29. Chapter 29

June 26, 2014 – Thanks for all the notes of sympathy/encouragement yesterday. It was a long afternoon. HOWEVER, my inconvenience is nothing compared to what so many in this world face each and every day. I know I am blessed. I'm posting now or else it will be late before I might have another chance.

When you are married to an Ecuadorian, you cheer for Ecuador! My DH has dual citizenship.

So, about Bingley and Netherfield: I've been looking into what property rights he would have as the leaser. I believe he would have the use of the house and the hunting and fishing privileges. As far as the rest of it, I think it would depend on the lease agreement. I believe it was normally the house and park that was leased, not the attached farming lands. I'm still working on getting the answer. For now, just run with it and know that it's probably wrong the way I wrote it.

Chapter 29

Bingley awoke Good Friday morning feeling much more rested than he had felt all week. He was to meet with his solicitor at 10 o'clock and if all went well, his business would be completed by 2 o'clock and he would have the rest of the afternoon to spend on more agreeable matters.

The promised documents were ready for his perusal when he arrived. He had one or two changes to be made to the marriage settlement papers before he was ready to discuss them with Mr. Bennet, assuming Jane accepted him, that is. His solicitor promised to have those finished by Monday morning at the latest. The matter of Caroline's fortune was more complicated. Bingley was required to make a visit with his banker before the necessary papers could be completed.

His next appointment was with his banker. After explaining the requirements of the lawyer, Bingley was satisfied with the response of the banker and returned to the solicitor's office with the banker's needs and requests. His solicitor assured him that every detail was in order and that the final documents would be ready Monday morning as well. Once that interview was over, Bingley made one final visit with his banker to apprise him of the situation. This task complete, Bingley was now free to spend the rest of the day as he pleased.

After refreshing himself with a hearty meal, Bingley left to visit the jewelers. He wanted to buy Jane an engagement gift, something she could wear as a demonstration of her pledge to marry him. He had often envisioned her wearing a string of pearls and so he set out to find the perfect strand. It took visits to four different jewelers until he finally found what he desired. He also purchased a delicate looking gold and pearl brooch that he would save for later as a surprise for Jane.

Bingley decided that attending services that evening would be a good thing for him. He had never been much of a churchgoer, but that was before he took possession of Netherfield. He now knew that, as the master of an estate, it was up to him to set the example for his tenants. Learning this was part of the education Darcy had started to impart to him when he had finally come to Netherfield. Bingley was shamed by his lack of foresight in this and many other areas. He had no idea of the amount of responsibility even a smaller estate such as Netherfield carried with it. How much more would a grand estate like Pemberley entail? Bingley's respect for his friend had increased even more than he had previously thought possible. He was grateful for Darcy's handling of the situation. Darcy had never displayed a superior attitude towards him during his stay. He was content to quietly suggest alterations in Bingley's outlook that were reasonable and perceptive. Bingley slowly but surely was learning to look upon Netherfield through the eyes of a man who sought to see the realities of his estate, not his fantasies of its perfection!

Bingley was surprised by the comfort he found whilst in the service. The contemplation of a love willing to sacrifice everything for its beloved was soothing. He left the church much more at peace than he had been in days. He knew he had done what was required of him, Caroline's future was in her own hands now. He hoped his Aunt Blackwell would succeed where he, and his father before him, had failed.

Saturday was a day of rest from responsibilities. Bingley reasoned a visit to his club was warranted. He would have preferred to spend his time there with Darcy, but he was in Kent. Instead he would have to make do with several others of his acquaintance. Bingley was too outgoing in nature to be without friendly conversation for long. Soon he found himself engrossed in the tales of another gentleman and spent many hours so agreeably engaged.

Easter Sunday was a glorious day all over the country. The skies were clear and blue and the air crisp. After the morning services were concluded, Bingley rode over to the Hurst's. Louisa graciously invited her brother in.

"Charles, welcome!"

"Good afternoon, Louisa," Bingley said, bestowing a kiss on his sister's cheek. "Hurst, you look well this afternoon," Bingley continued, offering his hand to his brother-in-law.

"I must admit that the absence of one particular female relative has done wonders for my disposition!" Hurst replied dryly.

"Harold! You should not say such things!" Louisa scolded her husband.

"Even if they are true?" Hurst challenged back.

Bingley was astonished. He had not witnessed such teasing banter between his sister and her husband for a long time. Perhaps removing Caroline from London had done more good than he realized. Had Caroline been such a negative influence all along? How had she affected him?

