< To Chapter 3

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Chapter 4: Letters

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The Bennets were engaged to dine with the Lucases that day, which proved to be a relief to the Bennet family. The brief scowls that Mrs. Bennet sent in Elizabeth’s direction were a certain sign that she had no intention of forgetting her anger. Elizabeth tried as much as she was able to avoid looking in her mother’s direction, while at the same time avoiding any interaction with Mr. Collins. Charlotte Lucas proved herself to be a treasure, so engaging Mr. Collins in conversation as to keep his spirits high and to lighten the mood of the entire table.

~oooOOOooo~

Early the next morning, Jane sat in thought, wondering how she would respond to Caroline’s letter. In truth, she wanted to communicate with Mr. Bingley much more than with Miss Bingley, and the reply she finally wrote was one that she hoped would keep her alive in that gentleman’s memory, if by any chance its contents were shared with him.

Dearest Caroline,

I was so pleased to hear from you, and I hope that this letter finds you and your friends happy and well and settled comfortably in London.

Please remember me to my dear friend, Louisa. I think fondly of you both as I cherish the memories of your elegant hospitality and the precious times we spent together at Netherfield.

We are, indeed looking forward to Christmas here in Hertfordshire. The beauty of our countryside when it is blanketed with snow is incomparable, and our family and neighborhood traditions of the season warm the heart. I will share them with you as they occur, and I hope that you will tell me of all the festivities you enjoy in town.

Also extend my greetings to Mr. Hurst, whose comfortable and unassuming manner was always a welcome addition whenever I had the pleasure of being in his company. And to Mr. Darcy, whose intellect and wit never failed to provide for thought-provoking conversation. And to your dear brother, Mr. Bingley, whose kindness and cheerfulness always inspired such mirth and made every occasion memorable and delightful. All of you continue in my thoughts.

I, too, am saddened at the loss of your company. But I believe that the joyous times we all had together and the affection we all shared will be preserved intact through the winter, ready to bloom full again in spring, or whenever it is that we are reunited, for true friendship never dies.

My father, my mother, and my sisters send their salutations as well. Looking forward to the days when we shall once again enjoy one another’s society, I remain

Your affectionate friend,

Jane Bennet

Still nervous that anything she had written might be too forward, she read the letter to Elizabeth before posting it. Elizabeth declared it masterful, but expressed doubt as to whether Caroline would allow any of it to reach Mr. Bingley’s ears.

The breakfast table that morning found Mr. Collins absent for unknown reasons. While Mrs. Bennet did not know where Mr. Collins might be, she was certain that wherever he was, he was publishing the news of his mistreatment at Elizabeth’s hands and bringing shame to their entire family, which Lizzy fully deserved, but the rest of them did not.

“Perhaps, my dear,” Mr. Bennet observed, “he is only off somewhere practicing his extemporaneous compliments so as to have better success when he proposes to Lydia.”

The idea provoked in Kitty a fit of giggles. Lydia fumed, “That is not funny, Papa! I should die if you ever tried to make me marry someone like him! I shall have no trouble getting the handsomest husband of all of us. Let Mary marry the boring parson.”

“The standards by which to choose a spouse,” Mary intoned, “should not be how much the person titillates one’s fancy, but rather their uprightness of character and steadiness of mind. These are the traits that provide the foundation of a successful union and a respectable family.”

Jane wondered whether Mary’s pronouncement indicated that she thought Mr. Collins had the characteristics of an acceptable husband. Lydia’s only response was to roll her eyes and announce her plans to go into Meryton that morning. “I hope Mr. Collins isn’t found before we leave, so that he can’t offer to walk with us. Jane, Lizzy, are you coming?”

Elizabeth seemed reserved. “Not today.”

Lydia gave her a teasing smile. “Don’t you want to talk to Mr. Wickham? We’ll probably see him.”

“I think I shall take a walk here at home.”

“You’re hopelessly dull! Well, do what you will. Perhaps I’ll come back home engaged, and then I won’t have to worry about Mr. Collins.”

Mr. Collins did not return before Lydia and Kitty left the house. When Elizabeth went out walking, Jane accompanied her.

“Are you wishing to avoid seeing Mr. Wickham?”, Jane asked.

Lizzy sighed. “I need to sort out my thoughts before I talk with him again. In our last conversation, I’m convinced that he was not being entirely sincere. I wonder now if I should question other things that he’s told me.”

“Is it really important to know for certain?”

“I partly want to know his character, but I mostly want to know if I’ve made a fool of myself. I defended him to Mr. Darcy and I defended him to Miss Bingley. I don’t know if I could bear to find out that I was wrong about him.”

Jane stroked her sister’s hair. “Don’t chastise yourself, Lizzy. If you made a mistake, it was the mistake of trusting a friend.”

“But I said it to Darcy and Caroline, of all people! They already think me an ignorant hick. Did I prove them right from my own mouth?”

“You’ve demonstrated your intelligence to both of them on numerous occasions.”

“The evidence of whether I’m right or wrong lies in the character of someone I’ve never met, Miss Darcy. When I know the truth about her, then I will know whether Wickham has been telling me the truth.”

~oooOOOooo~

When Mr. Collins finally arrived back at Longbourn, he found that his long absence had excited much curiosity, particularly from Mrs. Bennet.

