Pride Prejudice and Perjury

An Engagement is Announced

Chapter 7 ~ An Engagement is Announced

Intercourse between Willowbank and Pemberley resumed, albeit on the somewhat unorthodox basis proposed in Elizabeth's letter. Charles Bingley, at the insistence of his wife, made no allusion to the peculiarity of the arrangements, nor did Miss Darcy, nor Mr. Darcy. When they dined at Pemberley, it seemed to Jane that Elizabeth's unmentionable absence had an intangible presence. On occasion, the party was larger, and included one or more of the neighbouring families; and though they must certainly know that Mrs. Bingley had a younger sister living with them at Willowbank, her name never intruded upon their conversation. The taboo regarding Miss Bennet had circulated quickly throughout the neighbourhood, and her ostracism at Pemberley ensured her exclusion from all local society.

There was a brief interruption to the resumption of relations with Pemberley when news arrived from Kent that Lady Catherine de Bourgh was gravely ill. By the time that Mr. Darcy and his sister had arrived at Rosings Park, the great lady had breathed her last. But even great tragedies can sometimes be the harbinger of good fortune; which, in this instance, was that Colonel Fitzwilliam accompanied his cousins into Derbyshire after Lady Catherine had been reunited at long last in the family crypt with Sir Lewis.

Colonel Fitzwilliam was a most welcome addition to the Pemberley dining table. Georgiana was delighted that her cousin intended to remain some time with them in Derbyshire, for he always treated her with the utmost kindness and affection. Jane could not but notice that Georgiana's conversation with her cousin was far more confident and animated than was generally the case with her brother.

“And how, pray tell, is your sister?” inquired the colonel of Jane, at their first meeting. “I understand that Miss Bennet is now residing at Willowbank. I was greatly anticipating the pleasure of her charming company at our little party today, and must declare myself vastly disappointed not to see her.”

Jane had been conjecturing as to whether Mr. Darcy would have apprised his cousin of his base opinion regarding Elizabeth – or at least of his unwillingness to be in her society – and the peculiar arrangements that had developed in consequence. She had been dreading just such an enquiry which must inevitably arise if he had not done so, and awkwardly alluded to her sister being a little unwell at the present time.

Colonel Fitzwilliam, noting the embarrassment of the whole company, and the red faces of the ladies – and even Darcy – was far too much the gentleman to persevere; and simply enquired if he might call upon Miss Bennet the following day; a request to which Jane readily acceded.

***

Colonel Fitzwilliam waited until the guests had departed and he was alone with Darcy before asking the question which had been with him since the meal. “Darcy, what on earth is going on? What is the real reason for Miss Bennet's absence from Pemberley today?”

Darcy drained his port, refilled his glass, and took a long draught of it. Staring fixedly at his glass rather than meeting his cousin's gaze, he said. “I am in receipt of intelligence that is greatly to Miss Bennet's disadvantage; in consequence of which I will not receive her at Pemberley or admit her into my society.”

“Good God, man! I cannot imagine that any possible reason could exist for thinking ill of the lady. What is your information?”

“I refuse to disclose it.”

“Are you bound by honour, or an oath, to secrecy?”

“No; I simply choose not to reveal it. As a consequence of the intelligence I have received, all regard for that lady's reputation has long been lost in my eyes – yet I do not wish for others to know of it.”

“Are you absolutely certain of the veracity of your information, Darcy?”

“Most regrettably, I am. It has received corroboration from more than one independent source,” said Darcy. Then finally looking his cousin directly in the eye, he said sombrely, “I wish to God that this were just a nightmare from which I could awaken, and discover it to be nothing but a dark delusion with not an ounce of truth to it.” He gave a long, sorrowful sigh. “I am a creature of reason, Fitzwilliam, and I cannot ignore what reason tells me must be the truth, no matter how much I would wish it to be otherwise. Please do not speak of Miss Bennet with Georgiana. She is as ignorant as you of the information; she knows only that I refuse to have any contact with the lady. I have forbidden my sister to call upon her, and I most strongly advise you to likewise eschew her society.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam sipped his port thoughtfully for some time before replying, “Notwithstanding my admiration for your intellect, your considerable powers of cogitation, your experience as a magistrate in forming a reasoned opinion based upon the evidence to hand, and above all, of your fair-mindedness, I believe that your conclusion, in this instance, cannot be correct.”

