Miss Bennet & Mr Bingley Page 3

  ‘Miss Bingley, I do so admire your gown. Damask silk is so becoming, and the beading around the hem is exquisite.’

  ‘Thank you, Miss Bennet, I was saying to Louisa how well you and your sister look considering your gowns were made by a local seamstress.’

  Mr Darcy was standing looking bored at the far side of the room and immediately her glance turned in his direction Miss Bingley jumped to her feet. ‘Pray excuse me, I must go and speak to Mr Darcy.’

  Her place was immediately taken by Mr Bingley himself and she thought how kind it was of her friend to leave the space beside her vacant so that her brother could sit down.

  ‘Miss Bennet, what a delightful ensemble you have on this evening. Green is the perfect colour for you.’

  ‘That is kind of you to say so, sir. How are you settling in at Netherfield? Do you enjoy country pursuits?’

  ‘I do, I find London a sad and busy place. It is one event after another and a fellow never has a moment to himself.’

  ‘I too, prefer the countryside. When I visit my relatives in Gracechurch Street I always enjoy my stay, but I am always relieved to return to Longbourn.’

  She was so immersed in her conversation that she failed to hear the dinner gong. It was not until Lydia appeared at the door that she realised they were alone in the drawing-room.

  ‘Mama said you are to come at once, Jane, we cannot be seated until Mr Bingley has come in.’

  For the second time Jane’s cheeks coloured. How remiss of her to have kept the party waiting. He offered her his arm and smiled down at her sympathetically. He was so understanding, in tune with her every thought. As the meal progressed she barely noticed what she ate, he was seated beside her and they conversed quietly together whenever they had a moment.

  When he eventually took his leave he smiled at her in a most particular way and promised to call very soon. She could hardly credit how much she liked him when she had only met him twice. He must be the most pleasing gentleman she had ever met, but she would not allow herself to think too fondly of him, after all they were barely acquainted.

  * * * *

  Two weeks after Mr Bingley and his party dined at Longbourn they were all gathered at the home of Sir William Lucas for an evening of varied entertainment. Also present were Mrs Long and her two nieces, Colonel Forster and several junior officers, much to the delight of Kitty and Lydia Bennet.

  ‘Miss Bennet, Louisa and I are so glad to see you this evening. Without your company we should have no one of any interest to converse with.’

  Jane was flattered that Miss Bingley should wish to seek her out. ‘These social events at Lucas Lodge are always lively affairs, I seldom have time for conversation of any sort.’

  ‘I particularly wish to speak to you, Miss Bennet, as I have just received some new music from London and thought you might like to borrow it. Charles tells me you are an accomplished player on the pianoforte.’

  ‘I do not know how he can say that, he has not heard me play.’ Jane smiled. ‘However, I should dearly love to see what you have been sent. Thank you so much for offering to share it with me.’

  ‘Pray, excuse me, Miss Bennet, but I have promised to keep Mr Darcy company. He does so dislike being with people he is not acquainted with.’

  She walked off, the epitome of elegance. Jane was not alone for many moments before Bingley joined her. ‘Miss Bennet, is this not a delightful party? I love to see a group of friends enjoying themselves. I noticed that my sister spent a considerable time with you, she holds you in high esteem.’

  ‘I am sure she does not, sir. However, I much admire her style and elegance. She has a wardrobe of the most beautiful gowns, her modiste has excelled herself tonight.’

  He glanced across at his sister and then looked down at her. ‘I agree, Miss Bennet, Caroline’s gown is very fine but not half so pretty as yours.’

  Jane spent a great deal of time with Bingley that evening and by the time the Longbourn party were gathering to leave she was even more convinced that there was no one in the world quite like him. She believed herself, for some reason, to be a firm favourite with his sisters. The more frequently they were together, the more it served to increase her partiality.

  ****

  As she and her sister were preparing to go out to a card party Elizabeth told her what everybody was saying. ‘Jane, I have to tell you, what everyone is saying about you and Bingley. That it is generally evident whenever you meet that he admires you and is quite open in his preference for your company.’

