We Have Mary King to Thank – Part 7, by Jack Caldwell

Greetings, everyone. Jack Caldwell here.

This is a nice long post. Enjoy! Thanks goes to my lovely Beta Babe, Debbie!

Part 6 may be found HERE.

Back to our story:

Part 7

MR. GARDINER PLACED A GLASS of sherry before Elizabeth before settling back in his armchair with his brandy.

“Do you think I will need this, Uncle?” asked Elizabeth.

“We shall see,” was his cryptic response.

Elizabeth took a small sip and allowed her eyes to wander about the room. Mr. Gardiner’s study was orderly and spotless. Affordable mahogany furniture blended with the walls and carpet. Few papers adorned the desk, and those were neatly stacked to one side. The books on the shelves were mostly of a legal or historical bent, with a few volumes of poetry. Well lit, the air was perfumed with the memory of a recently used pipe. In its own way, it was usually as comfortable to her as her father’s riot of a bookroom. But not tonight.

Mr. Gardiner allowed Elizabeth a minute before beginning his interrogation. “When last we met, at Christmas-time at Longbourn, you declared your intense dislike of the haughty and rude Mr. Darcy. Therefore, you can imagine my surprise today, four months later, when I received a most polite express from that gentleman, informing me of your early arrival at my house. I shall tell you my astonishment was doubled seeing you in Mr. Darcy’s carriage in the company of Miss Lucas, who I shall say is most welcome here.

“Now, my dear niece, as happy as I am for your company, I require that you explain yourself. Why have you ended your visit to Kent early, and what is the involvement of one of the wealthiest non-titled men in England?”

Elizabeth suspected her genial uncle had a hard, demanding side, for what successful man of business did not? But this was the first time she witnessed it, and she was distressed it was directed at her. She took a moment. How could she explain what she did not yet fully comprehend?

“Uncle, it is…” She paused. “I suppose it is best to start at the beginning.”

“Yes. The beginning is always the best.”

Carefully, haltingly, she gave a precis of the late events at Rosings and Hunsford. She spoke of Mr. Darcy’s better manners, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s friendship, and Mr. Collins’s slavish devotion to the dominating Lady Catherine de Bourgh. The trouble arose over that lady’s misunderstanding of Mr. Darcy’s lack of attachment to Miss de Bourgh, and her false belief that Elizabeth had something to do with it. She was careful to omit Mr. Darcy’s proposal or any hint of Miss Darcy’s near escape.

“Lady Catherine, I fear, is not well. It was thought best that I cut short my visit, and Maria desired to come with me. Mr. Darcy was kind enough to offer his carriage.”

“Is that all?” Clearly, Mr. Gardiner was unsatisfied.

“No sir,” she admitted. “Thanks to Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam, I now know we are deceived as to the character of Mr. Wickham. His tale of mistreatment by the Darcy family is false—in fact, it is the other way around. Mr. Wickham is not to be trusted.”

Her uncle nodded. “I thought so. Your aunt thinks well of him, but I had some doubts. Mr. Wickham is far too smooth for a man in his profession, and in my experience, that is a good reason to count one’s spoons when he leaves the house after dinner.”

“Uncle!” Elizabeth laughed.

“So, Mr. Darcy improves upon closer acquaintance.”

That was a subject best avoided! She informed her uncle that by knowing Mr. Darcy better, she liked him better, but while he saw her as a friend, he did not approve of her family.

“It seems he approves of you.” For long moments, Mr. Gardiner studied her, one hand on his chin. Elizabeth feared he could see right through her. What else did he know? What was in Mr. Darcy’s express? Charlotte must had given him her uncle’s direction, for she still had Jane’s letter. She longed to know, but could not for the life of her ask.

“I imagine there is more to this story,” he finally intoned, “but I suppose ladies must have their secrets. We shall leave off for now. Hopefully, this is an end to the matter.” He frowned. “There is no scandal, is there, Lizzy?”

“No, sir.” At least she hoped not.

