46. Chapter 43: Do not repay evil with evil

Ch 43: Do not repay evil with evil *

The next morning Bingley stood arguing loudly with the ticketing clerk. "What do you mean two weeks?" he shouted.

Fitzwilliam stared at his friend, shocked at the outburst. I did not know you had it in you, man. Good on you. Darcy tells me he hardly recognizes you. Now I see why.

"Sir, I am very sorry. I would like very much to help you," the rattled young clerk stammered, dabbing at the sweat beading on his forehead with a limp handkerchief. "If it were in my power, I would have the coach set off for Scarborough immediately. However, it is simply not possible. The weather in that part of the country has been particularly brutal these last few weeks, and the roads are currently impassable to a coach of any size. Even on horseback, the trek is difficult at best. It is our best estimate that it will be a fortnight before the roads are safely passable again."

"I will check back with you in a week," Bingley growled and stalked out of the office, Fitzwilliam scurrying behind. They kept a brisk pace down the street. "I cannot believe this. I simply cannot believe this." He threw his hands in the air, gesticulating wildly.

"Slow down, Bingley! If you were a horse, I'd worry about you throwing a shoe at this pace!" Fitzwilliam laid a hand on his shoulder to bring him to a halt.

"Can you please explain to me how it is that now I have finally decided to send my sister away, there is no way to do so?" Bingley ground his teeth angrily. "Would that I could send my carriage with her and be done with it. But I need it here, and do not wish her the satisfaction of inconveniencing me in such a way!"

"The roads are impassible, even if you sent your carriage, it would do no good. She still could not get to Scarborough. Moreover, had you chosen to send her back the day she arrived, you could not have done so safely, the roads have been inundated for that long." Fitzwilliam forced back his laughter. "Take a deep breath and calm down. It would not do to give yourself an apoplexy."

"That is easy for you to say! You do not have to deal with the harridan!" Bingley panted hard, recovering himself. What has happened to me? I cannot believe what she has driven me to! "I am sorry, Fitzwilliam. You are right. I am overreacting. I am just so frustrated right now. I truly do not know what to do."

"With any luck for us all, she will continue to keep to her rooms. I believe that she thinks if she stays out of your way long enough, you will forget your ire and things will return to the way they have always been." Fitzwilliam set off walking again, leading the way toward the coffee house.

"I am at loath to admit that is precisely what she has experienced in the past." Bingley removed his hat to rake his fingers through his hair. "I have allowed her to manipulate me, permitting her to behave as she would without censure. Now we are all paying the price. I expect she does not believe I will make good on my threat." He tucked his hat under his arm.

They entered the small shop and sat down near the window. Fitzwilliam signaled the serving girl to bring them coffee and something to eat. "So do you believe she means to attend the coming assembly?"

Bingley frowned and rubbed his pounding temples. "I have no idea what is going on in her mind. Who could predict what goes on in that dark place? I cannot leave such a thing to chance though. I will forbid her from attending this very afternoon. She will have no further opportunity to spread her gossip."

The girl returned with their coffee and a plate of fresh scones, jam and butter. She curtsied, and Fitzwilliam dismissed her. They wasted no time in helping themselves to the fragrant offerings.

"You may want to reconsider that." Fitzwilliam savored a mouthful of raspberry jam. Darcy would enjoy this. They taste like Pemberley.

"Have you gone daft? What possible reason could there be for permitting her in a public place with people who might listen to the vitriol she spews with nearly every breath!" He spread jam on his scone, carelessly dripping some on his sleeve. Grumbling, he fumbled with his napkin to mop the berries from the fabric.

Fitzwilliam raised his hands in surrender. "I will grant you, at first blush, it does seem a ridiculous idea, but hear me out. As an officer for His Majesty all these years, I have acquired a bit ot tactical expertise. I believe we can use this to further our cause."

