Chapter Text
Chapter One
Jane Bennet smiled wistfully as she watched the new Mr and Mrs Darcy wave one last time before stepping into their carriage to travel to London to spend a blissful two weeks alone together before Georgiana Darcy and Mrs Annesley would join them at Darcy House.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and leaned momentarily into the comfort of her betrothed, Charles Bingley. “Are you regretting waiting?” he asked quietly enough that only she could hear him.
“Yes,” she said honestly. When her mother was being unreasonable and harassing Elizabeth for planning to marry Mr Darcy on Valentine’s Day, Jane had threatened to have a double wedding ceremony with her next youngest sister. Mamma had backed off, and now she and Charles would experience her mother in full wedding planning mode.
“Mrs Darcy, how well it sounds! And he surprised her with her own carriage and horses! Jane will also be Mrs Bingley soon! Oh God has blessed my girls, has He not, Lady Lucas?”
Jane winced as the Lucas matriarch agreed with a strangled sound.
“The banns have been called, the marriage settlements signed, and you have your dress. We could get married tomorrow if the vicar agrees,” Charles continued.
“Do not tempt me,” Jane said with a laugh. “At the very least we both want Lizzy and Darcy at our wedding.”
“Two weeks since that is when they expect company again? I shall send a groom with a letter the day after tomorrow.”
“Two weeks if they confirm,” Jane agreed. “Oh but Mary is to go to Town with the Gardiners tomorrow. I wish for her to stand up with me.”
“I am sure Darcy and Lizzy could convey her to Meryton or I shall send my carriage for her,” Bingley suggested.
“Jane! Mr Bingley! Come in from the cold!” Mamma yelled. Was her voice always so shrill?
“Let us speak with the Gardiners tonight. I am not sure they will be able to return so soon.”
They looked at each and sighed. “It was a lovely thought,” Charles said comfortingly.
Jane nodded. “It was. Let us be married as soon as possible.” Charles offered his arm and together they went back into Netherfield to attend their guests. Or Charles’s guests anyway since Mamma was the hostess as she had planned Mr Darcy—no, she was to call him either Darcy or Fitzwilliam—and Lizzy’s wedding breakfast.
“I shall speak with Mary and the Gardiners,” Jane said again.
Charles laid his hand over hers where it rested on his arm. “I leave it to you.”
“Thank you.” She smiled. This handsome, gentle man was really her betrothed and she looked forward to marrying him and going on a wedding trip if one could be arranged.
Charles must have had the same thoughts. “Name the day and I shall arrange lodgings in Bath or Brighton for a wedding tour.”
She blushed. “I would like that. Or perhaps we could borrow Darcy’s house in Ramsgate?”
“Another option,” he agreed. “Do you have a preference?”
“Only that we are alone somewhere,” she blurted out, and felt the blush spread all the way to her neck. “That is—“
“Leave it to me,” Charles was grinning and leaned down so his head was level with hers. “I am looking forward to being alone with you too,” he whispered.
She shivered at the feel of his warm breath against her cold skin. “How long is the lease for Netherfield?”
“Eight more months. What are you thinking?”
“Perhaps our next home could be more in the north?” she said a tad breathily.
“Derbyshire perhaps?”
She nodded. “I have a feeling Mamma will call frequently.”
“We shall not accept her calls if it is not convenient and let Nicholls know,” he said firmly. “Let us discuss this later.”
They entered the ballroom and were immediately accosted by Sir William Lucas. “Mr Bingley! Capital wedding breakfast, sir! Just capital! When shall yours be?”
Charles smiled easily. “Thank you, Sir William. Our wedding shall be as soon as this lovely lady names the day. We will be sure to let you know. Would you excuse us, please? I believe Mrs Bennet desires a word.”
“Of course.”
Charles steered them away from the jovial man who had been the Bennets closest neighbour since Jane was ten.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“It is my privilege to extricate you from such situations. We shall have to develop a signal and rescue each other. Tapping my jaw like I am thinking perhaps? What shall your signal be?”
“I could open my fan and wave it. Of course I do not always carry one. I guess I shall catch your eye and smile.”
