Bingley's Deception Page 4

  Before breaking apart, William called Brown into the room. “Mr. Brown, we have an issue that may be detrimental to our stay. Miss Bingley has attempted to belittle Miss Darcy’s new friend. We both,” looking at Georgie for confirmation, “feel that Miss Bingley might attempt a compromise during our stay. This would never force me to marry her, but it could be very uncomfortable and embarrassing for me. I would appreciate you securing my rooms and informing our staff of anything that you feel is necessary to help with stopping any attempt to force my hand.”

  “I understand your concerns and will take the appropriate actions to ensure your security here.” Mr. Brown would gather the footmen to assist in ensuring the room remained secure. None of the Darcy servants wanted Miss Bingley as their mistress. All had declared at one time or another that they would quit their positions if she married the master. Her behavior of ordering the staff about as if they were slaves did not endear her to any of them.

  At Pemberley, Miss Bingley had harmed some of the maids when they did not do things to her specifications. She would throw objects, hitting the girls intentionally. She also had used the fire poker and hit Fred’s sister when she was trying to get the fire started. All the servants knew to stay away from Miss Bingley when she visited.

  Chapter Three: The Bookstore

  Miss Elizabeth arrived at the bookstore early Monday morning. She always enjoyed this time, knowing that the owner would be opening his new shipment. “Mr. Evans, did my father’s new book on Russian History arrive? He asked me to inquire the next time I visited.” She began wandering towards the back of the store where the new delivers were being sorted. She looked over the shelves as she walked to see what other new tomes had arrived since her last visit.

  “Yes, it is under the counter. I also have a new book authored by a lady. It is the first installment in a three-part series. I know that you occasionally read novels instead of the history that you prefer. Would you like to look over this book for me?” Mr. Evans wanted to have Lizzy look over the book, and then she would advise him if he should order more copies for the store. She had provided this service for him in the past; it also allowed her to read books when she used her pin money to help the tenants and elderly in the area. Evans and the rest of Meryton knew of Lizzy’s kind acts, so they helped her when possible. She never accepted charity, therefore they had to disguise their help as a service that she provided.

  Elizabeth agreed to his request, then sat in the chair placed in the back corner reading the book. The bell above the door announced other customers were arriving, but Mr. Evans did not hear as he was in the back sorting the new books that were recently delivered. Elizabeth left her chair to greet the new customers. “Mr. Evans is in the backroom sorting his new delivery, but I can help guide you towards specific books if you know what you are interested in,” Elizabeth stated as she worked her way to the front of the store. “Miss Darcy, Mr. Darcy it is good to see again. Is this your first visit to our bookstore?” Surprised at the new patrons’ identities.

  “Yes, Miss Elizabeth, we left the Bingleys at Netherfield to find some new reading material. The library there has a few tomes to enjoy during our stay. I assume that the owners took their reading materials with them when they left. Neither Charles or Caroline tends to read as a hobby, so the selection at Netherfield is only what we brought with us.” Georgiana wanted to have a reason to be there, so she began looking for a book herself. “I would love to see if there are any of Mrs. Radcliffe’s works here. My brother would be interested in history tomes or new books by Wadsworth.”

  “Miss Darcy, we have novels in this aisle here. Mrs. Radcliffe is on the second shelf almost halfway down the row. Mr. Darcy, please follow me towards the back and I will guide to the history section. If there aren’t any books that you are interested in, then call me, and I will show you where the Wadsworth collection is located.” Guiding her new friends to the locations indicated, Elizabeth then went back to her chair to preview the new book titled Sense and Sensibilities. She had the first part of the series, only having read a few pages, Lizzy was intrigued.

  “Lizzy, did I hear you speaking to someone earlier?” Mr. Evans called from the back of the storeroom. He came out with a few books in his arms.

  “Yes, you have two new customers.” Mr. Evans came to the front of the store so Elizabeth could introduce the Darcys to the bookstore owner. “Miss Darcy has an interest in new Mrs. Radcliffe novels whereas Mr. Darcy is interested in Wadsworth and history books. Did either of these come in your new shipment? They might appreciate any of their newest works.”

