Page 27 of Winter of Passion (Pride and Prejudice Variation)

“B ingley, would you try to calm down and explain why you are so upset?” Darcy asked, assuming his friend was referring to his engagement.

The response was not what he had expected; he felt offended to have been shouted at in such a manner, but he kept his composure, wishing to clarify the situation without further scandal.

“Everybody knows why I am upset, Darcy, except for you because you were away God knows where! I have suffered the greatest humiliation! My sister, my own sister Louisa, was caught in her room with Lord Langley!”

The reply bewildered Darcy, and he needed a moment to understand. He looked at the colonel, who gulped from his glass with a smirk on his face.

“What?”

“Yes, what indeed! Caroline went to Louisa’s room and found them there!

Apparently, they were drunk and fell asleep!

Caroline screamed like a lunatic! There were maids in the hall, and Hurst was in the next room.

I was awake, heard the screaming, and ran there.

There was a nasty quarrel between Lord Langley and Hurst, and I asked his lordship to leave immediately, though I do not know whether he has done so.

And now I do not know what to do! This is a terrible mess! ”

Bingley looked distraught. The colonel handed him a drink, but Darcy took it away.

“I believe something less strong would be more useful. Some herbal tea. Let us sit and discuss the matter. How would you like me to help you?”

“What should I do? I do not know! Should I call Lord Langley out? He dishonoured my family in my house!”

“Do not be a fool, Bingley,” the colonel interjected. “You have only just married — you do not want to put your life in danger or risk being arrested for killing an earl.”

“I agree. It is out of the question,” Darcy replied. “Is it possible that Langley forced himself on your sister?”

“I do not think so, Darcy…I did not ask.”

“What did Hurst say?”

“He said nothing! He rarely says anything! I think he was shocked, as I was! If only Caroline had not screamed and woken the whole house! What if Hurst calls Lord Langley out? And what about Louisa? Does she plan to run off with Langley?”

“Bingley, you are too distressed to think clearly,” Darcy said. “We must try to put some order to this madness, not stir up more of it. I shall speak to Hurst now, if you do not mind, then Lord Langley. You should have some herbal tea and talk to your sister.”

“Yes…but Darcy, where have you been so early in the morning?”

Darcy breathed deeply, reluctant to bring Bingley further distress. He knew he should wait for a better time, but it was unlikely to appear in the near future. Even if it was selfish on his side, he would not allow Mrs Hurst to ruin his plans.

“I was at Longbourn, in conference with Mr Bennet. I know this is sudden, and I hope it will not increase your torment… I asked Miss Bennet to marry me, and she accepted. Mr Bennet granted me his blessing, and I intended to tell you when I returned.”

Bingley stared and blinked repeatedly, then gulped a few times.

“What? What do you mean? You proposed to Elizabeth?”

“Yes.”

“But…why? How? What happened in this house? Colonel, give me that drink,” he demanded, grabbing the glass.

“I have been in love with Miss Bennet for a long time. She did not return my affection at first, but eventually, I succeeded in winning her heart. We are happily engaged to marry very soon. I hoped you would be happier to have me as your brother.”

“I am happy! And shocked! I feel like a fool, completely unaware of what is happening around me. I feel like I am losing my mind! I cannot even think clearly! Does Jane know?”

“I am not sure. I have not spoken to Elizabeth since I returned. We planned to make the announcement in a certain way, but this mishap will change everything.”

They were interrupted by the door opening and Hurst entering. He stepped inside, then stopped, wearing his usual stern countenance, only slightly more pale.

“Hurst, come, have a seat,” Bingley invited him. “Would you like a drink?”

“Yes. Bingley, should we speak privately?”

“As you wish. I have no secrets from Darcy and the colonel.”

“It is not much of a secret, only too embarrassing to be discussed in public.”

Darcy and the colonel allowed them privacy, leaving the library together. In the hall, they stopped and looked at each other.

“This is madness,” Darcy said.

“Well, not entirely. There have been rumours that Mrs Hurst had a partiality for Langley. She married Hurst because Langley was looking for a better choice.”

“I did not know that!”

“Come now, Darcy, why would a man like Langley spend time in the country at Bingley’s house unless he had some personal interest in it? Bingley mentioned several times that his sisters insisted on inviting the earl and his brother.”

“I am sure you are right. This is disgusting, though.”

