The Travails of Mr Charles Bingley, Part 5

Happy Friday, everyone! I’m back with the conclusion of my summer short story. It’s long (longer than I would generally have a book chapter), but I decided against dividing it into smaller pieces. The links to the previous parts are here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Thank you so much for reading along. I hope you enjoyed the story. 😊

The Travails of Mr Charles Bingley, Part 5

In which we spend some time away from the hero of our tale—but we’ll get back to him

The only cause for regret Elizabeth had upon debarking on her trip with the Gardiners was having to leave Jane. The situation with Mr Bingley was far from settled, and Elizabeth worried her tender-hearted sister would give in too easily and accept an offer from him before he had sufficiently proven he was capable of making his own decisions. Mrs Bennet was more than willing to overlook his past misdeeds, even though they included abandoning Jane, and was eager to have her eldest daughter safely engaged; she encouraged Jane to marry quickly and sort out any concerns she had later.

Within a few days of driving away from Longbourn, Elizabeth decided to accept Jane’s assurances that she would use her head not her heart when it came to her connexion to Mr Bingley. Thus, she was able to immerse herself in the pleasure of her aunt and uncle’s company and of seeing new places. They toured great houses, gardens, ancient ruins, walking paths, and more, each new experience adding to her store of treasured memories. To be sure, she suffered when they first entered Derbyshire, the home county of Mr Darcy; she was not sure how to describe the emotions she felt—discomfort, anxiety, perhaps even a touch of regret. If only she had looked past his rudeness and recognised what a good man he was sooner! They might not have been friends, but she would have treated him with more politeness and certainly would not have fallen prey to Wickham’s lies about him. More and more, she worried about the awkwardness of seeing him again, as she supposed she would, given Jane and Mr Bingley’s reunion.

They arrived in Lambton, where Mrs Gardiner had spent some years of her life. Once they were settled into the inn, her aunt asked, “Well, Lizzy, what do you think of it?”

“It is a charming village. I am looking forward to exploring the neighbourhood and meeting your old friends.” She spoke with genuine enthusiasm. As they drove through Lambton, she had been struck by how neat and pretty it was. It was on a larger scale than Meryton and appeared somewhat more prosperous. Knowing Pemberley was just a few miles away, she wondered how much that had to do with it.

Two days into their time in Lambton, which was the final stop on their trip, Mr Gardiner raised the question Elizabeth had been hoping to avoid. “What do you think of visiting Pemberley? Everything I have heard about it makes it sound magnificent.”

“Indeed, it is,” Mrs Gardiner said. “I would like to go. Lizzy?”

“I am sure it is lovely, but would it not be awkward, since I have some slight acquaintance with Mr Darcy?” She tried to disguise that she was wary of seeing the gentleman again.

“I do not see why,” her uncle said. “We are not asking him to invite us to dinner or anything of the like.”

Mrs Gardiner gave her husband a fond look before turning to Elizabeth. “I understand your hesitation. It would seem as though you expect him to acknowledge you. Given the disparity between his position in life and that of your uncle and I, I agree it is a concern. He might not even be in the country, however. Let us enquire before we decide against the scheme.”

When they were assured that Mr Darcy was not currently at Pemberley, Elizabeth agreed to go, and arrangements were made for them to drive out the next morning. Although she told herself again and again that she was being both silly and ridiculous, she donned her best day clothes for the occasion, from her gown to her bonnet.

“Even if he were there, what would it serve?” she murmured as she regarded herself in the mirror. “I have no wish to encourage his attentions, not that I suppose a gentleman once rejected—especially in the manner I refused his offer—would have any interest in speaking to the lady again, let alone being on friendly terms.” Whatever the reason, she felt deep within herself that she had to look her best when entering his home, almost to honour him and her recognition that he was an admirable man, even though she was late to understand it.

What is there to say of the events of that day? In the years that followed, Elizabeth would shake her head, laugh, and say it seemed like a romantic dream rather than real life. Mr Darcy indeed was not at Pemberley when they enquired, but he was at Pemberley the day she and her relations visited. Just as they were walking in the gardens, he arrived. Rather than avoiding her, which Elizabeth would have accepted as exactly what she deserved, he stopped to greet her, asked to be introduced to the Gardiners, and—after a brief absence—escorted them on their tour. She could not say enough about his manner, and she spent the rest of the day and late into the night thinking about him. He was polite, considerate, welcoming—even to her aunt and uncle, which she never would have expected. Upon their parting, he asked if she would permit him to introduce her to his sister. She agreed, despite the notion that he wanted them to know each other causing her a great deal of confusion.

