Page 34 of Suddenly Married

Mr. Bingley was devastated; the night before, he had not slept well, for all he could do was think of his Angel.

How could she have forgotten him for another man so easily?

The only reasonable explanation in his mind was that, finding herself alone and in a difficult financial situation after her father's death, she had been obliged to marry to support her family.

If he had not been a coward and abandoned her, she would have married him, and they would now be happy together.

After observing her reaction upon seeing him, he was convinced that she loved him as much as he loved her.

Moreover, the man she had married was not worthy of her; he appeared ordinary, without any notably attractive attributes.

From the inquiries he had made, Bingley knew that he was a tradesman, the owner of an import and export company, and also involved in the shipping business.

Seemingly, he was wealthy, yet actively engaged in trade, unlike himself and his family.

However, Charles Bingley was not like his sisters; he did not despise people because of their profession or occupation.

Still, his jealousy blinded him whenever he thought of that man with his Angel.

Thus, he was certain that Jane's husband had taken advantage of her vulnerability to force her into marriage.

In the superficial world of Charles Bingley, a woman as beautiful as Jane Bennet could never fall in love with an ordinary-looking and dull man like Mr. Clark. He could only wonder what he might do to save her, to release her from the torment her life must surely be at his side.

Suddenly, his sister's voice drew him from his thoughts.

"Charles, you cannot imagine how surprised I was when I saw our dear Jane married to that vulgar, horrible man.

Imagine comparing his father, who was surely the owner of some insignificant shop, with our father—a man so successful that he could make his son a gentleman, rescuing him from a life of trade," said Caroline, with evident disgust.

Mr. Bingley listened in silence; it pained him that his sisters could not understand his suffering. Yet when Louisa spoke, he could not help but feel a sudden curiosity.

"Jane came to visit us in January, seeking at all costs to meet you, Charles. Thankfully, we decided not to inform you, as Mr. Darcy advised us. It was evident she was looking for a rich husband regardless of his rank, and she evidently found one."

"What did you say…? And what does Darcy have to do with any of this? I demand that you explain yourself immediately, Louisa!" Mr. Bingley exclaimed, struggling to control his temper.

Caroline cast Louisa a disapproving glance and tried to speak with as much composure as she could.

"Jane visited, and Mr. Darcy advised us not to inform you of her presence in London."

"Charles, we did it for your own good," Louisa said.

"I am sorry, Charles, Louisa, but I must go. I have neither the time nor the inclination to speak further about that woman. I have an appointment with my modiste. I require a new gown for the Carlson family ball, and I am to meet Lady Isabella and other friends who will also attend."

Caroline departed, and Louisa turned her attention to her husband, who was dozing on the couch beside her, hoping thereby to avoid her brother's wrath.

Charles Bingley could scarcely believe what he had just heard. His Angel had come to visit him, and his sisters and friends had conspired to keep them apart. Seeing that his sister would not offer any explanation, Mr. Bingley left the room in disgust.

'I shall not leave you to face this alone, my beloved Jane. I know not yet what I must do, but I know that we shall be together, sooner or later, my dear Angel.'

◆◆◆

Lawrence Clark was delighted. The night before, his loving wife had told him that she loved him and that they were to have a child.

After returning from Lord Fleming's gathering, they had gone directly to their chamber and had made love with great passion.

It amused him to recall how they had concluded that their first child had been conceived during their honeymoon.

Apparently, he had been so irresistible to his wife when reading poetry that she could not resist spending the night with him.

He informed her that he intended to stop by the bookstore to purchase new love poems, so as to ensure continued conjugal felicity.

Lawrence knew his beautiful wife was almost pleased; yet she missed her dear sister and was constantly concerned for her. He therefore resolved to do something to cheer her spirits. He decided to send Elizabeth one of the books from Mr. Bennet's collection, which Mr. Collins had given them.

Jane was delighted and thought it an excellent idea. She suggested sending The Divine Comedy , as it had been Mr. Bennet's favourite book.

When Lawrence had completed his pending work in his office, he visited Mr. Gardiner to deliver the volume, as Mr. Gardiner was responsible for sending the letters that went to Pemberley.