  “Mrs. Radcliffe’s newest novel is in the backroom; I will bring it out for you Miss Darcy. As for history, the new Russian History book is under the counter, but Mr. Bennet has already purchased the only copy I had in stock. If Miss Elizabeth introduces you to her father, he may loan you the book after he has read it. Alternatively, I could order another copy if you wish.” Mr. Evans was happy that Lizzy had some new friends, but needed to ensure they were ready to meet her family. “Mr. Bennet has an extensive collection on history in his library. Many of the tomes are printed in the language of the country of origin, and you must be able to translate the words for any enjoyment.”

  Showing Mr. Darcy, the new history book, Elizabeth stated that she would be happy to introduce the gentleman to her father if he was interested in the book. “Yes, I would appreciate you introducing me to Mr. Bennet. I would also like to speak to him about the way your family deals with their tenants. I am impressed by the stories that you have told us. Georgiana has asked if she can visit your tenants with you. She is learning how to deal with new people. My sister is usually timid, but she feels comfortable with you. Miss Elizabeth, would it be convenient if you took Georgiana with you for these visits. I apologize greatly for Miss Bingley’s behavior. Georgiana wants to be your friend and knows that Miss Bingley has made you feel uncomfortable. Would you allow Georgie to accompany you at your estate? We would both greatly appreciate the opportunity to watch your interactions.”

  “Will this cause problems with Miss Bingley? You are her guests after all. I do not want to cause issues with your friends.” Elizabeth responded, worried that she would be causing complications for the Darcys during their stay. “If you feel that I can help your sister, I would be honored to have Miss Darcy assistance when visiting our tenants. However, I would insist that we meet at Longbourn and remain apart from Miss Bingley when I am present. I do not wish to cause trouble between you and your host, but I would appreciate avoiding her when possible. I need to be blunt, Miss Bingley was very rude to me, so I will not spend time with her willingly.”

  “We have already spoken of our disappointment with my friend’s sister. We fully agree to your terms. When would we be able to meet your father? Georgiana wants to spend more time with you and become your friend. I encourage her in this endeavor. Please know that we were all highly embarrassed by Miss Bingley’s behavior towards you, including her brother.” Mr. Darcy wanted to spend more time with this lady. She was as friendly and kind as Georgie claimed. “Does your father play chess? I am looking for a good opponent while I am visiting the Bingleys. Charles has never progressed beyond learning the basic moves.”

  “Well, if my father is not available to challenge you, I would appreciate playing a game or two. My father taught me to play many years ago. Mr. Darcy, I will only play if you agree to treat me as you would any other opponent. Do not go easy on me because I am a lady.” Elizabeth was proud of her chess skills.

  “Mr. Darcy, Miss Elizabeth is one of our local chess champions. If you play against her, be warned that she will not go easy on you.” Mr. Evans was proud of Lizzy but worried that the Darcy’s would not entertain her as their social equal. Turning to address her, “Lizzy, you need to warn him about your family before he arrives at Longbourn. Some of their behaviors may be too much for him to accept.” Evans knew he was harming the precious lady, but he had to prepare the shy siblings before their arriva
l.

  Agreeing with Evans, Lizzy blushed as she described her family as honestly as she could. Unable to look at the handsome man, Lizzy focused on her hands only glancing at him when she was able. “Please understand, I love my family. Each one of them has quirks in their character. My father is an academic; he has been gathering books his entire lifetime. Most are philosophies and history. He also has a collection of Shakespeare. Some of the books are in their native languages, not English. He is fluent in Greek, Latin, French, and Italian. He will share his books with likeminded people. He is generous with people that he deems knowledgeable.”

