36. Chapter 33 Get wisdom, get understanding

Ch 33: Get wisdom, get understanding*

Mary glanced over at Louisa, who sat staring uneasily at the handkerchief she wrung in her hands. She caught her friend's eye for a moment and lifted her brow in question. Louisa nodded vigorously, and Mary smiled politely at the gentlemen. "We are hosting Miss Bingley and her party tonight at dinner. Would you both consider joining us? We would so enjoy your company."

Bradley and Pierce exchanged glances, nodding at one another. "Thank you, Miss Mary," Pierce smiled. "I could not turn down such a gracious offer."

Bradley set his teacup on the side table. "I remember meeting your sister when your brother and she visited Pemberley earlier this year." He leaned back in his chair and brushed his lips with his finger.

"Oh dear! I had not realized," Louisa exclaimed, pressing her hand to her mouth. "I am so sorry for whatever she might have said to you."

"Why do you say that?" Bradley asked gently.

"Because I know my sister, and I know she must have said something terrible to you." Louisa dropped her eyes.

"But why are you sorry? Is it your fault what she has done?"

Startled, she looked up, staring quizzically at Bradley. "I…I never really thought about that."

"Yet you act as though you believe you are responsible for her feelings and for her behavior." The vicar's shaggy brow lifted, a kind expression on his face. "As a matter of fact, your sister has indeed been less than kind. But that is in no way a reflection upon you and your brother."

"Oh, sir! I am so sorry…" Louisa stammered. "Please forgive…"

"My dear girl, I already have. But you have not answered my question, why do you apologize?"

"I should have…"

"Her actions are her own," Bradley repeated, reaching for his tea.

"But I have always been taught that…"

"Miss Mary," Pierce interrupted, "Can I convince you to take a turn with me about my garden for a few moments? I was hoping to get your opinion on a thorny subject." He glanced from Mary to her friend and back.

"Thorny indeed!" Smiling and nodding understandingly, Mary rose, "I would be happy to view your garden. My mother told me she spoke to you about your roses. She has taught me much about those lovely flowers."

"Indeed, madam." Graciously, he waved her through the door.

Once they left the house, Mary remarked, "I must commend you on the remarkable timing of your request, sir." She smiled and arched her brow, looking remarkably like her elder sister for a moment.

"It was apparent that she needed the opportunity to speak more freely about her troubles. Mr. Bradley is a man who seems to inspire that kind of trust in many." Pierce smiled at her. "But it is true, I do have some questions I wish to ask of you." I do so hope you will be willing to hear me.

"Lead on then, sir." He offered her his arm as he led her to the somewhat forlorn patch of ground he called his rose garden "Oh my!" she exclaimed.

"It is much improved, is it not?" He gestured proudly toward the scraggly canes sparsely decorated with leaves.

If this is improved, I cannot imagine what he began with! She smiled weakly.

"I have followed your mother's recommendations quite closely. I prepared the soil as she described and cut back the old growth, see here and here? The new leaves are coming in, and altogether, I believe it is coming along quite well." He gestured proudly over the plants.

Mary pressed her lips together hard to contain her laughter. With great control, she replied, "I can see you have put a great deal of effort into this corner of your garden."

Their eyes met and she saw his amusement. His lips twitched and her composure broke. "That was a very kind thing to say, Miss Mary!" He laughed with her. "I am well aware of my deficiencies as a gardener!" Finally they wiped the tears from their eyes. "I know it is not much, but it is a vast improvement over what I began with!"

"I am certain of it. Although it is difficult to see the improvements just yet, I can tell that you are well on your way to an admirable rose garden." His eyes are so remarkable when he laughs! I wonder if he knows that is why all the young ladies pay such attention to his sermons.

"I am pleased to have your approval, especially considering you are well known among the neighborhood for having your mother's way in a garden."

Mary blushed. I am known for something? How extraordinary. He is being too kind, I am sure. No one has ever noticed the middle Bennet sister. "I believe you said you had a question for me."

