NEW FRIENDS AND OLD FOES

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The visitors were afforded another perfect summer day on their second visit to Pemberley.  Mr. and Miss Darcy cordially welcomed Elizabeth and the Gardiners.  It was only a short time later when Mr. Darcy, Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Hurst departed for Darcy’s favorite fishing spot on the estate.  The gentlemen enjoyed a morning with the trout, with Darcy and Mr. Gardiner having the opportunity to become better acquainted.  Mr. Gardiner entertained Darcy with stories of Elizabeth’s childhood.  Both men were successful in their catches, as was Mr. Hurst.  Charles Bingley, with his usual exuberance and chattiness, did not catch anything and required rescuing after nearly falling into the stream during one of his casts.

Elizabeth, knowing that the ‘superior sisters,’ as she had dubbed Mr. Bingley’s sisters during their stay in Hertfordshire, were also in residence, did not have high expectations for the morning spent without the gentlemen; she was not disappointed.  Fortunately, the Bingley ladies were not early risers, allowing Miss Darcy, Elizabeth, Mrs. Gardiner, and Mrs. Annesley to enjoy breakfast and two hours of pleasant conversation before making their appearance.  Elizabeth had been delighted by the opportunity to get to know Miss Darcy better.  Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Annesley had observed with pleasure as Elizabeth’s confidence and easy manners drew the shy Miss Darcy from her shell.  Their relationship had progressed to the point that they were on a first-name basis.  They were laughing like old friends when Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst entered the room, stopping short when they noticed the unwelcome additions to the party. 

Caroline’s lip curled into a sneer as she noted the friendliness between the two ladies.  “Miss Eliza, perhaps you are not aware of it, but you are here far too early for proper visiting hours.  Of course, coming from such a provincial village as Meryton, and with relations in trade, I imagine you could not be expected to know the rules of polite society.”  She looked at her sister and they tittered rudely.

The Bingley sisters were shocked when Georgiana spoke up.  “The ladies are here at my invitation, Miss Bingley.  They will be joining us for the entire day.” 

Caroline and Louisa looked aghast at Miss Darcy’s pronouncement.  “What?” screeched Caroline.  Elizabeth looked down to hide her smile at Miss Bingley’s obvious dismay.

“Indeed,” continued Georgiana, innocently. “William and I are quite pleased with our new friends.  I look forward to getting to know Elizabeth better. 

“And, I, you, Georgiana,” came Elizabeth’s smiling reply.

Caroline fumed.  She had never received an invitation to call Georgiana by her given name.

“Also, Mrs. Gardiner grew up in Lambton and has been telling me stories of her encounters with my parents,” Georgiana continued.

“Miss Darcy, you are so young, I feel I must caution you,” Caroline began in a condescending tone.  “You must be careful with new acquaintances.  With your status and connections, you will frequently be the target of unscrupulous individuals who will say anything to get close to you.  You must be very cautious when making new acquaintances.”  Miss Bingley fixed Mrs. Gardiner with a superior look.

Helen Gardiner had easily taken the measure of Caroline Bingley.  “Indeed, Miss Darcy, you will meet all kinds of individuals, from all walks of life, who will attempt to manipulate you for their own purposes.  However, I believe you are intelligent enough to know the difference, particularly with Mrs. Annesley to guide you.”  Mrs. Annesley exchanged a knowing glance with Mrs. Gardiner.

Georgiana’s smile showed she was quite pleased with the compliment.  Caroline Bingley had always intimidated her.  Georgiana found the woman’s constant compliments insincere and did not enjoy the way Caroline continually encouraged her to look down on all those around her.  Georgiana was a kind and loving young lady, and she often found Caroline’s officiousness intrusive.  Mrs. Annesley and Mrs. Gardiner both had to lower their heads to prevent the obviously outraged Miss Bingley from observing their smiles.

The gentlemen returned to a room filled with tension.  However, Darcy was pleased to note that Georgiana sat on a sofa beside Elizabeth and that Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Annesley  flanked them. Across from her sat the superior sisters, both wearing decidedly aggrieved expressions.  He was delighted to hear Georgiana’s tinkling laugh mixed with the rich, warm sound of Elizabeth’s melodious one.

