50. Chapter 47: Let no debt remain

Ch 47: Let no debt remain outstanding*

At six o'clock the next morning, Caroline's maid poked her head into the morning room where breakfast had been set out for the travelers. "Mr. Bingley, sir?" she said hesitantly.

"You have come to tell me that she is not awake?" Charles sighed as he pushed himself up from his chair. The young woman nodded and curtsied uneasily. "I shall be there directly." I should not be surprised. Why would I expect anything else? "Have her things been packed yet?"

"I am sorry, sir, but no. I began packing last night as you directed, but when she saw what I was doing she was furious. She," unconsciously the young woman lifted her hand to her face, "she insisted that I removed everything from the trunks." She dropped her eyes, staring uneasily at the floor.

Charles' eyes narrowed. "Did she strike you?" She did not respond. He took a step closer to her. "You may tell me, it is all right." Still she did not reply, but she did look up, turning the left side of her face to him. In the morning light he could see faint bruising along her cheekbone. He drew a deep breath, shaking with his effort to control himself.

Bennet and Gardiner shared knowing looks.

"I see." Charles frowned and drew another bracing breath. "You are to travel with her to London this morning, but once you arrive there…I will write you a letter to carry with you before you leave this morning. I will speak to Louisa as well and have her write another. I believe she has a friend in London who has written her of search for a new lady's maid. Louisa has been very impressed with your service. I believe her letter of introduction would result in an audience with the lady. Beyond that I cannot promise."

Astonishment blossomed over the maid's face, she curtsied, blushing. "Thank you, sir. That is very gracious of you. You are too kind."

"Not at all, for I am afraid I will be asking you to pack her things yet this morning. However, I will ask Mrs. Lance to accompany you." He smiled apologetically.

Bobbing once more, she said, "There are some things I can begin to pack immediately." She hurried from the room.

"It seems it is destined to be a difficult morning," Charles grumbled. "I shall go rouse my sister. I fear she has been unconvinced of my determination in this matter. But I remain resolved. She will leave with you at eight o'clock, regardless of the state of her trunks." He leaned against the wall dejectedly. "Are you quite certain that you wish to be trapped in a carriage with her all the way to London?"

Bennet dabbed his face with a napkin. "You forget that my brother and I are both fathers who have survived a number of children. Each of them has gone through a temperamental stage of their own; some, of course, lasting long than others. I believe Jane's lasted all of two hours, whereas Kitty…" His eyes glimmered teasingly. "Ah, but it would not do to disabuse you as to my daughter's charms."

Bingely guffawed, rolling his eyes and welcoming the momentary respite in his tension.

"She was not nearly as difficult as my youngest son, Silas, who spent the first four years of his life expressing his displeasure over everything! Now, of course, he is the most pleasant child you can imagine. I believe it has been a good four years since I have heard him fuss about anything. You would hardly believe he is the same child." Gardiner chuckled warmly. "He reminds me a great deal of your Lizzy."

Bennet laughed. "Yes, yes, that is true, I am afraid. Happily, she is out of that temper now, and is well able to be pleased." He winked at Bingley, but quickly became more serious. "We are well aware of what we are volunteering for, sir. But we are quite up to the task. It will not be our first carriage ride with a displeased young woman." He laughed with a sidelong glance at his brother. "Even if we were not prepared, it still would be quite a pleasure to be able to do a service for you since we have already trespassed so long upon your hospitality." We owe you such a debt. I do not know how I can every repay it. I could not live with my conscience if I did not attempt to do this small thing for you and your sister.

"But it has been no inconvenience to have you and your family with us…" Bingley argued.

"And escorting your sister is but three, perhaps four hours in a carriage to a destination where we are already going. So you see, there is no inconvenience to us either," Bennet declared with finality A very long three to four hours, that much is true, but still only a morning's effort. He pushed back and slowly rose, leaning on his cane. "Now if you will excuse me, I have a few final details to attend to before we leave." I do hope Bradley is up early this morning.

