28. Chapter 28

June 25, 2014 – Let's go see what's been happening with Bingley. I did say that more than one couple has been courting.

Chapter 28

Charles Bingley was a very frustrated man. He had intended to leave Manchester for Lincoln Tuesday morning but a last minute delay caused him to postpone his trip for one day. The weather on Tuesday had been sunny and clear all day but Wednesday morning greeted him with dull, overcast skies. Soon a light drizzle began and the coach was slowed so much that Bingley found himself only to Sheffield by nightfall. He had hoped, if the weather had held, to make it nearly to Lincoln that evening. As it now stood, if the dismal weather continued, he would be fortunate to reach Lincoln by nightfall the next day.

Fortunately, the rain abated during the night and by midmorning the sun was shining once again. In the middle of the afternoon, Bingley's carriage pulled up in front of his Aunt Blackwell's home on Bailgate. Caroline Bingley rushed out to greet her brother as soon as she had spied the carriage pass under Newport Arch.

Caroline took the unprecedented step of throwing her arms around her brother. Bingley did not know what to make of this uncharacteristic display of affection from his sister. Being a man of such kindly disposition he immediately saw it as proof of his sister's reformation.

"Caroline! It is good to see you again. I must say that you are looking well!"

"I am well, thank you, Charles. I am very happy to see you brother. I have missed you and Louisa and Mr. Hurst very much. But come inside and see our Aunt Blackwell. She has been very anxious for your safety these last two days. We expected you Tuesday evening."

Bingley allowed Caroline to show him inside the house and into the drawing room. Mrs. Blackwell greeted her nephew effusively, remarking on how similar his looks were to his late mother, her sister.

"We expected you to arrive two days ago, Charles. I hope there was nothing greatly amiss." Mrs. Blackwell enquired.

"No, Aunt. On Monday a last-minute detail delayed my departure until yesterday. Unfortunately, I was caught in the weather and had to break my journey in Sheffield. I traveled the rest of the distance today. It stopped raining early enough last night for the roads to sufficiently recover to the point where near normal traveling speed was possible. I have to admit that I was very frustrated with the delays." Bingley replied.

"The important thing, Charles," Caroline interjected, "is that you are now safely in Lincoln. What are your plans now, brother?"

"I had planned on staying at least until Saturday before heading to London." Bingley began. He noticed his sister's eyes brighten and the mention of the capital. "I have business that will take a few days to complete before I return to Netherfield." Bingley watched his sister for a reaction to his last statement. Caroline was able to school her features to not betray her inner feelings. She instead forced a smile on her face.

"I am glad you are taking such an interest in your estate Charles. I have heard it said that the master of the estate is most busy in the spring during the planting season and the fall during harvest."

"That is not the only reason I am returning to Netherfield." Charles corrected.

"Yes, Charles, I know you wish to see dear Jane. I cannot wait to see her again myself!"

Bingley was very pleased by this pronouncement from his sister. His Aunt Blackwell, however, still harbored her doubts. When Caroline left to change for dinner, Mrs. Blackwell remained behind to have a word with her nephew.

"How is my sister truly, Aunt?" Bingley asked as soon as he was assured of their privacy.

"Charles, I am not certain of the sincerity of your sister's reform. She has done all that I have asked her to do, but I do not detect a willing spirit. I may be wrong. She may be the type of individual whose feelings are not easily discernable. If you take her away now, I cannot guarantee that her manners will last through the carriage ride to London."

Bingley was slightly disheartened by this report. Nevertheless, he was determined to seek out the potential good in his sister. Dinner went well that evening and the next day Caroline never gave any reason for her brother to doubt her sincerity. Bingley decided to forgo traveling on a Sunday and made plans to depart for London at first light on Monday. He would break his travel for the day somewhere in the vicinity of Peterborough. That would put him in Town later in the day on Tuesday. If all went well, he would be able to conclude his business in Town and leave for Netherfield Friday morning. He did not wish to travel on Good Friday, but Hertfordshire was only a half-day's journey and he would be there early enough in the afternoon to pay a call on Longbourn.

Saturday, he informed his Aunt and sister of his plans. Seeing no reason not to, Bingley asked Caroline if she would like to accompany him to London. If her behavior remained satisfactory, he resolved he would then invite her to travel with him to Netherfield. Of course Caroline was pleased to be escaping her exile in Lincolnshire and quickly, but she temperately voiced her approval of his offer to bring her to London.