  ‘I do hope so, Lizzy, for I am already decidedly partial to him. I enjoy every moment we spend together, we have so much in common.’ She adjusted the string of beads threaded through her hair. ‘But I can assure you, I am not making too much of his attention. He is cordial to all the young women he meets.’

  The sound of footsteps running past the door reminded her it was time to depart. She was reluctant to talk about what his particular attentions might mean. It was far too soon to believe his affections might be engaged.

  Tonight Mr Bennet had accompanied them, there was nothing he liked better than a game of cards in convivial company. Without any contrivance on her part she found herself at a table partnered by Bingley.

  ‘I am glad we do not play for high stakes, Miss Bennet. I almost lost my inheritance playing with card sharps.’

  ‘How shocking! You do not look like a gambler, Mr Bingley.’

  ‘I did not know such a person could be identified just by looking at them.’ He grinned and she returned his smile. ‘Darcy came to my rescue, it was when we met. He has been my friend ever since. Without his sound advice I should have come to grief on more than one occasion.’

  Jane paid little attention to her cards and apart from learning that they both preferred to play vingt-un than commerce discovered little more about his abilities in this pastime. During the supper break they were seated together at a small table and able to speak more privately.

  ‘I noticed that Mr Darcy did not join in the card games. Does he not like to play?’

  He shook his head. ‘He dislikes frivolity of any sort, much prefers to spend his time in serious conversation on subjects that I find tedious.’

  ‘It is strange, sir, that you apparently have so little in common with your closest friend.’

  ‘I think that is why we get on so well. Do they not say that opposites attract?’

  Jane thought about that comment when she was in bed that night, her sister already asleep beside her. Had he been trying to warn her that because they were so similar in outlook he did not find her attractive?

  * * * *

  Caroline Bingley swept into the drawing-room and waited tapping her foot until Charles looked up from his newspaper. ‘Miss Bennet is coming to visit this morning, she is to walk over. Perhaps you and Hurst could go out and meet her?’

  Hurst ignored the question and continued to stare morosely out of the window. Charles was delighted, the more time he spent in Jane Bennet’s company the happier he was.

  ‘I shall go at once, but surely she is not coming on her own?’

  ‘I expect Elizabeth Bennet shall accompany her, she usually does. I have promised she can be returned in our carriage. To walk in both directions would be the outside of enough even when the weather is so mild today.’

  Darcy appeared in the vestibule. ‘I think the exercise will do me good, I shall come with you, Bingley.’

  Glad to have his friend’s company, but surprised, he had shown no partiality for walking long distances since they had arrived at Netherfield. He smiled, perhaps there was a special reason that Darcy wished to walk across the fields with him. Maybe he was not the only one interested in a Bennet sister.

  They walked companionably, having no need to be forever talking when together. It was Darcy, from his superior height, who spotted the girls.

  ‘I see them, Bingley. I must say it is refreshing to see young ladies prepared to take exercise in this way.’

 
The two young women arrived, slightly breathless, at the stile. He thought that they both appeared invigorated by their walk. He stepped in front of Darcy and offered his hand to Jane.

  ‘Miss Bennet, I cannot tell you how delighted I am to see you both this morning. Allow me to assist you, it would be a tragedy indeed to tear your pretty gown.’ She smiled sweetly and held out her hand allowing him to lead her a few yards down the path. Her sister answered for both.

  ‘We are honoured indeed, sirs, to be escorted the remainder of the journey. Did you think that we might become lost?’

  ‘No, Miss Elizabeth, that is the last thing I would expect of you.’ Darcy moved over to offer his hand but she hopped nimbly across the wooden structure before he could reach her side.

  Caroline and Louisa were waiting to greet them as they returned. ‘I do hope you are not too fatigued, it is so kind of you to come all this way on foot.’ His sisters exchanged knowing glances and he frowned. Instantly Caroline’s expression changed.

  ‘Please, do come inside. The maid shall conduct you both to a chamber where you can refresh yourselves.’