"Ahh, yes. I am afraid that I will reveal my ignorance, but can you show where I might find the 'hips' of this plant?" Pressing his lips together, he lifted his brows hopefully.

"Excuse me?" Mary cocked her head, glancing from Pierce to the roses.

"Rose hips, what are rose hips? Mr. Bradley's apothecary in Derbyshire has recommended a tea brewed from them every morning. I wished to see if I could provide him with a fresh supply. But I find I have not the slightest idea of what they are or where to begin looking for them." He stared, exasperated at a nearby cane.

Mary chuckled warmly. "I see now, sir, and I comprehend your confusion. I am sorry to disappoint you, but you shall find no 'hips' on these plants for quite some time. What you are looking for is the fruit that follows the blossoms. You will not find them until autumn."

"Of course," Pierce blushed. "I feel rather foolish now, I am afraid." Now I have made a fool of myself in front of her! What must she think of me?

"If you have need, you can ask Lady Lucas. I know she has quite a supply on hand. She has developed quite a fondness for your Mr. Bradley. Tell her they are for him, and she will gladly give you whatever you require." She sighed sadly, looking away from him.

"What is wrong? You suddenly look so unhappy. Is there some trouble with the Lucases?"

"No, my friends are quite well, thank you." She swallowed back the lump in her throat.

"Then what has you so affected?" He took a step closer to her.

"It is true then," Mary said softly, biting her lip.

"What is?"

"That he is taking you from us."

"I do not have the pleasure of understanding what you mean." He tried to look in her eyes, but she avoided him still. Is it possible that troubles you? Do you feel so much! Bradley said that it was so, but I could hardly believe it.

Tears welled up even as she tried bravely to blink them back. "Lizzy says that Mr. Bradley has come to find his successor. She is certain that man is to be you, and that you will follow Mr. Bradley to Derbyshire," her voice dropped to a low whisper, "and we shall never see you again." Looking away once more, she roughly brushed tears from her cheeks. Don't be a fool. You are acting like a silly girl!

Pierce sighed thoughtfully. Offering her his arm, he led them toward a stone bench. They sat together uncomfortably, neither knowing what to say. He glanced heavenward. Please, give me the words to say! Finally he broke the awkward silence. "It is true, Mr. Bradley seeks a man to be his successor, one that he may mentor and guide so that when the time comes, he may leave this life in peace, knowing his flock will be well tended. Mr. Darcy has agreed to this plan and assured Mr. Bradley that he will appoint Bradley's curate as vicar in time."

Mary nodded, wringing her hands in her lap. I cannot think of a man more worthy of such a mentor. I cannot be selfish here!

"Mr. Bradley and I have very similar views as to how a man should shepherd a flock. There is much I can learn from him. I would be a great fool not to accept such an offer from a man like him. But no offer has been made."

Mary's breath hitched as she gasped.

"However, I must be honest and tell you that I do expect one to be forthcoming soon."

Her chest tightened as she fought to control a sob that welled up.I must be strong. "I am glad for you then," she finally whispered, "you have truly been blessed by a great mentor and teacher."

Why am I not surprised she would say such a thing? Her heart is so tender. "I will not leave immediately, Miss Mary. I will stay until another curate can be established in my place. I imagine that will take until the new year at least."

"It is good to know you will not leave your parish without guidance." She blinked furiously. "You will be sorely missed, sir." If only you knew how much!

"There are many here whom I will miss as well. I fear Derbyshire will be quite lonely to me after having made so many friends here." His throat felt suddenly dry, considering the implications of his own words.

"I am sure you will make new friends there just as you did here. You are blessed with a talent for such things. I am certain it will not be long before you forget about Meryton entirely." She bit her lip and her shoulders hunched.

"No." His voice suddenly became warm and heavy. "There are some here I will never forget." Something in his voice made her look up. Their eyes met and locked. "And there is one I have no wish to leave behind."

