49. Ch 46: Good will come to the generous

Ch 46:Good will come to him who is generous*

The next morning found most of the residents of Netherfield sleeping in after the very late night indulging in the frivolities of youth, as Mr. Bennet fondly called them. That gentleman was up early, as was his custom, enjoying a bracing cup of coffee in the borrowed study of Mr. Bingley. Although the room lacked the large collection of books that Mr. Bennet craved, the smaller number of volumes it housed was a sufficient distraction from his current boredom that he was grateful for his host's generosity in sharing it.

His study of a particularly interesting volume was interrupted by the entrance of Mrs. Lance. "Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Jacobson are here for you, sir." She bobbed in a slightly arthritic curtsey.

"Please show them in, and bring in some coffee and scones as well."

"Very good, sir." She bobbed again and was gone.

A few moments later, Gardiner and Jacobson appeared. The dark circles under both their eyes attested to the late night they had just spent.

"Good morning to both of you. I must confess my surprise at seeing you here so early. I would have thought the assembly would have left you sleeping the morning away as the rest of the household here seems to be doing." Bennet limped across the room to shake their hands.

"I am glad to see that we did not disturb your sleep, sir." Jacobson shook his hand firmly. "I am afraid I laid awake all night considering what we spoke of yesterday. When I get a subject like that in my mind, there is simply no stopping it. I have little choice but to see the issue through immediately before it drives me to distraction." He sat down near Mr. Bennet, his knees sticking up a bit awkwardly since the chair did not well accommodate his unusual height. He bounced one leg anxiously.

"It is a good thing I am still an early riser myself, or he would have had to drag me out of bed to come here." Gardiner laughed as Mrs. Lance returned with coffee and a tray of scones and jam.

Jacobson hung his head a bit, blushing at the good natured teasing. He helped himself to a scone while Mrs. Lance poured coffee for all.

"So then, sir," Bennet sipped his cup, watching Jacobson carefully. "Since, as you say, your mind has been at work on this all night, what have you to say on the matters we discussed?"

Jacobson quickly gulped his mouthful and followed it with a deep swallow of coffee. He exhaled heavily and perched his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands loosely. "It is difficult to know where to begin. I have often been accused of rambling on, and I have no wish to bore either of you with tales of little importance." He looked down at his hands and twisted them together, thinking.

He is an unusual character without a doubt, but I see no duplicity in him. He would not do for any of my girls, that is for certain, but he does not seem to be looking to them as Collins did. That must be considered a good thing in a case such as this. But it does seem like a good solid woman would be the making of the poor man. Bennet heard his own heart beating rapidly as he awaited the young man's explanation.

"I have thought much on the offer you have made me, sir." Jacobson wrung his hands more rapidly. "Very much. There is much to consider, you see." Suddenly the tension seemed too much and the younger man sprang to his feet to pace before the fireplace. "Ordinarily, the thought of parting with the promise of an income generating property is absurd. Most would consider me a fool for thinking twice on the matter, for the acquisition of Longbourn would give me exactly what I need, a steady income."

Bennet felt his jaw tighten painfully as he glanced at his brother. Gardiner shrugged, keeping one eye on the agitated Jacobson.

"But then acquiring Longbourn is dependent upon your continued survival. And, although such is not something one can predict, one look at you, sir, would suggest it will be quite a number of years before I might realize my inheritance. Moreover, there is the issue of simple recovery, is there not?" He turned to stare directly at his cousin. "Although neither you nor your brother Philips has made mention of it yet, it does not take a great deal of cleverness to realize that if you are not successful with me now, then you can pursue a less gentlemanly remedy in court. No? That is your brother's occupation, and one could hardly imagine he would not counsel you to do so." With a nod he began pacing again. "No, your brother has not said anything of the kind to me. No doubt you would not want him to use such a tactic to persuade me."

Bennet sipped his coffee placidly as he watched Jacobson stalk across the room. He will give himself an apoplexy if he does not calm down!

"In light of this inevitable action on your part, I must consider your offer generous, very generous indeed; even more so when I consider that, in my current state of duress, I have not the means to contract a solicitor to handle such a lawsuit. To do so would only further draw me into the web of debt that threatens to strangle me!" He spun on his heel, arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Gardiner rose and took Jacobson's arm. "Do calm down. There is no need for such agitations. No one here is threatening you with anything. Far from it. You are a welcome guest among us. Take a deep breath and sit. Drink your coffee and have some of this wonderful jam. It will do you well." He guided Jacobson back to his seat.

