18. Chapter 18

June 15, 2014 – Happy Father's Day!

In my rush to get the chapter posted last night (family duties first, people!) I forgot to put in a inmor Regency Error Alert - Men did not ask permission to court a woman. They just asked permission to marry one.

Ok for the Ides of March. That bit based off the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. The soothsayer warns Caesar to "beware the Ides of March". The Ides of March was March 15th and was the date on which Julius Caesar was assassinated. That's the cliff notes version of it.

Chapter 18

An express arrived for Charles Bingley shortly after 5 o'clock, whereupon he retired to his study to read it. A sad but satisfied smile overspread his face. His Aunt Blackwell had consented to his plan. She conveyed her dismay at her niece's behavior and promised to make every effort to make her see the error of her ways. Everything was readied. He went in search of Caroline and found her sitting with their sister Louisa. Mr. Hurst was not there.

"Louisa, I did not know you were here or else I would have come to see you."

"Caroline said you had some pressing matters of business. I would suppose that after the fire you have many things to take care of in London, brother. I trust all things are getting back to normal now?"

"Things are progressing," he said cryptically. "Caroline, you never would guess who I ran into yesterday when I called on Darcy."

"You called on Mr. Darcy and Georgiana? I would have accompanied you if I had known you were going, Charles. I had not heard they were back from Pemberley yet."

"They arrived on Saturday."

"Whom did you meet so unexpectedly?" Caroline asked.

"Miss Elizabeth Bennet. You do remember her from your stay at Netherfield do you not?"

Caroline Bingley turned pale. Her sister noticed this and decided to take over the conversation from her sister. She loved Caroline but this time she had gone too far and Louisa was not going to take the fall with her.

"What a surprise, Charles! But Miss Darcy did seem quite taken with Miss Elizabeth Bennet. What news did she bring?"

"She told me, among other things, that Miss Jane Bennet was in town and that Miss Bennet had sent Caroline a note informing her of this. I can see by the looks on both of your faces that this is true."

"Charles," Louisa began, "I must confess I knew Jane was in town, I was here when her note came. But I did not know her sister was also."

"And did you know that Caroline told her that I was not to leave Manchester for twomore months? Did you?" Bingley was beginning to shout now.

"No, I did not. When the note came I agreed not to say anything about Miss Bennet being in London. I feel that you can do better than her, Charles. But I refused to lie to you if it came up and I certainly refused to participate in any other scheme Caroline came up with. I warned her against such things."

At this Bingley softened at his sister. "Louisa, you of all people should know the value of love in a match."

Shamed, Louisa replied, "You are right, Charles. If you love Miss Bennet then you should pursue her. I believe she would make you happy. That is all I ever wanted for you, and for Caroline."

"Thank you, Louisa, I shall count on your support. But you do not know what else Caroline has said?"

"I am ignorant of anything other than knowing Miss Bennet is in London."

"It seems as though our sister did not approve of my choice of Miss Bennet and sought to divide us. She told Miss Bennet that I would be in Manchester until March and that she was going to visit our Aunt Blackwell in Lincoln and would not be able to call on her. Caroline also told me that Miss Bennet was in Devonshire visiting a family by the name of Walter and that she was receiving Mr. Walter's attentions to her." Louisa could only stare at her sister.

"What do you have to say for yourself, Caroline?" Bingley demanded.

"I was only concerned for your happiness, Charles. The Bennets are so far beneath us. Any connection would be an abomination. Mrs. Bennet would lead you around by a noose and the other Bennet girls are a disgrace. I would not see you burdened by such lowly people."

"You are lying, Caroline!" Bingley said in a highly incensed voice. "The only thing you care about is yourself! You are selfish, snobbish, haughty and vain. You chase after a man who cares nothing for you and you have sought to divide me from the woman I love. Do you think I would have given her up so easily? Only an engagement announcement in the papers would have kept me from honoring my word and returning to call on Miss Bennet at Longbourn. You would have had us waste two months and brought us unnecessary pain. Miss Bennet is the daughter of a gentleman. She is more than my equal. I do not own an estate. I only lease one. She may not have the wealth or connections but she has the one thing you and I do not. She was born to a gentleman. I have had enough! Since you said you were going to visit Aunt Blackwell, to Lincoln you shall go. She is expecting you. You shall pack your things and leave first thing in the morning. You will not be allowed to return to my home until you can prove that you can behave in a civil manner again to me and those I hold dear. You will cease to pursue Darcy and you will stop fawning so insincerely over Miss Darcy. If I hear another unkind word about Miss Bennet and her family I will cut your allowance completely. As it is, the fire has set me back. You will still receive your quarterly allotment but I warn you not to exceed it. I will not be covering any additional expenses of yours. The quarter has just begun. You have enough warning to economize. Do you understand what I have said or do I need to explain further?"