Mr. Gardiner was pleased to see his nephew, and upon learning the purpose of his visit, he decided to share some important information with him.

"Lawrence, I shall tell you something, but you must promise not to tell anyone," Mr. Gardiner said in a mock menacing tone.

Lawrence laughed, for he had no idea to what his uncle referred, and replied in the same spirit, "That depends on the kind of secret you intend to share with me, Uncle."

"Lizzy is in London, and she has asked me to fetch her from her husband's house tomorrow. She wishes to attend Mary's wedding and to spend a few days with us," said Mr. Gardiner, clearly delighted.

"What wonderful news! My Jane will be overjoyed to see her beloved sister." He paused and then added, "Of course, I shall keep it a secret. But if my sister-in-law intends to surprise us all, I shall take the liberty of surprising her as well!"

After a moment's thought, Lawrence decided to write a note and send the book to Elizabeth along with the message Mr. Gardiner would forward to her.

Furthermore, he asked if he might accompany him the following day. Lawrence had little faith in his sister-in-law's husband and wished to be present in case he attempted to dissuade Elizabeth from visiting her family.

◆◆◆

Mrs. Bennet, Kitty, and Lydia arrived in London and stayed at the Clarks' residence. Lawrence was the favourite of all the Bennet ladies, though that in no way diminished their respect for Captain Walker. That day, the sisters had resolved to go shopping, accompanied by their aunt Gardiner.

Although greatly improved, Mrs. Bennet still found it difficult to walk long distances.

She therefore remained at home, and Mrs. Clark offered to keep her company, suggesting they embroider gifts for Mary and converse about their children.

Mrs. Bennet had not yet regained full mobility in her left hand, but she could now use her right hand, enabling her to embroider almost as well as before her apoplexy.

Mrs. Clark was exceedingly patient, and knowing how dearly Mrs. Bennet loved Lawrence made her particularly fond of her son's mother-in-law, despite her spirited disposition.

Kitty and Lydia were delighted to be in London with Jane for Mary's wedding.

Though both remained cheerful and lively, their manners had undergone some change, especially in Lydia, who had grown wary of men after her experience with Mr. Wickham.

The governess engaged by Lawrence was patient and had helped them acquire new accomplishments and to express themselves with greater propriety.

◆◆◆

"I do not need all these things. I do not think they are necessary," said Mary, blushing as she looked at the nightgowns Jane and her aunt had selected for her.

Jane took her hand and said gently, "Mary, if you do not feel comfortable, you need not use them. We are merely giving them to you in case you wish to look especially pretty for your husband."

Mrs. Gardiner and Jane spoke to Mary about married life.

She felt most uncomfortable with the subject, yet she knew that she would soon be a married woman and must be prepared for her new life.

Moreover, she liked it when Roland kissed her, so she supposed that being his wife would not be unpleasant.

"Mary, you must buy this bonnet and these gloves; they match perfectly with your wedding dress," said Lydia, delighted at the sight of so many beautiful things in the shop.

"Lawrence said that I should buy presents for all of you. Lydia, Kitty, you may each choose some bonnets and gloves for yourselves." As soon as Jane had spoken, Lydia and Kitty eagerly began selecting their purchases, declaring how much they adored their brother-in-law.

Lady Isabella, Caroline, and two other women entered the shop.

Upon seeing Jane, Lady Isabella felt at once a surge of deep dislike.

She could not endure the thought that the man she had chosen as her future lover preferred his foolish wife.

She admitted that Jane might be considered attractive—yet she could surely never satisfy a man of Lawrence's passions.

Nevertheless, Lady Isabella resolved to give Mr. Clark a second chance.

She knew that once she had him under her influence, she would probably tire of him, but she enjoyed challenges and had no intention of allowing him to escape her grasp.

Without saying a word to her companions, she approached Jane's party and greeted her with a trace of disdain in her voice. "Mrs. Clark, how very nice to see you."

At first, Jane did not recognise her, but after studying her face, she realised she was Lady Isabella—the very woman who had shamelessly flirted with Lawrence at her own husband's gathering.

"Lady Isabella, the pleasure is mine," Jane replied quietly.