"Do not appear so surprised, Charles. Did you believe there was no affection left between us? I admit it was not as it once was but the peace and lack of disquiet these past four months has had its unexpected consequences." Hurst looked fondly at his wife. "You will be an uncle before the year comes to a close, Charles." Louisa finished.

It took Bingley a few moments to react. When the import of the words finally sunk in he broke out into one of his infectious grins. "A day to celebrate new beginnings! Congratulations, Louisa, Harold. I am very happy for you both! Have you been well, Sister?"

"Yes, so far I have felt nothing out of the ordinary."

"That is good news, Sister. I pray that it will continue. I have news to report as well. I have met with my solicitor and my banker and the final arrangements for Caroline's income will be completed tomorrow. She will not gain full control of her fortune until the terms set in father's will are fulfilled. But I have assigned the interest from her fortune to be given to her. It is not as much as I was giving her before, but she should be able to live comfortably on it if she manages her money wisely."

"I also wish to tell you that after I return to Netherfield, I will be seeking Miss Bennet's hand in marriage. I do not anticipate tarrying long before I plead my suit. If all goes well I shall attend church next Sunday with my fiancé'," Bingley concluded, anxious for his sister's response.

He was pleased to see a sincere smile on Louisa's and Hurst's faces. "Charles, I am ashamed of how I previously thought on this subject. You were very correct in taking me to task over it after the New Year. If you love Miss Bennet then you should pursue her. I do not think she would be accepting your court if she were indifferent to you. It is not in her nature to deceive. As you have so often described her, she is 'an angel'."

"And as beautiful as one, too!" Hurst could not resist.

"Harold!" Louisa cried

"Miss Bennet is nothing in comparison to you, my dear," Hurst responded with a tender look.

"You are forgiven then," she said as she smiled back at him.

"If you two are now finished, tell me more news from my absence," Bingley said to change the subject. It had dawned on him how annoying this kind of mooning could become. He sincerely hoped to return the favor with Jane soon! They spent the rest of the day in the quiet comfort of their reduced family party. Caroline was never mentioned but she remained in everyone's thoughts. Secretly, each was thankful she was in Lincoln.

Monday morning Bingley ordered his carriage readied to travel to Netherfield. As soon as his business with the solicitor was completed, he would leave for the country. At 10 o'clock sharp he was at the door of his solicitor to conclude his errand. The documents for Caroline's finances were all in order. After reading them through one last time, he signed them and had the appropriate papers sent to his banker. The papers regarding marriage settlements were in order as well. These Bingley folded and placed in his coat. They were not yet needed but Bingley wished to be prepared. He did not want to leave Netherfield again without Jane by his side. Bingley gave his solicitor his final instructions in reference to any changes that might take place and arranged to have them sent by post if needed. Returning one last time to his house, Bingley lunched and changed into his traveling clothes. By 1 o'clock the carriage was on its way to Hertfordshire.

Shortly before the sun was beginning to set, Bingley's carriage came to a stop before the front entrance to Netherfield. This time the servants were fully prepared for his arrival. The master of the house ascended the steps and was greeted by both his housekeeper and butler. Bingley was pleased with his reception and even more pleased to discover that a hot bath awaited him whenever he desired it. Anxious to remove the grime of the road, Bingley asked that his bath be readied immediately and ordered supper to be served in an hour. As much as he longed to call at Longbourn that night, it would have to wait until the following day. Dinner and a bath greatly revived his tired spirits and after an evening of reviewing the status of the house, Bingley retired for the night.

Bingley awoke Tuesday morning with a variety of emotions. Today he would see his angel again! Unfortunately, it would not be for long enough. He had been gone nearly five months and he had all manner of matters that required his attention. Duty always called. It could never stop love, but it could delay it for a while. He would call at Longbourn and arrange to come back again tomorrow.

As Bingley rode up to Longbourn he winced as he heard Mrs. Bennet's shrieks. Once again he wondered how his Jane could have such a mother; they were in no way alike in character. Mrs. Bennet had undoubtedly been a very beautiful woman. Even with five grown daughters she was still a handsome woman, nothing to Jane, but handsome nonetheless. Bingley was surprised, and relieved, to find Mr. Bennet in the drawing room when he was announced. He was glad he would not be the only male present.

Mr. Bennet had his own reason for his presence. First, he selfishly wished to observe the reactions of his silly wife to the appearance of his eldest daughter's suitor. Second, he did not wish to leave Mary without his support. She would have a difficult enough time counteracting the efforts of her mother. Finally, he wanted Jane to know how much he approved of the young man by not abandoning him to the effusions of Mrs. Bennet.

Mary was much relieved to see her father there as well. Mama would not dare try and leave Jane alone with Bingley with Papa in the room. Mary hoped her father would remain for the length of Bingley's visit.

