45. Chapter 42: Keep your tongue from evil

Ch 42: Keep your tongue from evil*

The following afternoon, the young gentlemen gathered for tea at Mr. Pierce's cottage. They sat together in the cheerful drawing room as the housekeeper flitted to and fro.

"Thank you, Mrs. Potts," Mr. Pierce smiled. "You have done yourself proud today! It all looks and smells delicious. I do not see how we can possibly finish all that you have laid out for us."

"Aye, sir," she laughed, "but you give me so little opportunity to lay out a good table for you." Her eyes twinkled merrily.

"I know, serving a curate is a life of such deprivation," he agreed, chuckling.

The others joined in, Bingley's distinct laugh most prominent of them all. Mrs. Potts curtsied and left the room, shutting the door behind her. For a few moments, the occupants of the room served themselves from the generously laden sideboard.

"I say, this is a lovely roast of beef." Bingley laid several thick slices on his plate. "I must ask Mrs. Lance to speak to Mrs. Potts about where to obtain meat such as this. It seems that Louisa has not yet identified all the best shops."

"Do enjoy yourself, Bingley. It will do Mrs. Potts' heart good. She is quite correct, I tend to have little company, and she does so enjoy presenting a good table. Without a proper mistress, I am afraid this old bachelor is rather at loose ends regarding entertaining guests." His smile became wistful. "I am happy that the problem will soon be remedied." He turned his gaze to Darcy and Fitzwilliam. "It seems that I have begun quite a rush of conversations for my dear landlord and soon to be father-in-law. I probably should apologize to him for that, as it seems he was woefully unprepared to consider so many suits for his daughters' hands at once." He grinned as he saw the bewilderment on the cousins' faces. "You truly do not understand how rapidly word travels in a village this size. I know you believe you kept your counsel diligently, but the walls and the servants have ears. Good news such as this does not stay quiet long."

Squaring his shoulders with quiet dignity, Darcy nodded with amused resignation. "Pemberley's servants are schooled by my housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, in the need for discretion at all times. My dear mother would tolerate no gossip, neither within the house nor among the neighbors. While she was a patient mistress, this was one issue upon which there was no negotiation. There were no second chances regarding the matter of gossip. One confirmed episode, and the servant was dismissed without references. It did not take long for the message to be clearly received. From time to time a new servant came and went quickly. But, in general, the staff has stayed with us for a long time. Forbidding wagging tongues seems to be a small price to pay for the pleasant conditions that Pemberley has to offer."

"But we are not talking about estates and servants, Darcy," Pierce teased, reaching for his teacup. "I believe you have left the more pertinent issue unaddressed."

Darcy tipped his head. "Too true, sir, you are correct, Miss Elizabeth has agreed to a courtship and her father has granted me his permission." He could not suppress the smile that flirted at the corners of his lips.

"Oh, ho!" Fitzwilliam laughed, slapping his thighs." Do not let his calm demeanor fool you. That twinkle in his eye and the smile he tries so diligently to hide are that gentleman's equivalent of a young boy running unfettered through a meadow crying out for joy at the top of his lungs."

Darcy turned an inscrutable eye to his cousin and lifted a brow. "Once again, cousin, you are attempting to divert attention from yourself by focusing it upon the one who least deserves it."

"Least deserves it?" Fitzwilliam took a long sip of his tea. "I can hardly agree with that. You have surprised us all by asking a woman with whom your acquaintance has been of short duration, nary a month, I believe, for a courtship…" He paused to consider Darcy's curious expression. "Nooo," he shook his head knowing, "you asked for her hand, and she insisted on a more proper courtship, did she not?"

Darcy frowned and looked away, returning his attention to his plate. Some day you will learn to hold your tongue Fitzwilliam!

"You see, I am right! She would not take your hand right away! The much sought after Fitzwilliam Darcy was expected to behave like a mere commoner and engage in a courtship first!" Fitzwilliam laughed and nudged Bingley. "And he says this is not attention worthy! No, every young heiress of the Ton will be crying bitterly into her pillow tonight, and he thinks that is unworthy news. Indeed, Darcy! To think, you have flaunted custom and, in the eyes of many, good sense, and believe that is not in some way noteworthy?"

Darcy's dark eyes flashed angrily as he ground his teeth and fidgeted in his seat. "Are you suggesting in any way that my offer to Miss Elizabeth…"

"Was nothing less than the pinnacle of good taste and judgment, to be sure! I could intimate nothing less. But surely you must agree that not all will see the matter in the same light."

Bingley flashed a warning gaze at Fitzwilliam. "Miss Elizabeth is a fine lady, Darcy, and I think you are a very fortunate man to have gained her acceptance."