The Gardiners decided to extend their stay in the neighbourhood. Elizabeth did not ask it of them, but after the Darcys called on them in Lambton and invited them to dine at Pemberley—and Mr Darcy insisting Mr Gardiner join him fishing while the three ladies took a driving tour of the environs—they volunteered to do so. The two families spent the next week in company as much as possible; when Mr and Mrs Gardiner were otherwise occupied, they insisted Elizabeth accept whatever invitation the Darcys extended. Elizabeth could never decide if she rushed into love with Mr Darcy or if she had always been half in love with him and simply needed to see that he was more than the arrogant, unpleasant man he had seemed in the past. Whichever it was did not matter. All that did was what happened the day before she and her aunt and uncle absolutely had to begin the journey back to Hertfordshire. They took dinner at Pemberley, after which Mr Darcy asked her to stroll in the rose garden.

“You will find it refreshing before spending the next while sitting in the carriage,” he said.

Elizabeth did not even think to see if her aunt objected. “I would like that.”

They strolled in silence for a time. Elizabeth made a few remarks but said nothing extraordinary. Mr Darcy was in a quiet mood, and she left him to his reflections; she supposed—hoped—they had to do with her. It was impossible to describe how her sentiments had changed in such a short time, and she wondered, even suspected, he too was struggling to believe everything that had happened since their unexpected meeting. She had tried to show him that she no longer disliked him, but until he spoke, she could do nothing more—if, that was, he could forgive her past mistakes enough to still love her and want her as his wife.

At length, he said, “You will be glad to return to Longbourn.”

Choosing her words carefully, she responded, “I will be happy to see my family, especially Jane. My thoughts have often been with her, given the current situation with Mr Bingley.”

He nodded slowly then visibly swallowed. “I wonder if…”

When he failed to continue, Elizabeth said, “As much as I love my family, I shall be sorry to leave Derbyshire. It has been more—oh, I hardly have the words! My time here has been incredible, for many reasons.”

They stopped walking and stood facing each other. His eyes bore into her, and she met his gaze with a steady one of her own, attempting to convey that he was the reason the past days had been so remarkable. For a brief moment, Elizabeth believed he was going to take her hand in his, but he hesitated. She was on the verge of asking if he expected to visit Mr Bingley in Hertfordshire that autumn, when Mr Darcy evidently decided what he wanted to say.

“I know I did not make a particularly good impression when I was first in Meryton, and I regret it greatly. Greatly. If I were to return…”

“You would be very welcome.”

“And perhaps, in time, do you think you might—”

She could not fight the grin that took over her countenance. “I do not need time to realise I was very much mistaken about you. And about my feelings.”

He inhaled sharply. His expression was one of barely suppressed joy; it only wanted a little reassurance before he would allow himself to experience it. “Are you saying that if I asked you again what I did in the spring—not, dear God, not in the same manner I did then. I have horrible dreams of that day, and I shall never cease to be ashamed—”

She grasped his arm. “Mr Darcy, I think it would do us both good to forget that occasion, at least for a few years. Then, after a period of exquisite happiness, we shall find a way to laugh about it and see that it was essential to helping us both understand ourselves better, allowing us to—”

“Be as content and blessed as I have spent months imagining we could be?” He covered her hand with his. When she nodded, he continued. “If I were to ask again,” he said slowly, only going on when she offered him a reassuring smile and another nod, “would you say it was too soon? I am prepared to wait, but I admit to some natural impatience. I have loved you for so long, even when I had no hope.”

“Have hope now and know I can be very impatient too. So much so, I insist we settled this at once.” She stepped a little closer to him, although they were not particularly far apart to start. Her mouth was dry. “I was very, very wrong about you. I love you, and you are the only man I could ever want as my husband.”

Moving so quickly Elizabeth had no time to prepare herself, she was clasped in his embrace, his lips pressed to hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and readily returned his passion. It was the most perfect moment of her life.

***

Mr Darcy accompanied them them Hertfordshire, sending an express to Mr Bingley to ask if he could stay at Netherfield. Miss Darcy—a lovely, shy girl Elizabeth knew she would love as dearly as she did her other sisters before long—choose to remain in Derbyshire since her brother intended to return in a few weeks.

“I would prefer not to be parted,” he explained to Elizabeth, “but I must be at Pemberley when the harvesting begins. I had to replace my steward last winter, and it would not be right to leave my new man on his own this year.”