With shaky hands, Jacobson took the coffee cup and pressed it to his lips. A long drink seemed to calm him. "Thank you. I do apologize for my show of nerves, it is rather unseemly. I know. This whole affair has me unsettled, I fear." He paused to spoon jam onto his scone and savor its sweetness. "When my father died, I inherited his estate, as well as a number of debts associated with the property. He was a good man, but he taught me little of management, I am afraid. I am not proud of it, but I made some poor decisions that drove Evermere even further into debt. I do not gamble anymore, but I did acquire debts of honor in a foolhardy attempt to find a way to pay off my estate's creditors. My situation is quite dire indeed. I have neither friends nor close relatives I can turn to for help, and debtor's prison is looming in my future." He dropped his head into his hands.

Bennet sighed. I hate to profit from another's troubles, but this sounds like good news for me. And if by these means he can be helped out of dire straits as well, then all the better for it. I would truly hate to force such a man into litigation, but I must protect my family.

"I have learned my lessons though. Just a week before Mr. Philips came to my door, I contacted an old friend of my father's who offered me his help in managing what is left of Evermere. Six months before that, I ceased all gambling and imbibing to excess. I am a reformed man. Somehow it feels as though your brother's timely arrival was the hand of Providence bestowing me with approval for my alterations." He scrubbed his face with his hands. "So, all of that to say, Mr. Bennet, yes, I shall accept your proposal. What you have offered me is enough to clear most of my debt and remove the threat of prison from my back. I believe it sufficient to give me a new start and begin a new life as a proper master of Evermere. I am grateful for the generosity of spirit that led you to offer it as an alternative to a battle in court. I think not one man in a hundred would have chosen such a liberal path with a relative he hardly knows. I most indebted to you. "

Bennet breathed out a heavy sigh of relief. "I am pleased to hear that, sir, very pleased in deed. I am even more glad that we have reached a solution that is mutually beneficial to all parties involved." He stood to shake Jacobson's hand. "I believe then what remains is to have Philips draw up the remaining papers and for me to talk to my bank in London."

"Which is why I postponed my trip this morning," Gardiner said, shaking Jacobson's hand as well. "Though a bit presumptuous, I suppose, I had hoped this conversation might end with the need for you to visit London. Given how difficult it still is for you to move about, I thought it might be easier if we were to travel together. This would also allow you to bring Fanny the good news yourself."

A bright smile lit Bennet's face. "Yes, she will welcome this information indeed. I will instruct my man to make ready to travel. First thing tomorrow morning?" Gardiner nodded. "I need to make the girls aware, as well as discuss business with Mr. Darcy." Jacobson looked a little crestfallen. "Is that agreeable to you, sir?"

"Excuse me. I know I should not be disappointed. It is just that once one decides upon so difficult a course of action, one wants to see it proceed to a conclusion as quickly as possible. But of course, it is not unreasonable for you to need to arrange your affairs here before you travel, especially with all the work needed on Longbourn."

"If you wish to return to your home, Philips can finish the paperwork and have it taken directly to Evermere…" Bennet offered.

"No, no. You will indulge me in this, if you please. I would prefer to stay here until we close the matter. Waiting at home will drive me mad for certain. Every day I will worry that you have changed your mind and each night I shall dream that some disaster has befallen you and none of this will take place. Your brother has graciously offered me his hospitality. He will be able to reassure me that all is well and this unlikely turn of Providence is indeed not a passing dream I have had." Jacobson rubbed his hands absently.

"Very well, as you will. I hope to be in London no more than a week. I will return as quickly as possible. I have no desire to prolong this process any more than necessary."

"In that we are in full agreement." Jacobson smiled an odd, crooked smile that made him look almost boyish. "I will take my leave of you both then, so that you may prepare for your journey."

"I will see you out then," Gardiner escorted him out of the study.

Bennet stood blinking in a sunbeam, uncertain of what to do next. I suppose I should call for my valet. The girls will be up soon enough, and I will tell them then. It would not do to wake them to share the news. The fright it could cause them would cast a shadow on these very, very, good tidings. God has indeed been good to us all this day.

An hour later, Bradley sat in the drawing room, his foot propped up on an overstuffed ottoman, a cup of tea and plate of bread and cheese beside him. In his lap, he held the newspaper and his journal. He sighed contentedly as he sipped his tea. Pierce will be here later this morning to call upon Miss Mary. Perhaps they will allow me a little time to discuss the parish at Pemberley with them. I think I will suggest they move into the manse at first. They will need to keep less staff that way. Once the children come, they will have the parsonage. I fear people would see him as a usurper if he took the parsonage too soon. I do not want to set either of them up for such difficulties. I think they shall approve. He laughed at himself.

They are not even officially engaged yet and I am already planning for their children! Listen to me. Ah, well, at least I do not believe my expectations to be misplaced. I remember the day we came into Hertfordshire, young master Darcy telling me he could never find a wife in a place such as this! He chuckled again. Yet that is the very thing he and his cousin have done. And I have found a son and daughter as well. Tears pricked his eyes. Lord, you have indeed been good to us. But You do have a sense of humor, leading us to such an unlikely place to find Your blessings! He leaned his head back and closed his eyes, basking in the serenity he felt.

