saw his opportunity to put an end to his friend’s obsession.

“I watched her most carefully,” he said, imbuing his voice with pity. “She smiles the same at everyone. I am sorry, my friend, but I do not believe Miss Bennet holds you in any real regard. She would accept an offer at the behest of her mother. Of this I am certain.”

Bingley’s face fell. “If you will excuse me,” he said firmly. “I believe I need time alone to think.” He stalked out of the room without another word.

“Well done, Mr. Darcy!” Miss Bingley cheered. “I knew you were just the man to help us convince Charles to abandon his newest love. And with him staying at your townhouse instead of Hurst's, he will have ample distraction. Oh, what a pleasure to be of one mind.” She walked up and slipped her arm through his, looking up into his face and batting her eyes. “I foresee many such happy moments in our future.”

Not if I can help it, he thought, disgusted. He slipped out of her clutches and stepped away. “I spoke only the truth as I saw it,” he said dismissively. “Your brother will make his own choices regardless of what I think he ought to do.” And yet, he hoped his influence was great enough to persuade Bingley to remain in town.

Darcy would not admit it to another soul, but he had other motives for keeping his friend away from Miss Bennet. The lady’s younger sister, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, had tempted him in a way no other lady ever had. The ploy Miss Bingley attempted in the Netherfield Park parlor only intensified his fascination with the captivating young lady. Her light and pleasing figure entranced him as she walked around the room.

Elizabeth’s fine eyes and pert opinions had enthralled him. After a few meetings, he had been unable to forget her. Yet, she was entirely unsuitable! How could he, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, have fallen under the spell of a woman he could never have? His family—indeed, they expected him to marry a wealthy, well-connected lady of high society. Miss Elizabeth was none of those things.

And if Bingley married her sister, then they would be often in company and he could not escape. She haunted his dreams already. Perhaps he behaved selfishly, but it was for Bingley’s—and his—own good. They could both do much better than the Bennet ladies.

“My brother has always valued your opinion, sir, and I have no doubt he will behave precisely as we wish.” Miss Bingley smiled triumphantly. “Netherfield Park has been closed up and we will not return to that backwater if I can help it.”

“Yes, it will be good to spend the winter in town,” Mrs. Hurst drawled. “The country would have been so boring! Why, dining with the same four-and-twenty families sounded positively dull!”

“And the sport had ended,” Mr. Reginald Hurst grunted. “Nothing else there to occupy us.”

Darcy nodded stiffly, little though he agreed. He preferred the relative calm of the country to the bustling pace of the city, and he meant to retire to Pemberley as soon as he could. Georgiana currently resided at their aunt and uncle’s estate, Matlock, and he wished to spend Christmas with her. He had a letter mostly written to inform her of his imminent arrival and had yet to send it.

“We shall depart now, sir.” Miss Bingley came to his side again and attempted to ensnare his arm. “Pray, let us know when our brother has made his final decision. Perhaps we might have you at Hurst’s townhouse to dine.”

“I do not mean to stay in town for long,” he said curtly. “My sister awaits my arrival for Christmas.”

“Dear Georgiana! Christmas at Pemberley sounds divine!” She batted her eyes expectantly, and he had no doubt she wished him to offer an invitation to spend the season at his home.

“We will spend the festive season with my relations,” he said firmly, hoping to put an end to her pretensions.

Her face fell. “Oh, well, that sounds delightful,” she choked out, forcing a smile. “Louisa, are you ready to depart?” Miss Bingley stepped away as a footman entered the room and announced that their carriage awaited.

Mr. and Mrs. Hurst got to their feet and nodded their farewells to Darcy. He watched the threesome leave, grateful they were gone. He tolerated them for Bingley’s sake, but even that had become more difficult as time went by. Miss Bingley’s desires were no secret. Her ambitions were doomed to failure, for she, despite her fortune, was even more unsuitable than Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Such a comparison would devastate the lady if she knew his opinion, and he was too much a gentleman to discompose her in that manner.

Sighing, he poured himself a glass of port. Bingley would see their way of thinking in no time. Darcy could forgive Miss Bennet’s lack of connections and fortune if she esteemed his friend, but he had seen no evidence of the fact. She smiles too much, he recalled saying one evening. And she did. Jane Bennet gave the same serene, sweet smile to everyone she met. She drew everyone in with her calm demeanor, yet Darcy felt certain her heart remained untouched. A veritable ice queen, he doubted that anyone could truly earn her affection.

Her mother was the worst matchmaking mama he had ever had the misfortune of meeting. Mrs. Bennet spoke in shrill tones, her voice carrying above the general din of any gathering. She made it abundantly clear at the Netherfield Ball that she not only expected Bingley to offer for her eldest, but that the connection would throw her other children in the path of rich men. No, it would not do. He could never let his friend fall prey to such mercenary motives.

Darcy shuddered as he recalled Miss Lydia Bennet racing around the room with some soldier trailing after her. Yes, it was good he had resolved to remove himself from the area. Miss Elizabeth presented a great temptation and he could not succumb. He congratulated himself for his self restraint.

The door swung open, and Bingley marched in. “I have made my decision,” he declared. “You are wrong, Darcy. Jane loves me, and I intend to return to Netherfield Park and offer myself to her.” Smiling in satisfaction, Bingley plopped down into an overstuffed chair.

Darcy’s jaw dropped open in shock. “But,” he said, “I observed her! Most carefully! She does not love you!”