"You are perfectly clear, Charles. Louisa, if you will excuse me. I will have dinner sent to my room so I may supervise the packing of my things. Good night, Charles." Miss Bingley left the two without any sign of remorse.

"For what it is worth, Charles, I think you handled that very well. Caroline needed someone to bring her in line." Louisa offered.

"Unfortunately, the only thing she is sorry for at the moment, is that she got caught," sighed Bingley.

"Give her time, Charles. I thought sending her to Aunt Blackwell's was a brilliant stroke. She should drive Caroline insane with all of her moralizing. She has been avoiding visiting her for years!"

Bingley brightened, "Actually it was Darcy's idea. He came up with the suggestion about the allowance as well. I must say he was pleased when I told him that Caroline would be made to stop chasing him. I think he rather enjoyed the thought that I would finally bring Caroline under heel."

"Mr. Darcy has always been an invaluable friend to you, Charles. I need to go home. Mr. Hurst will be very interested in hearing my news."

"I imagine he will be relieved I did not saddle you with Caroline."

"I think he may have actually refused her once he heard what she has tried. Have you called on Miss Bennet yet?"

"I was waiting to resolve this with Caroline first."

"That was wise, Charles. I am very sorry for all of this. I should have tried to talk Caroline out of it."

"We both know it would have been a waste of your breath, Louisa. Give my best to your husband. I have many things to accomplish these next few days. When I can I will send word and ask you to join me for dinner."

"I understand. Good luck, Charles." Louisa leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "It will all turn out well. Goodnight!"

After Mrs. Hurst was gone, Bingley went to inform the housekeeper of all the changes for the evening and of his sister's removal the next day. He was not very hungry that evening and sleep came very begrudgingly.

Charles Bingley did not want his sister to skulk off to Lincoln without saying goodbye to him, so he informed his valet that he wished to be awakened when his sister was awake. Miss Bingley was surprised that he came down to join her for breakfast. She had arisen early in an effort to avoid him, if at all possible, before she was banished to Lincoln.

"Good morning, Caroline."

"Good morning, Charles." She replied coldly.

"I am not here to lecture you again, Caroline. I came to wish you a good journey and a productive time with Aunt Blackwell."

"Hmph"

"Caroline, all I, and Louisa for that matter, want is the return of the wonderful person you used to be when you were young. We miss that. I miss that Caroline."

"I am no longer a child, Charles!" she said indignantly.

"That is not at all my meaning. When you were younger you used to care for people. You wanted to please your family. You were happy. Now all I see is a disillusioned woman who is without any true friends. Those you call friends do not care about you, they care only what you can do for them. They are as shallow as you have become. Use this time to become the person of substance I know you can be. Make peace with yourself and maybe then you can be happy for me. Think about what I have said, Caroline. Please write and let me know you have arrived safely. I shall write to you when I have any news. Goodbye Caroline, safe journey sister." Bingley leaned over, tenderly kissed his sister's cheek and left her alone to her breakfast and her thoughts.

Bingley left his home and made his way over to Darcy House. He was one of the few people who would be let in so early. Darcy was in the breakfast room when he arrived.

"Bingley! You are certainly early this morning. I am going to my club after breakfast, would you like to join me?"

"Only for a little while Darcy, I have a call to make this morning!"

"I take it that you have talked with Caroline?"

"Yes, and Louisa."

"Was she involved too?"

"Only to the extent that she knew Miss Bennet was in town and had agreed with Caroline not to tell me. But that was all she knew and she even told Caroline not to try any form of deceit. She is not the one to blame."

"How did Caroline take it when you confronted her?"

"She denied nothing. She tried to justify herself by denigrating Miss Bennet and her family. I would not stand for such a thing. I told her what I believed were her true motives. I then informed her that she was going to visit our Aunt in Lincoln and I told her she had to live within her allowance. I even threatened to cut her off completely if she did not stop abusing Miss Bennet or her family."

