16. Chapter 16

XVI.

Charles stared at the blank page in front of him. Pen poised again, he thoughtlessly dipped it once again, only to have an over-abundance of ink, which then resulted in a large drip issuing forth and now became a blot on the formerly pristine paper. He sighed in frustration and put the pen down. Then he laughed humourlessly at himself for caring that Darcy would be displeased by the messiness of the ink splash; as though he will even open anything from me! He was still not decided as to whether or not to even write to Darcy of the new developments – if they could be called such – with Wickham. Would Darcy even wish to hear from me? What if it concerned Miss Elizabeth? He could not decide if his friend – former friend? – would even wish to receive communication at all, let alone which subject matters may be preferred. He was not given any additional time to contemplate this, though, as the doors of the library opened, drawing his attention.

"Ah, Caroline, welcome home. I trust your visit to London was enjoyable?" And expensive, he added silently to himself.

Caroline wasted no time with pleasantries: "Charles, where have you been all evening? We arrived back to find the house entirely empty! I would have expected you to welcome us back," she scolded, "But it is no matter. And where is Mr. Darcy; did he not return with you?" She looked about, as though expecting the man in question to be hidden among the books.

Charles was not pleased to see his sister so blatantly ignore propriety with her directness, but he chose not to comment on it. "Ah, actually Darcy was unfortunately called away on some rather urgent business. However, I have –"

He had hoped she would drop the subject, but he was unsurprised when she interrupted his speech to inquire further: "What? Called away? When and to where? When will he rejoin our party at Netherfield?"

Just the questions I had hoped not to hear, as though she even has a right to demand such information! Bingley sighed lightly and replied, "It has been two days that he has been gone and his business was in London, I believe." And here he decided a slight fib may be ideal for his purposes: "As to his return to Netherfield, I am not able to say. It seemed to me that the business was rather pressing and he was unsure as to the exact time it would require. I am afraid I do not know more than that at this time, Caroline, but we can certainly hope for a quick return."

She huffed indignantly and her voice seemed to raise higher with each word: "Mr. Darcy went back to London at the same time that we were returning here from London? Charles, why on earth did you not write to us and then we all might have simply stayed? What is the point of returning here when the society and events in Town are so far superior?" As an afterthought she added, "Certainly that would be why Mr. Darcy has returned!"

Bingley shifted from foot to foot and then a brilliant plan struck him! "But Caroline, we could not go to Town now! We have an event to plan."

Caroline seemed momentarily stunned, "We have – what?"

Charles chuckled lightly, this he could do! "Did you not think it odd I purchased such a special fabric for you that it could only be found in London? That satin is to be made into a ball gown for you, for the most excellent ball Hertfordshire has ever seen – here!"

Caroline blinked several times as she processed this new information – had her brother lost his mind? "Charles, did you say that we are to host a ball here, at Netherfield?"

Bingley nodded with enthusiasm, "Is it not the most wonderful idea? We shall be able to return all of the hospitality shown to us by our neighbours and with you as hostess, it is sure to be the most elegant and exquisite ball that Hertfordshire has seen! Certainly, it will establish our position in the neighbourhood... and why, perhaps you should even invite some of our friends from Town? I am quite sure that it will be an event much spoken of, here and in neighbouring areas..." he drifted off as he watched anxiously for her reaction.

She seemed to still be digesting the information, but so far her reaction did not seem unfavourable. Once the corners of her thin lips turned up ever so slightly, he knew that she was convinced. "Indeed, Charles, it is an excellent idea. And I must admit the new satin is exceptional and will make a stunning dress. Now, who shall we invite..."

Charles released the breath he had been holding and beamed with joy. In his excitement, he became careless. "Naturally, invite whomever you wish, in addition, of course, to all of our neighbours besides the Bennets, I will bring their invitation myself..." He realised his error nearly the moment the words were out of his mouth, but it was too late.

Caroline's eyes were sharp and focused in an instant. "The Bennets? As in Miss Jane Bennet?"

Bingley inwardly cursed his stupidity, but kept his face neutral and his stance firm; "Of course."

"And why should that family receive such an honour as a personally delivered invitation from the event's host, no less?"

The lie was smooth: "They are our nearest neighbours and the only gentleman's family in the area; it seemed appropriate. And besides, I originally was inspired to host a ball while visiting with the Bennet family and spoke of it to them." He feigned indifference in his tone and manner and prayed silently that Caroline would not sense his half-truths.

She seemed suspicious, but did not argue overmuch. "If you feel you must, but I do not see that they deserve any such distinction."

Bingley ignored the remark. "I was thinking that the twenty-sixth of November would make a delightful date for the event; what do –"

"Charles, you cannot be serious! That is less than a se'ennight! Do not be absurd! The white soup alone will take at least a fortnight!"