“Mr. Collins, where ever have you been? We were quite worried, sir.”

Mr. Collins paused for a few moments, and then replied, “Well, my dear Mrs. Bennet, this being the last day of what I must say has been an absolutely delightful visit, I thought it appropriate to call on a few of our amiable neighbors.”

“And who did you visit?”

“Eh, several people, madam, several. I’m sorry, if you will please excuse me, I must begin preparing for my departure.” As he hastened from the room, Jane noticed that he broke into a brilliant smile.

As Mr. Collins was to begin his journey too early on the morrow to see any of the family, the ceremony of leave-taking was performed when the ladies moved for the night; and Mrs. Bennet, with great politeness and cordiality, said how happy they should be to see him at Longbourn again, whenever his engagements might allow him to visit them.

“My dear madam,” he replied, “this invitation is particularly gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; and you may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon as possible. And as for my fair cousins, though my absence may not be long enough to render it necessary, I shall now take the liberty of wishing them health and happiness, not excepting my cousin Elizabeth.”

With proper civilities the ladies then withdrew; all of them equally surprised that he meditated a quick return.

~oooOOOooo~

The days following Mr. Collins’s departure saw considerable upset at Longbourn. When Charlotte announced, first to Elizabeth and then to the entire Bennet family, that she was engaged to Mr. Collins, reactions ranged from Kitty’s and Lydia’s amazed disbelief, to Mary’s wistful resignation, to Mr. Bennet’s amusement, to Elizabeth’s utter disgust. But all of these were dwarfed by Mrs. Bennet’s anguish.

Jane tried to provide some comfort to her mother, but she found that a person who has decided that suffering is their right and their duty in a situation will be determined to resist any attempts at succor. She also learned that when said person’s suffering is aimed at inspiring repentance in another, said person will suffer as loudly as possible. Through all of Mrs. Bennet’s wailing, however, Elizabeth was unmoved.

A few days after Charlotte’s fateful announcement, Jane received another letter from Caroline Bingley. She and Elizabeth situated themselves in Jane’s room to read it together.

Dearest Jane,

How pleased I was to receive your letter. I hope that you and your family are doing as well as we are doing here in town.

Now that we are back, we are coming to realize that this is truly where we belong. Louisa and I are thrilled to be back with old friends and enjoying all of the amusements of the city. We feel as if we have come to life again. My brother, as well, is happier than I have seen him in months. He obviously has no desire to return to country life. I don’t know whether he will let go his lease at Netherfield right away, but it is clear that he does not intend to live there any longer.

His joy at being back in town is only exceeded by the exuberance he shows in the presence of Miss Darcy. I cannot say enough about how charming she is, and the affection we all have for her. She truly seems the perfect fit for our family. She and Mr. Bingley are frequently in each other’s company, and have become favorite companions.

Just as we love it here, I know that you love your home as well. I wish you all the best, and am eager to hear about all of the wonderful things that will certainly be a part of your future. I’m sure there are many eligible men in Meryton and I will not be surprised at all the day you write to tell me that you have captured the heart of one of them. I hope it will happen soon, for you are far too beautiful to waste yourself becoming an old maid. I hope it is not out of place for me to advise you, as a friend, not to wait too long to search for love, for time does not wait for anyone, and beauty, sadly, will not last forever.

But I fully expect you to find everything your heart could desire and to enjoy a beautiful life in the country, for that is the place that suits you best, just as this is the place for us. Write often, my dear, and remember us with love always.

Your sincere friend,

Caroline Bingley

The pain that Jane was feeling must have shown on her face, for Elizabeth immediately pulled her into a tender embrace.

“Could it be true?”, Jane finally said. “Or partly true? I don’t know what to think. Mr. Bingley did say, while he was here, that when he is in the city he doesn’t think about leaving.”

Elizabeth replied, “It is perhaps possible, but I think it not likely that he could forget you as quickly as he could forget a place. And the idea that, having been gone only a few days, he would have decided already that he should never return? That could easily be Caroline’s wishful thinking. I believe that it is still too early for you to be worrying yourself.”

Jane did not know what to believe, and never before had uncertainty hurt so deeply.

After a few quiet moments together, they were interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Jane, are you in there?”, Mr. Bennet’s voice inquired.

“Yes, Papa. Please come in.”

Mr. Bennet walked into the room with a letter in his hand.

“Jane, what do you know of this Georgiana Darcy?”

“She is Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s younger sister, Papa. I believe that she is about sixteen.”

“That I know from this letter. Have you met the young lady?”

“No, sir, but I have heard much about her. She is generally reported to be a very amiable girl.”

“I see. Well, her brother wants you to begin a correspondence with her. He also sends his greetings. I suspect that much of what he says is intended for your ears more than mine, so I will read the entire letter to you if you prevail upon me.”

“Please do, sir.”

They all sat, and Mr. Bennet read:

Mr. Bennet,

I hope this message finds you and yours in good health. I am currently at my home in London with my younger sister, Georgiana, and my friend, Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley’s sisters and his brother-in-law, Mr. Hurst, are also in town, staying at the Hursts’ home.