"You did not leave anything out, did you Bingley? Charles, I am very proud of you. That was a very difficult situation to handle and you handled it as any gentleman should."

"Thank you, William. Now what do you have to eat this morning. I did not eat much for dinner last night and have not yet eaten this morning. I am starving!"

"Help yourself, Bingley, my cook never lets me down!"

Shortly thereafter, Georgiana and Elizabeth both came in for their breakfast.

"Mr. Bingley! Mr. Darcy, Good morning!" Elizabeth greeted the gentleman warmly.

"Good morning, Miss Bennet. I see that you are well this morning." Bingley replied

"Yes, I thank you. Have you concluded your business of two days ago?" Elizabeth queried.

"The first portion was concluded just this morning. When the second is completed to my satisfaction is entirely in the hands of another. I must be patient if the desired result is to be accomplished."

"I see. Have you had a chance to call on my sister in Gracechurch Street yet, Mr. Bingley?"

Bingley countenance brightened somewhat. "No, not yet. But I hope to remedy that later this morning. I told Darcy here I would join him at his club first before heading out to make my calls."

"I am sure my aunt will be pleased to finally make your acquaintance. If you would sir, would you please relay a message to Jane for me?"

"At your service madam!"

"Please inform Jane that I demand to see her in blue tomorrow evening when we dine at Gracechurch Street. She will understand my meaning."

"Of course, and I know better than to question the words of a lady."

"Very good, Bingley," Darcy interrupted, "are you ready to leave now."

"Darcy, you are heartless! Can you not see how much I am enjoying speaking with Miss Elizabeth here?" Bingley cried.

"She will be here another five weeks, Bingley. You have plenty of time to see her again. Let us be off." Darcy finished.

"I am sorry ladies. It appears that, for now, I am at Darcy's mercy since I did promise to accompany him to his club. I shall relay your message, Miss Elizabeth. Now if you will excuse us I will take my taciturn friend away now."

Darcy was relieved to be away. As much as he enjoyed Bingley's lighthearted repartee, he was jealous of Elizabeth's attention. 'Stop that man; she is not yours to be jealous for! Remember to keep your emotional distance.'Darcy railed at himself.

"What do you have in store for us today, Georgiana?" Elizabeth asked as soon as the men were gone.

"I have been woefully neglecting my studies and my pianoforte. I think we should stay home today." Georgiana admitted.

"She is wise and beautiful!" Elizabeth teased.

"Oh no, Elizabeth. I am only afraid of the disapprobation of my brother!"

"As if you could ever really disappoint him!"

Georgiana suddenly colored at Elizabeth's jest. Immediately Elizabeth sensed why but she could not let her friend know that she knew.

"If I have said something to give you pain Georgiana, I am truly sorry." Elizabeth offered.

"No, it is not you, Elizabeth. A painful memory just now chose to re-introduce itself into my thoughts." Georgiana sighed. Elizabeth smiled kindly in understanding. The ladies continue to eat their breakfast. Only the sound of cutlery on plates broke the silence.

Finally, Georgiana spoke. "Elizabeth, do you remember when we first met at Pemberley?"

"Yes, of course I do" Elizabeth replied 'Will she now reveal her burden to me?'

"I was very shy and reserved when we first met."

"Yes."

"There was a reason for that."

"Too much time spent around your brother?" Elizabeth teased.

"Yes and no," Georgiana smiled back. "I do share some of his natural shyness but that was not the reason for my reticence. Earlier that summer I was greatly deceived by two people I trusted. I was almost ruined and only by the grace of God was Fitzwilliam there to save me." Elizabeth wisely chose to remain silent. "I went with my then companion, Mrs. Younge, to Ramsgate. Whilst there, a man whom I knew from my youth, the son of our late steward, met with me. I told me he loved me and wanted to marry me. I consented to an elopement. It all seemed so romantic. A few days before we were to leave my brother came unexpectedly to surprise me. I had to tell him, he has been like a father to me and I could not conceal such a thing from him now he was there. He was very gentle with me but knew my 'fiancé' was only after my fortune. Fitzwilliam took care of everything. He dismissed Mrs. Younge, who was in on the deception from the start, and brought me back to Pemberley. I was devastated. You came to Pemberley about a month later. You were just what I needed, Elizabeth. You have helped me draw myself back out again. I own you a great debt of gratitude. Your friendship is the most important one of my life, Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth comforted the now crying girl. She held her gently until the tears subsided. When Georgiana had regained her composure Elizabeth began to answer her.

