Page 15 of Compromise & Consequence
At this juncture, her aunt need not know Mr. Darcy had forbidden contact with family, and she would never be in a position to help Jane from that quarter. Still, she could not, in good conscience, assign her cousin to a fate worse than death. Mr. Collins would ride roughshod over her tender heart, and she’d be at the beck and call of the haughty Lady Catherine. Jane’s gentle spirit would be crushed.
Instead, she would ask Uncle Gardiner to bring her favorite cousin to London. Maybe there she might meet a nice gentlemanwho knew nothing about the Bennet family’s slightly tarnished reputation, or even better, someone who didn’t care. It was sometime later that she and Jane had a chance to speak privately in their room.
“Tell me truly, dear Jane. Are you much distressed over Mr. Bingley leaving in such an abrupt fashion?”
“I have not said anything to Mamma, but a letter was delivered to me from Netherfield the afternoon following the ball,” Jane said, taking from her pocket a letter, which already showed some sign of wear.
“This is from Caroline Bingley and what it contains surprised me a good deal. The whole party has left Netherfield and is on their way to town; without any intention of coming back again. You shall hear what she says.”
She began to read.
“I am sure you are surprised to receive correspondence from me, given what happened last evening. By the time you receive this note, Netherfield is in the process of being closed permanently. I will not pretend to regret anything I leave in Hertfordshire. Regardless of your valiant efforts to curry favor and forge a friendship with my sister and me, I am pleased to inform you that, in this venture, you have been quite unsuccessful.”
To these horrific expressions, Elizabeth listened with a growing rage. To spew such venom – to Jane of all people! – it was beyond the pale.
“These are her sentiments alone, Jane. Mr. Bingley is his own man and hopefully will come to his own conclusions.” Elizabeth consoled, after a short pause, not daring to express her thoughts that he was very much under the thumb of not only his sister but also Mr. Darcy. And she knew they would harangue him day andnight to forget about his angel from Hertfordshire.
“Thank you for those kind words, Lizzy, but Caroline decidedly says none of the party will return to Hertfordshire this winter. I will read it to you.”
“We made the decision to remove ourselves to London where we can enjoy a society that is so much greater than Meryton’s, and more specifically, removes ourselves from your family’s desperate bid for better connections.”
“You cannot argue they have no intention of returning to Hertfordshire,” added Jane.
“The only evidence presented to me is the fact Miss Bingley does not intend to return.”
“It gets worse, Lizzy. I will read you the passage which particularly hurts me. I will have no reserves from you.”
There was more to hurt her cousin? Caroline Bingley’s poisonous pen had already done enough damage.
“Mr. Darcy left early this morning. He was quite impatient to see his sister and to confess the truth, we are all so very eager to resume our warm friendship and are excited to welcome Georgiana as our sister. Her relations all wish the connection as much as our own. Given the fact our brother is at Darcy House almost every day, he will have frequent opportunities to see his beloved in the most intimate of situations.
You aspired beyond your reach, Miss Bennet. My brother would never have degraded our family by linking the names of Bingley with Bennet, not when Darcy and Bingley are superior.
Do not attempt to contact me, Miss Bennet. Your letters will be burned, unopened, and if by chance I see you on the street, I will not acknowledge you by any form of address.”
“Well, what do you think of this, Lizzy?” Jane asked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Is it not clear enough? Does it notexpressly declare Caroline neither expected nor wished me to be her sister? Can there be any other opinion on the subject?”
“No, I am afraid I cannot. This distresses me almost as much as you. You did nothing wrong. Mr. Bingley and his sisters should not treat you with such disdain as Mr. Darcy is saving our family from ruin by marrying me. It is obvious Miss Bingley exerts great influence on her brother and mayhap it is good you know this now. If you had married him, she would have been the second wife in the marriage without all the intimate benefits.”
“Lizzy!”
“What? You know that is true. I think you dodged a lot of heartache by learning of his weak nature. We should look to the good side of this coin and disregard the bad.”
“What good can come from this, sister of my heart?”
“You are free to marry anyone you like. I have the means to ensure you have a wonderful time in London this spring and have asked Uncle Gardiner if you can return to London with them after Christmas. I am certain they will not say no.”
“I cannot use Mr. Darcy’s money,” Jane protested. “He would for certain think we are mercenary.”
“I have a small secret I will share with you fully once you are in London, but I can assure you I will not be spending Mr. Darcy’s money but my own.”
“Your money, whatever do you mean?”
“I have money from when my dear father died. I will give you some.”
“I cannot take your money either.”
“You will have no choice. It is a gift, and you will offend me by not accepting.”