"You are quite serious about this! I cannot believe what I am hearing. But I suppose I would do well to listen to you, hardened soldier that you are; you might have some insights for handling this dragon." Bingley laughed grimly as he sipped his coffee. "My, this is strong stuff they brew here. Where is the cream?"

"Here you go, and some sugar as well." He handed the items to his friend, smiling to himself as Bingley poured a liberal measure of both into the bitter beverage. Fitzwilliam took another bite of his scone, savoring the sweet jam. "You believe that Caroline is the bearer of most of the gossip in town?"

"I am most certain of it."

"Then, not only will our behavior with the Miss Bennets make a clear statement, our interactions with your sister will as well." Fitzwilliam lifted his eyebrow suggestively.

Bingley's eyes widened with interest. "What are you suggesting?"

"Only this, if she finds her expectation of ready partners from the Netherfield party is not fulfilled, others may infer neither her company nor her words are welcome to us. The three of us being gentlemen of some notoriety in the neighborhood, that message could be a very powerful one indeed."

"Are you suggesting we cut her in public?" he gasped. As horrid as she has been, I do not believe I can bring myself to do such a thing. That really is taking things too far.

"No, nothing so ill-mannered. That would not reflect well upon any of us." Not to mention Jane would never forgive me for doing such a thing. I would by no means sacrifice her comfort for anything to do with Caroline Bingley. Fitzwilliam extended his hand. "To fail to ask her to dance while dancing with the rest of the ladies in our party is by no means a direct cut. Nothing at all need be said. After all, she cannot very well demand a dance from any of us, and if we fail to offer, what can be said that would not draw attention to her plight? If she complains, then more will attend to it, and if she does not, well then the most observant will notice, and I doubt they will keep it to themselves very long."

Bingley nodded slowly as understanding dawned. "I doubt she has made many introductions in town either. She has kept mostly to the house; so there will be few possible partners if she does not seek introductions…"

"And none of us will be able to make those introductions." Fitzwilliam leaned back in his chair.

"Why exactly is that? As long as I have known, Caroline will get what she wants."

"We, you and I, Darcy and Pierce, will all be dancing with the Miss Bennets or their lovely friends, Miss Bingley or the Miss Lucases. With two dances for each of them, I believe that our time will be entirely spent devoting ourselves to their amusement. It would be rude of us to leave them for Miss Caroline, especially when the dances have been arranged days in advance. Of course, she could always seek out the assistance of the master of ceremonies, Sir William Lucas, if I am not mistaken, to make introductions for her. But as he is an old friend of the Bennet family, I do not believe he is well pleased with what he has heard attributed to your sister. So he may be reluctant to make good introductions for her as well."

"So she will stand the evening with the ladies she has criticized for being slighted by the best gentlemen? With her only recourse being that which would draw more attention to her plight?" Bingley grinned broadly. "All without any real action against her on our part?" It cannot possibly be so simple.

"Precisely. It would not do to lower ourselves to standards unbecoming gentlemen. That is entirely unnecessary. There are sufficient other women to dance with. If we fail to escort Caroline to the floor, it does not mean we should be without partners ourselves. That should speak quite loudly without us ever having to utter a word."

Bingley laid his scone on his plate and applauded softly. "I am in the presence of a true genius, sir. I am sorry to have ever doubted you. I will speak to my sister this very afternoon, and let her know her exile to Scarborough has been delayed. I will suggest she attend the assembly, since many of Meryton's London visitors attend the event as well. She might find more acceptable company there than she has in the neighborhood at large." I cannot believe I am agreeing to such a plan. I have never considered standing up to her before! This is quite invigorating.

"I think that will do very well. I believe with such enticement she is very likely to wish to attend. In the meantime, encourage her to keep to her rooms. We still have to manage through these next few days in the house with her." He laughed. "Forgive me that was ungracious of me."

"Have no fear, you are forgiven. There was far too much truth in that remark to even begin denying it." How fortunate it is that Caroline has decided that your fortune is not sufficient for her standards. Doubtless we would never have become friends had she set her cap for you. I would be a much poorer man for that.