"Georgiana, I thank you for your trust in confiding in me. The first day I met you I sensed a great sadness in you and wondered at its cause. I am glad I was able to play a part in your overcoming this trauma. I have a confession to make to you now. I know about Mr. Wickham, Georgiana."

"You do? How did you, why would my…"

"Before you become angry with me or your brother, please, let me explain. When you were in Hertfordshire your brother told you that Mr. Wickham had been in the neighborhood but that he had gone by then."

"Yes, I remember."

"What you do not know is that I was present the day your brother learned he was there. I witnessed their greeting of one another. That night I was in Mr. Wickham's company and he tried to poison me against your brother by telling me falsehoods and half-truths. I was very suspicious of him. Since I knew he did not know you were at Netherfield I asked him about you. He told me the most bald faced lie about you and I knew then he was lying about everything else. I was very concerned about what that man might try if he knew you were near and I went out walking the next morning hoping to come across your brother. Fortunately, he was of the same mind and came looking for me. He explained the whole of your family's acquaintance with Mr. Wickham. He did not leave anything out. He had come to respect our friendship enough to realize that I was an ally and would do anything to protect you. Together we plotted to have Mr. Wickham removed from the area. He enlisted the help of your cousin, the Colonel. I was to quash any rumors Mr. Wickham might have started in Meryton. We were both relieved when he was finally gone. So you see, your brother only acted to protect you, Georgiana. I was waiting for you to feel comfortable enough with me to reveal your dealings with him on your own. As I said earlier, I am grateful you have chosen to confide in me about this. Now that it is out in the open, please allow me to help you when unpleasant thoughts intrude. You were not the one at fault, Georgiana, others were culpable, not you. Please believe this."

"I will try, Elizabeth. Thank you for keeping my secret so well. I am not angry with either of you. I can see why you have chosen to proceed as you did. Thank you for allowing me the time to come to you with this when I was ready."

Elizabeth smiled kindly at her young friend again. Georgiana's hand in hers she asked, "So, is it your studies or your pianoforte first this morning?"

Smiling back gratefully Georgiana replied, "I think my mood requires my pianoforte. Will you join me in the music room?"

"After I pick out a new book to read from your magnificent Library," she said squeezing her friend's hand before releasing it.

The ladies spent a quiet and peaceful day at home.

Meanwhile Darcy and Bingley had arrived at Darcy's club.

"Bingley, what are your plans for calling on Miss Bennet?" Darcy began.

"I will go there directly from here. I have much to apologize and ask forgiveness for." Bingley added darkly.

"Charles, it is not your fault. They were your sister's actions, not yours."

"No, ultimately I am to blame. I am the head of my family. For too long I have turned a blind eye to everything both of my sisters have done. Louisa is Hurst's responsibility now but I am still responsible for not checking Caroline."

"I still think you are being too hard on yourself, Charles."

"No William, I need to be a man and face up to my responsibilities, just as I have watched you do all these years. Because I trusted my sister too much, I allowed her to drive a potential wedge between Miss Bennet and me. I shudder to think of what these next two months would have been like if Miss Elizabeth had not been staying with you. I need to explain everything to Miss Bennet and to ask her forgiveness. I only hope she will not hold Caroline's behavior against me."

Darcy smiled at his friend's dejected demeanor. "Charles, from what I have learned of your Miss Bennet, I do not think that will be an issue."

"You have been reluctant to approve of her for me."

"I see now that your regard for her has not abated. In fact it has caused you to act as your own man unlike anything else I have ever seen. If this is what she can bring out in you then she is more than worthy of you, in spite of her lack of fortune or connections."

"Thank you, William. And now I must leave you. I have a call to make!" said the much-brightened Bingley.

Darcy watched his friend disappear and wondered if he would ever find the same happiness.

Bingley was soon at No. 10 Gracechurch Street. Jane was visibly startled and pleased when his name was announced. She and her Aunt received this most welcome visitor in the parlor.

"Mr. Bingley, it is good to see you again sir. Aunt, this is Mr. Charles Bingley. Mr. Bingley this is my Aunt, Mrs. Madeline Gardiner."