"Very well," he calculated quickly, "the first of December it shall be then."

"But that is still so soon! How am I to complete all of the necessary tasks in such a short amount of time? I will need at least a month to fully –"

"No, December first is sufficient time. I do recall that white soup does take some time to make, but otherwise, I am quite assured in your ability to organise an event in such time." Seeing her looking as though she might mutiny, he added, "Besides, I am hopeful that Darcy's business will be completed by then and I thought –"

His ploy worked; her eyes widened slightly and then interrupted him: "Actually Charles, I think you are right. We would not wish to be too close to the Christmas festivities anyhow and surely Mr. Darcy will be encouraged to complete his business all the quicker if he knows that such an event awaits him! Yes, I do think that the first of December will do nicely."

Bingley smiled his agreement and nodded briefly before turning to leave. However, not two steps from the doorway, Caroline's voice rang out.

"Of course you know, with such a short time to plan, Charles, I will need an increased entertainment allowance to ensure that everything is done to the standards our friends have come to expect from our family. After all, some items may need to be delivered from Town..."

Charles turned back to see the mercenary gleam in her eyes, but agreed nonetheless, "Of course, Caroline. I would expect no less." If she understood the dual meaning, her face gave no hint to it.

She smiled as he left the library and she immediately set forth on her task of planning the event that would ensure Darcy would fall hopelessly in love with her.

ooOoo

"But Jane, I do not believe that both accounts can be correct and yet neither man at fault!"

Jane was grateful that they were alone in the house because Lizzy was raising her voice yet again. Jane knew that it was out of frustration with the situation and not herself, but she was still taken aback at the level of feeling this seemed to have inspired in her sister. "Lizzy, why can it not be that perhaps there was simply a misunderstanding between the two and both believes the other to have wronged him?"

"No, Jane, it cannot!" Why must she always attempt to make everyone good and just? "The world does not work that way and Mr. Wickham was quite clear in his telling of events that his promised living was denied to him out of spite and jealousy."

"But you cannot believe that Mr. Darcy would ever act in such a manner, can you?"

Elizabeth released a sigh, "No, I cannot. Perhaps I might have upon our first meeting, but since then I have been afforded another perspective of him and I cannot imagine he would disregard his late father's wishes, no matter his own feelings." Yes, I can certainly see him doing his duty rather than giving lead to his feelings – ah Lizzy, you must stop such nonsense! The man never had feelings for you! Foolish girl, those were entirely fantasies in your head! Nonetheless, I still cannot believe him capable of such misdeeds as Mr. Wickham professes.

"And you are quite sure that there was no mistake that Mr. Wickham meant Mr. Darcy was the son he spoke of? Perhaps that is where the misunderstanding lies?"

"But Jane, why do you sound so hopeful? Were you not trying in the carriage to convince me that Mr. Wickham is not a man to be trusted?"

"Well, yes. Mr. Bingley said that he knew Mr. Wickham is not trustworthy..."

"Indeed! And he knows this information in what way? He only just met the man this evening!"

Jane sighed, "As you know, Mr. Darcy spoke of Mr. Wickham to Mr. Bingley specifically..."

"Exactly! And it is for that reason that we know that there cannot have been any mistake! Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham were raised together and one has clearly wronged the other! There are no two possibilities on the matter: one was wronged and the other wishes to cover his misdeeds by smearing the good reputation of the first. But how to determine which is which?"

Jane volunteered, "I think that we ought to keep our distance from Mr. Wickham." It was so quiet that Elizabeth only barely registered Jane's words.

"Jane, I am all astonishment! You believe now that Mr. Wickham has perjured himself?"

"No, Lizzy, it is not that. I still do not wish to indict either man as being so cruel as to falsely slander the other. I am only thinking that Mr. Bingley feels strongly on the matter and I-," her voice again became so soft that Elizabeth strained to hear her words, "I trust him."

Elizabeth gazed for a moment at her sister before answering. She saw the love and devotion Jane felt for Mr. Bingley written plainly across her features; she could also see the pain there as Jane silently begged for Lizzy's understanding. And Lizzy gave it: "You are right, Jane, it is no matter what transpired between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham. Mr. Bingley has been kind to us and he is undoubtedly in love with you," she smiled at Jane's blush, "and if he would be uncomfortable by our maintaining an acquaintance with Mr. Wickham, then why should we do so?"

The rebellious part of Lizzy's nature wished to argue, but she could not seem to find the energy for it. Indeed, she felt rather empty inside once again, just as she had felt this evening before Mr. Wickham had approached her at the card party.

"Thank you, Lizzy!"

She forced herself to smile kindly at her sister's pleasure and vowed to continue to do whatever was in her power to ensure that Jane, at least, would find fulfillment in marriage. "Come, now that we are agreed, let us prepare for sleep. I find that all of this excitement has made me quite exhausted."