“How can you say such a thing, Fitzwilliam? You are entirely ignorant of the evidence upon which my judgement is formed.”

“True, I know nothing of your evidence, but I flatter myself in believing that I know something of Miss Bennet's character, which I must tell you, I find to be in every respect unimpeachable. Unless some compelling evidence to the contrary is laid before me, I shall continue to judge Miss Bennet upon her own words and deeds, without the least cognisance of the mysterious information which appears to hold you in its thrall.”

***

Colonel Fitzwilliam became a regular visitor to Willowbank. He often rode over to call upon the ladies of a morning; he was pleased to fish with Bingley in the river or to shoot with him in the woods; and he happily accepted Mrs. Bingley's frequent invitations to dine with them. He was particularly fond of taking a turn in the garden if Miss Bennet could be persuaded to join him.

“Elizabeth,” said her sister one morning while they were taking tea, “I do believe that Colonel Fitzwilliam is becoming rather fond of your company. I do not imagine that he makes the long journey from Pemberley so often on account of either Bingley or myself – or the fish in the river or the game in the woods,” she said with a teasing smile.

“He tells me that he greatly enjoys a good ride, and that with his excellent mount, he is able to make the journey in under an hour,” replied Elizabeth innocently.

“Has he ever spoken to you upon the subject of his cousin's exclusion of you from his society?”

“Once only – and briefly. He gave me to understand that he had not the least idea of – nor interest in learning – the reasons for his cousin's bizarre behaviour, and he begged me to believe that his regard for me had not suffered a jot on that account. On the contrary, he intimated that if his regard for me had altered, it had increased, rather than diminished.”

Jane smiled. “I think he must be falling in love with you, Lizzy! I will admit that I have suspected it for a little while now.”

“Oh, I hope not,” replied Elizabeth. “I like him very much, and always find his company delightful. He is a well-bred man, with pleasant, well-informed conversation and delightful manners – but I do not believe I could ever come to love him.”

“Well, you must know your own heart, Lizzy, and certainly, you know what it is to love.” Regretting her allusion to Mr. Darcy, Jane quickly turned the conversation back to his cousin. “Then you must be careful, Lizzy, not to allow the colonel to hope.”

“Jane, I do not believe that he is falling in love with me; and furthermore, I have reason to believe that he guards his heart most carefully, and will not lose it where there is no hope.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“He made a singular remark to me one day when we were walking together in the woods at Rosings Park, which I took to be a warning. It was something about younger sons, such as himself, not being able to marry where they liked. He spoke, regretfully, I thought, of the necessity of marrying a woman of fortune.”

“So you think he was warning you not to think of him as a marriage prospect?”

“Precisely. He knew I had no money, and wishing to enjoy my company, he felt it incumbent upon himself to ensure that I did not misunderstand his intentions. I thought it most honourable of him; and I do not believe that anything has changed in that regard.”

***

The next visitor expected at Pemberley was Caroline Bingley, and news of her arrival was brought by Colonel Fitzwilliam when he came one morning to fish with Charles. They were engaged to dine at Pemberley the following day, and Jane was curious to see how Caroline would conduct herself. She behaved with all her usual insincere charm and declared herself delighted to see Charles and herself – although she reserved the greater part of her flattery for Mr. Darcy and his sister. It was evident to Jane that Caroline was intent upon courting the good opinion of them both.

When the ladies withdrew after the meal, Jane said to Caroline, beside whom she was seated in the drawing room, “Your brother, Charles, was surprised to learn that you have been several days at Pemberley, and have not yet paid a visit to Willowbank. He is eager, as you may imagine, for you to see the fine estate he has purchased.”