  He watched Jane run lightly up the stairs beside Elizabeth, hoping to catch a glimpse of ankle. A tap on his arm reminded him he was not alone and should not make his admiration so plain.

  ‘Bingley, shall we repair to the billiard room and leave the ladies to their conversation?’

  ‘I think not, I prefer to stay. But you and Hurst must suit yourselves, I am certain we can survive without your company.’

  He could hear his friend chuckling as he strode away towards the rear of the house. He must have been mistaken, Darcy had been speaking the truth, he had only accompanied him for the exercise and not to spend time with Elizabeth Bennet.

  ‘Come along, Charles, do not dither about out here. I have ordered refreshments to be served in the drawing-room and then I am hoping to persuade Miss Bennet to accompany me in some duets.’

  When Jane and Caroline were playing together he went to sit beside Elizabeth Bennet. ‘Your sister plays beautifully, it is a pleasure to listen to her. Shall you entertain us this morning?’

  ‘I do not sight read as well as Jane, I should make a sad mull of it. Like you, I am content to sit and listen.’ He felt her attention wander and looked across the room to see that Darcy had joined them.

  His friend flicked aside his coat tails and settled down to listen with obvious enjoyment. He was sorry when the sonata ended but pleased he could now converse with Jane. He stood up. ‘Excellent! I have never enjoyed a duet so much. Miss Bennet, there is something I particularly wished to show you, do you have a moment to walk in the garden with me?’

  ‘I should like to see your garden, Mr Bingley, if you would allow me to join you?’

  ‘Miss Elizabeth, I shall be delighted to have the two prettiest ladies in Hertfordshire to walk with.’

  All at once the entire party were fussing and flapping and putting on bonnets and shawls and he knew he was not to have a moment alone with Jane before she left. Caroline took Jane’s arm leaving him to walk with her sister. He could not but help hear Caroline extolling the virtues of Georgiana’s proficiency in music and that no one else was quite as good as Darcy’s sister.

  They were admiring the horses when Caroline complained she had mired her hem in something quite unmentionable and both she and Louisa retired clucking like offended hens. At last, he could walk with Jane; Darcy must entertain Elizabeth.

  When the stable clock struck two he was disappointed. ‘I am sorry that you have to return, but I believe that we are to meet again at Lucas Lodge very soon.’

  ‘We are, sir, I am looking forward to it. Excuse me, we must go in and bid farewell to your sisters and thank them for their invitation.’

  He bowed and she curtsied and then taking her sister’s arm she vanished through the archway leaving him bereft.

  * * * *

  Although Jane had met Bingley and his sisters at two morning calls, as well as three evening engagements, she wished to have the opportunity to further the friendship. So it was with eagerness that she arrived at the house of Sir William and Lady Lucas knowing the Netherfield party would also be there.

  Halfway through the evening Jane was conversing with her Elizabeth and Charlotte Lucas in an ante-room before returning to the ball room.

  ‘Lizzy, I have noticed that Mr Darcy is favouring you with searching glances. I am certain that he is revising his opinion, I do wish you would reconsider your feelings to him.’

  Elizabeth looked shocked. ‘I do hope you are mistaken, Jane. That man is the very last person I would wish to have regarding me with anything other than dislike. I certainly have not changed my opinion of him. I have watched him on occasion, and he has not improved with better acquaintance, I can assure you. Do you know, he was listening to my conversation with Colonel Forster a while ago, I can hardly call that good manners.’

  ‘It is because he has developed an interest in you, Lizzy. Did I not say so just now?’ Jane saw her mother beckoning to her and promptly excused herself. Whilst she was conversing with her mother she watched Charlotte lead her sister to the pianoforte.

  ‘Mama, Charlotte has persuaded Lizzy to play for us. I do hope Lady Lucas’s guests shall listen and do not talk whilst she sings.’

  Elizabeth acquitted herself well, her performance was pleasing, though by no means capital. After a song or two, and before she could reply to the entreaties of several that she should sing again, she was eagerly succeeded by her sister Mary.

