An Unexpected Merry Gentleman Read online

  “Yes, Papa.” She turned back with a penitent expression. “I apologize for my manners, Nanny. I am ready for bed.”

  Nanny pushed the strands of falling hair from her eyes, clasped her charge’s hands, and escorted them down the hallway and up the stairs to the nursery.

  “Those two are so much like Jane and Lizzy,” Madeline said, smirking, as she picked up the book she had put down in the commotion.

  “Yes, they are. It brings to mind even if Mr. Bingley does not wish to think of our Jane, he will have no choice. With our Emily as precocious as Elizabeth and Victoria as gentle as Jane, he will either cut our visit short or hie to Longbourn and propose.”

  “I am certain I know what our sister would wish.”

  Chapter 2

  We Were Gone Astray

  Monday

  “It is but two weeks before Christmas, and now my brother writes to us his plans have altered? That he must decline our invitation to stay with us for the holidays and will only reside for two nights in our home while traveling to the estate of a business associate? It is unpardonable!”

  Mr. Bennet set down the letter and picked up his fork. “So, it would seem, my dear.”

  Elizabeth Bennet glanced between her parents, while attempting to hide her amusement. As the second oldest daughter in a house of five girls, she was most like her father in intelligence and wit and suspected the letter held some communication of which he was teasing his wife.

  “And you, Miss Lizzy. Wipe that smirk from your lips. If you had only accepted Mr. Collins’s offer of marriage, we would be dining at Rosings for the holidays with your new patroness. But, no. The life of a clergyman’s wife was not good enough. Nor was being the future mistress of Longbourn. So, you just keep your unspoken opinions to yourself!”

  Elizabeth had heard this tirade before, and the sting from the words was no longer felt. It had been a month since her cousin’s proposal, followed quickly by her refusal. Mr. Collins is a buffoon. Only the deepest love will induce me to marry. That man excited no pleasant feelings within me until I saw his exit from our home! She stifled her mirth once again as her elder sister’s hand patted her knee under the table in a sign of unity.

  Jane spoke, attempting to assuage her mother. “Mama, even you could see Mr. Collins's feelings were not constant—moving from myself to Elizabeth and finally to Charlotte Lucas. Would you want my sister to be married to a man with such little care for her heart?”

  Mrs. Bennet threw up her hands. “I just want one of my daughters married, my dear Jane. You of all my girls should understand this! Had Mr. Bingley not left for London, had you been a little more encouraging…. Oh, but you are not at fault. I have racked my brain these last weeks to determine why he has not returned, and it makes no sense. If only we knew if he was planning to take up residence again.”

  Jane lowered her eyes to the table, as Lizzy’s hand now reached out to comfort her beloved sister.

  “My dear Jane. Would that not solve all our problems?” Mr. Bennet quipped. “Knowing when a man was going to take up residence in his own home? If only someone were a fortune teller—had the power of the second sight, like the Highland Scots.”

  “Highland Scots…Mr. Bennet, you are talking nonsense.”

  “Am I, my dear? If I told you I could predict within the day of Mr. Bingley’s return, what would you say?”

  Fanny Bennet growled at her husband in exasperation. “I would say you are a gypsy and would promise to refrain from spending my pin money for an entire fortnight.”

  “Well, that makes things interesting. Because you see, I have a letter here stating the very thing.”

  “Papa, that letter is from Uncle Gardiner,” Kitty said, giggling. “How could he know?”

  “Because Kitty, your uncle Gardiner has refused our offer of Christmas at Longbourn to accept an offer from Mr. Bingley.”

  Jane’s eyes opened wide, and a gasp was heard from Mrs. Bennet.

  “What? What did you say?” Mrs. Bennet rose from the table, sat back down, then rose again to snatch the missive from her husband’s hand before she saw a steely look in his eye. Sitting back down, she exclaimed, “Oh bless me! I knew my brother would handle everything!”

  “Yes. Edward, Madeline, and the children will arrive tomorrow for two days and then will proceed to Netherfield for Christmas as guests of Mr. Bingley and his widowed aunt, a Mrs. Taylor.”

  Jane swallowed, then softly asked, “How can this be, Papa?”

  “It seems your uncle was friends with the late Mr. Bingley. He has taken it upon himself to be a presence in Mr. Bingley’s business world and was most recently able to be of some assistance to him. The young man is showing your uncle his gratitude by hosting him for the holidays.”

  “Mr. Bingley is returning! Happy day!” Mrs. Bennet said, clapping her hands with glee. “We can still convince him to marry our Jane.”

  “Mama. Do you truly desire a man who must be convinced to marry your child?” Mary asked, closing her book of sermons.

  “Oh, hush, girl. Who asked you? Now Jane,” she said turning to her eldest, “you must hurry. Break your fast. For then we must make haste into Meryton and see if there is time to make you a new dress for Christmastide. You cannot have Mr. Bingley see you in an old frock.”

  Mr. Bennet cleared his throat. “Madam, that is quite out of the question.”

  “No, it is not. It cannot be. Would you have our Jane appear to the least advantage after Mr. Bingley has been dining in London with fashionable young ladies? No, Jane needs a new dress.”

  “But, Mrs. Bennet. How do you propose to purchase a new dress? According to your own directive, you have no pin money for a fortnight.”

  “Mr. Bennet! How you delight in vexing me.”

  “It appears, my dear Jane, you will have to look a pauper in the face of Mr. Bingley.” Mr. Bennet stood and chuckled to himself as he exited the dining room, leaving a howling wife behind.