To say there was a great deal of confusion about Mr Darcy’s return would be an understatement, even though the Bennets had been warned he was coming. He went immediately to Longbourn, where Mr Bingley happened to be, and as soon as an appropriate moment occurred, spoke privately to Mr Bennet, seeking his permission to marry Elizabeth. After Mr Bennet had a brief conversation with Elizabeth, the matter was settled and announced, causing a celebratory family dinner to be hastily planned for that very evening. Mrs Bennet was almost too distracted to talk to the housekeeper about it such as her  excitement at having a daughter married to the wealthiest gentleman she had ever encountered.

That evening, once the two gentlemen departed for Netherfield, Elizabeth and Jane went to the former’s bedchamber for a private conversation.

Jane said, “If I had not known you met Mr Darcy again, I would be very surprised indeed. I am glad you found time to write to me, despite spending what I can only assume was every possible minute with Mr Darcy or his sister. You wrote in such glowing terms that I suspected your feelings for him were rather different than they were in the past.”

Elizabeth laughed and felt her cheeks warm. “It only needed an hour—not even that! How strange yet wonderful. But I am not used to being teased by you. What has brought about this change in you, sister dearest?”

It was Jane’s turn to blush. “Am I so altered? Do you know, Lizzy, I think it is because I am truly, deeply joyful. I have the pleasure of seeing you happy. I encouraged Mr Bingley to tell me about him, and I am convinced he is a most excellent gentleman.”

“He is, Jane. He is the best of men, and I am far more fortunate than I deserve.” Elizabeth laughed again. “When I was alone, I wondered whether I rushed into loving him, fell into it like one might trip over a rock when walking, or if I was always half in love with him.”

“Nonsense!” When Elizabeth asked about her sister’s love affair, Jane continued. “Mr Bingley and I have not progressed as far as you and Mr Darcy managed to do.”

“You and Mr Bingley are not engaged, but there have been some…developments?”

“There have. My trust in him has grown because he has shown he can be serious. He spends part of every day with his steward or writing letters of business, and he has become quite active with the other gentlemen in planning the improvements necessary to the roads in Meryton. I believe he would offer for me, were I to hint I would welcome it. I almost did yesterday.”

“What stopped you?”

Jane’s expression darkened. “Miss Bingley wrote to inform him she was coming. In the excitement of earlier, I forgot. I hope he remembers to tell Mr Darcy.”

This was not news Elizabeth could celebrate. “You are worried he will give in to any demands she makes?” Jane nodded, and Elizabeth continued. “If he does, and it is a matter of any significance, would it not be better to know now, before you have committed yourself? If Mr Bingley disappoints you again—and I pray he does not—I promise that, as Mrs Darcy, I shall introduce you to all of my husband’s kindest, handsomest, most eligible friends. That will help you to forget him and his very disagreeable sisters.”

Jane managed a weak chuckle. “I do not think it would be quite so simple as that.”

“I know it will not, but if the worse does happen, you will not be alone. You will stay with me, and removing to a new home, making new friends—female and male—will help. When does she arrive?”

“Tomorrow. From what Mr Bingley told me, Mr and Mrs Hurst do not join her.”

“That is something. Miss Bingley will have to bully him on her own. We will help him to remember that if he wants you, he cannot allow his sister’s bad behaviour go unpunished. This is a test he must pass. Once he does, you and he can become engaged. If we encourage events to unfold quickly, we can arrange to marry on the same day. Would you not like to share a wedding day?”

Jane agreed, and the ladies spoke long into the night about weddings and gentlemen.

***

Bingley was enormously pleased with how his friendship with Jane Bennet was improving and hoped it would soon become something more. Accepting that he had erred and that, as an adult of four-and-twenty, it was inexcusable of him to always do or think what others told him to do or think, he had used the last weeks to learn to act and think like a responsible gentleman should. He would never admit it, but he took Darcy as his model. When he received Caroline’s letter about coming to Netherfield, a cold dread had washed over him. He loved Miss Bennet so much it made his insides feel twisted and jostled about whenever he so much as looked at her. His sister would not like his growing connexion with Miss Bennet, and he was worried that seeing Caroline again would make Miss Bennet decide to run far, far away from him and his difficult family.

Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth accepted an invitation to take breakfast at Netherfield the day after Caroline’s arrival. Bingley thought it might be better if the initial meeting between the ladies was private; if Caroline was rude, he did not want the entire neighbourhood to witness it. When he proposed the idea to Darcy, he had readily agreed, which Bingley first took as his agreement that his reasoning was good. Later, he realised Darcy would accept any notion that allowed him to spend more time with Miss Elizabeth.

