Page 76 of Compromise & Consequence
“That much?”
“Aye.”
“Wait one minute,” Bingley finally sputtered out. “Are you attempting to steal Jane from me?”
Richard directed a hard glare toward the younger man, disdain etched on every feature of his face. At least, Darcy recognized it as disdain. Bingley did not know his cousin as well as him.
“Miss Bennet is not yours to steal. You fled Meryton at the first whiff of scandal and your sister followed up on your atrocious behavior in the form of a poison pen letter, spelling out in clear concise terms what she thought of Miss Bennet and her family. She also outright lied in saying you were betrothed to Georgiana. As one of her guardians, I find that piece of gossip highly offensive.”
“She would never do that.”
“I have read the letter, Bingley. She did exactly that.” Darcy said quietly.
“But why?”
“Are you daft, man!” Richard finally exploded and stompedto the far side of the room before turning around. Darcy saw his hand clench and unclench into a fist and knew he’d purposefully distanced himself from Bingley to stop from taking a well-aimed jab at his face. His cousin, having gained control of his anger, stalked back toward Darcy and Bingley, his steps measured and firm.
“Your sister continually maligns Miss Bennet and Elizabeth. Her tongue is so spiteful it is a wonder she can taste any food or drink over the bitterness which fills her mouth.”
“Caroline wants only what is best for me.”
“Believe that if you must, but your sister looks out for only one person, and that is herself.”
“I do not understand. When… where did you meet Miss Bennet?”
“I metJane” – Bingley winced at Richard’s use of her given name – “when I attended Meryton on business with the militia not long after Darcy and Elizabeth wed and knew immediately, she was a lady of refined manners and gentle disposition.” He gave Bingley the gimlet eye. “I did not require anyone’s permission to court the most beautiful woman I have ever beheld. Beautiful not only in physical composition but in her soul.”
“I am very aware of her good nature.”
“Are you? What else are you aware of? Tell me some things about this woman you claim to love.”
“Well… she loves to dance and is kind.” Charles’s voice drifted off. “She looks lovely in the shade of light blue; the color brings out her eyes.”
“You misunderstood. Tell me something of substance.”
“I… I…” Bingley floundered. “I have not seen her in months.”
“And whose fault is that?” Richard held up his hand toforestall Bingley from answering. “Then I will tell you some things. Were you aware she has an old blanket tucked in her memory chest which had been wrapped around a puppy she tried to save when she was eleven? For three weeks she nursed the poor thing, only to watch the wretched animal succumb to its injuries. She kept the blanket as a reminder that the physical things we treasure are temporary.” Richard slid a glance at Darcy before he spoke again. “At the age of fifteen, the year she came out, she and Elizabeth wrote a manifest of love, which is why they are adamant about marrying only for love and nothing else. She is allergic to mushrooms, and tears glisten on the tips of her eyelashes at the sight of a perfect sunrise. She loves her family with a fierceness which, frankly, surprises me, yet she still sees the good in people. Even those who try to hurt her. Did you know she cried when Mr. Bennet made her show Darcy the letter your sister wrote?”
“He what? She did?”
“Yes, would you like to know why?”
Bingley could only nod his assent.
“She worried your sister’s words would damage our friendship,” Darcy cut in before Richard could speak. “Not once did she mention the hurt your sister’s words did to her heart and soul.”
How had he not seen her goodness for himself? Even now, he was humbled by her generous spirit. Richard would do well to marry her.
“You and I will speak later of how you know Jane cries at the sight of a perfect sunrise,” Darcy said in a low voice.
A dull red crept up Richard’s neck and he nodded in agreement.
“I do not know what to do, Darcy. I followed your lead afterthe ball.” Bingley said, oblivious to the undercurrents flowing around the two cousins.
“If it is any consolation, Charles, I am extremely sorry for my behavior. At the time my anger was the only thing feeding my soul and I did not care who got hurt in the wake of it.”
“Darcy, you take too much on yourself. No one forced Bingley to leave Miss Bennet behind. He has to accept the consequences of his actions, just like you have had to accept yours,” Richard said, his tone exasperated.