“But then I shall always come to you since you smile at me.”
She giggled softly. “I know.”
He laughed. “A smile it shall be, my dear.”
Jane smiled affectionately at him. They were much better suited for each other than Darcy and Lizzy in her opinion. The two of them argued too much. But perhaps that was part of their charm. She would have to ask her sister in the future. In the meantime, she
had her own wedding to plan. And it could not happen soon enough!
***
“Jane, you must give me at least six months to plan your wedding,” Mrs Bennet fluttered her lace handkerchief as she and her remaining daughters–sans Mary who had travelled to London with the Gardiners that morning—sat in the drawing room the next afternoon with Bingley in attendance. He caught Jane’s eye and she took a deep breath.
“We shall marry as soon as we receive confirmation that Darcy and Lizzy will be able to attend,” she said firmly.
“Jane–”
“Did you learn nothing from what happened with Lizzy? I now regret that Charles and I did not marry at the same time!” Jane cried. “If you persist, Mother, I shall go to Gretna Green and leave you to deal with the scandal!”
Mrs Bennet screeched. “You ungrateful girl! Get out of my home! You are no longer welcome here!” Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia started giggling but stopped as she glared at her two youngest and they started whispering to each other.
She had apparently learned nothing permanent, which was very disappointing. He had been starting to actually like instead of tolerate his future mother once she accepted that Darcy and Lizzy would carry their day and she would need to fall in line or have no part of it. It was a pity Lizzy’s scheme had worked to have Mrs Bennet help plan the wedding. Now it made the matriarch think she could carry on as she pleased with the usual amiable Jane.
“It is not your home, Mother, it belongs to Father. If he tells me to leave, then I will.” Jane turned to Bingley. “You would convey me to the Phillips or to the Gardiners would you not?”
He cleared his throat. “If need be, yes. Why do we not take a walk?” The weather was not the best but it would give tempers a chance to cool and then they could talk to Mr Bennet. “Please,” he said quietly.
Jane stood and swept out of the room, back straight without acknowledging her mother. Bingley gave a short bow, mumbled his excuses and hurried after her. “I am going to change my shoes,” she called.
He stood in the hallway and waited. Hill appeared with his greatcoat, beaver, and cane and wordlessly helped Bingley to put his things on. “Thank you, Hill. Would you please apprise Mr Bennet of what is happening and tell him we shall wait on him upon our return from a walk?”
Hill nodded. “Of course, sir. Would you care to have a quick word with the master while Miss Bennet finishes readying herself?”
Servants always knew what was happening in any household. It was one reason Bingley tried to pay his servants well to stem gossip. Nothing was perfect, but he was learning to manage them and his estate better thanks to Darcy. Any servant caught gossiping about the Darcy family or their guests outside Darcy House or Pemberley was released without a character. It was harsh but an effective means of dealing with the poisonous practice of tittle tattle.
Bingley sighed, it would be better coming from him than Hill. “Will you inform Miss Bennet where I am? There is no need to announce me to Mr Bennet.”
“As you wish, sir.” Hill bowed and Bingley headed down the hallway in the direction of Mr Bennet’s book room.
Bingley knocked on the door and waited until he heard Mr Bennet call permission to enter. He twisted the knob and opened the door.
“Mr Bingley, did you lose your way to the drawing room?” the master of Longbourn asked with a smirk. It faded when he saw Bingley’s face. “Come, and sit, son. Brandy, port, or whiskey?”
“A bit of brandy would do the trick, thank you, sir.” Bingley offered a belated bow and then crossed the faded floral carpet to sit in the leather wingback chair in front of the desk cluttered with books, ledgers, and papers.
Mr Bennet poured two snifters of brandy and handed one to Bingley before sitting back behind his desk. Bingley forced himself to sip and not gulp down the spirit. It was decent but nothing like Darcy’s stock which he shared with Bingley generously.
Mr Bennet took a sip of his own drink. “Would you care to tell me about it?”
“Mrs Bennet is once again protesting that she should decide when her daughter will marry and when Jane refused to let her name the day told her to leave Longbourn.”