“Very well. Off with you, my dear.”

~~~

Elizabeth elected to retire early. She had hoped to have some time on her own to ponder Uncle Gardiner’s interview, but she was to be disappointed. Jane, who shared the bedroom, was right on her heels.

“Lizzy, are you well?” Jane began. “Why have you left Kent early? Is it true you rode in Mr. Darcy’s carriage?”

Elizabeth gave over to her dearest desire to reveal all—almost all—to her beloved sister. She repeated the tale she told their uncle and added the news that she had rejected a proposal from Mr. Darcy. Jane’s astonishment was great. She was sorry Mr. Darcy should have delivered his sentiments in an offensive manner, but still more was she grieved for the unhappiness which her sister’s refusal must have given him.

“Being so sure of succeeding was wrong and certainly ought not to have appeared. And earning such a condemnation from his aunt! I cannot say when I have been so surprised! Consider how much it must increase his disappointment.”

“Indeed, I am heartily sorry for him, but he has other feelings which will probably soon drive away his regard for me.” Elizabeth hoped rather than believed this. “You do not blame me for refusing him?”

“Blame you! Oh no.”

“But you blame me for having spoken so warmly of Wickham.”

“I do not know that you were wrong in saying what you did.”

“But you will know it, when I have told you what happened the very next day.”

Elizabeth then spoke of their meeting and of his letter, repeating the whole of its contents as far as they concerned George Wickham. What a painful stroke was this for poor Jane! Most earnestly did she labor to prove the probability of error that so much wickedness was collected in one individual, and sought to clear Mr. Darcy without condemning Mr. Wickham.

“This will not do,” said Elizabeth. “You never will be able to make both of them good. Take your choice, but you must be satisfied with only one. There is but such a quantity of merit between them, just enough to make one good sort of man. For my part, I am inclined to believe it all Mr. Darcy’s.”

“I do not know when I have been more shocked,” said Jane. “Wickham so very bad! It is almost past belief. And poor Mr. Darcy! Dear Lizzy, only consider what he must have suffered. Such a disappointment! And with the knowledge of your ill opinion too! Lady Catherine’s outrageous behavior to you both! And having to relate such a thing of his sister! It is really too distressing. I am sure you must feel it so. Poor Mr. Wickham. There is such an expression of goodness in his countenance, such an openness and gentleness in his manner.”

“There certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men,” Elizabeth declared. “One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.”

“How unfortunate that you should have used such very strong expressions in speaking of Wickham to Mr. Darcy, for now they do appear wholly undeserved.”

“Very undeserved! I was very uncomfortable, indeed unhappy. And with no one to speak to of what I felt, no Jane to comfort me and say that I had not been so very weak and vain and nonsensical as I knew I had!

“But there is one point on which I want your advice. Ought I to make our acquaintance in general understand Wickham’s character?”

Jane paused briefly and then replied, “Surely there can be no occasion for exposing him so dreadfully. What is your own opinion?”

“Mr. Darcy has not authorized me to make his communication public. If I endeavor to undeceive people as to the rest of his conduct, who will believe me? The general prejudice against Mr. Darcy is so violent! Wickham and the militia will soon be gone, and therefore, it will not signify to anybody at home what he really is. Sometime hence it will be all found out. At present I will say nothing about it.”

“You are quite right. To have his errors made public might ruin Mr. Wickham forever. He is now perhaps sorry for what he has done, and anxious to re-establish a character. We must not make him desperate.”

While Elizabeth was disappointed in her sister’s naivety, her mind was calmed by their conversation. She had got rid of two of the secrets which had weighed on her, and was certain of a willing listener in Jane whenever she might wish to talk again of either.

But there was still something lurking behind, of which prudence forbad the disclosure. She dared not relate the other half of Mr. Darcy’s letter, nor explain to her sister how sincerely she had been valued by Mr. Bingley.

And she still had no idea how Mr. Darcy had learned of Mary King’s good fortune.

The maid soon made her appearance, and it was not long before the sisters were both in bed.

~~~

The next morning brought another interview, this time with her aunt, and Elizabeth corroborated everything Mrs. Gardiner had learned from her husband. She was disappointed that her good opinion of Mr. Wickham had been misplaced, but she recalled her warning in December to her niece to guard her heart and was mollified. A relieved Elizabeth spent the remainder of the morning introducing Maria to the Gardiner children.

The four ladies were gathered in the front parlor for afternoon conversation and sewing when the housekeeper announced a visitor.

“Mr. Bingley, ma’am, to see Miss Bennet.”

Instantly, Elizabeth’s hand was commandeered by Jane, and the violence of her sister’s feelings were revealed in the strength of her grip. By the time the gentleman entered, however, propriety had reasserted itself, and Mr. Bingley was received in perfect equanimity by all.

Mr. Bingley’s object was obvious. He did not remove his eyes from Jane’s person, even as he was introduced to Mrs. Gardiner, until she said, “Mr. Bingley, how nice of you to call. Pray, how are your sisters faring? It has been some time since we have had the pleasure of their company.” Only those who knew her well could detect Mrs. Gardiner’s slight smirk.

“Ah, they are both—What? You have met my sisters?” The gentleman was clearly taken aback.

“Yes, they called on us—when was it, Jane? Late January, about a fortnight after we called on them?”

Elizabeth saw what her aunt was about and took pleasure in Mr. Bingley’s astonishment.

“January?” cried Bingley. “You called at my house in January?” In his shock, the gentleman forgot all propriety.

“Yes.”

“And my sisters called here? Two weeks later?”

“I believe that is correct. It might have been closer to three. One’s remembrance of such details diminish with time.”

Mr. Bingley flushed with mortification and anger. “Darcy did not—” Fists clenched, Bingley bowed to his hostess. “Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, forgive me. I cannot apologize enough for my sisters’ insulting behavior. I have only recently learned of Miss Bennet’s presence in town and hastened to call.” He sighed. “I expect you have longed wished for my absence. I should go.” He bowed again, but his farewell was interrupted.