All three men left the morning room as Charles drug himself upstairs to Caroline's chamber. He drew yet another deep breath, steeling himself for the storm he was about to unleash. With his knuckles, he rapped firmly upon the door. That he received no answer did not come as a surprise. Twice more he repeated the effort to no avail. Finally, he pounded upon the door with his fist. I feel like I am back at Cambridge trying to wake a drunken classmate. Would that that was all I was about to face. "Caroline, if you do not answer me right now, I will come in."

The door creaked open slowly. "Do stop this unseemly display, Charles. What will the servants think? It is barely sunrise, why ever are you hammering at my door? Is there some tragic news?" She blinked at him innocently. "Is the house on fire?"

His face grew cold at the reference. A fiery rage kindled in his belly. If there was any hope of you changing my mind this morning, that last remark just ended it. "I told you last night, you are leaving for London this morning, whether you are ready or not."

This is rubbish! Why does he keep insisting on this nonsense? I know he does not mean a word of it. "It was quite late when we talked. I was sure you were too tired to know what you were saying." She yawned and rubbed her eyes sleepily. "I thought we had already settled this matter. I told you I would apologize to the vicar, and I will be polite to your Bennets. Is that not what you wanted?" She patted his arm condescendingly. "There now, it is settled. When the hour is decent, I will do those things, and all will be well…" She turned to return to her chambers.

"No, Caroline." Bingley's words echoed in the corridor.

Whirling on him, she threw open the door. "What do you mean, 'no?'" she demanded with a shriek, her eyes fully open, all restfulness gone.

I knew she was merely feigning sleep. How easily she plays these games. I suppose I am at fault for having taught her that she could get what she wanted this way. But no more. I will never make this mistake again. "Exactly what I have said: No. It is not settled, and that is not sufficient. You have had more than enough opportunity to display correct behavior. It is far too late to begin now. The damage has been done."

Her heart began racing at her brother's imperious tone. "Do not be ridiculous! They are not peers! They are not even of the first circles. How could you believe that they require anything more than a simple apology…" She rolled her eyes scornfully.

"No one wants your apologies." As insincere as they would be! He lifted a hand to stop her advance on him. "We are no longer desirous of your company. You are an unwelcome guest, and you will leave this morning at eight o'clock. That leaves you less than an hour and a half to finish whatever packing remains to be done, dress yourself, and break your fast. That is not a great deal of time. I will send Mrs. Lance to assist your maid…"

"I am not leaving, Charles. I will concede to do whatever you wish of me, but I am not leaving," she shrieked, her voice shrill and penetrating. London was intolerable and I have no wish to go back there.

Leaning in to her face, he growled, "You do not have a choice. Either you will enter that carriage under your own power with your dignity intact, or I shall carry you kicking and screaming in your nightdress and place you in the carriage like a child. Those are your only choices this day. Staying is not among them. I will see you at eight o'clock, Caroline. You decide under what circumstances that meeting shall occur." With a final angry glare, he turned sharply on his heel and left her staring dumbfounded as he marched down the hall.

Mr. Bennet stood at the window in Bingley's study, looking out over the quiet landscape. The last pink glow of dawn was fading as the sun took its place low in the horizon. A timid sunbeam peeked in the window, tickling at the toes of his boots. Behind him, he could hear the entrance of two confident young men. "Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

"Good morning, sir," Fitzwilliam glanced at Darcy.

"You wished to speak to us before you left." Darcy stood behind a chair and waited. He looks troubled. Has there been news that I have not heard of?

Bennet paused a moment, then turned to look at the gentlemen. "Thank you for coming so quickly. I know it is an early hour to ask for your presence. I hope I did not wake you."

"Not at all," Fitzwilliam quickly assured, "I am afraid the habits of the army are not easy to give up in civilian life." Darcy merely nodded.