The ladies were gathered in the breakfast room, finishing their morning tea. The gentle morning light warmed the room, giving promise for the rest of the day. As the sunbeams tickled the cut flowers Mrs. Lance had placed on the table, their heady fragrance filled the space.

"She said what?" Lizzy demanded, setting her teacup down with more force than was necessary. The blossoms swayed and bounced in response. Several petals dislodged and floated to the table. Placing her hands on the table, she firmly pushed her chair back. "What could she have been thinking to say such things? Forgive me. Louisa, but this is hardly forgivable!"

"Lizzy!" Jane and Mary exclaimed simultaneously.

"Even you. Jane. cannot possibly find a way to excuse such unfeeling behavior, especially when you are a guest in her home!" Lizzy rose and began to pace along the large window. Really Louisa, I understand what it is to have a difficult sibling, but you must make some efforts…

"I do not believe she considers this her home, Lizzy." Kitty glanced back at Louisa, wincing at her friend's pained expression. "Louisa is mistress here. In reality, she is only a guest like us."

Lizzy rolled her eyes. "Are you suggesting this excuses her? If she is a guest here too…"

"And an unwelcome one at that," Louisa murmured. "No, Jane, do not look at me that way. I speak the truth. Charles would agree with me, and if he were here, I am certain he would not hesitate to say so. She is here because she is our sister, not because we desire her company."

"Be that as it may," Lizzy turned back from the window, "It still does not excuse her behavior toward my sister!"

Mary said nothing, watching her elder sister curiously. How strange this is. Just a few short months ago, I would never have expected her to defend me like this. Has her regard for me changed so, or did I fail to understand it then? I wonder what has transpired.

"No. it does not," Louisa agreed softly, "I am so sorry, Mary, I am so sorry." She choked back a sob.

Mary rushed to her friend's side and laid her arm over her shoulder. "Please, Louisa, do not cry on my account. I am well. Indeed, Mr. Bradley was of great comfort to me yesterday, and he helped me to put Miss Caroline's words in perspective." Turning to Lizzy, who looked ready to speak, she continued, "No, that does not make what she said acceptable. Nor will I allow her to continue to abuse me, or any of us, any longer. But I have forgiven her, and I am at peace. She is not, and perhaps never will be. Please. Do not do anything that will escalate this strife any further."

"You are very wise, Mary," Jane immediately agreed, her eyes on Lizzy. "Returning spite for spite will not improve anything."

"We cannot forget that we have in our own family a rather difficult sibling," Kitty added with a sharp look toward Lizzy. "I am afraid we too are guilty of ignoring Lydia's behavior far too long and thus contributing to her current situation. Miss Caroline would not have anything to be talking about were it not for the consequences of Lydia's behaviors."

Lizzy blushed, "I am sorry, you are quite correct Kitty, I was too harsh. I am sorry Louisa, that was ungracious of me."

Louisa breathed a sigh of relief. "Sadly we are both in much the same circumstance. I cannot hold your frustration against you. I am afraid I had a few harsh words with Charles out of my own irritation with Caroline." She and Lizzy shared weary smiles.

"Lydia has found that her actions have returned to haunt her.," Mary said. "I am afraid it will not be long before Miss Caroline feels the fruits of what she has sown."

"What do you mean? Mary, I have seen that look on your face before. What do you know that you have not told us?" Lizzy eyed her sister carefully as she walked closer to her.

Mary nodded, a small frown appearing. "I am afraid Maria Lucas told me yesterday that she had heard of Miss Caroline, and wondered if she lived up to the stories told about her."

"Stories about Caroline?" Louisa grew pale.

"Do not fear, Louisa, you have been welcomed warmly into the neighborhood. I am quite certain that the people of Meryton have separated you from your sister," Mary gently assured.

