14. Chapter 14

XIV.

Once Longbourn was far enough behind them, Lizzy finally felt at liberty to speak with Jane. She had wished dearly to talk with her last night, following the rather hasty departure of the gentlemen, but her mother had refused to allow any of the girls to retire for the evening until Mr. Collins had had the chance to read a full sermon from Fordyce, likely in an effort to re-establish herself and her daughters in his good graces! Between the sermon's length and then Mr. Collins and Mary's commentary of Reverend Fordyce's "many insights," the hour was exceedingly late when they bade the other family members goodnight. Following that, naturally, Jane and Lizzy had barely dressed for bed before falling quickly to sleep. And then this morning they had had no time to themselves before this moment. Now, she turned to Jane and was about to speak when Jane opened her mouth to begin instead, apparently thinking along the same line as Elizabeth.

"Lizzy, whatever can have caused Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to have left so abruptly last night? No matter how contemplate it, I can only conclude that something must have happened to upset Mr. Darcy. Though I do not know that gentleman very well, he seemed rather distracted and even angry when he came to Mr. Bingley and myself to announce his need to depart at once. I believe he had been speaking with you beforehand, did something unpleasant happen?"

Lizzy let out a breath; she had been quite preoccupied with the same question and had come to no resolution. "Oh Jane, how I wish I knew! I had thought – " she stopped herself before telling Jane of how she had thought Mr. Darcy was going to ask for a dance; although she had felt certain that he was speaking in that direction, could he have suddenly found something displeasing with this plan? Was this why he had felt the need to abruptly leave? Perhaps something her mother or Lydia had said had made him think better of asking? The possibility mortified her and, if she were honest, she felt disappointed, though she was loath to admit such a sentiment. Although she never kept secrets from Jane, here, she reasoned that there was nothing to tell and so instead of giving her the full details, she gave a partial recount of their conversation: "I cannot tell what would have caused him to become so distracted. We were discussing Mr. Bingley's upcoming ball and Mr. Darcy's sister. He seemed to be in a pleasant enough mood, but then something caught his attention and he ended our conversation quite abruptly. I honestly do not know what to make of it."

Jane was quite sure that there was more to their conversation, but she allowed Lizzy to keep her own counsel. "Quite strange. I wonder if perhaps he remembered some important date or other obligation that required his attention? Still, I cannot fathom why he seemed so agitated when he approached Mr. Bingley, but perhaps I misinterpreted his expression. I suppose we should hope that all is well with him and not think further on the matter."

Elizabeth did not believe she could do this, despite the sensibility of Jane's plan, but nonetheless gave a small nod and quietly replied, "Indeed."

By this point, the sisters had arrived at their tenant's home and the children were already running out to greet them. Both ladies considered the distraction quite welcome and refocused their thoughts to their visit.

ooOoo

Bingley dismounted his horse outside the Bennet residence. It was later in the afternoon than he would normally have visited due to his extended sleep this morning, but still within polite visiting hours. A stableboy took the horse and the housekeeper welcomed him into the entryway of Longbourn before leaving him alone while she went off to announce his presence to the family.

He nervously tugged on his waistcoat and then fidgeted absently while he mentally argued over whether or not to request to speak with Mr. Bennet privately regarding what little he knew of Mr. Wickham's character. Darcy had told him that he may do as he pleased, but that was before their falling out. What is more, Bingley himself had no direct knowledge of specific misdeeds by the man; how would he support his claims? He sighed slightly from his frustration before his thoughts were interrupted by Mrs. Bennet's shriek from another room; he winced. A few moments later, the housekeeper returned and invited him to follow her.

"Mr. Bingley." Mrs. Hill announced as she entered the drawing room with Mr. Bingley.

Mr. Bingley was not pleased to observe that both Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth were absent, while the other three sisters, their mother, Mr. Collins, and two other ladies – Lady Lucas and her younger daughter, if he remembered correctly – were present. Despite his disappointment, he managed a friendly smile and greeted each lady and then Mr. Collins.

Mrs. Bennet, in her usual fashion, quickly rose to properly welcome him. "Mr. Bingley! Oh my heavens! What a pleasure it is to see you, sir! How are you this fine day?" She did not wait for a response before continuing, "But of course we wondered what could have caused you to leave so suddenly last night! I do hope that all is well with you and your family?"

"Ah, yes, thank you for your concern. All is well, thank you. Er... Darcy remembered important business in Town that could not be delayed." He disliked to lie, but could see no other reasonable excuse he might provide. "I do apologise for our hasty departure, but both he and I wished to convey our sincere gratitude for your excellent hospitality."