Mr Bennet ran a hand over his face and tossed back his drink. “My wife did not learn her lesson yet, I see.”
“No.”
“Jane will not lose her home. If she chooses to go visit and marry elsewhere, I just ask that you would at least invite me and the rest of the girls to the wedding.”
“Of course, sir.” Bingley finished the rest of his brandy. He had not eaten more than a piece of toast that morning and the brandy started to warm him and loosen his tongue. “Will you ever take Mrs Bennet in hand?”
“I should.” Mr Bennet stared at the opened book covered in red leather in front of him. “I do not wish her to harm any more of my daughters.”
“But it is hard to do.”
“You speak of your sisters. Another brandy?”
“Yes, thank you, sir.” Bingley looked at the clock on the shelf behind Mr Bennet’s desk. Where was Jane?
Mr Bennet filled their glasses again and this time sat next to Bingley before handing over the glass. “To the interfering women in our lives,” he said sarcastically.
Bingley snorted. “As you say.” They clinked glasses and took generous sips. A knock. Please let that be Jane.
“Come!”
The door opened and Jane entered. She arched an eyebrow. “Drinking already?”
“Do you blame me with what your mother is doing?” Mr Bennet asked, raising his own eyebrow.
Jane sighed and pulled up a stool before Bingley could get up and offer her his seat. “No, Papa, of course not.” She reached out a hand and her father offered her his glass. She took a small sip and sputtered. “That is foul.”
“There is still some sherry if you would prefer that.”
“No, thank you, Papa. I am well.” She stared at her father. “Am I to leave Longbourn, then?”
“Of course not. You are my daughter and Longbourn is your home. Now, if you choose to visit and marry elsewhere I will understand. I just asked Mr Bingley here to invite me and the rest of your sisters to the wedding, even if you exclude your mother.”
“You would not blame me?” Jane hunched over, wrapping her arms around herself and bowed her head. She looked more tired and sad than he had ever seen her. Bingley reached to take her hand but she shook her head at him.
“No, my dear.” Mr Bennet’s voice was very gentle. “Your mother has brought this on yourself. Where would you like to go?”
“I would like to go to Lizzy and Darcy but if the Gardiners will have me, I will go there.”
Mr Bennet nodded. “I shall send an express letting the Gardiners know you will arrive tomorrow.”
“I will send you in my coach with a maid as chaperone,” Bingley offered.
“You will not go yourself since only a maid is chaperoning,” Mr Bennet set his condition.
“As you wish, sir.” It would not stop Bingley from riding to London the next day, or even the same afternoon, but he would honour his future father’s wishes.
“What if Aunt Phillips attended me?” Jane suggested. “We could let it be known she was helping me look over Charles' house to see if I wish to redecorate it before we married. Of course everyone will assume Mamma will be too busy planning the wedding.”
“My Sister Phillips has an unfortunate talent for sniffing out gossip. Do you really wish to expose yourself that way?” Mr Bennet stated at his oldest daughter until she shook her head
“I will follow you to Town,” Bingley promised. “I shall not travel with you per your father’s wishes, but I will be there.”
“You could take me to Town, Papa and escape Mamma!” Jane teased her father.
“I will even offer you a look at my book collection to see if there is anything you want,” Bingley offered. It only consisted of the works of Shakespeare, Donne, Marlowe, and a few other books, but Mr Bennet need not know that.
Mr Bennet chuckled. “Darcy has told me about what passes for your collection.” He turned serious. “Jane, if you wish me to escort you to Town, it will take me a day or two to finish things here. I also would like to take your sisters and leave your mother here.”
“You could stay at my house in Town and I shall find bachelor quarters,” Bingley offered. “I know the Gardiners home is too small to fit all of you.”
“If Jane stays with the Gardiners you would not need to find other accommodations,” Mr Bennet pointed out.
“Or I could stay with Lizzy and Darcy.”
“Give them their alone two weeks, Jane. They deserve it. Would you wish your family to descend on you right after you marry?”
Jane blushed. “No,” she admitted.