“Oh!” exclaimed Miss Bingley, making so severe a frown as to alarm Georgiana, who fled to the pianoforte, where she occupied herself in looking studiously through the sheets of music as if she were having difficulty in deciding what to play when the gentlemen joined them.

“Please come and wait on me at Willowbank, any morning,” said Jane politely, uncertain of how her invitation would be received. “Colonel Fitzwilliam is engaged to dine with us in two days time. Charles and I would be delighted if you would join us also.”

Miss Bingley rose from the sofa and began pacing agitatedly back and forth, further alarming Georgiana, who opened the instrument and began playing a soothing French lullaby.

Returning to where Jane was seated, Miss Bingley glared down at her, as if she herself had been insulted, and hissed, “You must know that it is quite impossible for me to visit Willowbank while Miss Bennet is there. As an unmarried woman, I have my reputation to consider. I cannot possibly go into the society of a woman who has….”

Jane stood abruptly, and facing Caroline Bingley with calm dignity, she enquired, “Who has… what, Caroline? What, pray tell, do you know of the matter?”

Miss Bingley was taken aback by the uncharacteristic forcefulness of her sister-in-law. She blushed and turned away; then avoiding Jane's gaze, she replied, “My information is of a general nature only; its source is Mr. Darcy, whose veracity and good judgement I greatly respect. Furthermore, as a guest in his house, I feel myself obliged to abide by his wishes. I understand that neither he nor his sister will receive Miss Bennet at Pemberley, and that they do not visit Willowbank, on account of her presence there. I must take my lead from them.” Before Jane could respond or question her further, Miss Bingley walked over to the pianoforte and began fawning over Georgiana.

***

Jane was so upset by Caroline Bingley that for a time she stopped calling upon Georgiana, for she knew that Caroline would be with her in the morning room at Pemberley; and her sister-in-law's supercilious society was too much for even her tolerant disposition. She suspected that poor Georgiana must find it a trial, being constantly confined to Caroline's company and subjected to her patently false affections. To an intelligent girl such as Georgiana, it could not but be apparent that Miss Bingley's professed fondness for her was mere artifice, designed to cultivate the good opinion of the sister of the man whom she was determined to have as her husband.

Jane avoided alluding to the probable marriage of Miss Bingley and Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth, for she was certain that her sister still had feelings for the gentleman – conflicted though they might be. However, a conversation had taken place between Mr. Darcy and her husband which she felt bound to report to her sister.

“Lizzy, there is something I must tell you. Last night, Mr. Darcy requested a private conversation with Charles. His object was to ascertain Charles' views on his marrying Caroline. Charles consented, of course, but he surprised Darcy by saying that he would have preferred his sister to marry someone who loved her.”

Elizabeth was silent. The news was hardly surprising. Mr. Darcy's intention had been implicit in his request that Georgiana invite Miss Bingley to Pemberley; and he could hardly have been in any doubt as to the eagerness with which his proposal would be accepted.

“Your husband is lately become quite outspoken with his friend,” replied Elizabeth, attempting to make light of the matter. “How did Mr. Darcy respond? Did he swear his undying love for Miss Bingley?”

Jane smiled. “According to Charles, he was serious and sombre – not what one would expect at such a moment in his life. He simply said that he does not believe in love, and that he needs to think about an heir.”

A tear ran down Elizabeth's cheek. Jane embraced her and said, “I am sorry, Lizzy, to bring you such news. I know that despite everything, it must distress you.”

“Yes,” replied Elizabeth sadly, drying her eyes, “it distresses me deeply, and I do not know whether my tears are for myself or for Mr. Darcy.” She struggled to subdue her feelings. Perhaps once he is married and all hope is gone, the intensity of the multitude of conflicting emotions he provokes in me will be blunted and finally die, thought Elizabeth. “Has a date been set for the wedding?”

“They are to wed in a little more than a month, in early September.”

“So soon!” exclaimed Elizabeth.