She drew in a sharp breath, her heart racing. The way he's looking at me…what could he mean?

"You do not appear to have understood my meaning, Miss Mary." He laughed softly. "I fear I am not being very clear. The one I have no wish to leave is you."

Her eyes grew wide in astonishment. "I have no wish for you to leave," she whispered.

"I am glad for your invitation to dinner tonight, for there is something I wish to discuss with your father. We have known each other these many months now and, if you are in agreement, I would like to ask for your father's permission to court you. I do not wish to leave Meryton without you by my side, as you are already in my heart."

Did he just say what I think he said? To me? Is it even possible? The man I have hoped for for so long actually wishes to court me! A radiant smile spread across her face. "I should be very glad for you to speak with my father tonight, sir."

He released a breath he did not realize he was holding. His smile matched hers, his cheeks dimpling merrily. "Do you believe that I shall be received favorably?"

"He looks upon you very highly. I cannot imagine him being displeased."

"And your older sisters…he will not insist that we wait…"

"For them to be married?" Mary laughed lightly. "No, he and mama allowed us all to be out in society together, they will not insist that my sisters marry first." Marry me! He truly wants to marry me. How I have prayed to marry for love! It is almost too much joy to bear! "My sisters will be very happy for me, for us, I am sure." I am glad that Lydia is away though. There is no doubt she will not be as happy for me as the rest. A letter will definitely be the best way to tell her.

"Then I very much look forward to dinner tonight." He sighed and gazed at her, reaching into his pocket for his handkerchief. Tenderly, he dabbed the tears from her cheeks. "I hate to see you cry, but these tears I will cherish." He folded the silk square and tucked it back into his coat.

"I do not understand."

He tried to memorize the look of wonder and love on her face. "These are the tears that answered my prayers. I must admit to being a coward, I feared to ask you what I just did. I could not bear the thought of you not returning my feelings. When I saw your tears, I knew you did. I will keep this handkerchief always as a reminder of answered prayers"

Mary began to giggle, softly at first, then uncontrollably, hiding her face in her hands. Finally she looked up, into his questioning eyes. "I shall have to make you another then, and I shall embroider it with…"

"Roses?" he guessed with a wry smile.

"No," her eyes glittered mischievously, "rose hips."

Was not the indignity I suffered at the hands of his servants enough? Now he has to force this …this…untrained beast upon me as well? Collins shifted uneasily in his saddle. He sat awkwardly upon an old dappled mare that Bennet had loaned him for the morning. His thighs burned and his back ached. The rest of his body shouted invectives at him for the unusual demands he was making upon it. He is an unreasonable task master! There is no need for a gentleman to participate in such mundane tasks! That is what stewards are for! Lady Catherine insists that an estate cannot be run without a steward, and all gentleman have a steward, a valet and a butler! I cannot imagine why he does not have one. His excuse about the expense must be an affectation to convince me of the depletion of Longbourn's resources. But I shall not fall for such an obvious ploy. I am no fool. I will be a gentleman in her eyes yet.

Gardiner looked back at Collins and rolled his eyes. "The man cannot even ride a horse!" he hissed under his breath. "Is there anything he can do competently?"

"Apparently not! Though I cannot say I am surprised. His father was no better. He thought himself quite a proficient in many gentlemanly arts, but his only true proficiency was in his ability to boast! " Bennet glanced over his shoulder, "Come along there, Collins. We must get a move on if we are to visit all the tenant farms before dinner."

Collins kicked the mare into motion, grunting as she trotted toward the others. "My dear cousin, surely you are making a joke at my expense. I insist we return to the stables and acquire a more proper steed for my use. You surely cannot believe that I will continue on upon this animal." He blotted his face with a much used handkerchief.

"I beg your pardon?" Bennet scowled. Beside him, Gardiner turned his face away so Collins could not see him smirk.