"And I agree with your fine friend here," Fitzwilliam quickly agreed, sensing the tension radiating from Darcy. It will not do to anger him. I had thought by now he would be more amenable to a tease but perhaps I overestimated his transformation. Or perhaps this is still to unsure a place for him. For all his confidence, perhaps this is his Achilles' heel.

"Do not believe you have succeeded in your quest, Richard," Darcy warned calmly, not looking up from his bread. "You have not achieved the diversion you believe you have."

"Whatever do you mean by that?" Fitzwilliam demanded playfully, leaning forward, elbows on his knees.

Pierce and Bingley exchanged amused glances, suppressing their laughter. Pierce leaned into to Bingley, whispering, "You would think those two are brothers the way they carry on!"

"They will be soon enough!" Bingley whispered back with a wink.

"You seem to overlook the very pertinent fact that I requested an audience with Mr. Bennet after speaking with Miss Elizabeth. I approached him in all humility and asked permission to court his daughter." Darcy placed his plate quietly on the table beside him. "Whereas you, my brash cousin," he looked at Bingley and Pierce with a conspiratorial smile, "if Miss Elizabeth recounted the story to me correctly, you were caught in an inappropriate interview with Miss Bennet and called to account for it by her good father."

Bingley began to laugh, slapping Fitzwilliam's shoulder. Pierce turned an admonishing eye on the colonel. "I believe, sir, you have some explaining to do. Although not official, yet, I do take the liberty of considering Miss Bennet my sister already, and I cannot allow you to tarnish her reputation."

"We were in the garden, in plain sight of the house…" Fitzwilliam protested, blushing.

"Without a chaperone…" Darcy clearly enjoyed Fitzwilliam's discomfort.

"There was no need for a chaperone! Apparently her father was watching us the entire time! So, in fact, you could say that we were chaperoned." He raked hair back from his forehead. "I was out for a walk and saw her reading…"

"And were found at her side by her father!" Darcy blinked, brows lifted. "You were even so bold as to hold her hand."

"I was not!" Fitzwilliam slapped his thighs while his companions chortled merrily.

"Give it up, Fitzwilliam, he is not going to let you win this hand," Bingley advised, wiping tears from his eyes. "You must admit defeat once in a while."

Snorting, Fitzwilliam waved them off and returned to his plate.

"Oh, do not sulk now, sir," Pierce teased, offering to refill his tea.

"This is not a sulk," Darcy countered, "I have seen him sulking in high dudgeon, and what you see now bears no resemblance to it."

Fitzwilliam eyed him narrowly. "What has happened to you? You look like Fitzwilliam Darcy, but the resemblance ends there." He smiled and shook his head. "I do believe that the liveliness of your Miss Elizabeth is catching up with you. Between her and your friend Bingley here, they will have you a reformed man. Your days as the taciturn and unsociable Master of Pemberley are numbered! Enjoy them while you can. Soon enough, no one will believe you to be stern and intractable."

Darcy sighed contentedly. "And I will be a better man for it." He regarded his cousin for a moment. "I believe that Miss Bennet is working similar changes upon your person as well. Her serenity seems to have softened the edges of your humor, Fitzwilliam. I believe your mother and sister will approve."

Fitzwilliam snorted, but his smile belied his scowl.

Pierce nodded, "I do believe the Bennet sisters bring out the best in us all, as true helpmeets ought." He turned to Bingley, "So are you to be added to our number soon?"

Bingley swallowed hard. "I…that is to say…that is a personal question is it not?"

"A man who cannot take his own medicine!" Fitzwilliam crowed reaching over to slap Bingley's back.

"Miss Kitty is full young, she is only seventeen." A blush rose on Bingley's fair skin.

"Many girls enter their first season in London at that age," Darcy countered calmly.

"Louisa's betrothed Mr. Hurst will return from the continent in just a few months. We expect the wedding will be just two or three months after that." Bingley pulled at his cravat uncomfortably.

"What does that have to do with Miss Kitty?" Fitzwilliam challenged.

"She and I…we…I mean to say…we discussed the matter at some length and we have decided to continue our acquaintance until Louisa has married. She will stand up with Louisa and I with Hurst, then we will…"

"Announce an engagement of your own?" Darcy lifted an eyebrow.

"Perhaps a courtship, we will see at that time."

"That is nearly six months, man!" Fitzwilliam waved his hands excitedly. "Do you think it wise to wait so long? Are you not concerned that a bolder man will not seek to take your place? Why could you wish to take such a risk? She is a lovely young lady."