Jane agreed and they silently dressed in their sleep gowns, snuffed their candles, and climbed into their beds.

ooOoo

Lydia woke later than usual the next morning. She was rather surprised to see Kitty had already left their room; Mary usually woke up early to pray and read – what a bore! – but Kitty often would wait until Lydia woke before going down together to eat. The realization that she was likely the last to breakfast put Lydia in rather a sour mood, and considering that she was through natural inclination and years of spoiling by her mother already accustomed to getting her own way, she was not shy about making her displeasure known. After dressing quickly, she yelled as she descended the stairs, "Kitty! Kitty! Where have you got off to?"

Her mother, whose nerves and head were on edge after a bit of overconsumption of spirits at the party yesterday eve, snapped back at her to quit her screeching – something Lydia was none too pleased about!

Upon arriving in the breakfast parlour, Lydia found that her favourite rolls were entirely gone! That damn Mr. Collins must have ate all of my rolls again! Ugh, that odious man! She was forced to settle for the dry toast that was, by this hour, cold and entirely without flavour. None of her sisters were anywhere in sight, although she could hear Mary practising on the pianoforte, as usual. She rolled her eyes as she chewed the dry lump which no amount of preserves could make palatable. Only a few minutes later and only slightly less hungry, Lydia arranged her features into the look her mother could never refuse and sought out Mrs. Bennet.

Lydia was slightly surprised to find her mother in her chamber, but upon observing her slightly greenish complexion, she internally smirked as she realized why her mother had been so cross earlier. Lydia herself had often been in her cups at events – not that Mama needs to know such things! – but she was pleased that her body no longer reacted negatively the following day as it once had.

Approaching her mother quietly, Lydia pushed her bottom lip out slightly beyond her upper one and whined, "Mama, where are my sisters? They have all left me alone!"

Mrs. Bennet had already been sick twice that morning and was in no mood to have anyone bother her, unless they were there to commiserate her situation, not their own! "Lydia, girl, can you not see how ill I am? Pray, do not disturb me! Ohhhh, my poor head!" she moaned.

"Oh dear, Mama, I am sorry to see you feel so poorly!" Lydia soothed and stroked her mother's shoulder. This appeased Mrs. Bennet and Lydia sensed her opportunity: "Mama, since you need your rest, perhaps I should go out? I could go visit Maria Lucas?"

"Yes, yes, do that, child. I do need my rest and Hill was supposed to fetch me some tea! See that Hill brings me some tea!"

"Of course, Mama," her tone and words were the perfect reply of an obedient daughter, only her eyes gave her away, but of course Mrs. Bennet was not attuned to such things.

Lydia scampered down the stairs, pleased with herself for securing permission to go out alone! Her father had forbid such outings after she had once returned home past dinnertime, on nearly toward suppertime in fact, and with a rather large assortment of foliage about her person. She told them she had slipped while walking, but she had actually been kissing a young man she had fancied, a local farmer's youngest son, but not long after, he had enlisted in the militia and was sent away. It was no matter, though, he was but a farmer's son! She would do better, her mother had always told her so! Kissing and parties and the like were great fun, but she knew she was destined for a great love story! Without a doubt, her husband would be handsome, wealthy, and dote entirely upon her! She sighed with pleasure at her future as she strolled out the door – forgetting entirely to ask Hill for the tea for her mother – and out toward the path to the Lucas' house.

Strolling through town – clearly the very longest way possible to Lucas Lodge – Lydia was distracted first by some new ribbon in one shop, but with no pin money, the shopkeep quickly encouraged her to move on, and then when she had just about decided there was nothing of interest for her and she may as well visit Maria, she spotted Denny and Wickham across the square! With a gleeful, and rather unladylike, squeal, she bounced over to the men.

"Denny! Wickham! Ooo, what fun to find you here!"

The men, who had been conversing quietly, seemed startled by her boisterousness and sudden appearance in front of them. Nonetheless, they recovered their manners quickly.

"Miss Lydia, good day," offered Denny with a bow and smirk.

Wickham, sensing Denny's amusement but unsure as to its specific source, copied the greeting.

Lydia laughed loudly and batted her eyelashes, "Oh now, such greetings! We are not so formal here; we are friends!"

Denny met Wickham's eye as comprehension dawned on Wickham and his smile grew slightly wider.

"Oh but Miss Lydia," Denny persisted teasingly, as he took her hand and placed it upon his own arm, "as soldiers, we are honour-bound to treat ladies with respect. And, from where I stand, I believe you are very much a lady."