"Delighted to meet you sir. You are welcome in our home."

"Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner. I have often heard of you from your nieces."

"I did not expect to see you until after I returned to Longbourn, Mr. Bingley. Your sister indicated in a letter before she left for Lincoln that you expected to be in Manchester until March." Jane explained

"My sister was very much mistaken to tell you so, Miss Bennet. She knew I was coming to London this week."

"I do not understand, Mr. Bingley."

"Jane," Mrs. Gardiner interrupted, sensing the two of them needed some privacy, "I need to check on the children. Is it acceptable if I leave you and Mr. Bingley here to catch up on your news whilst I attend them? I shall have some tea sent in."

"Yes, Aunt, I will be fine, and I would appreciate some tea. Thank you."

Mrs. Gardiner left, leaving the door open on her way out.

"Miss Bennet, I am afraid I have come to apologize to you and ask your forgiveness."

"Whatever for, Mr. Bingley?" said Jane, her heart pounding in fear.

Bingley sighed before continuing, "For the actions of my sister, Miss Bennet. You must know that she has sought to deceive us both. I learned of her attempts at such officious interference just two days ago when I met your sister at the Darcys'. Caroline has been in London this whole time and had only sent you the note to keep you from calling. She would have hidden your presence in town from me. But it is not only this, she told me that you were in Devonshire and that you were receiving the attentions of a Mr. Andrew Walter."

Jane was truly shocked at this. "But I know no one by that name and have no acquaintance in Devonshire!"

"I know that now, Miss Bennet. When I learned the truth of my sister's lies I arranged for her to indeed visit our Aunt in Lincoln. I confronted her last night about the entire situation. I am pained to admit that she bears no remorse for her actions. I sent her to Lincoln this morning. I hope she soon will come to realize the error of her ways and have a change of heart."

"I am sorry to be the cause of such familial strife, Mr. Bingley."

"No, Miss Bennet. This has been building for many years, I am afraid. You were just the last in a long list of items. I should have curbed my sister long ago, Miss Bennet. Can you please forgive me?

"Mr. Bingley, you are not to blame and have done nothing that needs my forgiveness. I do not believe Caroline to be so bad. I hope that soon she will be sorry for what she has done and be anxious to re-establish her character."

"Miss Bennet you are too good!"

A servant entered with the promised tea. Once alone again, Bingley forged on ahead.

"Miss Bennet, we have long delayed a discussion I began when I took leave of you in Hertfordshire."

"Yes Mr. Bingley?" Jane said nervously, hope once again rekindled.

"Miss Bennet, from almost the beginning of or acquaintance I have found you enchanting. I have been drawn to you as a moth is to a flame. I wish to risk myself just as the moth, to be in the warmth of your presence. Miss Bennet, may I formally court you?"

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes!"

Bingley broke out in his wonderful huge smile. "I shall ride to Longbourn today to speak to your father first thing in the morning. I will not wait for a letter, Miss Bennet! I will return tomorrow once I have received his consent." Bingley stopped here and a cloud of worry crossed back over his features. "He will consent will he not?" Bingley asked.

Jane laughed demurely. "Mr. Bingley, I do not think my mother will give him much choice!"

Bingley was delighted to see this teasing side of his beloved Jane. Mrs. Gardiner chose this moment to reappear. It was obvious that something had taken place but neither Jane or Bingley would speak of it. Bingley stayed for another 15 minutes until he made his excuses to leave.

"Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth and Mr. & Miss Darcy are to dine with us tomorrow evening. Would you care to join us?" Mrs. Gardiner asked.

"I would be delighted to Mrs. Gardiner! I have much business to attend to tomorrow but I believe I will be able to attend. If I am delayed I will have a note dispatched so that you do not wait for me." Bingley's eyes never left Jane's as he spoke. "Until tomorrow then. Oh, I almost forgot! Miss Bennet, I saw your sister at Darcy's this morning and she asked me to pass along this message. She said that she demanded to see you in blue tomorrow. She said that you would understand her meaning."

Jane smiled at her younger sister's machinations. "Yes, I fully comprehend her intent. Thank you Mr. Bingley."

And with that Bingley bowed and took his leave.

Yes, I am behind in responding to comments. I'll catch up tomorrow.