Please send our regards to all of your family. We had expected to soon be returning to Hertfordshire, but almost immediately upon our arrival Miss Bingley suddenly and inexplicably took violently ill. I am told that she has been agonizing in her bed for days, yet refuses to see a doctor. Mr. Bingley and I have taken care of the business matters that we intended to conduct during our trip, but find ourselves unable to return to Netherfield as planned until Miss Bingley recovers. I hope, for the sake of all concerned, that she is soon restored to health, but there is no sign of when that may occur.

My primary reason, however, for writing to you does not concern the Bingley family, but rather my own.

My sister, Miss Georgiana Darcy, is sixteen years old, and not yet out in society. Our parents are both deceased, and my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and I are Miss Darcy’s guardians. She is a very shy girl who, at the present time, has few friends. She is understandably nervous about making the transition into womanhood. I have given her all the care and guidance that I am able to give as a brother, but a compassionate female friend in her life would be of great benefit to her.

I know that I must be diligent in directing her toward the right individuals who will be pleasant friends for her to know, but at the same time be able to influence her toward the modes of behavior to which a young woman should aspire. I believe that I have seen the desired traits of understanding, gentleness, patience, friendliness, and integrity exemplified in your eldest daughter, Miss Bennet.

Before I left Hertfordshire, I had the opportunity to communicate, through Miss Elizabeth, my hope that Miss Bennet could become a friend to Miss Darcy through correspondence. I trust that by now she has had time to consider whether she would wish to do so.

If you, Mr. Bennet, give your consent, and if Miss Bennet is willing, I would like for her to write a letter to Miss Darcy at this address, and Miss Darcy will reply. After the initial exchange of letters, the ladies would be at their liberty to decide whether they wish to continue the friendship.

My sister generally tells me about everything that happens in her life, so she would likely share with me whatever Miss Bennet writes to her. I assure you that any thing she tells me I would not pass on to anyone else. Likewise, I would direct Miss Darcy to refrain from writing anything in her letters that could not be shared with you or with Miss Elizabeth. I have confidence in the three of you that you would not divulge any information from my sister to others. I would request that Miss Bennet not share any of the content of my sister’s letters with other members of your family who would be less likely to keep it in confidence.

If you prefer not to enter into this arrangement, please reply and inform me of the same. Otherwise, Miss Bennet can write an initial letter to Miss Darcy at her earliest convenience.

I thank you for your attention. At your service, I am

Fitzwilliam Darcy

Mr. Bennet looked up from the letter to see his two daughters staring at each other with wide eyes.

“Is something the matter, girls?”

Elizabeth answered him. “No, Papa. We were only surprised to learn of Miss Bingley’s illness.”

“Jane, Mr. Darcy was quite generous in his praise of you. Is this a covert attempt on his part to woo you?”

“No, sir, it is not.”

“Are you certain?”

“Completely.”

“Do you wish to write to Miss Darcy?”

“Yes, I would like it very much, if you approve, sir.”

“It is fine with me. You can keep this letter.” He handed it to her and left the room.

With a dramatic flair, Elizabeth took Caroline’s letter and held it next to Mr. Darcy’s. “These two were written on the same day. One of them is full of lies. Is Mr. Darcy lying about Caroline’s so-called illness and Mr. Bingley’s plans to return to Netherfield, or is Caroline lying when she says that they are all blissfully happy in town and want to stay forever?”

Jane smirked, an expression that her sister could not remember having seen before on her face. “I agree that Mr. Darcy is the one who is telling the truth. I knew that Miss Bingley did not wholly approve of me, but I had not thought that she would unabashedly lie.”

“But now we know that she is not above it.”

“How can I continue to communicate with her if I can trust her so little? But would it be an affront if I stopped writing?”

Elizabeth was firm. “You have no obligation to continue a friendship with such a person. Besides, if you don’t write to her, rather than feel insulted, she would likely think that you were simply too heartbroken and had given up.”

“I only hope that she does not have too much influence over her brother.”

“If she had to feign illness to keep him in town, that would suggest that she couldn’t convince him on her own.” Lizzy furrowed her brow. “Mr. Darcy could not have considered it necessary to tell Papa so much about Caroline’s sickness. And I don’t think I’m mistaken in seeing a bit of sarcasm in his description of it. Do you think that he was actually trying to send a message to you, Jane, to let you know that Mr. Bingley wishes to return?”

“I suppose that could be possible.”

“It would be uncharacteristically thoughtful of him to do so.”

“I would not consider it uncharacteristic. I sense that Mr. Darcy is one who is sincerely motivated to take care of his friends.”

“It is difficult for me to imagine that.” They sat silent for a moment.

“Well,” Jane declared. “my thoughts now are on Miss Darcy. I shall begin my letter to her this evening.”

“Remember to say nothing about Mr. Wickham.”

“I remember.”

~oooOOOooo~

When Jane sat down to write her letter, she was dismayed at the conflicting emotions that confronted her. She aimed to see Miss Darcy as a young lady in need of a friend. But thoughts suggesting a rivalry between the two of them strove to take hold of her heart. She reminded herself that Miss Darcy surely would not know anything of Jane’s history with Mr. Bingley, and if any attachment were being formed, it was in complete innocence. She let go of all thoughts of Bingley and began to write:

Dear Miss Darcy,

I hope this letter finds you well. When I was invited by your brother to write to you, I was happy to do so. I have heard many reports that you are a delightful young lady with many talents. I hope that we can come to know each other better and each of us enjoy the benefits of gaining an agreeable friend.