"You cannot expect me to ride this horse all day. It is a poorly trained animal at best, willful and stubborn, with the worst gait I have ever experienced."

Gardiner could not contain himself and began to laugh loudly enough that the mare shied away. "Certainly you are not serious!" What has he been riding? I can almost believe that he has never actually ridden!

Bennet ground his teeth. "Mr. Collins, the horse you are riding is kept specifically for my daughters' use. She is the gentlest and best trained animal in my stables. If your horsemanship is so lacking that you cannot ride her, there is simply no hope for you to ride any animal in my stables! You cannot possibly expect to manage an estate if you cannot even ride a horse!" He blew out a harsh breath and kicked his horse into motion. What makes you believe that you can possibly manage an estate in the first place? Of course, I forgot, your esteemed patroness. I have her to thank for puffing up your foolishness into arrogance. How great a debt I owe her—one that I am unlikely to ever be able to repay.

He is mocking me! Again he is mocking me! This will not do! I will not have it! Collins watched Bennet and Gardiner ride on ahead as he tried to urge his own mount into motion. Sensing the uneasiness of her rider, she slowly walked on, stubbornly refusing to respond to his harsh kicks in her sides. He thinks he can cheat me of what is rightfully mine. But he will not! I will not permit it. I will show him who the fool among us actually is. He grunted painfully as the mare's steps jarred him again.

He glared at his cousin in the distance. Take me to court will he? How can he even consider such an ungentlemanly action? His connections to trade have contaminated him. Lady Catherine is correct. I do wish she would agree to provide me with a solicitor to fight this simple recovery nonsense. He mopped his forehead again. But no, she cannot take the risk that her name will be associated with such common activities. I cannot afford to hire a man competent enough to defeat Phillips' efforts. I will find a way to keep this out of court. The fool will not listen to reason. He is forcing my hand. I will prevail.

He pulled the mare to a stop, the other men too far ahead for him to even hope to catch up. Bitterly, he pulled the horse around and turned back toward Longbourn. I will follow Lady Catherine's advice. But I haven't much time. I fear I am wearing out my welcome with my cousins. After what he has already done to me, I am certain he is not beyond throwing me out. He sighed, scanning the distance for his destination, grimacing when he realized that he was still quite a way from the stables. At least he will be out for the rest of the afternoon and I will have a little peace to contemplate how best to proceed.

"You have agreed to what!" Caroline shrieked, storming around her dressing room. "Is it not enough that you abandoned me this morning to visit these so called friends of yours? You should have been waiting for my arrival! You cannot imagine how mortified I was to finally reach the inn, but have no one there to greet me! I have never known you to be so inconsiderate! I do fear that these country manners have already begun to affect you both. You must reconsider this entire ill conceived notion of leasing an estate. You belong in town with me. Forget about this dinner and let us stay here among civilized company."

Charles and Louisa stood shoulder to shoulder near the doorway and rolled their eyes.

"No, that is not possible. We have already accepted their invitation!" Louisa protested.

"Then unaccept it. It is easy enough to do."

"The Bennets have graciously invited us to dine with them tonight. It was very considerate of them to include you." Charles crossed his arms over his chest. A courtesy you certainly do not deserve. "Whatever you decide, we will dine with them."

"You are far too naïve, Charles, You cannot possibly believe the invitation was in any way gracious." Caroline harrumphed, brushing a bit of imaginary dust from her dress. "It is obvious they are jealous of me."

"They are what? What kind of nonsense are you going on about?" She has finally gone mad!

"You said it is a family of young ladies. They know that I have been traveling all day, and I will be travel weary and not at my best. I have already heard that they have no dowries to speak of, so it is in their best interest to have me seen in the poorest possible light." She tossed her head flippantly. "As if there is anyone in this neighborhood who would be worth meeting!"

"Then stay here. We will offer your regrets," Louisa declared decisively. "There is no need for anyone to see you in your current state." I wish I did not have to.