Bennet walked over to lean against the front of the large desk. "Then I will get to the point, gentlemen, since my time is sorely limited this morning." He clasped his hands lightly in front of him. "My brother and I will be taking our leave of Netherfield in a little more than an hour. I will be leaving my daughters here, with you. I have asked Mr. Bradley to act as chaperone to all of you."

Darcy scowled without even realizing it.

"You are troubled by this, Mr. Darcy?" Bennet challenged with a raised brow.

"No, sir, by no means," he replied, clearing his throat roughly.

"Good. I am pleased to hear it. I am in a difficult situation. You must agree with me that it is highly unusual for me to leave my daughters residing in the same house as the men who are courting them, with so little supervision. But alas, I have little choice. Longbourn is still not restored enough for them to abide there. My brother Philips is already hosting Mr. Jacobson. So we continue to rely upon Mr. Bingley's hospitality, even in my absence."

Fitzwilliam frowned. "Are you implying that we might take advantage of these circumstances?" He tapped his foot impatiently.

"I would not leave if I believed that were the case. However, you are young men, and even without the fond eye of a father, I can declare my daughters are lovely young ladies."

"Then what are you saying?" Darcy demanded impatiently. I do not know whether to be offended or angry at his insinuations.

A sudden sadness filtered across Bennet's face. "I am saying that I am leaving that which is most precious in the world to me in your care. I would not consider going to London as I am if I did not believe you to be gentlemen of the highest mark. Watch over them as I would, so that you may look me in the eye without a pang of conscience when I return." He sighed and looked away. "I must accustom myself to the idea that you will be their protectors soon. But it is a difficult transition for me. Be patient with this old father as he finds his way into very new territory."

Darcy struggled to swallow past the lump in his throat. My father would have felt the same way in the face of Georgiana's future husband. I cannot find fault with Bennet for his concerns.

"You will find your trust has been well placed, sir," Fitzwilliam finally answered with a sidelong glance at his cousin.

"Indeed, sir, you have our word as gentlemen," Darcy quickly agreed.

"Then I may leave without cause to repine my decision. Thank you both, I could not have asked for more than that."

"Sir," Darcy began thoughtfully, "would it be agreeable to you if my cousin and I were to visit with Mr. Pierce for the time that you are in London? We could call upon Netherfield under Mr. Bradley's watchful eye. When Miss Elizabeth and I are needed at Longbourn, we will ask her sisters to accompany us there." He paused, taking in Fitzwilliam's surprised expression. "I do not wish to do anything that might cause a shadow upon your daughters' reputations." Slowly Fitzwilliam nodded, brushing his knuckles thoughtfully across his lips.

Bennet could not reply for a long moment. "I could not ask such a thing of either of you. But if it is what you desire, then I would indeed be most grateful. I understand how much more pleasant it would be for you both here at Netherfield. That you would be willing to give that up for the sake of public opinion is truly noble of you, and increases the esteem with which I regard both of you." Lizzy was right when she told me she thought them the very best of men.

"Then consider it done, sir. I shall go to see Pierce myself directly after breakfast. I have no doubt as to his agreement with our plan. We shall remove ourselves to his cottage before luncheon today." Darcy pressed his lips together seriously.

"And we shall go into town this afternoon, and discuss our visit with Mr. Pierce in a place where we can surely be overheard!" Fitzwilliam laughed heartily, joined by the other two men.

We laugh now, but I have no doubt I will be dragged to that coffee house to do that very thing! Bennet realizes that too. Darcy cocked his head and lifted his eyebrows toward his cousin, inspiring further laughter.

"I look forward to seeing you both on my return then. For your sakes, I shall endeavor to do so with the greatest alacrity possible." Bennet smiled contentedly. I am leaving my daughters in the very best possible care.

"God speed on your journey sir. May you find your wife well enough to return home with you." Fitzwilliam offered his hand. Bennet took it and shook it warmly. Darcy shook his hand in turn, feeling the weight of the gentleman's trust heavily.