Sunday was spent quietly at services and home. Caroline had spent the day before instructing her servant to pack her things in her own particular manner. Bingley and Caroline took their leave of their Aunt before going to bed that night. They would be on the road before Mrs. Blackwell would awake. After Caroline had retired, Bingley remained to thank his Aunt once again.

"Aunt, words cannot express my gratitude for your hospitality to Caroline these past four months. I believe your dedication to moral uprightness has had a positive influence on her and I am very glad for it."

"It is one of the last services I can provide to your dear departed mother, Charles. I know she would be very proud of you if she were still alive. I only hope she would be proud of Caroline as well."

"Thank you, Aunt. I am sure she would be." Bingley stated.

Mrs. Blackwell was silent for a few moments before answering. "Charles, if you need to send Caroline back to me, she will be welcome."

"I do not believe that will be necessary, but it is comforting to know your home is always open to us," Bingley answered with great feeling.

Bingley was quite pleased when Caroline appeared at the appointed hour dressed and ready to depart. The cook had prepared a hamper so that they would have something to eat on the road and not have to stop until lunch. Although Caroline had been on time for the early departure she soon fell asleep with the gentle rocking of the carriage. When she was finally awakened by her hunger, Bingley was very anxious to talk about his plans for removing to Netherfield when his business in Town was complete. Caroline had not been awake long enough to gain the full use of her faculties.

"Oh Charles, I do not see why you are so infatuated with Jane Bennet. She is a dear sweet girl, but her mother!" As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Caroline knew she had made a grave mistake.

Bingley's face changed from incredulous to extreme anger in a matter of seconds. He banged his walking stick on the roof and ordered the carriage to stop. After contemplating the situation in silence for ten minutes, he ordered the driver to turn around and return to Lincoln.

Caroline Bingley had witnessed such animosity from her brother on only a handful of occasions in her life. Each time he had harbored an irrevocable determination to see out his course of action. She knew any chance of returning to London had vanished with her very ill chosen words. She only hoped that he would stop there and not make good on his earlier threats.

Bingley was so livid he did not trust himself to speak. Caroline had played him for the fool, again! This was not to be borne! As soon as the impact of her words registered in his mind he knew he could not stand to share the coach with her all the way to London. The only thing he could think about was how to be out of her presence as soon as possible. Had he been a less kind man he would have proceeded to the next town and given her money to catch the post. But he would not shame his sister so. He determined to return her to the nearest relative; that meant a return to Lincoln. Thank God Aunt Blackwell had enough insight into Caroline's character so see though her falsehoods in offering her standing invitation.

They rode the entire hour and a half back to Lincoln in silence. Caroline was wise enough to see that, at that moment, any conversation could only be to her detriment. Bingley did not wish to confront his sister further in a moving carriage.

Mrs. Blackwell was not too surprised to see her niece and nephew returning, but perhaps a little sooner than she would have anticipated.

"Have Miss Bingley's things removed to her bedroom." Bingley commanded the servant. "Aunt Blackwell, Caroline has expressed her desire to remain with you longer. She is not ready to return to society in London at the present. I will return in an hour and we can discuss this further then." With that Bingley headed up Bailgate to the White Hart. Once there he engaged a room for the night and had a glass of ale sent to his quarters.

One hour later, and much more in control of his emotions, Bingley returned to his Aunt's. He immediately asked to speak to his Aunt alone, something easily accomplished as his sister had yet to leave her room.

"As you may have deduced, Caroline has managed to disappoint me severely. We had only been on the road for just over an hour and a half when Caroline woke from a short slumber. I do not believe she had time to steel herself to hide her true opinions when she insulted my intended fiancé's family. I warned her in January that I would not tolerate such behavior from her. I informed her then that such behavior would result in the cessation of her allowance from me. She has received this quarter's allotment but will not be receiving any more. When I return to London I will arrange with my solicitor to have the full amount of her dowry given over to her. If that is impossible, then I will have the yearly interest assigned over to her as her income until she comes into possession of the principle. I know this puts you in a very awkward position. I am sorry, Aunt."

"Charles, do not despair over me. I must admit that I am not surprised by the events of the morning. Caroline is still the same selfish person that arrived here four months ago. I do need though, to ask if she is free to leave my house if she wishes it." Mrs. Blackwell inquired.

"As far as I am concerned, Caroline may live and travel anywhere she wishes as long as it is not to my house in Town or to Netherfield. She will not be welcome at either place until she has acquired some respect for me. I did, however, offer to take her to London. I will leave funds enough for her to travel there if she so desires. I suppose she will have to procure an invitation from one of her friends or the Hursts first, though I am inclined to believe Louisa will be loath to have her at this time."

