Pride Prejudice and Perjury

Willowbank

Chapter 6 ~ Willowbank

Bingley and Jane were settled at Willowbank by the end of the summer, and Elizabeth was delighted to join them there. Lydia's child was not yet born, but as the birth approached, her sister became increasingly bad-tempered and demanding. Elizabeth found herself admiring how well her mother endured it, and realised that when the time came, with her own experience of bearing five children, she would manage everything splendidly. Parting with her father was the most difficult part of it, but Elizabeth was greatly looking forward to living at Willowbank with dear Jane and Charles. She would make the two day journey by post, and was excited at the prospect of the adventure. Elizabeth smiled at the thought of what Lady Catherine de Bourgh would have to say on the subject of her making such a journey alone.

***

Willowbank was lovely in the late summer – although Elizabeth suspected that she would find it agreeable in every season. Her apartment was charming, and she felt immediately at home. She could very happily live the rest of her life here; and indeed believed that, very probably, she would.

Elizabeth was curious to know how Mr. Darcy had behaved towards Jane and Bingley since their arrival at Willowbank, several weeks earlier. On the morning following her arrival, as they were taking tea in the delightful morning room with a lovely view over the river, she questioned Jane about it.

“Everything has returned entirely to normal between Charles and Mr. Darcy,” reported Jane, happily. “Mr. Darcy even conceded, after further investigation, that the price Charles paid for the property was entirely reasonable. I believe he is conscious that his behaviour towards us when we visited Pemberley was wanting, and that he means to make amends and wishes Charles to understand that he is as dear a friend to him as ever he was. Charles has such a forgiving nature that the whole matter is now completely forgotten.

“Mr. Darcy has been exceedingly kind and generous in providing us with all manner of provisions from his larders and orchards while we are settling in. Miss Darcy waits on me often, and we dine with them twice a week, at least. We are just now at the point of being able to return the hospitality, for they will dine with us, for the first time, today.”

“Mr. Darcy cannot know of my arrival,” said Elizabeth, “or he would not have accepted the invitation.”

“No, he does not yet know of your arrival, Lizzy, but he is well aware that you are to live with us. Georgiana speaks of it often, and enthusiastically, and she has made mention of it more than once in the company of the gentlemen. Whatever are his opinions and feelings concerning you, Lizzy, that caused him to behave in so eccentric a manner at Pemberley in June, I do believe that henceforth he means to conduct himself entirely civilly in your presence so that we can all enjoy each other's society without the least bit of awkwardness.”

“I do hope you are correct. One would expect nothing less of a man of Mr. Darcy's breeding and character,” replied Elizabeth hopefully. “If our father was able to sit at the same table and conduct himself in a gentlemanly fashion with George Wickham, after all his history with Lydia, then Mr. Darcy should be able to endure my company with stoic good grace.”

***

In the event, if Darcy had intended to behave with stoic good grace, he failed utterly. He was completely discomposed from the first moment he set eyes upon Elizabeth. He managed the curtest of greetings, after which he refused to allow his eyes to travel in her direction. Against her better judgement, Elizabeth attempted to engage him in conversation. “Have you had the opportunity yet, Mr. Darcy, of fishing in Mr. Bingley's river?” she enquired.

A muffled grunt, sounding somewhat like a “Yes,” was all the gentleman could manage, as he stared hard at the floor.

Realising that the meal was doomed to be a disaster, and greatly embarrassing for the whole party, Elizabeth drew her sister aside and whispered, “I am sorry, Jane; but this is unbearable. Please make my apologies – a sudden headache, tell them.” With that, she turned and quickly left the room.

***

Elizabeth was seated in her apartment, picking over the food that Jane had sent up for her; but she had no appetite. Her spirits were even lower than they had been at Jane's wedding, when she had only the loss of Darcy's affection and the pain of his cruel and cold behaviour to endure. Now she had, in addition, the fear that her presence at Willowbank might ruin two precious friendships: that of Bingley and Darcy, and of Georgiana and Jane. The intimacy which seemed destined to flourish between Pemberley and Willowbank, to the mutual benefit and delight of them all would be destroyed by her presence.

Elizabeth's mind went round and round in the same hopeless, painful circle; she could find no way out. She must leave Cheshire and return to Longbourn; there was nothing else to be done. Her thoughts were thus engaged when Jane knocked at her door, her guests having just departed. Upon entering, she immediately rushed to her sister and embraced her.

“I am sorry, Jane, but I could not have borne it.”