Mrs. Bennet cared not a whit for Mr. Darcy, nor his business, but was pleased nonetheless to receive thanks from Mr. Bingley. "Oh pish, you flatter me! We were all sorry to see you go, but you are here now, so it is all forgot!" She batted her eyelashes and laughed coquettishly; Bingley was quite uncomfortable. "Although I am sorry to say that Jane is not at home right now. She and Lizzy have gone off to visit some of the tenants. They normally do this every week, you know, excepting last week when Jane was taken ill, but of course you recall. And we are all still exceedingly grateful for your kind attentions and hospitality in caring for dear Jane... but I digress! As I was saying, Jane is quite attentive to her duties. She will make an excellent mistress to an estate like this one, or even larger, someday." Her eyes pointedly attempted to convey her unsubtle meaning; spotting Mr. Collins, she added for his benefit: "And Lizzy as well."

Bingley cleared his throat and looked around the room for a distraction. Spotting Miss Mary at the pianoforte, he contemplated whether his ears would be an acceptable sacrifice over continued conversation with Mrs. Bennet when Miss Lydia, grown tired of sitting properly and quietly, began speaking with Miss Kitty and Miss Maria.

"Maria, will you be going into town today? Do you think that the officers will be in? I am hoping to see Mr. Wickham in his regimentals! You have not yet met him, have you?"

Maria Lucas, despite being poor, had been taught impeccable manners and found herself rather conflicted as to how she ought to behave in such a situation; she glanced to her mother, looking for a cue. "Er..."

Lydia could not be bothered to wait and continued, "Oh but of course you have not! How would you have been introduced? Do not worry, once we see them again – perhaps at my aunt Phillips' tomorrow? – I will be sure to introduce you."

Bingley was relieved to have a distraction and seated himself in the nearest chair he could find. He attempted to listen to the younger girls' conversation about Mr. Wickham, hoping to learn more of the man, but Lady Lucas and Mrs. Bennet quickly engaged him in discussion about Netherfield and his sisters.

At some point, Miss Mary began playing the pianoforte, and just as Bingley was contemplating whether he should continue to wait in hopes of seeing Miss Bennet or rescue his suffering ears by departing, Mr. Bennet entered the room.

"Mary! Must you practice so loudly – " he cut off abruptly upon observing the visitors. "Ah, good day, Lady Lucas, Miss Maria, and... Mr. Bingley, I am surprised to see you so soon, sir... but why did you not request to see me directly?"

Bingley was confused; Why should I have requested to see him? Does he know of the concerns about Wickham? But how could he...

Before he could respond, Mr. Bennet turned to return whence he came while waving to Bingley, "Come, come!" Bingley knew not what to do and so he followed.

Upon entering Mr. Bennet's study, Bingley observed that the room appeared rather lived in: the chair was well worn and the desk had all of the tell tale signs of regular use, there were a great many books on the shelves – perhaps more than Netherfield's library, which rather embarrassed Bingley and he vowed to purchase more books forthwith – and stacks of papers around the desk. A large volume lay open on the desk and Mr. Bennet placed a marker on the page before closing the book and moving it off to the side. He sat behind the desk and offered Bingley a seat on the other side; Bingley sat, still rather perplexed as to what he was expected to say.

Mr. Bennet chuckled at the bewildered expression on the young man's face. "Well, come now, young man, let us not delay. Then again, with Mary practising, perhaps we might take a few minutes more. Care for a drink?"

Bingley declined politely, "Er, thank you but no."

"Might help with those nerves," Mr. Bennet helpfully pointed out with a chuckle.

"Sir, I am afraid I do not have the pleasure of understanding what it is that we are to discuss presently."

Mr. Bennet suppressed a roll of his eyes; he had thought Bingley was a sharp fellow and might get right to the point, but perhaps he had misjudged the man. Nonetheless, he gave him the clue he was requesting: "Well, I rather expected that you might wait a day or so before coming, but I imagined you may be seeking permission to court one of my daughters? That is, if your rather singular attentions are any indication..."

Comprehension flashed across Bingley's features and he laughing responded without thinking, "Ah, of course! I could not figure how you would have known of Wickham!"

This piqued Mr. Bennet's interest: "Wickham? Who is that?"

Bingley realized his mistake far too late; he had no choice but to answer: "Er, George Wickham. He is a new officer in the local militia."

"And what of him?"