"Having observed Caroline for four months, I believe you are able to accurately divine your other sister's feelings on the matter."

"There is one more point in this matter, Aunt. Please, do not be offended, but I found the prospect of spending the night under the same roof as my sister distasteful. I have engaged a room at the White Hart and will be leaving for London again at first light in the morning."

"I am not offended, Charles. I understand your motivations and do not hold them against you."

"Thank you for your understanding, Aunt. I pray that Caroline will use this time more wisely than the last. I will speak to her now and then will remove myself to my lodgings. I will take my leave of you now Aunt, whilst I still am able to do so civilly."

"God bless you, Charles!"

Mrs. Blackwell left her nephew in the room and went to summon Caroline to her brother. Caroline had spent the last 3 hours trying to devise a way to entreat her brother. She could think of no way that would not debase herself and therefore had no plan of action. She entered the room and saw her brother with his back to her, looking out the window. He waited until he knew she was seated before beginning.

Still with his back to her he said, "Caroline, after what happened in London in January I never thought you could hurt me again as you did then. I had hoped that you were only being selfish then. Now I know I was mistaken. Not only were you being selfish then, you were showing that you do not care for me, that you do not love me. If you did truly love me then you would wish for my happiness. As it is, you care only for yourself. At least I know that Louisa loves me enough to wish this for me."

"I will travel to Town tomorrow. Whilst I am there I will see to it that you take as much possession of your fortune as is possible. If I cannot give you the full amount, then I will assign all future interest to you. You have received this quarter's allowance from me. It will be the last. You must live on the income your fortune provides alone from this point on."

Bingley finally turned to face his sister. She was shocked to see the tears running down his face. "Once you are able to demonstrate that you love me and care for my happiness, then you will be welcome in my home. Goodbye, Caroline. Never forget that I love you and will be waiting for you." With that, he walked out of the room and out of Caroline Bingley's life.

Bingley spent the entire day walking around Lincoln. At least here there were no painful memories of Caroline. Someday he would bring Jane to Lincoln. He would show her the places he remembered from his youth. They would laugh as they walked up Steep Hill, and Jane would learn why that was its name. He was saddened that she would not see the wooden spires that had once topped the two towers of the Cathedral. He remembered them towering over the city like nothing he had ever seen before or since. He recalled his Aunt's descriptions of the city's residents when the spires had to come down four years ago. The people wept with their loss. Part of his childhood was lost with them too. He made his way down to Brayford Pool on High Street. Along the way he purchased a small watercolor of the Cathedral to give to Jane.

At last he walked back up to the White Hart where he dined and retired early for the evening. Bingley, however, found sleep hard to come by. He was fully aware that his sister was but 200 yards down the street. He wondered when he would see her again. Would she come to his wedding, if Jane said yes? Could Caroline ever learn to love him again as she once did as a girl? The loss of his mother had been the beginning of her transformation. Their father could refuse none of them anything. How he had remained unspoiled was beyond him, looking back at it now. Louisa had escaped when she had married. Hurst may have given her free reign over his household, but he did know where to draw the line and was able to keep his wife in her place, most of the time that is. Caroline was not so fortunate. If she had not set her cap on Darcy, something he repeatedly warned her was futile, she might have been able to make a match before this. She was a handsome enough woman, and a dowry of £20,000 was not to be disregarded. Now, she faced a difficult road if she did not mend her ways. No honorable man would wish to pay the price of such a wife, even if he did need the money! He despaired of her ever finding someone to bring her joy as Jane did for him.

Tuesday found Bingley in his carriage from sunrise to just before sunset. He stopped at an inn just outside Peterborough, just as he had planned to do the day before. He repeated his previous day's efforts on Wednesday and reached London as the shadows were drawing long across the streets.

That night, alone in his house, Bingley wrote a letter to Mr. Bennet informing him that he would be traveling to Netherfield on Monday. He had hoped to spend Easter Sunday at Longbourn; he was confidant that Mrs. Bennet would have invited him to do so! Instead, he hoped he would spend it with Louisa and Hurst. After sealing his letter to Mr. Bennet, Bingley drafted a note and had it sent to the Hursts. He requested a meeting tomorrow evening. During the day he had too much business to conduct if he hoped to leave for Hertfordshire Monday morning. Louisa responded back with the messenger that they would be happy to accommodate her brother's request and asked if he would join them for dinner. The servant was once again fetched to deliver Bingley's acceptance of the invitation to dine and to inform them that he would be arriving at 7 o'clock.