An hour later, the Bennet sisters gathered in Netherfield's foyer to wish their father farewell.

"Do be careful, Papa!" Jane cried, hugging him tightly. "Are you certain Dr. Abbot said it was safe for you to travel?"

"Oh, Jane, my dear, dear girl." Bennet pressed her cheek into his shoulder. "I have his blessings, do not fear. Do not forget, I have your uncle with me to ensure I will do as the doctor has ordered." I cannot believe I am leaving home once again. How much traveling have I done in these past months? Surely more than I have in these past five years together. I wonder if that will be the way of things once Jane, Lizzy and Mary are settled. Perhaps I must resign myself to this new season of life. I should consider planning to have the springs on the carriage refurbished. I must hope that Fitzwilliam settles near his cousin so that I can visit with all three of them in a single journey. But perhaps that is too much to hope for.

"I will watch over him carefully. I have no wish to suffer your mother's wrath!" Gardiner laughed affectionately.

"I have no doubt you will watch over him with all possible diligence." Mary insisted, hugging her uncle.

"I have every reason to take care on this trip. I have so much good news to bring to your mother." Bennet smiled at each of his daughters in turn. He stepped close to Kitty and whispered in her ear, "What should I tell your mother of your situation?"

"My situation?" Kitty blushed and chewed her lower lip thoughtfully. My situation? I do have a situation, do I not? She chuckled softly to herself. In the midst of my elder sisters' courtships, I would not have expected Papa to notice. I am truly surprised that he has. "Tell her nothing right now, Papa. She will be excited enough for my elder sisters that she will have little concern for me. In truth, there is nothing to actually speak of." A twinge of pain rippled through her heart as she creased her brow. She never had taken much notice of me. What a strange thing that suddenly I do not wish that to change. She will certainly not understand my desire to allow Louisa preeminence. In her fear that I might fail to 'secure' Mr. Bingley, she will ignore my preferences and make all of us miserable. She will never understand that although we have made our decisions for a future together, we wish to quietly wait for now. It is best she knows as little as possible for the time being.

Bennet kissed her forehead tenderly. "I understand you do not wish to bring attention to your suitor right now. And yes, my dear, he is your suitor as much as he may be undeclared to the world at large. I think your concern for your friend's happiness is quite generous. I am proud of you, dear." She smiled up at him, a tear in her eye. "But once your mother returns, I cannot promise what will happen. As you know, she is excessively attentive to all things concerning her daughters' futures. Moreover, there will be even fewer secrets once your sister Lydia returns. I am afraid she has never been the picture of discretion. Perhaps it would be wise to prepare your young man for that inevitability."

How much does Papa know? Has he spoken with Mr. Bingley? I will have to find out. "I know, I will." She blushed furiously. "Do you think Mama and Lydia will return with you?"

He noticed all his daughters were suddenly listening to him. "I cannot say right now. Unfortunately, I have to convey news of the fire. There is no way to anticipate what her reaction will be. I am afraid her return will be predicated upon the state of her nerves when I finish imparting my intelligence to her. Though word of Mr. Jacobson's decision will likely buoy her spirits, I do not wish to make too many plans just now."

Lizzy touched his shoulder gently. "We understand, and have faith that you will make the right decisions." What a burden you are carrying for all of us right now. I am embarrassed that it is only now that I am realizing how much you have done for your family all these years.

"Lizzy," he turned to her with an affectionate smile, "my dear, I am counting on you to manage things in my absence. You know better than any of your sisters what is needed at Longbourn right now. If you need any assistance, Mr. Darcy has my full confidence. I am sure the two of you will do an admirable job. If there is any other crisis, Mr. Bradley has promised his assistance. You have a good head on your shoulders, I am in no doubt everything will be well." He kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you," Lizzy whispered her throat a little tight.

"Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam have informed me this morning that they plan on spending several days with Mr. Pierce, and will be removing themselves from Netherfield this afternoon." He noticed the concerned look on his eldest daughters' faces. "I have not asked this of them, but they thought it in the best interest of your reputations that they should not be here during my absence. Do not fear though, I am certain they will call often and allow Mr. Bradley the good pleasure of chaperoning you all." With a wry smile, he added, "Be good girls now, and do not make that difficult for him."

"The carriage is here," Gardiner called from the front door.

With a final hug to each of the girls, Bennet carefully followed his brother out to the waiting vehicle. A moment later, Bingley appeared at the top of the stairs, his hand firmly on Caroline's upper arm. She was dressed very plainly, her hair wrapped in the simplest of buns.

"How odd she looks," Kitty whispered to Lizzy.

"Indeed, I do not believe I have ever seen her so unadorned," Lizzy agreed, not taking her eyes off the descending pair.

"I do believe she is much prettier without all the ornamentation," Mary chimed in softly. "Without all her finery and the trappings of status, she is a very lovely woman."

"Do not let her hear you say such a thing!" Kitty struggled to stifle a giggle. "I believe she would take offense to hear the very things she so values actually detract from her appearance."

"Miss Caroline probably would take offense, but I think you are quite correct, Mary," Lizzy glanced at Jane who had been listening to the quiet conversation.

Jane stepped forward to greet the Bingleys. "Good morning, Mr. Bingley, Miss Caroline."

"Good morning, Miss Bennet," Charles said tightly, gripping Caroline's arm a little more firmly. She smiled thinly at the ladies and made a small curtsey. "It is very kind of your father to offer to escort my sister to London."

"Very kind indeed," Caroline hissed, trying to pull her arm from her brother's grasp. Her eyes traveled out the door and fixed on the waiting carriage. "Where are my trunks?"

"They will be brought down in just a moment. Louisa was seeing to the last of them. Had they been ready first thing this morning, they would have already been loaded on the coach. Miss Bennet, if you will excuse me," Charles led his sister through the group of Bennet women and out the front door. He carefully handed her up into the carriage and followed after her. Several moments later, he appeared again, a stern expression on his face. Squaring his shoulders, he straightened his coat and spoke with Bennet and Gardiner. Caroline's maid arrived by the carriage, standing at a respectful distance from the conversing gentlemen. A moment later Bingley nodded at her and reached into his coat pocket. He withdrew a packet of letters and pressed them into her hand. She curtsied, thanking him, then he handed her into the coach.

"Do you suppose she will be very difficult to travel with?" Mary wondered aloud.

"I am certain," Louisa announced from the stairway, "that she will make as much trouble as she can. She knows that she will not be put out on the side of the road, and there is little else that can be done to censure her while they journey." She joined her friends in the foyer.

"Oh Louisa, I am sorry…" Mary stammered, embarrassed.

"No offense, my friend. I was wondering the same thing." Louisa laughed. "I suppose all of us have been considering it. It was truly good of your father to offer us his assistance."

"No more so than you and your brother taking us all in during this time," Jane replied, reaching for Louisa's hand.

"I suppose we will have to agree to disagree on who has rendered the greater service then." Louisa's smile shined.

"Repay all your debts, except your debt of love," Mary murmured.

"A wise sentiment indeed," Darcy's voice startled them as he appeared from Bingley's study. Fitzwilliam appeared behind his shoulder.

"Good morning, sirs." Jane curtsied, her sisters following suit.

"Have you ladies had breakfast yet?" Fitzwilliam asked, moving to Jane's side.

"Not yet," Lizzy answered, feeling the warmth of Darcy's shoulder near her own.

Bingley appeared in the doorway, heaving a sigh of relief. "I am much indebted to your family this day." He looked straight at Kitty, who rewarded him with a brilliant smile.

Louisa laughed, "Come join us for breakfast, Charles, and we can continue this discussion of who is more indebted to whom."

* RO 13:8