As Mr. Darcy may have told you, I know him from the time that he spent in here Hertfordshire with his friend, Mr. Bingley.

I have lived all my life at Longbourn, Hertfordshire. My family is rather large. There are five daughters, of whom I am the eldest, and my mother and father. Having four sisters makes every day a lively one, and we each have our individual interests. My sister Elizabeth loves reading and conversation, Mary devotes herself to playing the pianoforte, and Catherine and Lydia go out to socialize in Meryton whenever they are able. I believe that my sister Lydia is about your age, she is almost sixteen.

My own favorite pursuits are riding and gardening, though I don’t presume to call myself accomplished at either.

We have many friends and neighbors here with whom we visit often. Our closest friends are the Lucas family. Lady Lucas is a special friend of my mother, and their many children are dear to all of us.

I am eager, Miss Darcy, to learn of your interests and your friends. I suppose that you will soon be coming out into society. You will meet many new people, but you will likely find that the company of your oldest acquaintances brings a pleasure and comfort that is unmatched by any other.

I look forward to corresponding with you as you enter into this exciting time of your life. I hope that it is not improper for me to call myself

Your friend,

Jane Bennet

Satisfied with her effort, she posted the letter the next morning. Once it had left her hands, she found herself equally eager and anxious for the reply she might receive.

< To Chapter 2

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Chapter 3: To Meryton and back

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After breakfast the next day, the Bennet girls walked to Meryton to inquire if Mr. Wickham were returned, and to lament over his absence from the Netherfield ball.

Jane and Elizabeth planned their courses of action for the anticipated visit to their aunt’s house. They concurred that it would be best for Jane to give Mrs. Phillips the details of Mr. Collins’s failed marriage proposal, thus sparing Elizabeth the censure that she would surely receive from their aunt, who had been so pleased with Mr. Collins’s manners on their previous visit. Elizabeth, then, would be free to talk with Mr. Wickham, if they saw him.

Upon entering the town they did indeed see Wickham, who attended them to their aunt’s where his regret and vexation, and the concern of everybody, was well talked over.

Jane quickly placed herself at her aunt’s side. Their conversation was exactly what she would have predicted. The rebuke of Elizabeth was stern, as was the warning that she ought to think less about her own fancy and more about her situation in life and the needs of her family. Next was the prediction that Lizzy would soon find herself an old maid, at which time she ought not think that she would have her aunt’s shoulder to cry on. Thankfully, she moved on from these pronouncements to friendly and eager inquiries toward Jane about Mr. Bingley’s latest attentions to her and about his trip to London, then wishes that Bingley would leave that insufferable Mr. Darcy in Town and return to Hertfordshire alone, and, finally, rapturous descriptions of the splendor of Jane’s certain future as mistress of Netherfield.

Jane held up her end of the conversation decently well while surreptitiously watching Elizabeth talk with Mr. Wickham on the other side of the room. The penetrating look in her sister’s eyes, and the hint of unease on Wickham’s face suggested that they were having a more interesting discourse than the one Jane was involved in.

After the visit was over, Jane wondered whether Mr. Wickham would offer to walk with them back to Longbourn, but he did not, and Lydia and Kitty were chattering away between themselves, which left Jane and Elizabeth free to quietly confer with each other on the way home.

“Wickham confirmed,” Elizabeth stated, “that Mr. Darcy was the primary reason that he chose not to attend the ball. But I was more interested to hear about Georgiana Darcy. And on that subject I think I may have made him uncomfortable.”

“Oh?”

“I asked him to tell me more about Miss Darcy’s nature and how it came to be that she would turn entirely cold to him after once being so deeply fond of him. Could pride alone account for such a complete reversal in feelings toward a lifelong friend?”

“His response?”

“Rather than giving an answer, he turned to questioning me. Why did I want to know? Do I know Miss Darcy? My reply”, she smiled, “was that I’m ever trying to sketch people’s characters, and I found his description of her change of heart mystifying. It’s hard to imagine that simple pride would induce a person to give up the pleasure of an established friendship.”

“It appeared to me,” Jane interjected, “that he began to look uncomfortable as he continued to speak with you.”

“Indeed. He asked me again if I had met Miss Darcy, and I said I had not. He then asked if I planned or expected to meet her, and I told him that I did not know. He then said that it would be unseemly and disrespectful for him to reveal any more about Miss Darcy’s character to someone with whom she is not acquainted. After that he seemed determined to shift the conversation in another direction.”

“He wishes, then, to be fair to her, even though they may not get along well.”

Elizabeth grimaced. “Or perhaps he feared to say anything that would be proven untrue if I ever meet Miss Darcy myself. I certainly hope that she does begin to write to you, for I am burning to find out who is telling the truth about her.”

~ooOOoo~

Soon after their return home, a letter was delivered to Miss Bennet from Miss Bingley. Even though she knew that Caroline was perhaps not to be trusted completely, she could not help feeling disquieted by the letter’s contents. After reading it through once, Jane invited Elizabeth to follow her upstairs. Once they were alone, she read it aloud.