“Do not blame yourself, Lizzy; you have done nothing to be sorry for. I watched Mr. Darcy closely from the moment he entered the room, and I saw how it would have been had you stayed. Though he remained sombre, he regained his composure, somewhat, after you left, and behaved tolerably well. I do not believe that Charles or Georgiana appreciated the embarrassment it would have been for us all had you not excused yourself. Whatever can be the matter with the man? I thought I knew him, but he is become someone else – a stranger whom I cannot comprehend in the least.”

“Jane, there is something I must tell you, which I learned from Lydia while I was in Longbourn. I have been hesitating to speak on the matter as it involves information obtained by spying upon others and eavesdropping on their conversations. I know that as a matter of honour, you would prefer not to receive information obtained in such a manner; however, in this case, I believe you must, for I suspect that it bears some connection with Mr. Darcy's extraordinary behaviour towards myself.”

“If that is your opinion, Lizzy, I will hear it.”

Elizabeth proceeded to recount everything that Lydia had told her.

Jane was stunned into silence. After several minutes, she finally exclaimed, “Caroline Bingley pay money to George Wickham? I cannot fathom a reason. And Lydia said that mention was made of your name – and of Mr. Darcy's – in relation to what?”

“She did not hear; only that Wickham was threatening to reveal something about a letter. I have thought about this a great deal, since first I heard it. My surmise is that Mr. Darcy has received a letter containing slanderous lies about me. Caroline Bingley is involved in the deceit, and Wickham has learned of it, and is threatening to reveal its spurious nature to Mr. Darcy. Caroline Bingley is obliged to provide money to keep him quiet.

“The notion that Mr. Darcy is in receipt of a report of a slanderous nature concerning myself is, admittedly, pure conjecture, and is not directly supported by anything Lydia has recounted. I must continue to remind myself of this fact, and endeavour not to allow myself to believe it unquestioningly, in the absence of further evidence.”

“Yet it perfectly explains all the events witnessed by Lydia,” mused Jane, “…and Mr. Darcy's recent behaviour.”

“Not just his recent behaviour – but all of it, since the time of your betrothal to Bingley, when Darcy failed to return into Hertfordshire. I was hoping at the time, as you know, that he would come to pay me his addresses.”

“So you believe that Caroline deliberately set about blackening your name in Mr. Darcy's eyes – to prevent him from wishing to marry you?”

“Exactly! It has been evident to me from almost the first moment I saw Miss Bingley in Mr. Darcy's company that it was her fondest desire to become his wife.”

“Yes, it is quite unmistakable,” replied Jane before falling silent again. It seemed almost incomprehensible to her that such skulduggery, which resembled the plot of some fanciful novel, could be happening amongst her nearest acquaintances. Yet, try as she might, she was unable to find an innocent explanation for Lydia's astonishing disclosure.

“I cannot imagine how Miss Bingley is able to pay Wickham so much money,” mused Jane. “Enough, it would seem, for him and Lydia to live upon. Caroline is a lady of fashion with expensive tastes. Her extravagant purchases often exceed her allowance, and it is not at all unusual for her to apply to Charles for an advance on her quarterly remittance.”

“Is it possible that Miss Bingley is obtaining the money from her brother?” asked Elizabeth.

Jane shook her head. “No; Charles would certainly have mentioned it to me. And most assuredly, he would not have given his sister such sums without an explanation of their intended use; and had he any inkling that it was for bribery, he would unquestionably have refused her. No, I do not believe that the money can be coming from Charles, but if you wish to be certain, I shall ask him.”

“No, Jane, I would rather you did not. I do not wish to involve your husband in any of this.”

“Are you quite certain, Lizzy? After witnessing Mr. Darcy's behaviour today, I am convinced that Charles must very soon become aware of his friend's inexplicable bitterness towards you – it cannot be concealed for very long. If you would but allow me to acquaint him with all the details, he might be able to get to the bottom of it. He could question his sister about the money and also demand an explanation from Mr. Darcy for his bizarre behaviour towards you; and he could inquire about the contents of this mysterious letter. Do you not see, Lizzy, it might provide you with the opportunity of refuting whatever lies have been laid at your door. You might even regain Mr. Darcy's esteem,” she added softy.

“No, Jane, I forbid it. I would rather give up Willowbank entirely and return to Longbourn. Indeed, I fear I must; for I do not wish to be the instrument of destroying the intimacy and friendship that exists between Willowbank and Pemberley.”