Pierce studied Bingley critically. "This is not about Miss Kitty, but rather about your sister." Bingley flushed bright red and he bowed his head. "You and Miss Kitty do not wish to distract from Miss Bingley's wedding."

Still looking down, Bingley said softly, "She has been in Caroline's shadow all her life. Miss Kitty wishes to allow her to be the center of attention for her wedding. Miss Kitty has already begun to help her plan. I do not recall seeing Louisa so happy. Another event near in time would only distract from Louisa's."

An awkward silence followed. Finally Darcy leaned in to clap Bingley's shoulder. "You are a good brother, Charles. I am willing to wait a little while longer to add you to my growing collection of brothers."

"And I am glad to know your intentions toward my future sister are honorable." Pierce winked. The men laughed as some of the tension dissipated.

"All levity aside," Fitzwilliam sighed heavily, turning all eyes to him, "I am afraid it is time for us to rally ourselves to defend our helpmeets, as we are called to do."

Suddenly every man in the room was sober and alert. "Defend them from what?" Darcy demanded.

"I stopped to converse with Miss Bennet yesterday because she was deeply distressed by news she had just received from London."

"Her sister?" Bingley asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Fitzwilliam leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "I am afraid so."

"What is the news? When I spoke with Miss Mary, she told me nothing." Pierce rubbed his knuckles under his chin.

"I do not believe she knew anything until well into the evening. Miss Bennet took some time to share the news with her father and uncle before approaching her sisters with it." Fitzwilliam looked from one pair of concerned eyes to another. "You will forgive me for putting it this way, Bingley, but the good news is that the truth is not nearly as bad as the intelligence that Miss Caroline shared with us."

"Caroline spoke of it to you?" Bingley snapped angrily, looking ready to spring to his feet. That is the last straw! Darcy, you were right. I am glad I have already begun the arrangements to send her to Scarborough. "When did she tell you?"

"Shortly after the fire at Longbourn, the next evening perhaps? I take it you forbade her from speaking of it?" Fitzwilliam said. "Well, at least it left me prepared for what Miss Bennet shared with me. That is some small blessing."

"Is it right for us to be discussing this without them? Would they wish us…" Pierce wondered aloud.

"I have already sought Miss Bennet's permission to have this conversation, so you need not fear on that account." Fitzwilliam smiled to himself. You would certainly not have survived as a soldier. I suppose it is a good thing you are a clergyman instead, you are much better suited to that office..

Pierce sighed with relief. "I am pleased to hear that. So then, what has happened?"

Quickly Fitzwilliam recounted the details of Jane's letter. "Clearly the fault here is with Miss Carver, and she seeks to defend her reputation by ruining Miss Lydia's. Sadly, it is a tactic I have seen before."

"I have seen Caroline attempt it herself; but it did not go well for her. There were enough who could see through her ploy and place the blame squarely where it belonged. Unfortunately, Louisa was caught in the backlash, and it has been very difficult for her as a result. It is too easy for sisters to be caught in the downfall of a sibling." Bingley scrubbed his face with his hands.

"The Ton will have to deal with itself for now. I think we must concentrate on what is going on here in Meryton." Fitzwilliam rubbed his fist into his other palm.

"It sounds as though you have something in mind." Pierce leaned back in his seat to listen.

"I do." Fitzwilliam smiled wryly. "My mother managed the intrigues of the Ton with as much strategy as any general I have served with. I have watched her for many years, and I believe I have learned a few things from my observations."

"All right then, Colonel," Bingley grinned, rubbing his hands together, "take command of this operation."

Mary rapidly strode through the corridor, returning to Mr. Bradley's room. Doctor Abbot had just visited, and she had seen him to the door. She was grateful for good news this afternoon. The doctor had declared that Mr. Bradley was mending well, so well, he thought, that perhaps he was not suffering from a broken bone after all, but merely a serious sprain. Louisa's arm appeared to be without infection, and her father's burns were healing cleanly and his ankle was much better able to bear weight. Her mind, relieved of these burdens, began churning on other issues.

"Oh, Miss Caroline!" Mary exclaimed as she tried to avoid colliding with the other woman. "I am so sorry. I am afraid I did not see you there."

Caroline stopped abruptly, a sour look on her face. At first she glared at Mary, but her gaze quickly softened. "Do not be alarmed, Miss Mary, I am quite well." She patted Mary's arm.

"I am glad for that. Now, if you will excuse me, I must return…" I do not wish to be rude, but I certainly do not want to engage in conversation right now.

"Of course, dear. I completely understand." Caroline smiled condescendingly.