The first sentence comprised the information of their having just resolved to follow their brother to town directly, and of their meaning to dine in Grosvenor Street, where Mr. Hurst had a house. The next was in these words:

“I do not pretend to regret anything I shall leave in Hertfordshire, except your society, my dearest friend; but we will hope, at some future period, to enjoy many returns of that delightful intercourse we have known, and in the meanwhile may lessen the pain of separation by a very frequent and most unreserved correspondence. I depend on you for that.

“When my brother left us yesterday, he imagined that the business which took him to London might be concluded in three or four days; but as we are certain it cannot be so, and at the same time convinced that when Charles gets to town he will be in no hurry to leave it again, we have determined on following him thither, that he may not be obliged to spend his vacant hours in a comfortless hotel. Many of my acquaintances are already there for the winter; I wish that I could hear that you, my dearest friend, had any intention of making one of the crowd—but of that I despair. I sincerely hope your Christmas in Hertfordshire may abound in the gaieties which that season generally brings, and that your beaux will be so numerous as to prevent your feeling the loss of the three of whom we shall deprive you.”

“So, Mr. Darcy was correct,” Elizabeth observed. “They went with their brother to London and wish to keep him there.”

“So it seems. It is so hard for me to think that Caroline would actually lie. Perhaps she truly believes, or wishes to believe, that Mr. Bingley will change his own mind about returning to Hertfordshire.”

“I doubt that she is so deluded.”

“Here is the last part of her letter.” Jane’s voice shook slightly as she read on:

“Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his sister; and, to confess the truth, we are scarcely less eager to meet her again. I really do not think Georgiana Darcy has her equal for beauty, elegance, and accomplishments; and the affection she inspires in Louisa and myself is heightened into something still more interesting, from the hope we dare entertain of her being hereafter our sister. I do not know whether I ever before mentioned to you my feelings on this subject; but I will not leave the country without confiding them, and I trust you will not esteem them unreasonable. My brother admires her greatly already; he will have frequent opportunity now of seeing her on the most intimate footing; her relations all wish the connection as much as his own; and a sister’s partiality is not misleading me, I think, when I call Charles most capable of engaging any woman’s heart. With all these circumstances to favour an attachment, and nothing to prevent it, am I wrong, my dearest Jane, in indulging the hope of an event which will secure the happiness of so many?”

“You know that what she says is not true, Jane. You must know how partial Mr. Bingley is toward you.”

“I believe that he likes me very much. But the letter does not say that he already loves Miss Darcy, only that Caroline expects that they will come to love each other. Even if Caroline is speaking only from her own desires, how can I know what will happen when Miss Darcy and Mr. Bingley are together so closely and so often? If she is truly as accomplished and as amiable as everyone claims that she is . . .”

“Mr. Darcy said that he would not help Bingley’s sisters in any attempt to influence Mr. Bingley away from his interest in you.”

“True, but if a partiality toward Miss Darcy were to develop on its own, Mr. Darcy would not oppose that, either. In fact, he would probably welcome it. He said himself that reason would dictate that the best choice for Mr. Bingley would be a woman who can elevate him. Miss Darcy can do that; I cannot.”

“Bingley’s heart belongs to you. Nothing can interfere with that.”

Jane smiled forlornly. “Are you saying that you are certain?”

Elizabeth sighed. “If his heart turns to someone else, then he was not worth having.”

They agreed that Mrs. Bennet should only hear of the departure of the family, but even this partial communication gave her a great deal of concern, and she bewailed it as exceedingly unlucky that the ladies should happen to go away just as they were all getting so intimate together. After lamenting it, however, at some length, she had the consolation that Mr. Bingley would be soon down again and soon dining at Longbourn, and the conclusion of all was the comfortable declaration, that though he had been invited only to a family dinner, she would take care to have two full courses.

For the rest of the day, Jane’s thoughts turned often to the time she had spent with Mr. Bingley. In every remembered smile and compliment, she sought assurance that he would not forget her. But every comment that had been made about Miss Darcy’s beauty, talent, and good nature came back to her remembrance as well.

To Chapter 4 >

< To Chapter 1

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Chapter 2: After the ball

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The rest of the ball passed without incident. Between dancing and conversation, Jane was able to put out of her mind the embarrassing antics at supper from Mrs. Bennet and from Mary.

As the evening drew to a close, the Bennet family was last to leave. Mr. Bingley talked with Jane about his plans to go to London in the morning. He had tedious, but important, business to attend to in town, and expected to return to Netherfield in a week or less.

“I hope that, during my absence, you’ll be able to spend some time with Caroline and Louisa. I’ll suggest that they invite you over for at least one evening.”

Jane thought about the new intelligence she had received about Bingley’s sisters. “If they would like for me to visit, I would be happy to do so. But there is no need for you to press them to invite me, sir.”

“I will still mention it to them. Of all their acquaintances in this neighborhood, I believe you are their favorite.”

When at length the Bennets arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was most pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at Longbourn, and addressed herself especially to Mr. Bingley, to assure him how happy he would make them by eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal invitation. Bingley was all grateful pleasure, and he readily engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her, after his return from London.

On their arrival back at Longbourn, Lizzy went to Jane’s room to see if any further intelligence could be gained before she retired.