"So what have you heard?" Kitty demanded impatiently. "I knew I should have joined you on your call upon the Lucases yesterday!"

"Just as the news concerning Lydia has made its way from town to here, information regarding Miss Caroline has as well. Wherever people travel, it seems, they will talk, and the more compelling the tale, the more they will share." Mary returned to her chair. "Sir William has entertained numerous guests in the last days. Several stories about Miss Caroline have reached Maria's ears as a result." I hate being the bearer of such news to you, Louisa, but better you hear this from me than to find out some other way.

"Several?" Louisa groaned, hiding her face in her hands. It is going to happen all over again. I will never be able to show my face in public again! She has done it again!

"There is no need to recount what I have heard. It is enough to know that the information is being energetically related," Mary shrugged sadly.

"I am not surprised," Louisa murmured into her hands. "It was this way in town. Once word of Caroline's transgressions spread, we were social outcasts. I should have known this respite would not last." She leaned her head back in the chair to stare at the ceiling. Perhaps I am the one who needs to escape to Scarborough!

"Louisa," Kitty rose from her seat. "You are coming to town with me today. Lizzy, please make my apologies to Father and Mr. Darcy. I know I was to accompany you to Longbourn, but Louisa and I have urgent business in town this morning."

"No! I cannot…."

"Yes, I do believe that Kitty is quite correct." Jane walked to Kitty's side. "I think I shall accompany you as well, if I may…"

"And I," Mary agreed. "It will be a good thing for everyone, I believe."

"It is decided then," Kitty nodded firmly. "Will you convey the message, Lizzy?"

"Well it seems I must," she laughed gently. "If Hill did not need me at Longbourn, I would join you as well."

Some hours later, Lizzy and Darcy walked through the warm afternoon sun in Longbourn's park. Mr. Bennet believed them to be surveying the efforts to clean the front elevation of the house from all remaining traces of soot and smoke. While they had indeed accomplished their task, they lingered in the park, neither quite yet willing to relegate themselves back to the confines of the house. The servants had done excellent work cleaning the house, but it still smelled of smoke, leaving an oppressive feeling in the air.

"I still cannot believe this has happened. It feels like a very bad dream." Lizzy stared back at the house, shaking her head. The façade still bore a few traces of soot stains, though she had to look carefully to find them. The broken windows were still a sad reminder of the trauma they had all suffered. I keep wishing I would wake up from this nightmare, but I am afraid if I do, he will no longer be here.

Darcy stood beside her, his shoulder almost touching hers. "Such things are always so unexpected; they never feel real at first."

"I feel like I am in a fog. When will it lift?" She turned to look up at him.

He gazed into her eyes, lost in their depths. "I wish I could say, but I do not know. For me, clarity seemed to come faster as I found useful employment for myself. Sitting in the midst of the chaos only seemed to prolong the pain for me." He paused, reconsidering. "But I do not know if that is best for everyone. Perhaps Mr. Bradley would know better how to counsel you. He has faced many tragedies of his own, and carried many of us in Derbyshire through ours."

"I shall take your advice and keep myself occupied." His brows knit, his eyes seemed to darken. Her now familiar impish smile lifted the corners of her mouth, "And I shall make a point of seeking out your friend."

He laughed softly. "You have not lost your teasing ways. That is a very good sign your melancholy will be of short duration." A curl escaped its captivity and teased him from just behind her ear. He longed to feel its softness between his fingers.

"My father has always said that the day I am not able to find something to laugh at will be a very dismal one indeed." She took his proffered arm and they began to walk again.

"I think your father is correct. Your wit is one of your greatest gifts, Miss Elizabeth." He cast a sidelong glance at her, laying his hand warmly over hears. He squeezed it gently, enjoying the feeling of her hand in his.

"So now you have begun to extol my virtues Mr. Darcy?" She laughed merrily to cover the sudden flush that rose to her cheeks. How is it that the touch of his fingers should be so compelling? "What have you not told me about the state of Longbourn? The situation here must be dire beyond what all of us have suspected!"