“Charles believes that they have had an understanding for some time.”

“Perhaps Mr. Darcy was waiting for Lady Catherine to die,” said Elizabeth. “She had been ill for some time – it was not unexpected. I think I told you that his aunt was determined that Mr. Darcy should marry her daughter, Anne. Perhaps he waited out of consideration for her sentiments.”

***

Jane received a note from Georgiana, begging her to wait on her the following morning, when she would be all alone.

Georgiana was most pleased to see Jane. “I fully understand your reasons for not calling upon me of late, dear Jane; no apology is necessary. I would do no less in your position – oh, that I could so easily escape her! You must know of the betrothal.” Jane nodded. “How shall I bear it when she becomes mistress of Pemberley? She will no longer have reason to pretend she adores me, or even to treat me with tolerable kindness. I shall be under her power – it will be altogether awful,” she cried.

“My poor Georgiana,” said Jane, embracing her. “There is but one escape.”

“I know,” said Georgiana, with a long, sad, sigh. “I must marry; it is the only remedy.”

“Do not be sad, my dear. If you marry wisely, where there is love, you will be happy, indeed.”

“Yes, perhaps. But, Jane, I am not yet ready to marry. I do so wish to remain here at Pemberley for many more years yet, with my brother – and with a sister whom I can truly love….”

Jane embraced Georgiana again. She was well aware that it was her sister, Elizabeth, whom she wished her brother to marry; but did not give voice to it, for though she wished for exactly the same thing, she knew it to be impossible.

“I am no longer a child, Jane, and I know it does no good to dream. Therefore, I must begin seriously thinking about marriage. My brother is to give a ball at Pemberley to celebrate his betrothal. That is why you find me all alone this morning; Miss Bingley is gone to Chesterfield to commission a gown for the occasion. I wish to talk with you of prospective husbands – or at least of one in particular.”

“Lord Netherby?” guessed Jane, and when Georgiana nodded, she asked, “Do you like him?”

Georgiana smiled. “I do like him. He is very pleasant; though I confess, I never had the least desire to marry him – until now! I am well aware that my brother decided some time ago that Lord Netherby would make me a suitable husband, and that an alliance between our families would be advantageous to them both. Together with Lady Netherby, who, no doubt, is party to the scheme, my brother took pains to ensure that I was often in his company when we were lately in town. Jane, I want your advice. Everyone seems to think it desirable – and it would save me from Caroline Bingley.”

“But none of that is to the point if you and Lord Netherby do not love each other.”

“What matters love?” asked Georgiana. “I have never truly known love of that sort; and it does not appear to be a consideration for either my brother or Miss Bingley – neither of whom loves the other.”

“I fear you are seeking counsel from the wrong person, my dear, for I do believe in love. It is better, in my opinion, not to marry at all than to marry without love.”

“Lord Netherby and his sister will be invited to the ball, and to spend some days at Pemberley. It will give me an opportunity to consider his character and to think seriously upon whether I could be happy with him.”

“That is most sensible. I do not say you should not marry him; only that you should not rush into it. I found him to be a most charming and agreeable young man, and I know that Elizabeth was likewise charmed. If you are able to love Lord Netherby, and he returns your love, then he is very likely the ideal husband for you.”

“Jane, I wish to ask you about your sister and Lord Netherby.”

“What do you mean? There is absolutely nothing at all between them; of that I can assure you.”

“I thought Elizabeth very taken with him – and he with her. They seemed to converse so easily and with such animation at his mother's ball. Though it did not trouble me in the least, it appeared to me that Lord Netherby found your sister far more fascinating than myself. I would feel terrible, after everything Elizabeth has had to endure – and continues to endure – if I should be the means of her losing the possibility of finding happiness.”

“Your kindness and consideration do you credit, dear Georgiana,” replied Jane, “but please believe me when I say that it is quite impossible that Lord Netherby could have captured my sister's heart.”

“Because it still belongs to another?” asked Georgiana sadly.

Jane gently shrugged her shoulders and sighed.