  Mary, being the only plain one in the family, worked hard at improving her knowledge and accomplishments, and was always impatient to display them to others. Jane could sense that Mary’s audience were not well pleased, they had much preferred Elizabeth’s easy and unaffected manner.

  However, Mary, at the end of an particularly long concerto, was persuaded by Lydia and Kitty to play some Scotch and Irish airs in order that that there could be dancing at one end of the room. Immediately Mr Bingley approached her.

  ‘Miss Bennet, I do hope you will join me in a reel?’

  Jane smiled. ‘I should be delighted, sir, you know how much I enjoy dancing.’ She looked across the room where she could see Mr Darcy standing beside Sir William. ‘I do wish that your friend, Mr Darcy, felt more inclined to mix. Does he not enjoy these occasions?’

  Mr Bingley stared at his friend. ‘He does not like to dance. Well… only if he knows his partner. He much prefers to converse, but it is no matter to me. As long as I can dance with you, Miss Bennet, I shall be a happy man.’

  Whilst they were waiting for the set to form Jane saw her sister walking behind Mr Darcy and Sir William. Her host immediately turned and was obviously suggesting that Mr Darcy danced with her. To her astonishment Mr Darcy smiled at Elizabeth and bowed, obviously inviting her to join the set. She was not surprised when he was refused.

  However, instead of being angry at his rejection Mr Darcy seemed amused and she was quite certain he was watching Elizabeth with admiration. Mr Bingley took her hand and she forgot everything apart from the joy of dancing with the young man who was so dear to her heart.

  When they paused to allow another couple to join in she glanced across the room to see that Miss Bingley had joined Mr Darcy. They were both looking across at Elizabeth who was talking animatedly to Charlotte. It was quite obvious that whatever Miss Bingley was saying, Mr Darcy’s attention was not on her words, but on Elizabeth.

  Jane could not wait to discuss what she had seen with her sister. No sooner were they private in their own apartment than she brought the matter up.

  ‘Lizzy, was I mistaken or did you refuse to dance with Mr Darcy this evening?’

  ‘I had no idea you were studying my movements so closely. Do not you remember that I said I would never dance with him?’

  ‘Mr Darcy did not appear in any way put out by your refusal; indeed, I believe you have enhanced your reputation by turning him down.’

  ‘I should think i
t was a novel experience for him. No doubt his huge fortune makes sure he is always received with raptures by any unattached young lady that he might ask to partner him.’

  ‘It must be so difficult for Mr Darcy to be always fawned upon, never knowing if he is being appreciated for his own worth or for his estate in Derbyshire.’

  ‘Jane, I should not waste your sympathy on that man. He positively revels in the experience, after all does not Miss Bingley do it all the time, and he makes no effort to stop her from so doing?’

  ‘You must not say such things, Lizzy. I am sure that Miss Bingley is merely being polite to a close family friend.’ Her sister’s laughter filled the room and she was forced to smile herself.

  ‘And you, Jane? Did you enjoy your evening?’

  ‘You know that I did; when I was not in the company of Mr Bingley I was with his sisters. I do wish that you could like the more, Lizzy, they are so well educated I have learnt a great deal from them in a short acquaintance.’ Her sister snorted inelegantly. ‘They have travelled a great deal, you know, and they mix in the very best society and have many amusing stories to share. I am sure that you would enjoy their company if you could just try a little harder to like them.’

  Elizabeth yawned and blew out the candle on the small table at her side of the bed. ‘I cannot like his sisters, but I do find myself drawn to Bingley. It is a great pity his friend is so proud and disagreeable. I cannot see why Bingley tolerates that man.’

  ‘I believe that Mr Darcy can be quite charming when with people that he knows well. I believe that his diffidence is caused by shyness, and not by being proud. Anyway, it was altogether a most enjoyable party and I can not wait until the next one.’

  ‘I expect that we shall be overrun with military gentleman wherever we go, now the regiment is established at Meryton for the winter. Although I have no inclination to be entertained by them I must own they add colour, with their scarlet regimentals, to any occasion.’