Wickham observed the interaction with some amusement. He noted that Denny had neither waited for permission to touch Miss Lydia's hand, nor had he been scolded for such forward behaviour. He wondered if perhaps Denny's use of the term "lady" was somewhat flexible, perhaps even a bit of mockery. He inspected the girl closer; indeed, she was young, but her figure was womanly and her eyes showed an excitement that could only suggest some amount of experience with the pleasures of the body, although how much he could not deduce.

Lydia giggled at Denny's remark and replied, "Very well then, lieutenant." Then she turned to Wickham, "And Lieutenant Wickham, do tell why we lost your company so early last night! What ever could have caused you to leave in so great a haste? I was especially disappointed as we never got a chance to dance." She again batted her eyes rather suggestively.

Wickham was slightly uncomfortable now, not knowing what she knew or did not know, his response was guarded, "Well, of course, newly being commissioned, I wished to be mindful of the hour... er, did your sisters not say that we spoke?"

Lydia's head tilted to the side in her confusion, "Do you mean Kitty? I did not see you speak to her."

"No, your eldest sisters, Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth."

"Oh pish! It is no wonder you left early! Those two are so dull! You should have joined us in dancing, right Denny?"

Denny chuckled slightly remembering how Lydia would allow hands to occasionally slip or partners to stand slightly too close, "Indeed, George, you would have had a marvellous time."

Denny's smirk told Wickham what his words did not and he smiled wider. This girl is nothing like her sisters. Perhaps we shall have some fun ourselves... For now, though, he realised that Denny's arm held the girl's hand, so clearly he had priority. No matter, there are plenty of lovely young things about... and perhaps it would be best for now to avoid the Bennet family anyhow if indeed that Bingley fellow does have his cap set at the eldest.

Lydia, meanwhile, decided it would be excellent fun – and make my sisters exceedingly jealous! – to arrive at Lucas Lodge with two gentlemen, officers no less, escorting her! So she batted her lashes in the way she believed to be desirable, and used her sweetest voice, "Do you know, I just now realised that I was supposed to meet my sister, Kitty, and Maria Lucas at Lucas Lodge! I cannot imagine how they must be worrying since I'm not there. Could you gentlemen possibly escort me over? You never know what dangers are along the way for a lady and I would feel so very safe with two officers!"

Denny smiled and tightened her hand against his side, "Of course, Miss Lydia, it is our duty to ensure the safety of a lady!"

Wickham smiled slightly and wished he could decline – after all, what was in it for him? – but as he still needed information from Denny, he nodded once and they all three set off.

ooOoo

Three Days Later

Bingley turned the envelope over in his hands once again. He had instructed Caroline that he would see to the posting of all of the invitations, with the intention that he would remove Darcy's from the group. But viewing it now, nearly a week since their disagreement, he considered the prudence of such a plan.

He never had written to Darcy of coming upon Miss Elizabeth in polite conversation with Mr. Wickham, not because he had feared Darcy would be angry but because he knew not what to say. He had not been privy to the actual dialogue and since the cold greeting he had offered to Mr. Wickham, that man had stayed away from himself and, it seemed, the Bennet family. So to what purpose might rousing the ire of his friend serve? No, he had concluded it best be left alone for the time being. After all, Jane had warned Miss Elizabeth of Wickham's untrustworthy nature and she had assured him that her sister would avoid the man. Certainly, he had done his duty to his beloved, her family, and Darcy, even if he might never know of it.

But now, what to do about the ball? If I allow Caroline to invite Darcy, surely he will be angry with me for it, perhaps even make his displeasure known to Caroline... well, then again, would that really be such a terrible occurrence?

Bingley pondered this for a bit, before looking down to see the invitation for the Bennet family. He smiled without intending to do so. Ah, I cannot wait to see the look upon dear Jane's face when I bring this!

His thoughts could not stay long with his lovely angel though; they soon returned to her sister and his friend. He had been so sure that there were tender feelings developing between Miss Elizabeth and Darcy – I positively know there were!

Suddenly, his decision was clear: he would send the invitation to Darcy, bad mood or angry return letters be damned! He could not make his friend see reason, but he certainly would not withhold the truth from him.

With a resolute and determined air, he gathered the stack of invitations needing to be posted, carefully separating the Bennets' envelope and adding it into the inside of his waistcoat for temporary safekeeping, and went in search of a footman.

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A/N: I'm sorry it's a little bit shorter than previous chapters, but if it's any consolation, NEXT chapter we get to go visit our favorite grump in London... ;) So stay tuned!

HUGE thanks to ArtemisDesari and Mahhhfy for pre-reading, offering suggestions, and encouraging me!

And of course, I *WISH* I could express how much I appreciate each of your reviews! Since I cannot truly express how very much they mean to me (seriously, there are no words!), I will just say THANK YOU SO MUCH! I read each and every one and I do my best to respond to them all. You, my lovely readers, give me so much inspiration and motivation! Thank you also to all those who added this story or me to alerts and favorites!

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