“Jane, I saw that you danced with Mr. Darcy. Did you ask anything about Wickham?”

Jane found an answer to give that would be true enough, “No, Mr. Bingley was the object of our conversation.”

Her sister’s response was surly. “I suppose that he thinks you inadequate to be Mr. Bingley’s choice.”

“Actually, Mr. Darcy is determined not to interfere with his friend’s choices in that matter. Lizzy, I know that you don’t wish to think well of Mr. Darcy, but I am now convinced that Bingley could not ask for a truer or more devoted friend.”

“He has been known to betray his friends in a spectacular fashion,” Elizabeth retorted.

“We can’t be certain that we know everything about his dealings with Mr. Wickham. I still believe that he may be innocent. Lizzy, there is something else Mr. Darcy said that surprised me. He told me that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst have been trying to discourage Mr. Bingley from having any interest in me. He has heard them make demeaning comments about me to their brother. Mr. Darcy feels that their reasons for wanting to separate Bingley from me have to do with their own aspirations, rather than an interest in their brother’s happiness. I hardly know what to make of it.”

Elizabeth was startled. “I think it very likely that what Mr. Darcy tells you is true. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that Bingley’s sisters would be at work against you, or that they would be so deceitful as to feign friendship. But it surprises me greatly that he would have told it to you. Perhaps his dislike for Miss Bingley is so great that he would rather see you with Bingley than to see her triumph.”

“Or perhaps, Lizzy, he is acting out of care for his friend. If he cares about Mr. Bingley, which I believe he sincerely does, he would oppose anyone who tried to stand in the way of Bingley’s best interests. I feel certain of it, and you should admit that it is at least a possibility.”

Elizabeth stroked Jane’s hair. “Yes, it’s possible,” she allowed. “And if Mr. Bingley has an ounce of sense, he won’t let anyone keep him away from you.”

They bade each other good night. Once Elizabeth was gone, Jane lay in bed and pondered all that she had learned that evening. She didn’t like to think ill of Bingley’s sisters, but she saw no benign way to interpret the information that Darcy had given her. She couldn’t avoid the feeling that, while she had more of a friend in Mr. Darcy than she’d had before, she had a less of a friend in Caroline or Louisa.

~ooOOoo~

The next day opened a new scene at Longbourn, for their cousin, Mr. Collins, had decided that the time had come for him to make his offer for Elizabeth’s hand in marriage. Jane was not at all surprised at the failure of his suit, and when Mr. Collins finally left the house to seek sanctuary with the Lucases, the Bennet family was in complete disarray. Mrs. Bennet vacillated between vociferous fury and moaning misery, Elizabeth was exasperated, and Lydia and Kitty were all whispers and giggles, impatient to get out of the house to spread the news.

The house had only slightly settled down when they were informed that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy had come to call. Mrs. Bennet received them gladly. They announced that they would be leaving for London later that day and wished to say their goodbyes.

“Mrs. Bennet,” Bingley said, “I thought that a walk in your gardens would be refreshing before we have to spend hours in a carriage. Perhaps Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth could accompany us?”

Mrs. Bennet looked pained for a moment. She was in no mood to let her rebellious and thoughtless second daughter go anywhere. But she would not dare offend Mr. Bingley. She consented and the four went out.

It was a cool morning, but pleasant enough. Jane and Mr. Bingley soon walked far enough ahead of Elizabeth and Darcy that they could talk without being heard.

“I hope, Miss Bennet,” Bingley began, “that last night’s festivities did not leave you overly tired.”

“Not at all. Are you looking forward to your time in Town?”

“I do enjoy the city, but,” he looked at Jane, “there are some attractions in the country that cannot be found in London. I find that I enjoy the country more with each day that passes. But Darcy is very eager to return to Town. He misses his sister greatly.”

“From what I’ve heard, Miss Darcy sounds like an agreeable young lady.”

“She is a very dear girl. Very quiet, but she has a sweet disposition and is immensely talented. And deeply devoted to her brother, as he is to her.”

“I hope that she can visit Hertfordshire someday.”

“Darcy is convinced that she should not come here. I can’t imagine why.”

Jane wondered at this. For a little while, they said nothing.

Bingley broke the silence. “So, Miss Bennet, do you think that the city or the country is the better place for a person to settle and establish his family?”

The question startled Jane slightly, but she steadied herself. “I’m partial to the country, Mr. Bingley, but I think that the location is unimportant as long as there is love between the members of the family. They would be happy no matter where they lived.”

“Agreed! So perhaps I shall raise my family in a tree in a jungle!” he said giddily. “Each child would have their own branch! Coconuts for every meal! Wouldn’t that be splendid?”

Jane giggled. “I think swinging on vines to visit your neighbors might be difficult.”

Their descriptions of family life in a tree grew more and more ridiculous until, finally, they had made their way back to the house. Jane had almost forgotten that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were with them, and hadn’t noticed whether they talked with each other or not.

The party came back into the house, where the gentlemen said their goodbyes and left.

Seeing both of her eldest daughters again set Mrs. Bennet’s mind spinning. She couldn’t decide whether she was more joyous at Mr. Bingley’s coming to visit Jane, or more vexed that Lizzy had refused an offer of marriage. Unable to think how she could convey both emotions at once, she retreated to her room.