A few minutes later, he heard a woman's footsteps entering the room behind him. He crooked his neck to peek around the side of the chair to catch sight of Miss Caroline sweeping in. He sighed and returned to his restful pose, hoping he might feign sleep and avoid conversation.

He listened to her skirts swished and a tea cup clanked as she poured herself tea. A spoon clinked against the cup, stirring sugar into the tea. Rattling plates and clicking silverware indicated her buttering bread and separating a wedge of cheese. Steps followed, approaching Bradley's chair.

"Oh!" Caroline gasped, suddenly seeing Bradley for the first time. " You are here."

Slowly he opened his eyes and acknowledged her, "Good morning, Miss Caroline."

"Well, I should hope that it is, for you," she snapped, flicking her skirts as she sat down.

"I am afraid I do not take your meaning." His brows creased thoughtfully.

"You do not? Really, now. I would not have taken you as one for such duplicity." She daintily sipped her tea.

"Duplicity? That is a serious accusation, madam. I should like to know what it is that you are accusing me of." He fought not to roll his eyes. I cannot imagine what you have taken offense at now.

Caroline glared at him as she chewed her bread and cheese. Finally she hissed, "Last night."

"The assembly last night?" He looked at her quizzically. "I was not even there! I have no idea to what you are referring."

"Now really, you have taken this far enough. You cannot deny that you were the one who put them up to it." Caroline rose to stand over him, rage filtering across her face.

"Put who up to what, madam?"

"My brother, my sister, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, the Bennets…all of them." Her arms swept toward the door. "They ignored me! They made no introductions for me, and not one of them asked me to dance the entire evening. I stood against the walls like some common spinster. I was absolutely humiliated! The only people who chose to speak with me talked of nothing but the horrid gossip coming out of London!" Her voice climbed to a shriek as she spoke.

"Calm yourself, Miss Caroline. I can see the events of last night have you deeply troubled. However, you can be assured that I had nothing to do with them." He pulled himself more erect in his chair.

"How can you sit there and lie to me like that!" She stomped her foot and pumped her fists.

"Be assured that I am not lying to you. This is the first I have heard of any such thing. Are you quite certain that there were deliberate efforts made to exclude you? That does not sound like any of your party to me."

"What other possible reason could there be? None of them asked me to dance, not even my brother. Could they not see how I would feel? They had no concern at all for my feelings! How could you counsel them to be so cruel?" Her eyes glittered with angry tears.

"They did not seek my counsel, nor did I give it in this case. Could there be any other reason they would not have sought your company?" Are you unwilling or is it that you are unable to see your situation for what it is? I pity your blindness, for it is making you miserable and denying you any opportunity to change.

"I am an accomplished dancer, and I know how to make agreeable conversation, sir." She tossed her head dismissively. "My gown was of the latest fashion and my manners impeccable. What possible reason could there be for not wanting to engage me in a dance or even in simple conversation?" She tossed her head angrily.

Bradley sighed. I hate conversations like this. Clearly she has little desire to see this from any other perspective. I know I must give her the opportunity to do so, but I fear it will not go well. "You have no idea?"

"None whatsoever!" She threw her hands into the air. "Why should the company of unaccomplished, unfashionable, unconnected country girls be preferred over mine? It is unfathomable. Unless people are being influenced by someone who seeks to harm me." Her eyes narrowed accusingly.

Clearly your attitude toward the people of Meryton has nothing to do with it. That would certainly not influence anyone here. Sighing, he struggled slightly and rose from his seat. "What reason could I have for wishing you harm?"

"You poisoned Mr. Darcy toward me because you knew if I became mistress of Pemberley, I would shut the door to you and your influence. You would sacrifice Mr. Darcy's position in society to preserve your hold on him and Pemberley." She stepped closer to him, her face in his. "That is why you came here with him to Meryton, so you could push him toward a country nobody whom you would be able to influence with your proverbs and superstitions - all so you could ensure your place in Derbyshire society." She laughed coldly. "You see, I am quite aware of your machinations, sir. You are not the innocent old man you pretend to be. Be assured I will make Mr. Darcy aware…"

"That is enough!" Bingley's voice boomed in the doorway. Darcy and Fitzwilliam flanked him.

Caroline jumped, gasping in surprise. "Brother! Mr. Darcy, Colonel…I had no idea…"

"Of course you did not," Bingley spat, stomping to her side. "Now tell me of what you were accusing Mr. Bradley!"

"Please, sir, it is not necessary to burden yourself on my account," Bradley protested, hands lifted. I do not wish to be at the center of your quarrel with your sister. There is enough for her to atone for without adding any offense toward me onto the list.

"You see! You see! He does not wish to discuss it because it will reveal his guilt!" She crossed her arms triumphantly.