Well, what is done is done, best to come out with it... "Well, it seems that he was introduced to several of your daughters yesterday. The concern is that I have it on authority from a trustworthy friend that the man is not honourable."

Mr. Bennet eyed Bingley speculatively. "Mr. Darcy says he is not to be trusted, does he?"

Bingley was rather taken aback and his face showed his surprise. "How did you... ?"

Mr. Bennet chucked and explained; "From whom else might you have this information so quickly but your friend who is staying with you?" And why not disclose the source? An interesting omission... he thought but did not speak aloud.

"Indeed," Bingley was rather chagrined as he had not intended to identify Darcy as the friend.

"Regardless, what does Mr. Darcy charge this Mr. Wickham with?"

"I … well, I do not know the particulars..." This was just as Bingley had feared.

Mr. Bennet sat back in his chair, hands folded together, and looked Bingley over. "Hm, I see you have a great deal of trust in your friend."

"I do," Bingley interjected. If any thoughts of the previous night's arguments flashed through Bingley's thoughts, he hid this from his face.

"And you and Mr. Darcy felt it important to share these concerns with me?"

"Er... well, Darcy was called away to business in Town, but yes, I felt it was important. I would not wish any harm to come to any of your daughters... and we are neighbours. It seemed only proper; if I were in your place, I would wish to know."

Mr. Bennet smiled slightly, "Indeed. Well then, I thank you for your concern."

"Of course; no thanks are needed – please think nothing of it."

"And is this all the business we have to discuss this afternoon?"

And now Bingley smiled, "Well, it occurs to me that perhaps there may be the matter of a courtship..."

ooOoo

"Jane, however do you manage it?" complained Elizabeth, "Here I am, near knee-deep in mud and you look almost as though your dress was freshly laundered! We walked the same paths; I cannot understand it!"

"Well perhaps if you walked a bit slower so you could avoid the wetter parts –" Jane began.

Lizzy laughed as she interrupted, "Very well, never-mind! I will admit that I tend to be a rather impatient walker. As always, one of the many ways in which you are a better lady than I!"

"Lizzy, I would not say such things! You have many talents that I do not possess. I may be the more careful walker, but you are certainly a superior walker. And not to mention that you can play the pianoforte, while I cannot."

Elizabeth laughed, "Jane, dear, it is not a competition and I was not saddened to say that you are the better lady; I have known that to be a fact for quite some time, so you need not worry for my feelings!"

Jane was about to respond with some type of placation when upon clearing the trees that obscured their path from the Longbourn front gardens, they spied Mr. Bingley exiting the front door.

Jane halted her steps at once, but Lizzy moved faster, not realizing her sister's desire for a momentary delay.

"Mr. Bingley!" Lizzy called, causing the gentleman in question to turn her way.

Mr. Bingley had experienced a whirlwind of emotions in the half hour he had spent at the Bennet residence. He had begun anxious and eager, only to suffer disappointment, then apprehension, and finally near ecstasy upon receiving Mr. Bennet's permission to properly court Miss Jane Bennet! The only fly in the ointment was that the lady herself was not present to receive his attentions! But he contented himself that her parents would inform her of his visit and intentions. And then, he hoped, she would joyfully welcome him at his next call to her home and he could savour her expression then. With his plans for a happy reunion on the morrow, Mr. Bingley had determined to leave Longbourn, but no sooner had he stepped out of the front door than he heard Miss Elizabeth Bennet call to him and there, not too far behind her, stood Miss Bennet as well. He was thoroughly delighted!

"Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet! 'Tis a pleasure to see you both!" Bingley's smile was as large as Lizzy had ever seen it as he strode toward herself and Jane.

"Mr. Bingley, are you just now leaving? We would not wish to impose on your schedule." The words were polite, but Elizabeth was teasing him and they both knew it.

Bingley rolled his eyes good-naturedly, "Ah Miss Elizabeth, but you know, of course, that my visit to your family would never be complete without time spent in the company of yourself and your sister."

By now they had reached Jane, whose cheeks were a bright pink and her eyes were downcast as she gave a slight curtsey.

"Mr. Bingley, good day, sir." Her voice was quiet and Lizzy wondered why Jane was nervous.

Bingley sensed this as well and softened his own tone: "Miss Bennet, I am particularly gratified to have come upon you as I had hoped to ask if you and I might take a walk?" And then, remembering himself, he added, "And perhaps Miss Elizabeth would be so good as to accompany us?"

