Page 3

Later that night, after the party returned to Netherfield, Darcy, Bingley, Hurst, and Madison enjoyed a nightcap in Bingley’s study.

“Well, gentlemen, what did you think? Darcy, have either you or Madison attended a country assembly before?” Bingley handed each man a glass of port.

“I have a few times at home. My mother is quite fond of them and purchases a ticket every year for the assembly hall in the nearby town.” Madison sipped his wine. “They are quite enjoyable if one likes to dance.”

“That they are.” Bingley grinned. “Darcy, what about you?”

“I confess to attending one in the village of Kympton once, but as you know, dancing is not one of my preferred activities unless I am particularly acquainted with my partner. I knew none of the ladies at that assembly and so did not enjoy the experience.” He set his glass on the small table at his elbow.

“I never repeated it. Tonight is only my second time appearing at such an affair.”

“You seemed to enjoy yourself this time.” Hurst leaned back into his chair and settled himself comfortably. “You danced with a stranger.”

Darcy felt himself flush. “I did.” He clamped his lips shut. He refused to discuss it, especially since he had not had time to process his actions himself.

“I did, as well.” Madison raised his brows. “It is to be expected.”

Bingley snorted. “Well, Darcy has never exerted himself to do so before now at any ball, including his aunt’s annual Christmas ball.

I simply find it interesting that we come to the country, to a place he has never been before, and he immediately asks a lady he has never met in his life to dance with him.

” He lifted his glass. “It is most perplexing.” He took a sip.

Darcy shrugged. “I have no explanation. It seemed like the proper thing to do at the time.” He eyed his friend for a second, deciding to make an attempt at turning the conversation. “You did as you usually do and found the most stunning blonde in the room to dance with.”

Bingley grinned. “Is she not the most beautiful thing you have ever beheld?”

Darcy did not agree, but chose to say nothing.

“She is the mirror image of her mother.” Hurst looked around at the other gentlemen. “Did you notice that?”

Darcy nodded, just as the others did. “I did see it. It was amazing.”

“If you did not know they were mother and daughter, they could be taken as sisters. I do not know if I have ever witnessed a matron who looked as well as Mrs. Bennet.” Madison shook his head.

“I wonder if Mr. Bennet is the jealous sort. If my wife looked that good after all those children, I would never leave her side for fear of someone enticing her away.”

Hurst lifted his glass to his lips. “Her speech, though.” He shivered. “You may not have heard it, as it was while you and Darcy were dancing, but she was loud and brash. She gossiped a great deal, including about Bingley and Miss Bennet.”

Bingley laughed. “I did notice, when I returned Miss Bennet to her side, that Mrs. Bennet liked the thought of me as a son-in-law.”

A crease split Darcy’s brow. “How can you laugh at that? She has you married off already to her daughter, as though you were her possession.” It was his turn to shiver. He uncrossed his legs and then crossed them the other way. “I cannot imagine her as my mother-in-law.”

Madison tilted his head and appeared to examine Darcy.

“Have you never met Viscountess Tansley’s mother?

Bird-witted, that one is, and with no concept of proper speech.

” He shrugged. “I suppose being a marchioness means she does not have to, but I confess to being surprised she is not censured by the ton sometimes.”

Darcy shifted uncomfortably again. “I have met her, once, and I do recall that she is a bit buffle-headed. I suppose many families have relations of whom they are not proud.”