"What guilt? Explain yourself immediately!" Bingley demanded. Behind him, Darcy and Fitzwilliam exchanged dark looks.

"Last night, all of you ignored me at the assembly. I confronted you, Charles, but you would not be truthful with me. But now I understand. It was him!" She pointed at Bradley. "He told you to do so…"

Darcy scowled but Bradley shook his head and lifted a hand to stop Darcy's bitter remarks.

"You impugn his character over dance partners?" Bingley shouted, aghast. He stomped toward the window then turned to face her again. "You wish to understand why no one asked you to dance last night, Caroline? The reason is simple. You have made yourself so unpleasant to all of us that not a one wished to spend even that much time in your company. It was not Mr. Bradley's doing, it was all your own. He had no idea of what happened at the assembly last night."

"How dare you…" Caroline's face lost all color.

"How dare I what? Tell you the truth? I should have told you so a long time ago. Your company is a trial, sister, and you have worn out your welcome. Yesterday I told you I could not send you to Scarborough because the roads were washed out, but I can, and I will, send you to London. Go pack your things; you leave first thing tomorrow morning." Bingley quivered with rage.

"You have no right…" she whispered as her voice failed.

"Not one more word, or I shall put you in the carriage right now and see you there myself." Bingley took a menacing step toward her. "Go now. We have had enough of your company. You are not welcome in my home. In this I am resolved." She walked shakily toward the door. "See that you are packed, for you shall be on a carriage first thing in the morning, with or without your things. Do not test me in this, for I am resolved."

With a strangled cry, Caroline dashed from the drawing room, leaving the men staring awkwardly at each other.

"Let me apologize to you, sir, on behalf of my sister," Bingley's words tumbled out in an embarrassed rush. "I find this is becoming an uncomfortable habit, one which I would dearly love to break."

Bradley shook his head to silence him. "Think nothing more of it. You have far more significant concerns to deal with right now. She is a wounded and bitter young woman, and she speaks from the rancor of her heart. I know she does not speak for you. Do not hold a grudge on my behalf, for I hold none myself."

"You are all kindness, sir," Bingley hung his head.

Fitzwilliam reached over to clap his friend's shoulder. "You held your ground well. I am proud of you."

"Thank you," Bingley sighed. Mrs. Lance appeared at the doorway and he signaled for fresh tea to be brought. "Come, let us sit." The men made themselves comfortable in the cozy room.

"So, Bingley," Darcy crossed his legs and laid his long arm across the back of the settee. "Have you decided how you will return her to London?" I cannot say you came to that conclusion a moment to soon, for after that last display, I do not think I could remain in this house with her a moment longer, nor continue subjecting the Bennets to her venom. I would have gladly put us all up at the inn rather than endure the possibility of any more such outbursts from her. Sometimes I still wonder that the same parents could have bore all three of you.

Bingley pressed his temples hard. "No, in these long minutes I have had to consider how I might accomplish the task, I have not yet resolved upon a solution." He laughed thinly. "I suppose I shall have to take her there myself. I have no wish to go, but I do not suppose there are too many other alternatives."

"Perhaps I might be of use to you, sir." All eyes turned to the doorway to see Mr. Bennet standing there. He limped in slowly and sat beside Bradley. "Forgive me. I am afraid I overheard some of your parting conversation with Miss Caroline."

Bingley's pale cheeks flushed bright red. "Pardon me. I do not usually raise my voice."

"I quite understand." Bennet looked at the uneasy faces in the room. "As I said, I think I might be of service to you on this occasion. You have done so much for me and my family, it is high time I repay the favor."

"I have told you before, sir, you and your family owe me nothing…"

"Yes, yes I know. But I am also quite certain you would prefer not to make a journey to London tomorrow."

Bingley's brows rose high on his forehead. "That is quite true."

"As it so happens, my brother Gardiner and I have decided it would be best for me to accompany him to London. So first thing in the morning, he and I shall be traveling there. Since I cannot ride horseback yet, we will be taking my carriage. There will be room for her, if you would like to send her with us."

Darcy's lips lifted in a small smile as he quickly put the pieces together. I must speak with him soon. It seems there was favorable news imparted this morning.

"I could not possibly ask you to put yourself to such trouble." Bingley shook his head, frowning.

"Nonsense! You have asked nothing of me. Tell your sister that we plan to be on the road no later than eight o'clock. I wish to be at Gracechurch in time to share luncheon with my wife."

Bingley stammered awkwardly.

"That is enough. I will not take no for an answer. Now, if you will excuse me, I must speak with my daughters and inform them of my plans. Mr. Darcy, whenever you have a moment, I would like to speak with you as well, if I may." Bennet pushed himself to his feet. "Gentlemen." He left the room with a wry grin, imagining the look on Bingley's face.

* PS 112:5