Caroline was in a foul mood from the moment she arrived. Bingley had spent little time with her the previous day—he truly had been occupied with more important estate matters, such as a minor flood and a fire in one of the tenant cottages that, while not large, had displaced a family of six and caused a significant amount of damage. Darcy had been with the Bennets all day, and, as far as Bingley knew, did not see Caroline at all. After an early and invigorating ride, he and Darcy joined Caroline in the drawing room; by coincidence, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth arrived at the same moment.

Being neglected the day before had not improved Caroline’s demeanour. She did her best to overlook the other ladies, which made Miss Elizabeth snigger, and spoke so much no one else could add even a single word. They were at the breakfast table when she finally said all she had to say about how fine the Season had been and that Bingley and “anyone else who did not take advantage of its amusements”—an obvious reference to Darcy, given the way her eyes lingered on him during that part of her speech—”ought to regret it.”

Addressing Darcy, she continued. “I am very glad to find you here. I did hope we would have an opportunity to discuss this unsettling turn of events immediately, but you were gone all day, as was Charles. He was avoiding me, knowing what I intended to say to him, but I cannot imagine what kept you so occupied, though I am sure you had a very good reason. I know you could not have had business in the neighbourhood.”

“What ‘unsettling turn of events’, Caroline?” Bingley asked.

She did not respond to him; her attention continued to be on Darcy. “You must do something about Charles and his fascination with that girl. We agreed long ago that it was entirely unsuitable.”

There was complete silence from the two Miss Bennets, though he was certain Miss Elizabeth something had she would like to say and that it was very cutting. Instead, Darcy spoke.

“I was wrong to interfere and mistaken about Miss Bennet’s sentiments last autumn. I have apologised to Bingley, and upon my arrival two days ago, I had the occasion to apologise to Miss Bennet, who graciously accepted. At present, the only additional action I shall take is to wait patiently for any news they have to share. If they choose to marry, I shall offer them my heartiest congratulations. If they decide they are not suited, I will commiserate with them and wish them both happy in the future.”

Bingley was envious of the look Miss Elizabeth gave Darcy, which was full of adoration and approval. He was very glad for his old friend; Darcy was an excellent man but was often too sombre and strict in his behaviour. Having won Miss Elizabeth’s love, his demeanour had already softened in the best of ways. Bingley had no doubt their life together would be an excellent one, with laughter and companionship and affection. Bingley’s life would change greatly too, if Jane Bennet became his wife.

Caroline’s face reddened. “But if you did not come to save Charles from his imprudent decision to return to this dreadful place, why are you here?”

“To speak to Mr Bennet, of course, and spend time with Miss Elizabeth and her family.”

His sister’s head swung between Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth. It was evident she did not understand, and he was surprised she had not heard the news yet. Then again, she so despised everything about the neighbourhood, she would not have talked to anyone who would tell her.

Darcy said, “Apparently, you do not know. Miss Elizabeth and I engaged.”

Caroline cried, “You cannot be serious!”

Darcy regarded her for a brief moment before turning to his betrothed and exchanging reassuring smiles with her; he extended it to Miss Bennet.

His sister muttered something too low to hear, although he caught the words ‘regret’ and ‘disgusting’. In a clearer tone, she said, “I will not allow my brother to make the same mistake you have and tie himself to such a family!”

Miss Bennet evidently had heard all she could bear. Over the last weeks, Bingley had learnt that his gentle Jane had a core of iron when she needed it. She was never cruel, but, for instance, she used it on the Gardiner children when necessary to guide them to behave properly. Her voice was icy when she addressed Caroline.

“Mistake? Do not speak about my sister’s engagement in that way—or about me and your brother. Why do you believe you have the right to question your brother’s choices or his freedom to decide for himself who he wants to marry or where he wants to live? I promise you, Miss Bingley, that, should I become Mrs Bingley, I will not permit you to interfere in my marriage or my family. I will not be intimidated by you, and, if necessary, I would refuse to allow you in my home.”

“I would support such an action.” Admittedly, Bingley spoke with some hesitation. How exactly would he convince Caroline—to say nothing of Louisa—to keep their opinions to themselves? As for not welcoming them into his home, could he do such as thing? They were his sisters and the closest family he had.

Caroline positioned her head in such a way that she would not see anyone but him. “Charles, I insist we discuss this alone. Call the carriage so that they can return to Longbourn. I am sure Mr Darcy understands you and I have family matters to talk over and will excuse us for the morning.”