“If that is what you saw, then she has behaved with more circumspection and decorum than many ladies in the ton,” Bingley snorted. “It is not the thing for ladies to display their true feelings before a gentleman has declared himself. Yet, she has shown me the depths of her feelings in many ways. Each glance tells of her affection. Each touch of our hands tells a new story. As much as I rely on your observations and opinions, you are wrong in this case, my friend.”

“If you go back, you will be trapped. If she does not love you, as I suspect, your marriage will be miserable!” He was well aware of the hypocrisy of his statement. The marriage that awaited him would be just the same. Marrying for convenience hardly ever resulted in a happy union. Was it so wrong to want to save his friend from that fate?

Bingley laughed. “You have spoken to Jane perhaps twice since being introduced. How can you claim to know her heart?” He chuckled again and crossed one leg over another. “I shall complete my business and return to my estate—engaged before Christmas!” Bingley sprang up and made for the door. “I must tell my valet to be ready to depart on Saturday!”

Darcy sighed and sank into his chair. There was nothing for it now. Bingley was decided. What would he do when he arrived at Netherfield and the place was closed up? I suppose I ought to warn him. He stood and made for the door, calling for his friend.

Two days later, they were on their way. Bingley was less than pleased to learn that Netherfield Park had been shut up prior to his sisters’ departure. “They knew I was to return,” he huffed. “You all must have been confident that you could persuade me to stay in town.”

Darcy frowned but did not respond. They had been sure of their success. Bingley had decided not to inform his sisters he would return to Hertfordshire, instead writing to his aunt and asking her to come and act as his hostess. Another letter had gone to Netherfield Park, instructing Mrs. Nichols to rehire all the servants. Bingley was dismayed to learn that the staff had been let go without their quarter’s pay and he meant to rectify it. There would be an additional bonus in their Christmas boxes that year.

After a moment’s thought, Darcy had resolved to accompany his friend. Bingley was vulnerable if he went alone. If Darcy was there, he could prevent anything disastrous from happening. And he had great faith in his self-control. He would not fall for Elizabeth’s wiles. Regretfully, that meant he could not spend Christmas with his dear sister. He would immediately send for her but for a certain villainous wretch in the area. No, Darcy would not risk Georgiana coming into contact with Wickham.

His sister would understand his need to protect his friend. Darcy had so few real friends these days, and Bingley was by far his best, save for his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam. The former’s life could be forever altered if he made a hasty decision, as he so often did. If Darcy could prevent him from making a catastrophic mistake, he would.

The carriage slowed to a stop in front of Netherfield Hall. The handsome building was impressive. As the principal house in the area, there were certain expectations of the master of the place. Darcy felt some guilt knowing he had encouraged Bingley to abandon his duties. Then again, it had not been his idea to dismiss all the servants without paying them for their trouble. That had been Miss Bingley.

Bingley clambered out of the carriage and straightened, tugging on his coat. “At last,” he muttered. “I have only to refresh myself and then I shall be off!” Without waiting for his friend, he climbed the steps and entered the house. Following at a slower pace, Darcy contemplated what he must do. Bingley could not go to Longbourn alone. Mrs. Bennet would have him trapped in a room with her eldest daughter in a trice, and then Bingley would be unable to make an informed decision. No, Darcy would need to stay by his side. He had the fortitude to withstand Miss Elizabeth’s lure whilst he did so. He would do it all in the name of friendship.

Entering the house, he handed his hat and outerwear to a waiting servant. The man’s expression seemed a little hostile. Darcy could not recall him—Smith, if he recalled—ever looking so cross whilst he had been a guest there. Shrugging it off, Darcy made his way to the drawing room. Bingley was there conversing with Mrs. Nichols.

“Have you recalled all the servants?” he asked.

“Indeed, sir.” Mrs. Nichols stood rigidly, appearing as disapproving as Smith had. Gone was the warm, inviting matron who had first shown them around Netherfield. What could be the cause? Surely not their abrupt departure! There could be no hard feelings, especially since the servants had now been recalled.

“That is good. Christmas is near, and I wish for something extra to be in the boxes. Additionally, all the staff will receive compensation for their troubles. I did not give the orders to close the house, Mrs. Nichols. As master, it falls to me to rectify my sister’s presumptions. Please, give my apologies to the staff and assure them I shall see everything put to rights.”

Mrs. Nichols relaxed a little and nodded. “Your rooms are prepared,” she said. “Mr. Darcy is in the same chamber he occupied before.” She frowned as she said his name, carefully schooling her expression when she noticed him standing there. “I shall have Smith bring the trunks up.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Nichols. Please, tell me if there is anything I can do to make things right. Oh, my aunt, Mrs. Emma Bingley, will be joining us in a week or so. She will act as my hostess.”

“Very good, sir. Will the rest of your family be here for the holidays?”

“I do not believe they will, but best keep their rooms refreshed. Caroline and Louisa like to make unexpected entrances. I cannot predict what they might do.” He leaned close and whispered, “They do not know I left London, and I am pleased to have avoided their detection as I departed.”

That had been a simple matter, for Bingley had been staying at Darcy House. Nevertheless, his words caused Mrs. Nichols to smile, which was doubtless his goal.

“I mean to go to Longbourn as soon as I have changed,” he said, turning to Darcy. “You may come or not. I must see Miss Bennet. She has no doubt heard that Netherfield has been shut up. She must think me the worst sort of cad!”

Darcy nodded. Mrs. Nichols smiled approvingly, finally relaxing as she had when they first knew her.

The gentlemen left to change, ordering their horses to be made ready in anticipation of their departure.