Chapter Text
In his study in Netherfield Charles Bingley held out his glass for his brother-in-law Hurst to refill with more brandy. His head hurt – how had things gotten so muddled? He was fulfilling his late father's dream of becoming a landed gentleman, he was at leisure to spend time with those he cared for above all others, his family and his best friend Fitzwilliam Darcy and last but not least he had met the most divine angel. He sighed.
"Bingley!" Hurst's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Bingley! Come man, pay attention, I have called your name above four times!"
"I'm sorry Hurst, I seem to be lost in my thoughts, I do not know what to do after this evening"
"You must take that shrew of a sister in hand man! I am astonished that she, the daughter of a tradesman deigned to speak so rudely to Miss Elizabeth Bennet." Hurst poured them both another glass of brandy "By all accounts she is a fine girl and she certainly makes Darcy more entertaining. Why, I have never seen him speak so many words together and to a lady no less." Hurst chuckled.
"I am glad you find it amusing Hurst." Charles slammed his glass upon the oak desk, lifting up the decanter and pouring another generous measure. "Caroline has always been the worst sort of harpy, but Darcy, arguing with a guest under my roof? I have never seen him behave so rudely!"
"He and Caroline were not the only ones Bingley, Louisa sat and tittered along with Caroline disparaging Miss Elizabeth's appearance and manners." He shuddered, "I do not know what has happened to the sweet woman I married."
"Louisa has always followed Caroline's lead Hurst, once Caroline is married and out of your household, I am sure Louisa will return to the sweet lady we know." Bingley sighed, "It is Darcy I am worried about, his singular behaviour towards Miss Elizabeth could jeopardise our welcome in the neighbourhood"
"I rather say it could affect your welcome in Longbourn too Bingley," Hurst stated seriously. "Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet are not just sisters; they are best friends. Miss Bennet will not keep company with a gentlemen whose friends and family ridicule her sister."
Groaning, Bingey pleaded "Tell me what to do Hurst, I do not want to send Darcy away and risk our friendship but nor can I let him continue to disparage Miss Elizabeth!" Running his hands through his hair, he slumped into the leather of the chair and reached for his glass.
Hurst shrugged, "I do not know what to do to make things right either, I have no notion of why Darcy has taken such a decided dislike of Miss Elizabeth." Saying so he grasped the decanter and set to topping up both glasses.
"Easy Hurst!" Bingley cried "You are spilling the brandy on my papers." He began to lift the papers out of reach of the puddle of brandy and sort them into piles.
"Sorry Bingley, but I'm afraid your desk is no more ordered than our lives," Hurst Chuckled. Looking up from the pile of ledgers he had cleared away he saw that Bingley was staring abstractly at the local newspaper before him.
"Bingley, what is it?"
A slow smile spread across Bingley's face, "Hurst my friend - pour us another glass, I believe we have cause to celebrate, as I have just found the answer to our prayers." Bingley turned the paper around and dropped it on the desk before Hurst. Hurst barked out a startled laugh, "Bingley I think you are on to something here!" pulling forward paper and quill they began to write.
The atmosphere was tense in the breakfast room in Netherfield.
Miss Elizabeth sat quietly, drinking in the fragrant aroma of the steaming cup of herbal tea she held to her lips. Mr Darcy, eyes dark, staring intensely at Miss Elizabeth whilst his coffee grew cold, missed the worried glances exchanged between Bingley and Hurst.
Just then the butler arrived, he cast his eye at the silent group assembled before alighting his gaze on Mr Bingley.
"My apologies Sir, young Simmons usually retrieves the newspaper in Meryton each morning, but he was taken down with a bad fever last night, I sent a groom to retrieve a copy, and it has only just arrived."
"Thank you Mr Nicholls, please let me know if Simmons requires the apothecary and I will arrange it at once."
The aged butler bowed and left the room. Bingley and Hurst tore open the paper, searching for the correct section.
The Meryton Post
Agony Aunt and Advice Section:
Dear Lady,
Why can my friend not act like the consummate gentleman I know around a certain acquaintance?
Mr Disdainful has been my friend for over a decade, and I have never known him to behave this way. He has started singling out our acquaintance Miss Brilliant with what appears to be the express purpose of arguing with the lady. This has shocked me as normally he avoids all interactions with the fairer sex with surprising vigour.
I have asked him repeatedly to leave Miss Brilliant alone and cease arguing with the lady, but he has not heeded my advice and has twice asked the lady to dance - that the lady has refused should come as no shock. Indeed, I do not blame the lady as, at every event the two attend together his eyes follow her every move, his expression is so intense, it is most disconcerting. I have no notion why he must glare at her in the most disapproving way.
How do I make Mr Disdainful cease bothering Miss Brilliant?
Yours,
Mr Bemused.
Mr Bemused,
You state that Mr Disdainful usually eschews female company, but has asked Miss Brilliant to dance on two separate occasions?
You state that he argues constantly with the Lady, yet he refuses to heed your warning and continues to seek Miss Brilliant out?
You state that he is often caught staring intensely at the lady. I ask why, would anyone spend time watching someone they supposedly dislike when the usual practice would be to ignore them completely?
The answer to your question Mr Bemused, is simple.
I believe Mr Disdainful is in love with Miss Brilliant, poor though he may be showing it.
Your devoted Adviser,
A Lady.
Bingley and Hurst looked up at each other, incredulous to what they had just read. Their gazes fell upon Darcy still staring at Miss Elizabeth whilst stirring his cup of tepid coffee.
Looking back at each other they nodded, they would now know how to act.