Lizzy took the hint that she was intended to be a distant chaperone and agreed easily, "Of course, if Jane is feeling up to more walking?"

At Mr. Bingley's request, Jane had looked up and saw only warmth in his face. Her posture relaxed and she smiled as she accepted; "That would be lovely, thank you." Somehow since the morning, she had become convinced that Mr. Darcy had become agitated and left because of something she did, but she reasoned that this could not be the case if Mr. Bingley was continuing to be so kind to her.

With his lady's acceptance, Bingley smiled once again and offered his arm to her. He was about to offer the other to her sister, but Elizabeth excused herself: "Here Jane, let me take that basket inside with mine. I will just put these inside and be back in moment, so perhaps stay in the garden?"

Jane blushed slightly at the realization of her sister giving them a brief moment of privacy, but nodded nonetheless.

Bingley replied, "Most certainly," and then led Miss Bennet on a leisurely stroll away from the house, but still within the bounds of Longbourn. "Miss Bennet, I must admit that my call today was not merely just to thank your family for the excellent hospitality of last evening. In truth, I had hoped very much to see you."

He was quite gratified to see a deep blush upon her cheeks and the small smile that momentarily graced her lips, before she turned her face away from him. So he continued: "I cannot think of another evening that has been more pleasant than being in your company. I hope – that is to say, I am hopeful that perhaps you regard me in a positive manner as well?"

Jane was surprised to hear the anxiety to his tone nearing the end of his speech and she fortified herself to give an answer that would be honest, but without giving her feelings all away, because, in truth, she feared that she was already quite in love with Mr Bingley! With great effort, she allowed only a small smile and a tentative glance – she knew that if she looked full into his handsome face, she would quite forget herself! – as she responded, "I most certainly hold you in a positive regard, Mr. Bingley."

Bingley repressed the shout of joy that was attempting to burst forth from him, but stopped walking and turned toward Miss Bennet. "Miss Bennet, I cannot tell you how delighted I am to hear that." Here, he stopped briefly to take a fortifying breath; Now or never, man, carry on! "While I have already sought and received permission from your father, I wish to also seek your approval to begin a formal courtship. Would that be –" he stopped as Jane's surprised eyes had flashed up to his and he felt unable to continue to form words or thoughts.

"You have already spoken with my father?"

Bingley nearly panicked as his mind raced with thoughts; What if she does not wish for a courtship between us? Might she be angry that I spoke with her father before herself? I thought that how we felt was plain, but perhaps I have misunderstood? Oh God, could Darcy have been right? "I had not intended to speak with him today and certainly not before I made my intentions known to you, but he seemed to think I was there for that specific purpose and since he seemed amenable, I thought perhaps you had already spoken of your feelings to him, so I thought it best... I am terribly sorry if I have done something to upset you. I can – " he was rambling in his nervousness, but he did not know how to stop himself; luckily Jane seemed to know just what he needed, as she placed her gloved hand over his lips to stem the flow of words.

Almost as quickly as she had placed her hand over his mouth – she could feel their warmth and softness despite her gloves – she removed them, blushing at the impropriety, but not regretting the action. "I do apologise, but you seemed to need the interruption."

Bingley gave a shaky laugh and acknowledged quietly: "Indeed I did, thank you."

"Mr. Bingley, I apologise if I made you think I was displeased with your actions. I am not displeased; quite the opposite, in fact." Once again, the blush overwhelmed Jane's features in a lovely way.

Bingley had quite possibly contemplated kissing Miss Bennet a thousand times before, but never was the urge so strong as he was experiencing this moment! He had imagined a brief kiss in "good morning" when she came down to breakfast at Netherfield, or a tender kiss to her forehead as she recovered from her illness, a joyful and passionate kiss upon seeing her yesterday after nearly three days apart, but now? Ah, he determined that perhaps all those other thoughts were but weak and passing flights of fancy now in comparison to the need by which he was suddenly overcome!

Jane was not looking at Mr. Bingley, but she could sense some change within him at her words and although she was excited at the prospect of having her feelings requited, she was nearly terrified as well!

Bingley could not restrain himself any longer; he reached out slowly, intending to brush Jane's cheek. "Jane..." his voice was barely above a whisper, but she heard and raised her eyes to his. The look that passed between them confirmed for Charles that she felt as strongly for him as he did for her; she could not hide the emotions in her eyes. He made the decision that perhaps he might kiss her, just this once, and began to slowly lean in.

"Oh there you two are!" exclaimed Lizzy, "I was beginning to think you had left the gardens!"