Miss Bingley’s nose grew further out of joint when she learned of the seating arrangement for the midday meal.  Elizabeth sat next to Mr. Darcy, with Georgiana on her other side.  Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner sat on Darcy’s other side.  Caroline found herself at the end of the table, as far from Darcy as possible.  As only Charles sat between Caroline and Miss Darcy, Caroline frequently leaned forward, attempting to gain Georgiana’s attention.  Miss Bingley’s frustration grew with this utterly futile endeavor, as Georgiana was totally absorbed in her conversation with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, though she occasionally turned to include Mr. Bingley. 

By the end of the meal, Caroline was beyond angry—never a good thing, as, when in such a state, she frequently spoke without thinking.  Caroline did not wait for assistance getting out of her chair.  She jumped up, rushed to Darcy, and latched onto his arm before he could assist Elizabeth to rise. 

“Mr. Darcy, you have been so busy since we arrived that we have hardly seen you.  We require your attention for a bit this afternoon.”

“Of course, Miss Bingley, I would not wish to be seen as a poor host,” said Darcy as he attempted to disentangle himself from her grasping hands.  Caroline Bingley continued clinging to him as she walked towards the drawing room.  She dragged Darcy along, not noticing the distressed look he gave Elizabeth.  Bingley helped both Georgiana and Elizabeth to rise from their chairs and, with a lady on each arm, he followed Darcy and his sister.

Arriving in the sitting room, Caroline pulled Darcy down beside her on the loveseat—sitting much too close for Darcy’s comfort.  It was fortunate that Miss Bingley released his arm, thereby allowing Darcy to stand for the entrance of the other ladies.  Before Caroline could reattach herself to him, Darcy moved to stand before the fireplace, resting one arm along the mantle.  From this position, he could easily stare at Elizabeth such that Miss Bingley could not observe him.  Mrs. Hurst, nose in the air, dragged her husband forward so that they might precede the Gardiners from the room.  Mrs. Gardiner looked at her husband and rolled her eyes, a slight smile gracing her face.

Miss Bingley immediately monopolized the conversation, speaking of events she had attended in London and of people whom the others would not have met.  Darcy and Georgiana frequently tried to turn the conversation to more general topics, but with little success.  Miss Bingley merely spoke over anyone who attempted to change the conversation.  Eventually, she spoke of a ball that the new Earl of Westborough had held.  Though Caroline had not been in attendance, she repeated the gossip from the papers as though she had been there.

“Was this the event held at the close of the season?” asked Mrs. Gardiner politely.

“Indeed it was.  It was the premier event of the season,” was Caroline’s condescending reply.

“I do not recall seeing you at the event. Do you, Edward?” Mrs. Gardiner asked innocently.

“You were in attendance at the event of an earl?” asked Caroline incredulously.

“Indeed, we were.  The earl and my husband were dear friends at school.  The earl and countess always include us in their events, as do several of our other acquaintances.”

Caroline’s face turned an unattractive shade of green as she attempted to find a way to refute the Gardiners’ claims.

However, Mrs. Gardiner was not quite finished.  “You have roots in trade, Miss Bingley; you must be aware that the world is changing. Otherwise you would not find yourself so easily accepted within the ton.”  Caroline’s face had gone from green to white to red.  She was not pleased that Mrs. Gardiner had shown her up in this manner.

Caroline mumbled, “If you would please excuse me, I feel a headache coming on.  I believe I shall retire until time for tea.”  She rose from her seat and practically ran from the room. 

Darcy was delighted with the conversation.  Mrs. Gardiner had handled Caroline Bingley’s pretentions in a graceful and well-mannered fashion.  Darcy had been impressed with the Gardiners from the moment he met them, but he was surprised to learn that they mingled with the ton.  “I hope I shall have the pleasure of meeting you at events in the future, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner.”

Elizabeth was surprised at his words, but, again, they emphasized the fact that he had changed since last they met.  Had he done this for her?  It seemed Mr. Darcy had attended to all the things of which she had previously accused him.