Something about the tone of Caroline's voice made Mary pause mid-step and look back at her warily.

"I am sure you must be quite upset, and in no mind for chat. Never mind. You can be sure I understand, and will not hold it against you." She turned to walk away.

Mary's face grew cold and her chest tightened. "Excuse me, Miss Caroline, but I do not have the pleasure of understanding you." She cannot possibly be aware of Jane's letter. I certainly have no wish to discuss it with her.

"Your secret is safe with me, do not worry. I am the pinnacle of discretion."

"What secret do you believe yourself to be keeping, for I have no recollection of sharing any confidence with you?"

"You did not need to share it with me. The word of your sister's shocking imprudence is all over town by now, to be sure." She laid her hand on Mary's shoulder. "Everyone knows. There is hardly any secret left to be kept."

Mary's eyes flashed angrily. "What precisely is it that you believe you know about my sister?"

"Her hand in Miss Carver's near elopement; how she convinced an innocent girl to try and abscond away with that young officer; that is the talk of Meryton right now. Then, of course, there is Miss Lydia's impropriety with an officer of her own…."

"That is quite enough, Miss Caroline. I insist on knowing whereby you came by this information, and why you believe it is all over Meryton." She tapped her foot impatiently.

"While in town, I made the acquaintance of Miss Martha Carver. I am afraid she was privy to these events first hand. It was she who made me familiar with your sister's role." Caroline's brows lifted, daring Mary to challenge her.

"Miss Caroline, knowing how you have been affected by gossip yourself, I am incredibly surprised that you would believe such information so unquestioningly. Can you not discern when tales are being told simply to destroy the reputation of another?" Mary's eyes flashed with irritation.

"Of course you would say such a thing. You must be desperately afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

"Surely you have considered that a clergyman cannot be connected to such an intrigue. As soon as he hears of it, I am quite certain that your Mr. Pierce will be forced to withdraw his offer. A woman with such a sister could not be a parson's wife. Everyone will consider her as wanton as her sister!" Caroline sighed, "You poor dear. I can see by your face, you never considered such a possibility, did you? I am sorry to be the bearer of such dire news for you. Truly I am, especially considering there is little chance you will ever have another such offer. With no dowry, no worthy man will have a reason to look at you again."

Mary's face grew pale as she gasped. It cannot be possible. Surely it cannot!

"You look as if you are going to faint! Here, let me help you to a chair." Caroline took Mary's arm.

"Caroline!" Louisa's strident voice called from down the hall. "Stop it right now!" She quickly made her way to Mary's side.

"Whatever are you talking about, Louisa? I was merely helping our friend find a place to sit down. I am concerned she is about to succumb to a fit of nerves, just like I heard her mother was wont to do." Caroline clutched her chest in offense.

"She is in such a state only because of what you said to her!"

"Please, Louisa, let it rest," Mary whispered hoarsely, grasping Louisa's hand. I must get away from this horrid woman! How can Louisa possibly be related to her?

"No, not this time, Mary. She has gone too far." Louisa spun on her sister. "I heard enough, Caroline, enough to be confident of the horrid things you just said to my dear friend. I cannot imagine what possessed you to say such things!"

"What of it? I only spoke the truth as I know it." She glanced at Mary, who leaned heavily against the wall. "Does she not deserve to know what is being said of her family? Is it not right that she should be allowed to prepare herself for the inevitable?"

"I think, Miss Caroline," came Mr. Bradley's voice as he appeared at the doorway of his room, balancing on a pair of walking sticks, "that you have said entirely too much. Allow Miss Mary the dignity of considering all you have had to say without quite so much company." Mary looked up gratefully, tears in her eyes. Bradley beckoned her to him and she immediately went to his side. "That is a dear girl. Help me back to my chair now. I fear it will take me far longer to become accustomed to these sticks than I first thought." Mary helped him limp back into his room. "I believe my first estimates about my mobility were a bit ambitious."

Louisa watched her friend disappear into the room, then whirled on her sister. "You have gone too far this time, Caroline," she hissed.

"You forget yourself, Louisa!" Caroline snapped back, tearing her arm out of Louisa's grasp. "How dare you speak to me like that! Who do you think I am?"

"I think you are a selfish, self-centered, mean-spirited excuse for a woman, who is never happy unless she has made someone else feel lower than herself." Louisa's eyes blazed as she stamped her foot.

"I will hear no more of this! You will not speak to me this way, I will not have it." Caroline tried to walk away, but Louisa followed her closely. "Leave me now. I have no wish for your company."