Jane's face glowed with joy upon Bingley's entrance. It had been a very long three months for her. Every day since he had left her in her aunt's drawing room she had drawn hope from the memory of the way he looked at her. She believed he had been on the verge of proposing at that very moment but had somehow restrained himself for reasons known only to him. She had long known her own heart and her heart was ready to give itself to him alone.

Bingley stood still when he saw Jane. His eyes devoured every inch of her form and settled upon her face. How long he remained so he could not recall. He was finally shaken from his reverie by the indistinct sound of a throat being cleared. No one present minded his lack of manners. It was evident that all in the room were pleased to see him. Even Lydia managed to behave with decorum.

After spending several minutes addressing Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Bingley was finally free to speak with the object of his visit.

"Miss Bennet, you look remarkably well today."

"Thank you, Mr. Bingley. It is good to see you back settled again at Netherfield. Do you anticipate spending much time there, sir?"

Looking meaningfully into her eyes he said, "There is nothing in this world that could make me leave at present, save one thing." He did not have to explain what that one thing was.

Jane was very pleased with this. She had missed him terribly and could not begin to think on him leaving yet again.

"I cannot stay long today, Miss Bennet. I have been away far too long and there is much that I need to do. I owe it to my tenants to see to my business with them first. But I would like to call again tomorrow, if you wish it."

"We would very much enjoy your company, Mr. Bingley," Jane said before her mother managed to cut in.

"Well then, Mr. Bingley, perhaps you would join us for dinner tomorrow?" Mrs. Bennet offered.

"I have no engagements, Madam. I would be honored to join you. Mr. Bennet, if you have time tomorrow, perhaps I could come early and we can discuss some issues I have with my tenants."

"You are most welcome, Mr. Bingley. Come whenever you wish. I will be in my study." Mr. Bennet replied

"Thank you, sir. Now I must be on my way back to Netherfield. My steward has much to still discuss with me. Until tomorrow then." Bingley bowed, took one last look at Jane and departed. Jane watched from a window as he rode away.

Bingley spent most of the rest of the day with his steward. Truly, there were many things that needed his attention if he ever hoped to run an estate on his own. A good steward, such as Bingley's, was invaluable but nothing took the place of a well-informed, fair and decisive master. Bingley understood this now and he vowed to become such a man, a man a wife would be proud of. Wednesday morning was spent in the saddle as again Bingley was with his steward. He met with several of his tenants and felt more comfortable and confident with each successive encounter. Finally, by mid-afternoon, he was finished with his responsibilities for that day and was able to prepare to call at Longbourn. Several of his neighbors had called while he was out that morning. Returning their calls would have to wait. In the end, he was confident that they would understand.

Bingley arrived at Longbourn and was taken in to see Mr. Bennet in his study. Mr. Bennet thought of teasing the younger man before him but felt, for some odd reason, that this was not the time for indulging in such amusements. "Mr. Bingley, you wished to discuss estate matters with me."

"Yes sir, Mr. Bennet. You have lived at Longbourn all your life and are very familiar with the local populace. I believe you are just the man I need to see in order to better understand the local workings. I wish to be fair with my tenants. Any knowledge that you can give to me that will help me better understand their situations would be of great help."

Mr. Bennet was impressed. Bingley was showing great maturity and insight in his request. Yet again he was proving how worthy he was of Jane. He would have no regret giving her to such a man. With a seriousness rarely displayed, Mr. Bennet launched into a narrative of the local politics and economy. Bingley asked succinct and probing questions. By the end of their time together Bingley had a much better grasp of the community in which he was a principle figure and Mr. Bennet had a growing respect for his soon-to-be future son-in-law.

When the gentleman emerged from the study, Mary and Jane just happened to be passing by. Mary decided this would be a golden opportunity to get Jane and Bingley outside and away from their mother.

"Have you seen the new bulbs in our garden, Mr. Bingley? They are quite beautiful this spring. Jane and I would love to show them to you," Mary offered, proud of herself for finding an appropriate use for her much practiced question.

"A marvelous idea, Miss Mary! Miss Bennet?" Jane blushed as he motioned with his arm for the ladies to precede him out the door. Once outside, he offered an arm to each lady and allowed them to guide him to the desired flowerbeds. After reaching them, Mary disengaged her arm from Bingley and proceeded to point out some of the lovelier specimens. Quite cleverly she allowed the two others to head off in the other direction. From that point on, she kept a discreet distance and maintained a diligent vigil to give Jane and Bingley some privacy from her mother and her younger sisters.