The gentlemen fell silent and Darcy looked at Bingley, who had blushed and was staring into his glass with a forlorn look on his face. Not long after this, the four of them said good night and retired to their rooms.

~~~***~~~

The next morning, Darcy and Bingley rode out together after breakfast. Madison and Hurst stayed behind to play billiards, while Louisa made a few visits to neighborhood ladies.

Darcy waited until they were out of earshot of the stables before he began speaking. “I apologize if I made you uncomfortable last night when I made that comment about relations and not being proud of them.”

“Thank you, but really, there is no need. The situation happened and nothing can be done about it.” Bingley shrugged. “Caroline made the choices she did and now she must bear the consequences. Literally.”

“I would imagine it would be painful to have to send your sister away like that.” Darcy’s thoughts were filled with his own dear sister and what might have happened just two months ago, had he not decided to drop in on her at her lodgings in Ramsgate.

“It would have torn me apart to banish Georgiana.”

Bingley was quiet for a moment. “It was painful. My sister is not the easiest person to live with, I grant you.” He sighed and shook his head.

“Part of me cannot believe that she would have allowed herself to be seduced by anyone. She has always been the shrewdest female I have ever known, and yet, she fell for a lying cad.”

It was Darcy’s turn to be quiet for a moment. “How is her pregnancy going?”

“Well, I guess. Louisa writes to her every week and receives letters in return. She tells me the morning sickness is over and that Caroline has had to order some new gowns. She has felt the quickening and is getting bigger every day. Our aunt visits twice a week, but she never sees any of our other relatives. She goes nowhere and sees no one and that grates on her. I do not know how she will last until the birth.”

“Will she keep the child or give it up?”

Bingley shrugged again. “I do not know. She says she is looking for a family to take it so she can move back to London, but the fact is, her life as she knew it is over. Even if she were to return to town, her reputation is ruined. She will not be invited anywhere, especially not to the homes of the people she used to be friendly with. Maybe she should raise the child herself, but even that is fraught with dangers. She is living respectably enough. Her fortune is more than enough to provide them a good, safe home and plenty of servants. She should not have to worry about men thinking they can accost her in her own house.”

“Some will, regardless.”

Bingley’s shoulders fell. “I know.” He looked at his friend.

“I have never been in such a difficult place. I was supposed to take care of her, but my father always insisted we pay the natural consequences of our actions. So, that is what I have done with Caroline. I have made her face this alone as all of society seems to dictate. I feel as though I have failed her, but she made her choices.”

“I wish I knew how to help you. I truly do. I will continue to pray for Caroline and for you.”

“Thank you. You are an excellent friend, Darcy.” Bingley looked around at the field they were crossing.

“I would like to get to know Miss Bennet better. I am afraid, though. What if the feelings I have for her are love, or even are not but turn into it, and she rejects me because of my sister? Others have, as you are aware.”

“All I know to say is to take your time and make certain you understand her character before you allow yourself to become too attached. Even then, rejection is possible.” Darcy lifted a shoulder.

“I suppose you could pretend you do not have a sister and never mention it, but I do not think that would be honest.”

“No.” Bingley straightened his shoulders.

“I will do as you suggest and take my time to learn what manner of person she is. If I feel, in the end, that she will not reject me for my sister’s folly, I will know how to act, and if I think she will reject a connection to me, I will move on.

My days of impulsivity must, I fear, be over. ” He sighed. “Thanks to Caroline.”

Darcy did not reply, as they had reached a long stretch of road that ran along the edge of the Netherfield property. Instead, he kicked Apollo into motion, silently challenging his friend to a race.

Longbourn

October 16, 1811

The day after the assembly found the Bennet ladies at home, lounging about the drawing room and working on various projects.

Jane and Elizabeth were embroidering, Mary was writing out extracts from her favorite book of sermons, Kitty and Lydia were remaking bonnets, and Mrs. Bennet was chattering away at each of her girls in turn.

The housekeeper interrupted their quiet afternoon by announcing visitors.

“Lady Lucas, Miss Lucas, and Miss Maria Lucas to see you, ma’am.”

The Bennets jumped up from their pursuits to curtsey to their friends.

“What a wonderful surprise! We did not hear you come into the yard.” Mrs. Bennet waved them in. “Come and sit a while.”

“We walked today. The weather is fine and I thought it would do us good.” Lady Lucas joined her hostess in front of the sofa. Charlotte moved to sit with Elizabeth, Jane, and Mary at their table, and Maria rushed to where Lydia and Kitty were located near the window on the other wall.

“It is a beautiful day.” Mrs. Bennet turned to the housekeeper. “We will have tea, and tell Cook to include some of the cake she made this morning.”

Mrs. Hill curtseyed. “Very good, ma’am.” She left the room again.

“Well.” Mrs. Bennet sank onto the sofa beside her friend. “What did you think of the assembly last night? Did you see how taken Mr. Bingley was with Jane?”

Lady Lucas nodded. “I did.” She glanced across the room at her eldest daughter and then leaned closer to her hostess. “Mr. Madison did the same with my Charlotte, though she will hear nothing of an attachment.”

“Why ever not?” Mrs. Bennet turned with wide eyes toward the table where her neighbor’s daughter sat. “Does she not wish to marry?”