Bingley's main purpose in visiting London, before his episode with Caroline, was to confer with his solicitor to begin rough drafts of the marriage settlement he planned to offer Mr. Bennet for Jane. The additional burden of Caroline's issues did not add too heavily to his schedule. He arrived at the solicitor's office promptly at 10 o'clock and spent the next three hours discussing options for settling Caroline's fortune upon her immediately. The issue was as complicated as Bingley had feared, due to the measures of his father's will. Before they broke for lunch, Bingley came to a resolution on the proper course of action and the papers would be prepared for his signature Friday morning. After lunching at his club, Bingley returned to his solicitor to discuss his own marriage settlements. Bingley was in a decidedly better mood due, naturally, to the anticipation of such an event. A first draft would also be ready for his inspection Friday morning.

Feeling much relieved, Bingley rode back to his home to relax before it was time to prepare for dinner. He began daydreaming about the day he would bring his Jane to London to take up her position as Mistress of the house. His butler found him asleep in the chair by the fire, with a very content smile on his face.

At 7 o'clock, Bingley was shown into his brother-in-law's home. Louisa was very happy to see her brother again.

"It has been nearly three months since you left for Manchester. Has your business there gone well, Charles?"

"Thank you for asking, Louisa. The repairs to the warehouse are complete. It will be open for business again on Monday."

"That is very good news Charles. I believe Papa would be very proud of the manner in which you have conducted this affair. Now tell me, how did your visit to Lincoln turn out. I had thought you might bring Caroline back to London with you." As soon as Louisa spoke these words she knew something was wrong by the look on her brother's face. It had only taken an instant for the storm clouds to appear on his visage. What had Caroline done now?

"I was delayed two days in reaching Lincoln. When I arrived, Caroline seemed to be the charming woman we used to know. Events went so well that I invited her to come back to London with me on Monday."

"But you arrived only yesterday. Did the journey take you three days?" Mr. Hurst asked.

Bingley continued. "We left as planned at first light on Monday morning. Shortly after we departed, Caroline fell asleep. When she awoke an little more than an hour later, she was not in full control of her wits and proceeded to insult Miss Bennet and Mrs. Bennet."

Bingley stopped for a minute to regain his composure. "I immediately stopped the coach. After I had calmed down enough to think rationally, I ordered the coach to turn around and return to Lincoln. Aunt Blackwell had expressed her doubts to me about Caroline and had offered her home again if the need arose. To be honest, I do not think she was too surprised to see us returned to Lincoln."

"I left Caroline and took time to order my thoughts. I was deeply hurt by Caroline's words and actions. I knew that the time had come to stand up to her and show her that I am a man, not some boy to be pushed to the side! I spoke to Aunt, gained her approval, and then confronted Caroline. I have cut off her allowance. I met with my solicitor to arrange the disbursement of the interest of her fortune as Caroline's sole source of income. I cannot change the terms of father's will regarding the settling on her fortune. She must wait to gain control of it. But from now on she must live without any aid from me, and not in my home."

Both Hurst and Louisa were stunned into silence. This was a side of Bingley they had only seen glimpses of. He was acting as his own master, no matter how much it hurt him to do so. They also knew that Caroline would not be coming to live with them at that time. She had lessons to learn. As long as Aunt Blackwell was willing to provide her a home, Caroline would be staying in Lincoln.

"I am very sorry it has come to this Charles. I believe you did the only thing you could do for Caroline by cutting her off. She needs to learn to respect you, if nothing else. She will not be welcome in this house at this time." Louisa said and in an effort to reassure her brother, continued, "But I do not believe you will be in Town long, Brother. When do you go to Netherfield to see your Miss Bennet?"

This brought about the desired change in Bingley as he smiled at the thought of seeing his Jane again. "I shall travel to Netherfield Monday. My business with the solicitor should be concluded tomorrow but there is still the chance that it will not."

"Then you must spend Easter with us, Charles. We would not wish you to be alone at a time like this," Louisa offered.

"Thank you, sister. I shall be delighted to join you." Bingley replied, very relieved he had some family of whom he need not be ashamed.

It's been a really long day. I lost my wallet and yeah. Spent two hours getting a temporary drivers license (because AZ is changing their permanent ones) and then to the bank to try and get a new debit card. They almost wouldn't give me one because I didn't have a permanent ID - grrrrrr. I stopped by Costco and Sams Club and we've had to contact the credit cards, and the flex spending account, insurance companies, and my food handlers card is gone and thats another trip. And now I'm home, tired, Ecuador is out of the World Cup (BOOOOOOO!), and I still have to fix dinner. So be kind about missing D&E in this and the next chapter, pretty please?