Once Bingley realized Mary was providing him with the opportunity for private conversation, Bingley changed his manner of address from polite to attentive.

"Miss Bennet, I cannot tell you how long these last months have been for me. I have greatly missed your company."

Jane did not respond but Bingley could tell she was pleased with his remarks.

"I traveled to London first to attend to business so that I would have no reason to leave Netherfield for an extended time once I came."

"Did you see your family before you came to Hertfordshire?" Jane asked. Bingley grew agitated and spent several moments contemplating his answer.

"I did see my Aunt Blackwell and Caroline in Lincoln before I traveled to London. In London I spent considerable time with Louisa and Hurst. Please do not ask me more at this time. Events in Lincoln did not go well. I am afraid Caroline will be staying with my Aunt for an extended time." Then his face brightened again. "The Hursts informed me that I am to be an uncle!"

"That is wonderful news! Please convey my congratulations to them when next you write."

"I will do so, Miss Bennet. Please, tell me of all the local news. I know Miss Lucas is married now and that Miss Elizabeth is visiting her. Darcy and his sister and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, are at Rosings as well. I imagine Miss Elizabeth is enjoying seeing Miss Darcy again."

"Yes, she wrote of their meeting. I am sure she is finding great enjoyment in her stay."

They continued to talk of inconsequential things, ultimately rejoining Mary before heading back to the house to prepare for dinner. Mrs. Bennet made sure Bingley sat across from her eldest and next to her husband for the meal. Even she could not exaggerate the amount of affection the two young lovers shared. She was making a mental list of all the homes she would call on to announce the engagement, once it was entered into. The evening was enjoyable for all. As Bingley left, he once again thanked his hostess for a wonderful meal and he promised to call again soon. It was left unsaid that it would be tomorrow.

The next morning, Mary asked Jane to join her for a short walk before breakfast. The two had spent the previous evening discussing the events of that night so neither felt compelled to rehash the events, unlike their mother.

"Jane, when Mr. Bingley calls today. Do not look at me like that; you and I both know he will! When he calls today I am going to suggest we go for a walk to Meryton. Do you have any objections?" Mary asked her sister.

"No Mary, a walk would be most refreshing. Please promise me though that you will not abandon us."

Mary smiled innocently. "I promise to be the best of chaperones!"

Jane had learned enough of her middle sister, as well as having to deal with Elizabeth for years, to distrust her statement. Just what did Mary consider to be the duties of the best of chaperones? Jane was mortified to think that Mary would scheme to leave her alone with Bingley. But when Jane considered her options, she believed she had to trust in the good intentions of her sister.

Bingley arrived shortly after lunch. Mary gave Jane a knowing smile. After sitting with the rest of the women of the family, Mary spoke up.

"It is a lovely day. Would you care for a walk toward Meryton with me, Jane? Mr. Bingley? Walking is such healthy exercise and after all the time you must have spent in a carriage lately, Mr. Bingley, I am sure it will do you some good."Once again Mary was pleased to be able to recite her much practiced request.

"I agree that it is a lovely day but I think I would prefer to walk to Oakham Mount instead." Bingley answered.

Mary remembered Elizabeth's advice.

'But most importantly, if Mr. Bingley suggests a walk to a certain place or in a certain direction then you must do everything in your power to assist him'

"I think that is a wonderful idea. Kitty, Lydia, would you like to join us?" Mary cringed inwardly, afraid they might accept. Fortunately, Lydia had other plans.

"No, Mary, Kitty and I were already planning on walking to Meryton to call on Aunt Phillips and some of the officers." Lydia replied a bit too enthusiastically. Mary, Jane and Bingley were all relieved. Kitty, however, was not. She did not wish to accompany Lydia but realized that with the others heading in the opposite direction, she had no choice. If she refused to accompany Lydia, she would just complain to Mama and Mama would force Kitty to go anyway. Kitty had begun to tire of Lydia's incessant talk of redcoats and officers. Lydia often talked of marrying a soldier. Kitty had begun to see what a hard life that could be. Unless you married a Colonel or higher, your income would be barely enough to live as she was accustomed to. Lydia would not see this, but Kitty did.

So Mary, Jane, and Bingley set off in the direction of Mount Oakham. Mary realized it was too soon to separate from her sister and Bingley seemed determined to include her in their conversation. When they reached the path up the Mount, Bingley offered his arm to both ladies but Mary declined. Instead, she took the lead up the sloping path. Once at the top, she waited until Jane and Bingley arrived. Bingley was anxious to see the view of his estate so Mary chose that moment to head in the opposite direction. She made as her excuse the desire to sit under a certain tree to read in quiet solitude from the book she had brought along.