  Elizabeth was very proud of her father’s intelligence. However, she also knew what his faults were. If they were to visit often, Lizzy needed to prepare them for all possibilities. “Unfortunately, he does not leave his study very often. He would rather remain in his study than spend time with his family. He leaves the raising of his children to my mother.” Pausing to take a deep breath, Lizzy knew that her next comments might scare away her new friends. “Mrs. Bennet cares about her daughters, but she also knows that our estate is under an entail. Due to the entail, when my father passes, we will lose our home. My mother has decided that each of her daughters needs to marry well and quickly. She is extremely vocal on this topic.” Elizabeth blushed again and looked down as she explained her mother’s more embarrassing behaviors. “She is not the best role model of a gentlewoman, and she does bring shame to her family frequently. The town is aware of her tendencies, so they generally ignore her more exuberant behaviors. These include speaking of topics that are not appropriate in public, such as wished for matches with her children. She does this in a loud voice as if she could make her dreams come true if she speaks loudly enough. If you do not want Miss Darcy to be around my mother, I can understand your sentiment. Her actions are embarrassing to her family.”

  “Our mother died when Georgiana was born. She has never had a mother. It sounds as if Mrs. Bennet cares for her family, but is outspoken. I believe that if we warn her, my sister will be fine with these behaviors.” William was certain the Georgie would be okay if he were present as well. “Would I be able to meet your father today?” William’s heart hurt for the beautiful lady before him. She was honest even though it harmed her. He could tell that she was still uncomfortable imagining her parent’s reaction to their arrival.

  Looking at Lizzy, Mr. Evans needed to provide more information. He worried that this would harm her chances with the man standing next to her. “One more item you need to know about the Bennets. Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are wonderful ladies. They are intelligent, caring, and well-spoken. Lizzy’s other three sisters are often silly and misbehave frequently. The two youngest are very forward with gentlemen, to the point of not being true ladies. They take their need to marry as a priority.” Mr. Evans clarified his presentation as he watched Lizzy’s eyes fill with tears with each word he spoke. “This embarrasses Lizzy more than even her mother’s behavior. I pray nightly that some wonderful gentleman will take the two elder sisters away from Longbourn. They love their father, but are willing to spend time away from their mother and younger sisters.”

  “Thank you for informing me, Georgiana and I will be prepared when introduced to these family members. Let us inform Georgie about the issues; then I would still appreciate having the introduction. My sister and I are committed to making our estate the best we can for future generations. Miss Elizabeth’s ideas have been very insightful, and we want to implement these at Pemberley.” Darcy stated as he watched Elizabeth closely. She was a knowledgeable lady, but her family members behavior had significantly harmed her. Seeing the pain in her eyes, he wished to take her away from the ones who hurt her. Realizing where his thoughts were going, he became flustered. Was this what it felt like to be in love? He did not know, as he had never experienced love before. Looking at Elizabeth, he realized that he wanted to spend more time with her; he was enjoying the emotions that her presence evoked.

  Did she feel the same? Georgie stated that she wanted to be friends with Miss Elizabeth, would she be upset if they were more than friends? There was much that Darcy had to consider. His father had stated that he must marry a gentlewoman, Miss Elizabeth fit that criterion. Would the Fitzwilliams’ welcome her into the family? If his family did not support his decision, would he be willing to cut them from his life? There was much to consider, but he needed to ask his sister’s opinion soon.

  Chapter Four: Longbourn

  Darcy could see that her family highly disconcerted Miss Elizabeth. Her father was a gentleman. Her mother was very vocal about how Mr. Darcy should be attracted to Miss Bennet or her youngest, Miss Lydia. Miss Darcy held her friend's hand as Mrs. Bennet embarrassed Miss Elizabeth by declaring her not as beautiful as her elder sister. Claiming that Miss Elizabeth was impertinent and ungrateful was also embarrassing their new friend.

  “Welcome to our home, Mr. Darcy. Miss Darcy, you are the same age as my youngest, Lydia. She will become your best friend. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your brother married your best friend? My Jane is the most beautiful of my daughters, but she has already met Mr. Bingley. I am sure that he is very interested in her. My other daughters can find husbands who are clergy, men who will take less beautiful women.” Mrs. Bennet proudly displayed the reasons this wealthy man should notice her two favorite daughters. “I am glad that Lizzy brought you home to meet my other daughters. She is constantly wandering in the woods and climbing trees to read her books; she will never make a good marriage. I have given up on that child; her wild ways will not attract an honorable man.”