He looked at her with gentle exasperation in his eyes. "You are a difficult lady to court. I was under the impression that a woman liked to hear her calf-eyed lover exalting her merits to the skies." You are uncomfortable with too much praise. Perhaps you are as I and wonder at its sincerity. I will find a way to convince you of my admiration yet.

"I suppose that is true," she stepped carefully over a stone, squeezing his arm for balance, and lingering a moment longer, "but I have been told that you never look at a woman except to find fault with her. In light of such intelligence, what am I to make of these very uncharacteristic declarations?"

You do question my sincerity then! "Who would say such a thing about me?" Darcy blushed hotly. Fitzwilliam! You and I need to have a long discussion…or perhaps I need to speak with Miss Bennet instead. "Am I to believe that you would rather have me catalogue your faults instead?"

"No, that would certainly not do. My faults are many, and are best kept without notice." I fear if you knew the true extend of them you might find me less appealing. "As for the source of my intelligence, I have my loyal informants, and I would never betray them." She lifted her hand to her heart. "Try as you might, sir, I am most steadfast in my resolve."

"They are fortunate to have you to protect them, madam, for surely a lesser woman would have betrayed them by now."

Lizzy laughed warmly, "Perhaps I need laughter, as you need useful occupation. Does not the Good Book say a cheerful heart is good medicine?"

"Mr. Bradley has said that to me more than once." He bowed his head sheepishly. "Although I do not believe I have learned that lesson as well as I should have. Perhaps I need an expert to take me under her tutelage."

"You honor me, sir." She smiled up at him. The warmth in his eyes took her breath away.

"I fully intend to Miss Elizabeth. I desire nothing more than to convince you of the honesty of my regard for you. I abhor every manner of disguise and cannot bear to bring myself to utter empty flattery. You are truly a most accomplished woman and I cannot help but wish to voice my admiration."

She pressed her lips uncertainly. I must be honest with him. What life could we have together if I cannot be? She drew a deep breath to gather her courage. "You are a most difficult man to deny. It is only that I am deeply aware of my own shortcomings and too much praise is difficult for me. I fear that someone who knows me well enough to offer such commendation…"

"Will not find enough to commend?" he offered, gently brushing the back of his fingers across her cheek.

She softly gasped as his touch. Biting her lower lip, she dropped her eyes and nodded. "I fear that a sharp wit and being well read are not among those accomplishments that are generally considered necessary for young ladies this season."

"I find them indispensible." He boldly reached for her tantalizing curls and ran it through his fingers.

Suddenly the old tom cat jumped from the bushes and looked up at them blinking, startling them both. "Oh!" she cried.

He caught her hands as she jumped. "It is just the cat!" he laughed. The world stopped for a moment and he held her hands tightly in his, staring into her upturned face. The sparkle in her eyes and the turn of her lips mesmerized him. Unconsciously he leaned toward her.

"Meorww." The large orange cat rubbed itself against their legs energetically and purred loudly.

Darcy straightened a sheepish look in his eye. He stooped to pet the creature who joyfully accepted the scratches under his chin. "But perhaps he has been sent to us as a warning that it is time for us to return. I fear your father will wonder what has become of us. It would not do for him to believe I am as licentious as my cousin." The corners of his eyes crinkled with his smile as she laughed. "If I cannot be trusted to accomplish such a simple task for him, how will he trust me with his treasured daughter?" She is my treasure now too. He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm, covering it with his free hand.

Her heart raced as she fought the desire to brush a stray curl from his forehead. Is it possible for a man to be beautiful? Handsome does not seem a strong enough word. "Despite your protests, I do believe that your courtship, though perhaps unconventional, is quite satisfactory, Mr. Darcy. You have my permission to extol my virtues, sir," she winked, "for as long as our tom cat will listen."

*1Pt 3:9