“But it is Darcy, not you, who is that instrument,” exclaimed Jane. “You must not blame yourself, Lizzy.”

“I do not blame myself. I know that I have done nothing to regret or be ashamed of. But still, I cannot remain here, knowing that it will destroy Bingley's most important friendship, and also that which has blossomed between Miss Darcy and yourself. And can you not see how terribly awkward it would be for us all?”

“Elizabeth, you are our sister. Your place is here with us – you must stay. If a choice is to be made, then family comes before friendship. Still, I am hopeful that such a choice will not be necessary. Promise me you will not speak again of leaving Willowbank, for it grieves me deeply.”

Elizabeth promised, and Jane agreed not to reveal what she knew to her husband; although it seemed to her inevitable that Charles must very soon realise that his friend wished to avoid the company of her sister.

***

No further dinner invitations were received from Pemberley; Miss Darcy did not come to wait upon the ladies at Willowbank, and politely declined Jane's invitation for her and her brother to dine with them. In her note, she expressed her regret that on account of her brother being presently indisposed, he wished to remain quietly at Pemberley, and for her to do likewise. In deference to his wishes, she found herself unable to receive visitors.

It was all very much as Elizabeth had expected.

Charles Bingley was ignorant of the communications between the ladies, and continued his excursions to Pemberley to shoot and fish with his friend, who he found to be somewhat less talkative than usual. Darcy frequently appeared to be preoccupied in sombre thought, and always found some excuse for not coming to shoot and fish at Willowbank. Bingley commented at the table one day upon the lack of visits amongst the ladies, and that it seemed a great while, indeed, since they had dined at Pemberley or had Darcy and his sister to dine with them.

In spite of her promise to Jane, Elizabeth was again considering departing Cheshire. She could not bear to feel herself the cause of the growing estrangement between Pemberley and Willowbank. Though it would be a terrible wrench to give up the company of her most beloved sister and the beauty of Willowbank, she could think of no other course. Elizabeth wrestled for many days with the dilemma, before, at length, taking up her pen and writing.

‘Dear Miss Darcy,

It is with great regret that I observe the cessation of intercourse between Pemberley and Willowbank, which has coincided with my arrival in Cheshire. If you are not privy to the reason, then you are very likely puzzled as to why this has come about. Allow me to enlighten you: It is on account of your brother's earnest desire to avoid all contact with me.

As you may know, my sister and her husband have invited me to make my home with them at Willowbank. It grieves me to think that my presence here may be the means of ruining the deep friendship that has long existed between Mr. Bingley and your brother. Furthermore, the friendship between my sister and yourself seems, likewise, certain to suffer.

I therefore propose that you resume your invitations to Mr. Bingley and my sister to visit and dine at Pemberley. It will be understood that such invitations do not include myself.

It will also be understood that Mr. Darcy does not wish for the hospitality to be returned, and no such invitations will be given. I hope that my sister will once again be welcome to wait upon you at Pemberley. If you are unable to return such visits, the reason will be readily understood.

Yours, etc,

Elizabeth Bennet'

Elizabeth did not show the letter to Jane, for fear that she would object to her self-imposed withdrawal from all intercourse with Pemberley. However, after it was sent, she apprised Jane of its contents. Jane was not happy, but she understood and respected her sister's motives. “How shall I explain such an unusual arrangement to Charles?” she asked.

“Tell him that Mr. Darcy and I have had a falling out, and that we neither of us wish to be in the company of the other; and that the arrangement suits us both. Give him to understand that I would feel most uncomfortable in discussing the particulars. Say only that I would prefer not to speak of Mr. Darcy with him, and that it is my express wish that he should not enter into discussion with Mr. Darcy concerning myself.”

***

The following day, a message arrived from Miss Darcy – not for Elizabeth but for Jane. It was a brief note requesting the pleasure of a visit.

When Jane entered the morning room at Pemberley, Georgiana, who was sitting alone, rose to greet her guest. She appeared embarrassed and discomposed. Jane embraced her and smiled warmly. “It is so good to see you again, my dear Georgiana.”

“And I you, dear Jane.”

Once they were seated, Georgiana took a deep breath. It appeared that there was something she wished to say. Jane remained silent and waited.

“I am so unhappy and confused, it is hard to know what I must do. My brother has been acting most peculiarly of late. He has become withdrawn and unsociable. I was beginning to fear he must be suffering some manner of nervous disorder. Then yesterday, I received a letter from your sister. She wrote something most shocking – about my brother – do you – have you –?” she paused, not knowing how to continue.