  Mr. Bennet called the Darcy’s into his study. He greeted them respectfully and asked forgiveness for his wife and daughters’ actions. He was embarrassed as well but refused to exert himself to change their behavior. Noticing that Elizabeth was highly flustered and had tears in her eyes, he held his daughter close. “I am sorry Lizzy. I know that your mother is hard on you. I will speak to her again.”

  “Father, we can speak about our families’ behavior later. Mr. and Miss Darcy wanted to speak to you about visiting our tenants and guiding her on interactions between tenants and estate owners.” Elizabeth stated stepping away from her father and facing the window as she brushed the tears from her eyes. “Mr. Darcy also is interested in having a new chess opponent while he is residing at Netherfield.”

  “Was there anything specific that you were interested in with regards to our tenants?” Bennet was curious as to why this wealthy gentleman should take an interest in his estate. “Lizzy has taken over the care of our tenants and the estate for the last five years. She visits our tenants on Tuesdays when the weather is good. On Wednesdays, she visits the tenants at Netherfield.”

  “I would appreciate going with you on Tuesdays. I know that with Miss Bingley’s behavior, you might stop visiting tenants at Netherfield during her time of residence.” Miss Darcy worried that she might lose her new friend, so she introduced the compromise. “When do you usually leave for these visits, I do not want to interfere with your plans.”

  “I am an early riser. In the mornings, I walk out with the sun for about an hour. After breakfast, I then begin my visits, this way I do not wake our tenants with my arrival. You are welcome to come for breakfast or arrive afterward. I try to have my visits completed by lunch.” Elizabeth stated, regaining her composure by focusing on plans. “I will be leaving tomorrow by half past nine. If you are unable to come, please send a note with a footman.”

  “I will bring my sister here by fifteen after nine. Then I can visit with you for the first time.” William stated observing Elizabeth, sensing that she was still upset at her mother’s behavior. He wanted to comfort her but knew it would be inappropriate. He imagined holding the beautiful lady in his arms, and he felt content for the first time since his mother passed. Embarrassed where his thoughts were heading, he needed to finish the discussion and leave. “Would this plan work for you?”

  With all agreements in place, the Darcy�
��s left for Netherfield. Mr. Darcy looked back and noticed that Elizabeth had tears in her eyes as she turned back home. He wondered if she would be willing to leave her family as Mr. Evans stated. She was intelligent, kind and able to speak to Georgiana as a friend. Miss Elizabeth did not fawn over him or flirt. She was honest and straight forward. He could see having her as part of his life. He also wondered how any mother could act so unacceptably towards their child. To discipline is one thing when necessary, but to disparage is entirely unacceptable in any situation.

  Arriving back at Netherfield, Darcy found Charles in the study. He closed and locked the door so they would not be interrupted for the conversation he had in mind. “Charles, Georgie and I have decided to accompany Miss Elizabeth on her next visit to the tenants at Longbourn. We will be leaving before breakfast on Tuesday mornings. I will ask for trays to be sent to our rooms early tomorrow morning.” Worried about how his friend would take the next portion of the conversation, he observed Bingley. “Elizabeth has stopped her visits to the tenants at Netherfield due to your sister’s behavior. She does not wish to cause problems, but she also does not want to be around Caroline.”

  “I completely understand her concerns. I have spoken to Caroline but did not receive a satisfactory reply. She seems convinced that Miss Elizabeth has set her mind to trap you into marriage, so Caroline feels she is protecting both you and Georgiana. My sister claims that Miss Elizabeth is a fortune hunter; I have not seen any evidence to support her claims.” Bingley wanted to get his thoughts straight before he continued, so he poured each of them a glass of port before speaking. “I will keep your arrangements confidential at this time. The less information we give to Caroline, the less possibility that she will be able to interfere with your arrangements.” Pausing to drink the port, “she has changed over the last year. Caroline has been focused on your society above all others, turning away potential suitors at balls and dinners. I have asked if she has fallen in love with you, but she denies this vehemently.”