Page 11 of Suddenly Married

Mrs. Gardiner had purchased gifts for everyone; they were but small tokens, yet chosen with affection.

She wished to cheer her nieces a little amid the sadness and anxiety they were enduring.

Jane had accompanied her, for Mrs. Gardiner knew it would do them both good to spend a few hours in diversion.

Jane was examining some bonnets in a shop while Mrs. Gardiner considered a selection of gloves, when she suddenly heard someone address her.

"Miss Bennet, how very agreeable to see you.

" Turning, she beheld Mr. Bingley, and she could not help but blush with emotion.

"Mr. Bingley," Jane replied softly. Caroline could scarcely believe such ill fortune.

That they should encounter the very woman she had hoped her brother had forgotten—though, in truth, he had not.

Mr. Bingley remained deeply in love with Jane.

They conversed upon trivial matters for a few minutes, until Caroline, with feigned concern, interposed: "Dear Jane, it has been a pleasure, but we must be on our way; we are engaged to meet friends in less than an hour.

" "Yes, quite right," Mr. Bingley agreed.

Yet he hesitated before adding, "Might I call upon you one of these days, Miss Bennet, if it would not inconvenience you?

" He was both nervous and elated to be in the presence of the most beautiful angel he had ever known.

Jane explained that she was to return to Longbourn the next day before noon, unable to prolong her stay owing to her father's delicate health.

"I am sorry, Mr. Bingley. I hope you will understand.

" "Of course, Miss Bennet. I am truly sorry to hear it, and I wish with all my heart for your father's recovery.

" The news saddened Mr. Bingley, yet he would not lose the opportunity.

"Might I visit you tomorrow morning before you depart?

I should like to speak with you a little longer—though if you cannot receive me, I perfectly understand.

" "Yes, I can receive you tomorrow morning," Jane answered impulsively, blushing anew.

Mrs. Gardiner gave Mr. Bingley her address, adding, "We shall breakfast early.

You may arrive around ten o'clock, so that you have time to converse.

" "Thank you; I shall be there without fail.

" Jane and Mr. Bingley could not cease looking at one another, while Caroline had no further wish to witness what she deemed a ridiculous scene.

"My dear Jane, I sincerely hope your father recovers soon," Caroline said, without any genuine warmth.

"It has been a pleasure to see you." "Thank you, Caroline," Jane replied politely.

"I shall see you tomorrow," said Mr. Bingley, before he and his sister quitted the shop.

Jane was content. After so long, she had seen Mr. Bingley—the man she loved.

He had been as nervous as she, and his eyes had held the same tenderness as when he had looked upon her in Hertfordshire.

Observing her niece's delight, Mrs. Gardiner silently prayed that Mr. Bingley would not again trifle with Jane's affections.

◆◆◆

Mr. Darcy arrived at his aunt's house almost at dusk.

He had spent the entire day in his carriage, reflecting upon all he intended to say to her.

Upon reaching Rosings, he proceeded directly to the drawing room, knowing it was where his aunt would retire after dinner.

As soon as he entered and Lady Catherine beheld him, she began at once: "I am glad you are here.

I hope we may arrange your engagement to Anne this very day, so that those dreadful rumours about you and that impertinent chit may be silenced immediately.

" "Lady Catherine," Mr. Darcy replied with deliberate firmness, "I have told you on numerous occasions—and I have come now to tell you for the last time—that Anne and I have never been engaged, nor shall we ever be.

I shall marry Miss Bennet, and neither you nor anyone else shall prevent it.

" "I shall never allow it—" "I do not require your permission for anything.

I came only to tell you that you are not to approach my betrothed again, and that I forbid you to speak of her.

Early tomorrow morning, you will summon that fool who is your clergyman, and we shall speak to him together.

And do not look at me in that manner—you know perfectly well that I am the one who pays the two mortgages on Rosings and covers all your expenses.

If you refuse to do as I say, beginning tomorrow, you will lose all my financial support.