“Would anyone care to join me for a turn about the gardens?”  Though addressing his comment to the room, Darcy looked only at Elizabeth.  All but Mr. and Mrs. Hurst joined the outing.  As usual, Hurst was asleep on a sofa in the corner, and Mrs. Hurst felt it would be wise to check on her sister. 

Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth and led the group from the room.  As Georgiana was on Mr. Bingley’s arm, Mrs. Annesley trailed the group.  After half an hour of walking, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner said they would like to retire to rest until teatime.  The others continued on, exiting the formal gardens and entering a vast expanse of bright green grass.  At the far side of this area was a stone wall with a few steps.  At the top of the steps sat a gazebo surrounded by lovely flowering trees, the mauve buds of which gave off a sweet scent that floated on the air.  The group made its way to the shade that the gazebo offered. 

When everyone had seated themselves, Bingley addressed Elizabeth.  “How was Miss Bennet when you departed on your travels?  I hope she was well.”  Elizabeth noted the interest and eagerness in his voice.

“I believe she was in good health, but her spirits were a bit low.  To me, they seemed to have been that way for some time.”  Elizabeth watched him carefully as she continued.  “I believe she was missing some of her friends who were no longer in the neighborhood.”  She observed Mr. Bingley’s ears turn pink and a smile spread across his face, though it dimmed quickly.  A look of confusion filled his eyes. 

“Oh, oh,” Bingley began to stammer.  He clamped his jaw shut and took a deep breath.  “I have missed the delightful friends I made there, as well, but my sisters did not seem to think anyone would miss our presence.”

“Pleasant company and the companionship of friends are always missed, Mr. Bingley, some acquaintances more than others.”

Darcy had the grace to flush with embarrassment during this conversation.  He decided to make amends by contributing.

“I believe that to be very true, Bingley.  I had the pleasure of seeing Miss Elizabeth while she visited her cousin Mr. Collins and his bride, the former Charlotte Lucas.  I was at Rosings to attend to Lady Catherine’s books.”  It was now Elizabeth’s turn to blush in embarrassment.  She had been so rude to him at Hunsford and her poor behavior still mortified her.  “In fact, Miss Elizabeth made me aware of the fact that Miss Bennet had been in London all winter.  I believe she even called upon your sisters.  I am sorry I failed to mention it to you, and I am even more so for interfering at all.  I was not close enough to Miss Bennet to see what you saw, and it was unpardonable for me to provide an unsolicited opinion.”

Bingley was surprised at Darcy’s words but much more surprised to learn that Jane had called at his home and that his sisters had not made him aware of that fact.

“You said nothing of your opinion until I asked you, so think nothing of it, Darcy.  I know how busy you always are, and we have not seen much of each other since the holidays.”

Darcy let out a soft sigh of relief.  Though his haughty interference still bothered him, his feelings of guilt lessened at the look of appreciation and approval on Elizabeth’s face.  The foursome spent quite some time visiting as they enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere of the gardens.

If Elizabeth and the Gardiners had been impressed with the midday meal, the evening meal was an even more sumptuous event.  The group had returned from the garden in time for afternoon tea.  Though Miss Bingley joined the other guests, she was unusually silent.  With a pained expression, she observed the relaxed interactions between her brother, the Darcys, and Eliza Bennet and her family.  Caroline looked at her sister in annoyance, rolling her eyes, but surprisingly remained silent.  She decided she would dress in her finest that night to highlight the differences between the unimportant country chit and herself. Surrounded by the splendor of Pemberley, Darcy could not fail to see how perfectly suited Caroline was to be his wife and the mistress of his homes. 

Though careful to present herself at her best, Caroline hurried through her toilet.  She dressed in a new gown of parrot green, with a daringly low décolletage and overly ornamented with furbelows.  Though the color and style were of the latest fashion, because she was nouveau riche, Miss Bingley had a need to belong that made her believe more was better.  Unfortunately, she failed to realize that fashionable did not always equate to becoming.  The green of her gown made her skin appear sallow, and the décolletage did nothing to enhance her meager charms.  Her plan was to arrive first in the drawing room, rather than make her usual dramatic entrance. This way she could command Darcy’s attentions before the interloper appeared. 