“I shall repeat one more time — not entirely. You know too well that such a habit is not uncommon in arranged marriages. However, usually people are not so stupid as to be caught. Prudence is mandatory in such cases.”

“The fact that it is a common habit does not make it less disgusting.”

“Darcy, you should have some sympathy for those less fortunate in their marriage. Imagine a woman bonded for life to a man she can hardly bear next to her. Who could expect loyalty if there is no affection or at least some respect?”

“This is not a subject to be debated in the hall in a house full of people.” Darcy said severely. “Let us find Langley — I hope he will leave without any further unpleasant surprises.”

“I am sure the poor bastard wishes for nothing but to leave as soon as possible,” the colonel replied.

Fortunately, the colonel was proved right.

Lord Langley and his brother had left before anyone had time to talk to them, abandoning their cousins — the Miss Parsons — without any means of transportation to London.

The other guests planned to leave the following morning, which turned the entire day into one equally disturbing and awkward.

Mrs Hurst locked herself in her room and refused to speak to anyone. Mr Hurst chose to retire to his chamber, demanding food, drink and no company.

Darcy had the chance to speak to Elizabeth briefly and to mention the success of his visit to Longbourn.

He also wrote a letter to Mr Bennet, informing him briefly that unusual circumstances prevented him from dining at Longbourn and asking permission for Elizabeth to remain at Netherfield with her sister.

A note from Mr Bennet was immediately sent back.

Mr Darcy,

I have already endured too much agitation before breakfast and would rather not have more, especially since I am already exhausted after the ball.

I have only shared your news with my brother and sister Gardiner so far. I am still waiting for the right moment to inform Mrs Bennet. Perhaps I should postpone it till tomorrow after you leave for London. I wish you a safe journey, and I look forward to receiving you at Longbourn when you return.

Please tell Lizzy to come and visit me tomorrow if there are no other special circumstances that forbid it.

Mr Bennet’s note made Darcy smile; there had indeed been too much agitation before breakfast for everyone.

A while later, Darcy found Elizabeth in the music room, still trying to comfort a distressed, tearful Mrs Bingley.

“Mr Darcy, please allow me to congratulate you and Lizzy. What wonderful news — beyond my wildest dreams. Except for my marriage to Charles, there is nothing I ever wanted more. I am grieved that this unfortunate accident has ruined your announcement. I am so embarrassed. I do not know what I should do to help Charles.”

“Thank you, Mrs Bingley. There is nothing to be embarrassed for and nothing you can do,” Darcy answered. “I imagine it must be hurtful for Bingley and for you, but I assure you it will pass soon.”

“Will you leave for London tomorrow, Mr Darcy?”

“I shall.”

“And Miss Darcy?”

“She will remain here if you approve of it.”

“Of course I do! Unless she prefers to leave and distance herself from the scandal.”

“The scandal cannot touch my sister, I assure you.”

“I am sorry to disagree,” he heard Elizabeth saying. She looked upset, and the sparkle in her eyes had faded.

“I cannot imagine what you mean, Elizabeth.”

“You know too well what I mean. This is the second scandal that has shaken my family in a short period of time. Your name will be associated with it as soon as you announce the engagement. You should consider the situation carefully. I would rather lose my happiness than harm you and Georgiana.”

Darcy took both her hands in his and brought them to his heart.

“I shall pretend I did not hear that last statement, Elizabeth. With all my love and consideration, I must tell you it is nonsense.” He smiled at her and was pleased that she responded in the same manner.

“Please do not trouble yourself more with useless fears and speculations,” he said to both ladies. “The situation is not worth your suffering. Besides, Elizabeth, you must keep your strength for the moment I announce our betrothment,” he jested, and she nodded nervously.

Several hours later, Darcy, Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam were in the library again, sharing another drink. After the first wave of shock had passed, Bingley was at least capable of carrying on a reasonable conversation.

“Hurst said he would do nothing particular,” Bingley uttered.

“He said he would visit some friends for a while, and Louisa may return to their house in London if she wishes to. He seemed willing to consider a reconciliation, which is equally shocking to me. He does not speak of separation, duels, scandal — nothing that I expected.”

“The London house belongs to your sister, if I remember correctly,” Darcy replied.

“It does.”

“And besides her dowry, your sister has a comfortable endowment. Hurst has some connections but not much to support his lifestyle.”

“True…”