“I did not see the letter; however Elizabeth revealed its contents to me after it had been sent.”

“Oh, then you must know. I was so astonished at what Miss Bennet wrote that I immediately asked my brother if it was true that he wished to avoid your sister. He asked me from whence came such a notion, and I told him that Miss Bennet had written of it in a letter. My brother demanded to see the letter, and though I thought it wrong of him, I was obliged to obey.”

“Yes, of course, my dear, you had no choice in the matter; you did what was right,” Jane reassured her.

“He read the letter and simply said, ‘What Miss Bennet proposes is entirely acceptable to me – with the proviso that you do not visit Willowbank.'“

“'Then it is true,' said I, ‘you do indeed wish to avoid contact with Miss Bennet?' ‘Yes, it is perfectly true,' he said with a sternness that frightened me, ‘and I likewise wish you to avoid all contact with her.' I gathered up my courage, for I knew he wished not to discuss the matter further, and asked him the reason for so extraordinary a resolve.”

Georgiana paused; she was too embarrassed and upset to continue.

“And did your brother furnish a reason?” inquired Jane gently.

“He did. My brother was not explicit; but he implied that your sister is not a respectable lady. I know my brother would never lie to me, yet I cannot believe it. Now I do not know what to think,” said Georgiana miserably.

“Georgiana, I can assure you that my sister is every bit as respectable as you and I – or any lady in England. Your brother has been imposed upon by those who would wish him to think ill of my sister. Please do not ask me the particulars, for I know but a small part of it, and I am not authorised to reveal anything further.”

“How shocking!” exclaimed Georgiana. “How awful it must be for your poor sister to know that lies are being spoken about her – and believed! I must go at once to my brother and inform him that these reports are not true!”

“Please, Georgiana, speak not a word of this to anyone! My sister wished for you to know of it, for she could not bear to have you think ill of her. She explicitly requested that this information be given to you in the strictest confidence.”

“Why? Why cannot I tell my brother that whatever he has heard against your sister is all falsehood and slander?”

“He would not believe you, and would very likely become angry with both you and I; he might even forbid you to receive me at Pemberley.”

“Then I shall do as you say, and respect your confidences. Please tell Elizabeth that I unreservedly believe in her goodness. Tell her, also, how unhappy I am at being presently unable to enjoy her society. I was so looking forward to deepening the intimacy which began between us during your short stay here, at Pemberley, two months ago.”

“It shall be my great pleasure,” replied Jane, “and I am certain it will please her.”

“Now I wish to tell you something in confidence, Jane. A year ago, when Elizabeth was travelling in Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle, she visited Pemberley, and my brother was most anxious to introduce us. I had never seen him so animated by a young lady and, well… I began to believe him to be very much in love with your sister; and, I confess, I liked her so well that I hoped very much that she would very soon become my sister, also. Even when some urgent business unexpectedly took her from Derbyshire, I did not despair, for I had observed the strength of my brother's feelings, and felt confident that they must be one day united. When nothing came of it after many months, I was surprised – and disappointed; but now it seems, there is an explanation.”

Jane sighed sadly, but said nothing.

“Someone has deliberately set out to deceive my brother concerning Elizabeth's character, and consequently, he has decided against her. That was most certainly their intention,” said Miss Darcy, thinking aloud. “But why would anyone wish to prevent them from marrying?” She pondered the question a few moments, before her eyes suddenly opened wide. “Because it is a lady who wishes to marry him herself – and it is not very difficult to guess who!”

“Georgiana, please!” exclaimed Jane, holding up her hand. “I do not wish to speak further on the subject. You have a very quick mind; but let me counsel you to always take care not to believe things without proof; and more particularly, not to speak of your speculations. You know not the damage you may do to the reputation of another!”

“I am sorry, Jane, you are quite correct. It would indeed be most improper. But on another subject,” continued Georgiana, smiling mischievously, “my brother has asked me to send an invitation to your husband's sister, Miss Bingley, to be my guest at Pemberley.”

“Oh,” said Jane, uncomfortably. She should by now have invited Caroline to stay with them at Willowbank; but had refrained, even before the recent revelations from Lydia, on account of Elizabeth and Miss Bingley's mutual dislike of each other. In any event, Caroline would never have accepted the invitation while Elizabeth was at Willowbank. Jane was fastidious in according Miss Bingley everything that was her due as her husband's sister; nevertheless, she found her insincerity something of a trial, and could not feel unhappy that she would stay at Pemberley rather than with them.