Caroline stood near the windows of the drawing room, out of sight of the doorway.  When Darcy stepped into it, he did not notice her.  He pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time.  As the timepiece clicked closed, Darcy paced towards the fireplace and back again.  He stepped into the hallway and glanced at the stairs, then hovered in the doorway. 

“Do you plan to stand in the doorway all evening, Mr. Darcy?”

Darcy started, then turned slowly towards the sound of the voice that always put his nerves on edge.  “Good evening, Miss Bingley. How surprising to find you here so early.”

Darcy remained in the doorway, looking down to adjust his cuffs in an attempt to avoid being alone with her.  He surreptitiously watched for the reappearance of a footman to chaperone them.  Darcy breathed a sigh of relief upon finally hearing footsteps in the hall. 

Miss Bingley took a step towards him.  “It appeared to be the only way I might find an opportunity for conversation with you, sir.  Will you not join me, Mr. Darcy?”  She lowered her eyes and fluttered her lashes as she gave him what she thought to be a seductive smile.  Darcy wondered why he suddenly felt like something about to be caught in a spider’s web.

Darcy folded his arms behind his back to prevent her from clutching them as she usually did.  With his arms in this position, he was able to beckon to the footman without Miss Bingley’s notice.  The young man hastened to the doorway, standing where anyone within the room could see him.  None of the staff members at either Darcy House or Pemberley wanted Caroline Bingley to become their next mistress.  Consequently, all the staff took very seriously the duty of protecting their master from this grasping, manipulative woman.  Caroline Bingley would make not only Mr. Darcy but the entire household unhappy.

When the footman was in place, Darcy moved farther into the room.  Caroline sat on a small sofa, but he did not take the seat beside her that she patted invitingly.  He moved to stand before the fireplace, where he could observe the entry to watch for Elizabeth’s arrival.  Miss Bingley forced herself to continue smiling in spite of the frustration she felt with his behavior. 

Pasting a smile on her face, Caroline addressed her host.  “I am sorry I was not able to join you earlier for your walk in the gardens.  The grounds of Pemberley are some of the grandest it has ever been my pleasure to visit.”

Darcy acknowledged her words with a dip of his head but did not speak. 

Caroline tried again.  “You did not tell me how you came to have additional guests.  I understood it was to be our usual small family party during this visit.”  She stared at him, awaiting his answer.

“As none of my relatives are present, with the exception of my sister, it cannot be a family party, Miss Bingley,” said Darcy repressively.  “I had thought it would be only your family but was pleased to encounter Miss Bennet and her relations as they toured the area.  I was grateful for the opportunity to return some of the hospitality shown to me in Hertfordshire.”

“Did you really feel it necessary to invite into your home those of a society so decidedly beneath our own to repay the meager hospitality—if it could even be called such—which we experienced last fall?”

“I believe we received the very best hospitality the neighborhood had to offer.  Mrs. Bennet set a particularly excellent table, and it is incumbent that I offer my best in return.”  A gentle dignity filled his impassioned words.

“Oh, Mr. Darcy, how you do like to tease.”  Caroline tittered.  “I am sure the residents of such an insignificant village would be completely overwhelmed by a full display of the hospitality that Pemberley has to offer.  It was certainly not necessary to put yourself out in such a way.”

“You may run your future home as you see fit, Miss Bingley, but Pemberley shall always offer its assistance and hospitality to all those who depend upon it and those the Darcy family chooses to host.”

“What if your wife is not of the same opinion, sir?  After all, the hospitality of your home falls under her purview.” 

“I cannot imagine choosing to marry anyone who would not graciously offer the hospitality for which Pemberley is renowned.”

Caroline felt great affront at his words.  “Mr. Darcy, I have visited Pemberley several times over the last few years.  I am unaware of this reputation of hospitality to which you refer, as most of our visits pass very quietly.”

“Your lack of awareness, Miss Bingley, does not mean it does not exist.  My late mother was beloved by the tenants and villagers who depend upon Pemberley for much of their prosperity.  Many of the traditions that Lady Anne began are still maintained, but they have lacked the thoughtful touch of a mistress.  The woman I marry will wholeheartedly wish to continue with my mother’s legacy and charitable works in the same caring and gracious manner.”