Bingley and Jane each jumped back. Despite not being overly close to begin with, the intensity of their interaction and its likely outcome had Elizabeth arrived but a minute later brought both back to their senses, but also left each feeling immensely disappointed.

Bingley regained his voice first; "Miss Elizabeth, I do apologise! We wandered off without really attending to the direction, but luckily, you have found us."

"Indeed. Shall we walk?" Lizzy thought Jane's voice sounded a little odd, but did not comment. Mr. Bingley had already resumed his position with Jane and now offered his other arm to Lizzy, which she gladly took.

"So where to?" he asked.

"Oh, it is no matter. I should think it would just be delightful to enjoy the sunlight while we still have it." Elizabeth answered.

Jane nodded her agreement.

Lizzy was concerned to see Jane so withdrawn. After hearing at home of Jane and Mr. Bingley's courtship being approved by Mr. Bennet, Elizabeth had rather thought Jane would be glowing with joy. Lizzy was just going to say something about it, when Jane seemed to recover and looked knowingly toward her sister.

"You already know," Jane accused with a smile.

Elizabeth's answering smile acknowledged her sister's guess; "Of course I do! Would you expect our mother to be speaking of anything else?" she teased. Then she turned up toward Mr. Bingley, "Should I be expecting to chaperone many more of these walks in the future?"

Bingley's smile was sheepish, but he was prevented from answering by Jane's scold: "Lizzy!"

Elizabeth laughed, "Jane, calm yourself, I am only teasing, as Mr. Bingley well knows! I will gladly take as many walks as you both desire. In fact, I expect we will be seeing quite a bit of you, will we not, Mr. Bingley?"

The smile on his face was no longer sheepish as he answered, "As much as Miss Bennet will tolerate."

Lizzy laughed at Jane's blush. "There now, it has been all settled! I presume you will be joining us at our Aunt and Uncle Phillips' home tomorrow evening?"

"I am afraid I have not been invited, and as such, I would not wish to intrude –"

"Oh pish!" interrupted Elizabeth, soundly uncomfortably akin to Mrs. Bennet, "Our aunt adores company and I am quite certain, given the circumstances, that she will be happy to issue an invitation to you as well."

Jane amended, "That is if you are not otherwise engaged for tomorrow evening, of course."

"Exactly," Lizzy agreed, "And I am sure she would also welcome your party if Mr. Darcy or," she unwillingly included, "your sisters and Mr. Hurst were inclined to attend."

Both sisters felt Mr. Bingley's arms become tense at Lizzy's words, but did not know what precisely was the cause.

"That reminds me," Jane began, "I quite forgot until now to ask if everything is well with Mr. Darcy and his family! I hope that there has been no unfortunate news?"

Elizabeth was suddenly anxious, but reasoned, Mr. Bingley would not have come and requested a formal courtship with Jane if there were something seriously wrong with Mr. Darcy or his family, would he? Still, she was entirely attuned to his response.

"Ah yes," Bingley began with some discomfort as he feared his news may be unpleasant to Miss Elizabeth, "everyone is in good health. Darcy just remembered some urgent business that he needed to attend and was forced to leave rather quickly." He paused momentarily as he looked at Miss Elizabeth, attempted to read her emotions on her face but seeing it was quite blank, he continued, "In fact, I do not expect him back to Hertfordshire any time soon, or maybe ever."

He thought perhaps he saw a flicker of pain cross Miss Elizabeth's features, but it was so brief that he could not be sure and her bright response a second later caused him to further doubt his own eyes.

She cheerily responded, "Well, I suppose that is to be expected in a gentleman with as many responsibilities as he. It is good that everyone is in good health. So, does this mean you are free to join our party tomorrow evening?"

.

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A/N: This took me a bit longer, I know and I'm sorry, but this one just wasn't really wanting to be written, plus RL, etc. Anyway, I hope it was worth the wait :) Coming up next is a lovely little card party at the Phillips' house... no biggie, just Wickham's first chance to corrupt Lizzy's impression of Darcy... ;) Stay tuned!

Big thanks to ArtemisDesari and Defincupark who made themselves available as pre-readers but I was too eager to post this to take them up on their help this time.

As always, you guys just make me want to sing from rooftops (but I promise not to, since my singing is really not good, lol)! Your reviews make me so unbelievably happy and motivate me to keep going and get chapters done (even when they're not cooperating), so THANK YOU! Also, thank you to all those who added this story or me to alerts and favorites!