" "You would not dare—" "To defend my future wife, I am capable of that and more.

" With those words, Mr. Darcy left the room and retired to his chamber, leaving his aunt speechless.

The following morning, as requested, Mr. Collins was present and waiting for him.

"Mr. Collins," Mr. Darcy began, "if I ever again hear that you have spoken against my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, I shall personally ensure that the bishop is made aware of your conduct.

There is, however, another matter I wish to discuss with you.

" "Mr. Darcy, I am very sorry for the misunderstanding…

Please, tell me how I may assist you." Mr. Collins revered Lady Catherine, yet not even for her sake would he dare confront a gentleman of Mr. Darcy's honour and consequence.

Mr. Darcy explained that Mr. Bennet's condition was extremely delicate, and that, should he pass away, he expected Mr. Collins to allow the Bennet family six months to secure another home.

"I shall pay you a lease for that time. If we reach an agreement, it will benefit not only the Bennet family but also Lady Catherine, as she will have the opportunity to find another clergyman during those six months, with your assistance in selecting a suitable candidate.

" "I had not considered that… But of course, I cannot abandon my esteemed patroness so abruptly.

I should be most happy to assist her in whatever she may require.

" Mr. Collins glanced at Lady Catherine, who inclined her head in reluctant consent.

Mr. Darcy then produced a contract prepared by his solicitor, which Mr. Collins duly signed.

With the matter resolved, and without pausing for breakfast, Mr. Darcy departed Rosings for Longbourn, intent on apologising to Elizabeth for his aunt's behaviour and bringing her the welcome news that all was settled for their marriage.

He also wished to present her with the beautiful and costly engagement ring he had purchased especially for her.

◆◆◆

Lawrence sat in his office, reviewing contracts and reflecting upon his visit to Miss Bennet the previous evening.

Mrs. Gardiner had invited him to dinner, affording him several hours in her company.

She had been even more beautiful than he remembered, though her smile was different—her countenance brightened at moments, but often, when he looked at her, she seemed lost in thought.

As always, she had been unfailingly kind, yet her manner was distant.

After dinner, when the gentlemen withdrew to Mr. Gardiner's office for brandy, Lawrence understood the reason.

Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Phillips discussed Mr. Bingley with concern, for neither placed any trust in him.

They recalled how openly he had shown interest in their niece, only to abandon her without explanation.

They spoke sparingly, wishing not to be indiscreet, yet enough was said for Lawrence to discern the truth—Miss Bennet was in love with another man.

Neither gentleman realised the effect of their words.

When they returned to join the ladies, Lawrence remained only a brief while before taking his leave.

"It was a pleasure to see you again, Miss Bennet.

I hope your father recovers soon… I wish you the very best." With those words, he looked upon her for the last time and returned to reality.

The dream was over. He had slept little, but resolved that the matter of Jane Bennet was closed.

He would continue his life as before, immersed in his work, and perhaps—with some good fortune—he might one day forget her.

"What time is it, Aunt?" Jane asked Mrs. Gardiner.

"It is almost noon," Mrs. Gardiner replied.

Mr. Bingley had arranged to call upon her at ten o'clock that morning, yet he had not arrived.

Jane was to leave with her uncle for Longbourn within minutes.

"Aunt, perhaps Mr. Bingley has had an accident or some emergency.

When he comes, please tell him that I waited for him, but was obliged to go," Jane said, her voice faltering with sadness.

"Do not trouble yourself, Jane; I shall tell him.

" Mrs. Gardiner, however, was incensed. Jane had been at the window since nine o'clock, watching for him, and it pained her to see her niece once again disappointed.

In his office, Mr. Bingley sat with his head in his hands, uncertain whether he had done right in listening to Caroline.

Once again, she had persuaded him that Jane Bennet felt nothing for him, and that she would accept him only as a means to relieve the difficulties her father's imminent death would bring upon her family.