“It will be necessary for you to choose carefully,” came the sly voice of Miss Bingley.  “Her background and education will need to be impeccable.”  Caroline preened and Darcy realized she was speaking of herself.  Caroline believed she would be able to change his opinion about socializing with those of a lower social standing once they were married. 

Seeing Darcy straighten and look in her direction, Caroline sat taller and turned to more fully face her host.  She knew he would come to his senses if only he had the opportunity to be alone with her.  Caroline saw his expression soften and a look of love come into his eyes, causing her to expect that a declaration would be immediately forthcoming.  At his next words, Caroline’s dreams crashed down around her.

“Good evening, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy moved to bow over her hand.  “You look very lovely tonight.”  Light green vines and small white flowers adorned Elizabeth’s pale yellow silk gown.  Its simple elegance showed her good taste, and it becomingly clung to her voluptuous figure. 

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy, and good evening to you, too.”  Elizabeth gave him an impish smile. 

Before Darcy could lead Elizabeth to a seat, Georgiana and the Gardiners joined them.  Bingley followed closely after the Gardiners, and the Hursts appeared but a short time later.  The group had barely settled themselves for conversation when the butler announced dinner.

Darcy had ignored Caroline from the moment of Elizabeth Bennet’s arrival in the room.  After observing his expressions, Caroline realized that, throughout their conversation, he had likely been speaking of that nobody.  Caroline needed a way to make sense of this, so she rationalized that Darcy was not the man she thought him to be if he could accept such a lowly individual as Elizabeth Bennet as his wife. 

Caroline spoke little throughout the meal, confining her comments to her sister.  As she ate, she continued to plan and rationalize.  She did not need the Darcy name.  Caroline was an attractive, properly educated, well-dowered young lady, and Darcy was a fool not to see it.  She would show Darcy.  When Caroline found her match, she would exclude the Darcys from her invitations, ensuring that Elizabeth Bennet never enjoyed her position as Mrs. Darcy—something which Caroline had worked to attain for more than three years. 

The gentlemen did not separate from the ladies upon the conclusion of the meal.  Everyone adjourned to the music room, where Georgiana, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Hurst entertained the company.  The evening ended by ten, as the Gardiners had to return to the inn in Lambton.  When Darcy requested that their carriage be prepared, he also ordered two armed outriders to accompany then.

Darcy and Georgiana escorted their guests to the door.  Georgiana expressed the hope that she would see Elizabeth again before they departed the area and requested Elizabeth write to her after her return to Longbourn.  While his sister spoke with Elizabeth, Darcy expressed similar hopes to the Gardiners.  As Georgiana moved to farewell the Gardiners, Darcy gently touched Elizabeth’s elbow, moving a few steps away from the others.

“Miss Elizabeth, I cannot tell you what a pleasure it was to have you join us here at Pemberley for the day.  I hope you enjoyed yourself.”

“Oh, yes, Mr. Darcy.  As surprised as I find myself to be saying this, I must agree with Miss Bingley.  Pemberley is quite the most magnificent estate of all those I have seen.  You have a reason to be proud.  You handle with fairness and compassion the multitude of responsibilities that rest upon your shoulders.  You have raised a remarkable young woman.  It has been a great pleasure to meet Miss Darcy, and I look forward to corresponding with her.”

“I am certain she will become only more remarkable for knowing you.” 

Elizabeth could be in no doubt of his meaning, for his eyes spoke much more than his words. 

“Come, Lizzy, we must depart,” said Mr. Gardiner.

Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth and moved in the direction of the door.  Georgiana again said her farewells and stepped back.  Darcy, with Elizabeth still on his arm, followed the Gardiners through the entry.  He took the opportunity to hand Elizabeth into the carriage.  Never breaking eye contact, he kissed her hand briefly before he stepped back, giving it one final squeeze before releasing it.  Mr. Gardiner assisted his wife in and stepped up after her.  He rapped on the roof with his walking stick and the carriage moved down Pemberley’s drive.  Darcy remained watching it until he could no longer see the carriage lights.