Thus, Bingley led Jane to the view of his estate. He did not release her arm from his when they reached the desired spot. Instead, he placed his other hand over hers. Both stood silent for several minutes. At last he was ready.

"Miss Bennet, I had a particular reason for wishing to come here today. Actually, I have wished to bring you up here since last November when I first left for Manchester. Most of the land you see before you is under my management. There, my wishes are met whenever I speak them. But there is one thing I wish that is not there now." Bingley released her arm and turned to face her. Her took her hands in his and met her eyes, willing them to gaze at him in return.

"I wish for a woman who will share her life with me. A woman who will love me, in spite of all my faults. A woman who will support me when all others doubt. A woman who will bear my children and bring love and warmth into our family. A woman I adore. A woman I worship. A woman I fell in love with the first time I set eyes on her. You, dearest, darling Jane, are that woman. I love you and I cannot live without you. Jane, will you consent be my wife?"

There, it was finally said! Bingley waited for Jane's response. Tears of joy formed in her eyes and a radiant smile burst on her face.

"Yes, I will marry you, Charles," she replied in a joyful tone as the tears began rolling down her cheeks. Tenderly, Bingley wiped them away with the back of his fingers. Jane shivered at his touch. Slowly, he leaned over and gave her the most tender of kisses before bringing her into his embrace.

Mary had surreptitiously checked several times on the couple. When she saw them in embrace she smiled, knowing that the words had finally been spoken. She decided to give them ten more minutes of privacy before it was time to suggest a return.

Before the ten minutes were up Jane came to her sister, looking radiant. "Oh, Mary, we are engaged!"

Mary congratulated the couple and suggested a return to Longbourn. This was happily agreed to. Bingley needed to speak to Mr. Bennet and Jane wished to tell her mother. It would be a joyful day at Longbourn!

When they arrived at Longbourn the party separated in the hall. Bingley went to find Mr. Bennet in his study. He knocked on the door and was bid to enter.

"Mr. Bingley, Welcome! Have you come with more questions about our neighborhood?" Mr. Bennet had a good inkling this was not the case.

"No sir, I have a more personal matter to discuss."

"Then have a seat, young man. Would you like some port?"

"Er, yes, thank you." Bingley waited for his host to pour their drinks before he continued. "Mr. Bennet, I have come to ask for the hand of your eldest daughter in marriage."

"Has Jane consented?"

"Yes, I asked her when we were on our walk."

"Good for Mary!"

"Excuse me?"

"Never mind, please continue."

"As I said before, I have gained Miss Bennet's consent. Now I am asking for yours, and for your blessing."

"Well, Mr. Bingley, since you have come right to the point, so will I. Yes, you may marry my daughter and yes, you have my blessing. You will make Jane a fine husband and I am happy for her. Welcome to the family, my boy!"

"Thank you, sir. When I was in London I had my solicitor draw up an initial draft of the proposed marriage settlement. I will bring it tomorrow and we can discuss it more then. I know your daughter has very little dowry. That is of no concern to me. I will make sure she is given her proper due!"

"I am relieved to hear that, not that I expected anything else from you. I suspect you have loved Jane for a long time. I am content that you have now found each other after waiting for so long!" Mr. Bennet finished and offered to refill their glasses.

Meanwhile, Jane informed her mother of the engagement. It is not necessary to go into detail here. Suffice it to say that she was overjoyed and needed her smelling salts!

That evening, Jane sat down to write Elizabeth. Jane was slightly disappointed she could not share her joy with her beloved sister in person so she poured out her joy in her letter.

Longbourn, Hertfordshire

Dearest Lizzy,

I do not know where to begin! Oh Lizzy, he loves me! Charles and I are engaged to be married! I know you have been anticipating this event for a long time now, Lizzy, but the reality is still so overwhelming to me. To know I will be bringing such joy and happiness to all my family is almost too much to bear. Oh, how can anyone be so happy?

I know you want all of the details but I must save some for you upon your return. But I will tell you this. This afternoon when Mr. Bingley called, Mary suggested a walk toward Meryton. Charles, I can call him that now, suggested a walk to Oakham Mount instead. Mary readily agreed to this and the three of us set off.

"Good for you Mary!"

…and so we returned to Longbourn and Papa gave his consent. We have not yet set a wedding date but have talked about three months from now in mid-July.

I cannot wait for you to come home. Please write me with all of your thoughts and praise Charles as much as you wish!

Your loving sister,

Jane.

Now that we've caught up to the letter at the end of chapter 27, we can return to Kent. See, that wasn't that bad!