Jane stood. “We should not be judged by any behavior but our own. Aunt, if it pleases you, I would have Mr. Bingley stay.”

“As would I,” added Elizabeth, joining her sister.

Mrs. Gardiner grinned. “Pray, take a seat, sir.”

A stunned Mr. Bingley said nothing; he simply gaped. As quickly as it disappeared, his habitual good humor resurfaced. Smiling, he took the only seat available—surprisingly next to Jane.

The remainder of Mr. Bingley’s short visit consisted of an awkward conversation over Jane’s stay in London. Only once the quarter hour was done did the subject of Elizabeth’s and Maria’s trip to Kent arise, and in an enigmatic manner.

“Miss Elizabeth, Miss Lucas, I understand from my friend Darcy you were lately in Kent.”

Elizabeth, still wrestling with the implication that Mr. Darcy had revealed Jane’s presence in town to his friend, allowed Maria to answer.

“Yes. We arrived here yesterday. It was,” she glanced at Elizabeth, “an interesting visit.”

Bingley laughed. “Yes, I imagine so. I have not had the honor of meeting Lady Catherine, but her reputation precedes her. Your sister is well, I hope?”

Assured Charlotte was, Bingley eyed Elizabeth. “And would you agree with Miss Lucas?”

“It was a visit I shall never forget.”

Mr. Bingley performed another surprise. “Mrs. Gardiner, I take it your husband is at his place of business? If you could provide his direction, I would be grateful.”

The requested information was soon produced. “Thank you,” he said. “Might I call again?” His eyes were fixed on Jane.

Jane managed an inaudible positive response, and Mrs. Gardiner gave her permission. A moment later, the ladies were alone.

“Well, Jane,” observed Maria, “this is a happy surprise. What say you to Mr. Bingley’s visit?”

“It was kind of him.” said Jane with a cheerful look. “Now that this first meeting is over, I feel perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed again by his coming. It will then be seen that, on both sides, we meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance.”

“Yes, very indifferent indeed,” said Elizabeth. “Oh Jane, take care!”

“You cannot think me so weak as to be in danger now?”

“I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.”

“That is enough of that!” Mrs. Gardiner rose. “Let us go above stairs and lay out what you will wear tomorrow. Jane, we must make sure you have your best day dress ready.”

“Oh Aunt, there is no reason for that!”

“Perhaps not,” Elizabeth responded with a twinkle in her eye, “but it is wise to be best prepared!”

~~~

At dinner, Mr. Gardiner reported Mr. Bingley visited his office to offer his apologies. “He is a fine gentleman,” he remarked. “A little green, to be sure, but nothing matures a fellow like a sensible wife. Eh, my dear?” While all at table laughed at the gentle jest, two of the ladies felt the need to privately discuss the visit.

As they prepared for bed, Elizabeth began. “I believe we have Mr. Darcy to thank for Mr. Bingley’s visit.”

“What makes you think that?”

“Something Mr. Bingley said under his breath. Did you happen to hear it?” Jane responded in the negative, and Elizabeth continued. “He uttered Mr. Darcy’s name.”

“I do not understand.”

Elizabeth knew she had to be careful. “While in Kent, it came up in conversation with Mr. Darcy that you were in London visiting the Gardiners. He said Mr. Bingley was not aware of that. I am certain he wrote his friend and provided the direction.”

“How would Mr. Darcy know it?”

“He asked me for it, but I had no time to give it. He must have received it from Charlotte. I assumed he desired to notify our relations of my early arrival. He must have taken the opportunity to inform his friend, too.”

Jane played with the buttons of her nightgown. “That was very kind of him.”

“Yes. I did not think him capable of such a service.”

Sharply, Jane responded, “I think it well past the time for you to give over your hurt from the assembly! Yes, Mr. Darcy should not have said what he did, but he has been nothing but polite to you since. Can the man not make a mistake?”

Elizabeth was taken aback. “But Jane, he disparaged our family. He is all pride and insolence.”

“Was it pride that caused him to see that you and Maria traveled to London in safety and comfort? And what if he scorns our family? You and I have spoken of it. I am certain Mama’s actions are why Mr. Bingley went away in the first place.” She wiped tears from her eyes. “Yet, you say it was the proud Mr. Darcy who sent him here. You cannot have it both ways, Sister!”

Oh, how that struck home! Elizabeth had been haunted by her own errors with Mr. Darcy, and she yearned to apologize. Should she not forgive him his faults?

Shamed, Elizabeth took Jane’s hand. “You are right. I have not been sensible. I have held Mr. Darcy to a higher standard than I hold myself. I shall do better. Should Mr. Darcy and I meet again, I shall treat him as I would any kind and honorable gentleman.”

The conversation turned to the next day, Jane dismissing expectations, while Elizabeth hoped for her sister’s ultimate happiness.

Elizabeth is safe in London with a lot more to ponder. Bingley is back in the picture. Uncle Gardiner seems to know something. What was in that express?

Until next week, this has been the Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles.

It takes a real man to write historical romance, so let me tell you a story…