“I shall send all you girls to the Gardiners tomorrow and then I will follow in a few days. Mr Bingley if you wish to travel with all of them you may. Your mother and I are overdue to speak and I think it would be best if none of you are here. It will be crowded, but I think they will not mind for a few days. Then we shall take you up on your offer to stay in your home, Mr. Bingley if it is still open.” Mr Bennet was planning out loud as he thought things through.
“Yes, sir. I really do need to take at least a day or two to consult Mrs Nicholls and my steward.”
“Mr Bingley, would you please excuse us to take care of our family business for the rest of the day?”
Bingley finished his brandy in one long swallow and stood. Mr Bennet preferred port so perhaps a few bottles would not go amiss as a gift in the future, along with books of course. “I shall take my leave of Mrs Bennet and the girls.” He turned to his betrothed. “You will be well?”
Tears shimmered in her eyes and her lower lip trembled as she smiled. “I shall be, especially once we are all in London.”
Ignoring Mr Bennet he caught her hand and pulled her close to embrace her. She was stiff at first and then her arms went around his waist.“All shall be well, I promise,” he whispered in her ear. She nodded against his chest. He kissed the top of her head and released her.
“I see you both shall need a chaperone,” Mr Bennet sounded amused.
“I have always treated Miss Bennet with the utmost respect, sir. You do not need to worry about us anticipating our vows.”
“I shall hold you to that, Mr Bingley.”
“We will not have a child seven months after we wed and tell everyone it came early,” Jane’s voice sounded brittle.
Bingley winced, that would explain a lot of the tension—even now—that was between Mr and Mrs Bennet. He bowed to Mr Bennet. “I shall furnish my direction in Town to you and let my staff know to ready the house. Will Miss Mary be joining you?”
“I shall find out when we get to the Gardiners and send a letter to Netherfield,” Jane promised.
Bingley shrugged. “I shall just tell my housekeeper to prepare chambers for her. If she does come I am afraid Miss Kitty and Miss Lydia will have to share.”
“They already share a chamber here, that will not be a problem. You have my word they will learn to behave or find themselves restricted to their chambers with no pin money. I will be seeking a companion or governess for them.” His face twisted. “Or perhaps even the nursery if you have such rooms.”
“I do. Would you prefer I have them placed there?” Bingley was uncertain that was the best course of action.
“Only if needed, but they will also find they are no longer out, even if Meryton. I will not have my family embarrassing you or the Darcys any further if I can help it.”
It seemed while Mrs Bennet had not changed, Mr Bennet might have.
“It is a good beginning, Papa,” Jane managed to say. “I shall inform Mrs Hill of our travels so packing can begin. With all of us going, it may be best to wait a few days so preparations can be made.”
Mr Bennet sighed. “You are correct, I forgot the labour involved for the staff. Will you be able to endure?”
“I shall manage.” She tried to smile, and while her lips curved up it did not enliven her face as usual.
“I will call tomorrow,” Bingley promised, taking her hands and kissing each one. He had a lot to do but the staff was competent and he would not leave Jane. “A note will see me here anytime if you need me,” he said quietly. “A vail would be paid by me if needed.”
This time her smile was soft and just for him. “Thank you, Charles.” She squeezed his hands.
With reluctance he farewelled Mr Bennet. Fortunately, the rest of the Bennet ladies were not in the drawing room so he made his escape without seeing Mrs Bennet. He considered himself a good man, but even he was tempted to take her to task after her theatrics earlier. As he waited for his horse to be brought around, he started thinking of all the letters he would have to write. Perhaps his valet could assist him for now, or Jane once they married.
He grinned at the thought and thanked the groom as his horse was brought to him. The man held the bridle as he mounted. With a jaunty salute of his crop, he put pressure into the sides of his horse and trotted down the drive.He looked at the setting sun, judging he had just enough light to make it back to Netherfield. With that thought in mind, he heeled his mare into a canter. Determination filled him. He would marry Jane as soon as possible and then it would be his pleasure and delight to protect her from others, and even herself if necessary. But especially from her family. They would take in her sisters and try to help them as discussed previously with Darcy and Lizzy. He just hoped they were all up for the task.