Her sister whirled on her furiously. "I cannot believe what I just heard you say. It sounded as if you said I should stay here alone! My ears must be deceiving me."

"Not in the least. That is exactly what I said." Louisa dug her fingernails into her palms painfully. Mr. Bradley insisted this is what I must do! But she is such a harpy today. I do not know if I can do this!

"You must be joking! Stay here, alone? While you go out into society, such as it is here? Certainly not!" Caroline stamped her foot hard. I will not tolerate this!

"What exactly are you proposing then?" Charles demanded, reaching out to lay a comforting hand on Louisa's arm.Do not fear, I will not abandon you to her.

"Stay home where you belong, with me! I have no intention of going out tonight, so you must stay here with me." Caroline flounced into an overstuffed chair. "I do not mean to spend the evening alone."

"That is a dilemma to be sure," Charles shook his head. "For we will not be dining at Netherfield tonight." Is it possible that we will not have to endure her company tonight? "You can be sure that you will not be alone though. The house is fully staffed, and you can be assured that your needs will be well attended".

"Louisa, talk some sense into our brother! You cannot be set on this course as well?"

"Indeed I am. The Bennets are my friends…"

"Friends? Friends? You have been here a little more than a fortnight and a half and you think you have friends? You have never had friends, Louisa," she sneered. "They are nothing more than leeches, desperate for the influence of someone fashionable from London to bring interest to their drab little lives." She searched her reticule for a handkerchief. You must rid yourself of them as quickly as possible. I will help you with that. Already I do not like the influence they have had on you.

"How dare you, Caroline! They are the daughters of a gentleman, an advantage you cannot claim for yourself, I might remind you. They are ladies in the truest sense of the word…" Charles took a step closer to Caroline.

"These "ladies," as you call them, are in want of husbands. They have no dowries, and you, my brother, have a fortune. Quite an eligible catch in their eyes, I imagine. Guard yourself lest they trap you with their arts and allurements. I will not have our family polluted by such common chits!" She waved him off knowingly.

You are the one who pollutes our family with your poor manners, vile temperament, horrible prejudices, and insufferable self-centeredness. "I have heard enough, Caroline! Not another word!" Charles stood firmly erect. "Clearly traveling has gotten the better of your nerves. You are not fit for polite company. I will not have you insult our current neighbors the way you did our neighbors in town!"

"Of what are you accusing me?" Caroline half rose in her seat.

"Do you not recall Mrs. Harrison and her daughters?" Louisa softly replied. "Have you forgotten how you insulted them when they came to call?"

"I insulted them? No, Louisa, it was they who insulted me. Have you forgotten? Their manners were most appalling. I was doing them a favor by making them aware. " Caroline fanned her face furiously as she blushed hotly.

"No, we all know that is not true. Your insults led them to cut you at the concert, in full view of all your acquaintances. You were exposed for what you are, and no one wanted to continue keeping company with you. That is why you left London."

"You have quite the imagination!" She laughed thinly. "You were not even in town when I attended that concert!"

"Miss Whittingham wrote me and told me exactly what happened. She saw it all." Louisa frowned sadly.I will get nowhere with her. I am not going to argue anymore. The vicar told me that there was no point in arguing with an angry person. I can see he is right. "Stay here and rest tonight. The staff is well trained. You will be well cared for."

"I will not have you telling me what to do!" Caroline hissed. "Perhaps I will go and show these Bennets what a fashionable lady…"

"I will not have you insulting my friends or embarrassing Charles and me. Stay home, Caroline. When you are feeling like yourself again, you can join us when calling upon the neighborhood," Louisa declared firmly, then turned and left the room. Charles followed.

Caroline stared at the empty doorway, unable to believe what had just happened. I do not like what Mr. Darcy and these Bennets have done to them. They used to be such good siblings. I hardly recognize them now. This will not continue. I will bring them to their senses.

*PV 4:5