"At last there is something we agree upon!" Louisa exclaimed. "Neither Charles nor I have wish for your company any longer either! I am so pleased to hear we are in agreement. I will do as you ask, and take my leave of you. As soon as Charles returns, I will tell him you no longer are desirous of our company, and will be leaving for Scarborough as soon as arrangements can be made." She smiled triumphantly.

"How dare you! I said no such thing. I have no intention of…"

"I did not ask you your intentions, Caroline. I have informed you of what is going to take place. Or have you forgotten that Charles declared that if you made any further mention of that horrid gossip you would be removed from this house immediately?"

Caroline snorted, "That? You must be joking. You and I both know he meant none of that. He was merely making bluster to impress Mr. Darcy, who was observing the entire interview." She waved her hand dismissively.

"I would not be so certain of anything, sister. You can be sure I will be talking to Charles as soon as he returns this afternoon. If I were you, I would start packing my trunks immediately. I will be sure and inform your maid." Louisa spun on her heel and stomped away, panting to catch her breath. I think if I were not so angry, that would actually have felt good! I cannot believe that she would say such things to dear Mary. But no more. This is the last time Caroline will embarrass me in that way.

Mary assisted Mr. Bradley into an overstuffed chair near the fireplace, blinking back tears as she tucked a blanket over his lap.

"You must not overtax yourself, sir. I know what Dr. Abbott said, but you must not push yourself too hard, too soon. We cannot risk you taking another fall and making your injuries worse still," she lectured, her voice wavering slightly.

"You are a dear girl," Bradley clasped her hand warmly. "Now, pull up that other chair and have a seat beside me."

Reluctantly, Mary did as she was bid. "Do you care for tea, or perhaps anything else? I can get Mrs. Lance…"

"No, no, I am perfectly fine. What I wish is to speak to you." Bradley caught her eye. She could not hold up under his gaze, and tears began to overflow. He fumbled in his pocket to withdraw a handkerchief and handed it to her. She took it gratefully, hiding behind the linen square for a moment to restore her composure.

"What do you wish to speak of, sir?" Mary asked softly, folding the handkerchief over itself several times.

"I just wanted to thank you for the prodigious good care you have taken of me. Dr. Abbot is quite convinced you have been instrumental in my recovery. I am very grateful. To be most honest with you, I have spent many years caring for others, but there have been few who have shown me as much care as you have. I am humbled to receive such a gift."

"You are most welcome, sir." Mary swallowed her tears back. "It is an honor to be able to offer you some small service."

Bradley smiled thoughtfully. "Do you recall the story of Job, Miss Mary?"

"I do," her brows knit, "pray tell me why you should bring that up now?"

"It does seem like an unusual reference, does it not?" He laughed softly. "I have long considered Job, what he went through and what he must have thought and felt. At the end of his story, if you remember, he was granted sons and daughters equal to those he lost in his trials." Mary nodded, still clearly perplexed. "I believe I finally understand how he must have felt to be surrounded by his children once again."

"I am afraid I still do not understand you."

"I suppose I am being rather circumspect today. I do not believe I have ever told you, I lost my wife in childbirth. I raised my daughter alone until she was the age of your youngest sister." He watched her eyes flicker with interest. "My daughter was seduced by a gentleman's son."

"Oh, I am so sorry, sir!" Mary cried, her hand covering her mouth.

"She died in her confinement, taking with her, my grandson."

Mary shook her head, tears overflowing once again.

"I fear I have often thought of Job. Sometimes I have fancied myself to have felt like him as well. Through the years, I have felt that connection with Job lessen. But today, I am feeling that kinship renewed. You see," he reached to take her hand, "I feel as though the good Lord has restored to me a daughter in you, and in Pierce, I now have a son as well." Mary looked up at him in wonder. "My heart is very full right now."

"But Miss Caroline…" Mary stammered.

"What of her? Her words are worth little, and she certainly does not speak for me, nor for your Mr. Pierce." He nodded encouragingly. "Though her words are hurtful, to be sure, just consider the heart that speaks them. Have compassion on a heart so hurt and bitter that she could feel vindicated in such speech." Mary dabbed at her eyes with the handkerchief again. "I look quite forward to having you and Mr. Pierce back at Pemberley with me."

"You know that Mr. Darcy…"

"And I am immensely pleased he has finally done so. I am glad for you that your sister will be near. I know that will be a comfort for you both as you come to such an unfamiliar place. But I have no doubt that you shall learn to love Pemberley as I have. You two will be most welcome in the neighborhood, I am certain." Unable to contain herself, Mary threw her arms around his neck and hugged him hard. Contentedly, he returned the embrace. I am indeed blessed.

* PS 34:13