Elizabeth’s expression was one that Jane recognized. Her sister had something to discuss with her. They went to Elizabeth’s room.

“Jane, Mr. Darcy told me the same things he had said to you about Bingley’s sisters. He further said that Louisa and Caroline have decided to accompany their brother when he goes to Town and try to prevent him from returning to Netherfield. He made no comment when they told him their plans, so they imagine that he is in agreement, but he says that he is not.”

“I wonder how they would try to stop him from returning to his home?”

“I don’t know, but I’m convinced that his attachment to you will bring him back. There was something else that Mr. Darcy mentioned as well.”

“Yes?”

“He talked about his sister, Georgiana Darcy. He describes her as a shy and tender-hearted girl who has very few friends, and he wants her to develop friendships with people who will influence her for the good. Jane, he desired for me to ask you if you would be willing to write to his sister.”

“Me?”

“He said that he will write a letter to Papa to invite you to correspond with Miss Darcy.”

“I’m honored to think that he trusts me to befriend his sister. However, it makes something Mr. Bingley said even more confusing. I asked whether Miss Darcy might ever visit Hertfordshire, and he said that Mr. Darcy was strongly opposed to the idea.”

“Well, there is one more thing that Darcy said that I found quite puzzling. He knows that our family is acquainted with Mr. Wickham, and he requested that you refrain from making any mention of Wickham in any communications you have with Miss Darcy.”

“Oh! But they grew up together, did they not?”

“Yes, Wickham lived at Pemberley in his youth.. And his description of Miss Darcy is completely opposite what Mr. Darcy says. Wickham called her cold and haughty.”

“Mr. Bingley also said that Miss Darcy is a very sweet girl.”

“Very strange. I certainly hope that we see Mr. Wickham tomorrow. I’m quite curious to hear more about his experiences with Miss Darcy. Anyway, it is clear that Mr. Darcy thinks very highly of you, even if he dislikes me.”

“I’m not convinced that he dislikes you, Lizzy. He thought enough of you to share Caroline’s secrets with you.”

“True, I suppose. But he seemed uncomfortable the whole time that we talked. I think he would have preferred to be anywhere else. But even if you don’t believe that Darcy dislikes me, are you convinced that Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst dislike you, dear one?”

Jane sighed. “I must say that I’m beginning to think they may not care as much for me as I had once thought.”

Elizabeth laughed. “From you, that qualifies as a stinging rebuke!”

The rest of the day was uneventful. Mr. Collins did not return to Longbourn until dinner and was actually quiet during the meal. Mrs. Bennet tried to engage him in conversation, but with little success. As he excused himself from the table and went straight to bed, Mrs. Bennet glowered at Elizabeth. “Look at what you’ve done to the poor man!” she whispered. “He can hardly bear the disrespect you showed to him. I rue the day when you finally see what your folly has cost you!”

As Jane watched Mr. Collins’s retreating figure, she wondered if her mother would have demanded that she accept Mr. Collins had he asked her. She wondered, as well, whether she would have felt it her duty to comply. But she knew Elizabeth’s character. Her sister would never, in this life or the next, regret that she had rejected her cousin’s proposal.

To Chapter 3 >

Jane is the main character in this Pride and Prejudice fanfic, a what-if that starts at the Netherfield Ball. When you discover that someone is not what you thought they were, it can change everything. (Chapter 1 can be read by itself as a one-shot, or you can read the full novella.)

I published this story on fanfiction.net, but the version here on my website will have some informational links and multimedia that isn’t allowed on the fanfiction.net site.

In some spots, I do copy short passages from the original Pride and Prejudice, which is in the public domain. I am nowhere near the writer that Jane Austen is, so it should be easy to tell the difference between my writing and hers.

DISCOVERY

written by Joan Hall

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Chapter 1: At the Netherfield Ball

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The tall figure walked purposefully across the room. “Miss Bennet, if you would give me the honor of a dance.”

Jane smiled warmly. “Certainly, sir.”

Mr. Darcy thanked her and bowed, then walked away.

Jane had given little thought to what she would do at the Netherfield ball outside of the time she could spend in Mr. Bingley’s company. But she was glad to see that Mr. Darcy was participating in the dancing. She had noticed him dancing earlier, with Elizabeth, and she was happy to see that he wished to continue. Bingley agreed that it was an encouraging sign.

She took her place across from Mr. Darcy as the next dance began. His gaze was piercing. Jane wondered why she had never noticed its intensity before.

At her first opportunity, Jane attempted to make conversation. “How much of Hertforsdshire have you seen during your time here, Mr. Darcy?”

“Enough to know that I like the countryside well enough, and I like some of the inhabitants significantly more.”

“I’m delighted to hear it!” she replied.

She looked at him expectantly, hoping to hear more about whom in the neighborhood he had taken such a liking to.

“Miss Bennet,” his gaze intensified and he spoke a little more softly, “What if I told you that you outshine every woman in Hertfordshire, as well as any I have met in all of England?”

Jane stammered. “I suppose . . . that I would take it as a compliment, but . . .”

Darcy continued, “And that is not the only compliment I would like to give you. I would value the opportunity to spend more time in your company.” He paused. “I often ride early in the mornings. If you happened to be out walking at such a time, we could converse without anyone else observing us. Have you been told much about Pemberley?”