This was the sort of interview he had tried to avoid all of yesterday, and he could already imagine what it would be like. Caroline would be demanding and talk about family honour, their position in society, et cetera, until he was exhausted and his head ached and he would agree to anything if only she would leave him be. If only he had a small part of Darcy’s good fortune; everything always seemed so easy for him, and his sister was a sweet creature who never gave him a moment of anxiety. Looking around the table, he found his companions all watching him. Darcy’s gaze was steady, and he wore a scowl. Miss Elizabeth’s brow was arched in a challenging manner. Lastly, his eyes drifted to his darling Miss Bennet, and his heart broke into pieces. Everything about her—drooped shoulders, dull, sad eyes, sagging features—showed that she was resigned. She expected him to submit to his sister.

This was the moment, the turning point of his life. He was in great danger of losing Miss Bennet—the woman who meant more to him than anyone else ever had—forever. He would lose her, unless he seized this last opportunity to become the man she deserved, the one who would be strong enough to always defend her, who was mature and serious enough to be a trustworthy husband and father, and who took responsibility for his failures and sought to rectify them. He swallowed the large lump in his throat and faced Caroline.

“No.” The word sounded rough, and he cleared his throat before continuing. “No, Caroline, I will not send away my guests—my friends—to listen to you berate me. You have nothing to say I have not heard before, and I have no interest in hearing it again. You are wrong about so many things, but especially about the Bennets. They are good, kind people, and Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are particularly admirable. I heartily congratulate Darcy on his engagement. He is a fortunate man, and Miss Elizabeth will make him an excellent wife and partner in life. As for Miss Bennet”—he glanced her way; she was watching him intently—“she is the best lady I have ever know, and I would be overjoyed and far, far luckier than I deserve if I ever win her love. You owe all three of them an apology, and until you are prepared to offer it—sincerely—you have no business being in their company and making us all miserable with your horrible manner and absurd statements.”

“That is quite enough, Charles. I do not know what has gotten into you—”

“Something that should have been there long ago,” he said, gaining strength and enthusiasm for his endeavour. “I am not a child for you to direct. You were wrong about Miss Bennet last autumn, and I regret listening to you and allowing you to convince me to stay away. I expect you to apologise to her not only for your behaviour this morning, but also your rudeness last winter.” He ignored her incredulous snort. “Let me make this clear, Caroline. When I am married, my wife and my children will be my priority. I will never let you interfere, never tolerate even a single bad word or slight towards the lady I chose to spend my life with because I believe it bring me happiness—something, by the by, I do not experience when I am with my sisters. Presently, you have a decision to make. Apologise and amend your manner or return to Louisa and separate yourself from me. I will not see either of you again until you promise you will show my friends and I respect.”

No one spoke for what felt like an hour. Then he felt a hand on his arm. Turning, he discovered that Miss Bennet was now beside him. Her eyes were filled with tears, but she wore a radiant smile. All of the heaviness he had felt inside vanished.

She spoke only for him. “Do you mean it? Will you always hold to what you just said?”

“I will,” he said with eagerness. “I vow that no one will be more important to me than you—no one is—and I will always, always do everything possible make sure your life is one of comfort and joy and that I am a man you can be proud to call husband.”

Her smile broadened, and her eyes sparkled. “And I will do everything I can to be the best wife possible.”

Bingley heard various sounds from the others, but he could not make most of them out. There was a shuffling of chairs, and Darcy’s deep, forceful voice saying, “I insist, Miss Bingley,” and before he knew it, he was alone with his angel.

“You will marry me? Truly?” he said.

She laughed and nodded. “Oh yes, I will. But if you ever are indecisive or—”

“Or it seems that I am being swayed by the poor advice and absurd opinions of others, you will tell me, and I will listen, knowing you are right. But I do not want to be that man any longer, and I do not intend to be.”

“That is all I needed to know.”

He clasped her hands. “My dearest Jane.”

Tears streaming down her cheeks, she said, “My dearest Charles.”

They kissed, and then he kissed her again and again until Darcy knocked at the door and said they had been alone long enough.

He rather hated his friend at that moment.

But the rest of the morning was the most excellent one of his life thus far. Caroline remained in her apartment, he, Darcy, his darling Jane, and soon-to-be sister—whom he was sure to love more than he ever had Louisa or Caroline—talked about the wedding they would share and how they would be the closest, happiest of family and friends forever.

The End

I hope you found the conclusion satisfactory. Somewhere in the midst of writing Part 3, I realised this might have made a good novella. LOL I couldn’t extend it further, however; I have something else I’m working on (no hints, sorry), and a busy few weeks coming up.

Thanks for reading!

Lucy