She took a moment to steady herself and answered calmly. “A little,” she said. “But, Mr. Darcy, I must tell you that while it is a compliment, such attention from you is not something that I would desire or seek.”

He observed her for any sign of coquetry and saw none, but neither did he see what would strike him as determination. He smiled faintly, “You do not appear to be adamant on the subject, Miss Bennet. Perhaps I can still have hope that I am not completely unsuitable.”

Jane was gentle, but firm. “I do not know what you consider to be a correct display of adamancy, sir, but do believe me when I say that my feelings are resolute. In my view, your nature and my own are so wholly different that we both would be unsuitable for a more intimate acquaintance with each other.”

“What is so wrong about my nature that it would negate everything else I might offer to induce your interest? There are not many who would call me inferior to other men of your acquaintance.” At this last, he cast a look in the direction of Mr. Bingley.

Jane noticed the look and flushed slightly. “Mr. Darcy, I don’t mean to say that anything is wrong with you. Every person has their own tastes and preferences. Being more or less highly regarded in one person’s opinion does not make someone inferior in the whole. It is no indictment of you if I say that, in my singular estimation, Mr. Bingley is the most delightful man that ever . . .” She stopped herself.

For the rest of the dance, Jane did all she could to avoid looking at Mr. Darcy. As the dance ended, he spoke again. “Miss Bennet, I have to tell you something. If you will give me a few more minutes of your time, I will explain myself.”

They walked to the side of the room and sat.

“Miss Bennet, your response to my declarations is quite the opposite of what I expected. I must confess to you that I thought, partly because of my observations of your family, that your inclination was toward wealth and status. I feared that you were attaching yourself to Mr. Bingley out of an interest in his fortune and not in the man himself. He is like a brother to me, and I would do anything in my power to spare him from being hurt.”

He continued. “My advances toward you just now were pretended. I felt certain that you would eagerly accept an invitation from a man who has twice the material advantages that Bingley does, which would have proven your unworthiness of his esteem. Your refusal showed me that you do not have the mercenary spirit that I had imagined.

“There was something else that I observed, Miss Bennet. I was struck by the calmness of manner that you displayed as you spurned the wealthiest man you’ve likely ever met. I am coming to realize that you are not one for grand displays of emotion.”

Jane felt surprise at this revelation of her personality from a man she barely knew. “I do try to maintain a proper composure as much as I am able.”

“And I, madam, had interpreted your mildness of manner to mean that you felt little, if any, affection for my friend. I now suspect that you have much affection for him.”

She blushed. “I hardly know what to say, Mr. Darcy.”

“What I would hope to hear you say, Miss Bennet, is that you can forgive me. For the deceit, I apologize, and for misjudging your character I apologize far more. I must say that I admire you. Not the sort of admiration that inclines toward love, but the admiration one feels toward a person who has a noble spirit. I sincerely hope that, however disturbing my behavior tonight may have been, you can eventually come to consider me a friend.”

Jane was silent for a moment, and then said, “I think I can understand why you would do what you did. I don’t hold it against you.”

Darcy went on. “I will be frank. I do not know what Bingley’s intentions are. He may choose to seek someone who will advance his standing in society. Looking at the matter objectively, it would clearly be in his best interest to do so. But Bingley is indifferent to concerns of society. He wants only to be happy. And if he were to decide that his happiness rests with you, I would not attempt to dissuade him.”

Jane felt the color rising in her face even more. Mr. Darcy gave her a hint of a reassuring smile, then his expression changed as other thoughts came to his mind.

“Miss Bennet, I feel that I should warn you of something. You should be aware that Bingley’s sisters are intent on his making every effort to propel himself, and them along with him, into the highest circles of society. Because of this, they have already been trying at every opportunity to disparage any interest Bingley has in you.”

“Sir, are you certain? Caroline and Louisa have been very friendly toward me.”

“I assure you that I have heard myself, on numerous occasions, their assertions that you and your family are beneath them. I advise you not to be fooled by the way they act when they are in your presence.”

She nodded thoughtfully.

“It is likely, Miss Bennet, that they will continue their attempts to push their brother away from you. But they will find no ally in me.”

“Mr. Bingley is a very warmhearted person,” Jane ventured. “It would be very sad if he had to live with someone who had no affection for him.”

“I agree that he deserves far better than that. But now, Miss Bennet, I think we have talked as long as we dare without setting tongues wagging all around us. I see Bingley by the fire, looking quite alone. I suspect that he would much rather be talking to you. Allow me to take you to him.”

“I thank you. And, sir?”, Darcy looked directly at her as she continued, “I hope you agree with me that there is no need for our friends or relations to be told about the discourse we’ve had tonight.”

“My feelings on that point are exactly the same as yours, madam.”

They approached the side of the room where Mr. Bingley stood.

He greeted them warmly. “There, Darcy, how did you enjoy your dance?”

“Greatly,” Darcy replied. “Miss Bennet and I discussed something that we have in common. An uncommon regard for you.”

Bingley glowed at this declaration and immediately lost himself in conversation with Jane.

Mr. Darcy walked to the window and observed them from there for a few moments. His friend cared about nothing but being happy. Did that make him a wise man or a fool?

 

To Chapter 2 >