  “Are you well?” Elizabeth asked, walking into the sitting room, where her elder sister was staring out the window, her embroidery lying forgotten on her lap.

  Jane started at the question, having been lost in her thoughts. “Yes, Lizzy. I am well. Just daydreaming about…Christmas and how happy I am to see our young cousins.”

  Elizabeth gave her a knowing smile. “Yes. I too am looking forward to visits with little Emily and Victoria. However, are you certain that is where your thoughts lay?”

  Jane blushed. “Yes, Lizzy. For if they turned into another direction, it would be for naught. The Netherfield party has been gone for several weeks. They did not take their leave of us before departing. We are of no notice to them.”

  Elizabeth allowed her sister this moment of melancholy. “Then, it will be interesting as we will be in company with them so frequently.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “Papa informed me there was more to his letter than he told Mama. That Mr. Bingley was planning to invite us to dinner while he is in residence.”

  “Oh.” Jane looked down at her hands and fumbled with her embroidery. “Well, I am certain it means nothing. He cannot avoid the acquaintance with Uncle in residence at his home.”

  “You think that if you will, my dear Jane. But, he could very well have not invited Uncle to stay at Netherfield and only thanked him in London by inviting him to his club. No, I am sure there is more to it.”

  Jane struggled to hide a grin, and Lizzy wrapped her arms around her. “There, there. I will no longer tease you and will cease my discourse on the subject. However, I will say I am grateful the gentleman comes alone, with only his widowed aunt to serve as hostess.”

  “You still believe Caroline is not a faithful friend?”

  Elizabeth bit her lip, unwilling to shatter her trusting sister’s faith in others. “I believe Caroline attempts to use her influence over her brother for her own desires. I also believe Mr. Bingley sometimes gives import to others’ advice over his own.”

  “I know
you are referring to Mr. Darcy. However, I still believe you may have erred in your judgment of him.”

  “I cannot believe that. Nevertheless, we do not have to concern ourselves, for Mr. Darcy will be far away in the wilds of the North.”

  Wednesday

  “And you are certain you feel up to the task of spending the holiday season with strangers?” Fitzwilliam Darcy asked his sister as their carriage bounced over the road leading to Hertfordshire.

  “Did Aunt Helen not say they were respectable? She has worked alongside Mrs. Gardiner at the charity bazaar. According to Aunt, she is a very genteel woman.”

  “Uncle Matlock also attested for the character of Mr. Gardiner. As I have done business with him, I have no complaints. I was only confirming you desired the trip.”

  “With the roads to Derbyshire perilous with snow, and Aunt and Uncle visiting Ireland for a month, it appears we have little choice, William. Besides, it will be lovely to see Mr. Bingley’s estate.”

  “We could stay at Darcy House. Mrs. Noyes had not yet left for her son’s home.”

  “And steal her visit with her grandchild? No. Mr. Bingley has extended the invitation, and Miss Bingley will be visiting their northern relations…” Her sheepish expression was met by his grin.

  “I should censure your words but, as a young woman who will soon be out in society, you must learn who your true friends are. As a Darcy, there are many who seek our notice for their own gain.”

  “Yes,” she said quietly. “But that is not true of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.”

  He squinted before raising a brow in question. “And how do you know this of Miss Elizabeth Bennet?”

  Georgiana gave a small shrug and turned to glance out the window. “Her name frequently appeared in your correspondence from your stay at Netherfield.”

  “Yes, well…”

  “You have never mentioned a woman’s name to me before. And you would never mention a woman’s name if she was mercenary.”

  He was silent, attempting to determine how to describe Miss Elizabeth to his sister. Instead, he studied the book in his hands. “It is true. She is not mercenary. However, I believe you may have read too much into the mention of the young woman's name. She was merely someone who I enjoyed conversing with. Nothing more.”

  “A woman you enjoyed conversing with?”

  “Is that so shocking?”

  “Somewhat.” She paused for a moment before replying. “You do not usually divulge the names of those you converse with in a letter. What did you and Miss Elizabeth discuss?”

  “Georgie!”

  She ignored his tone and blithely continued. “Do not look at me so. It is a harmless question. If I am to be introduced into society next year, I will need to know what thoughts and ideas interest a man of intelligence. I do not want to entertain conversations with fools.”

  He once again weighed his answer. “We spoke of books. The accomplishments of ladies. Of resentment and the inability to forgive…”

  “Resentment and the inability to forgive?”

  “It is of little consequence. We will rarely be in company with the Miss Bennets and their family, other than the Gardiners.”

  “And the Gardiners have children?”

  “From what I understand, there are two young daughters.”

  “Oh, we are so seldom around children. I am looking forward to observing them when we exchange presents Christmas morning. Might we purchase them small gifts?”

  “If you like.”

  They slipped into silence, save Georgiana’s humming of some of her favorite Christmas carols. As he stared out the window, he wondered if his resistance could stand a se’nnight in the presence of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

  “We are quite delighted about staying at Netherfield, Mr. Bingley. Our father has told us what an honor it is for our family, and how we should be most appreciative.” Elizabeth squeezed her young cousin's hand with approval at the compliment to their guest. Mr. Bingley had arrived earlier in the morning to indicate he had returned to the neighborhood. Although societal rules dictated he should remain no longer than a quarter hour, with encouragement from Mrs. Bennet, not only was he on his fourth turn about the gardens, he also accepted an invitation to tea.

  “The honor is all mine, Miss Emily,” he replied, casting a smile toward her older cousin Jane. “I had already had the privilege of hosting Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth when Miss Bennet became ill. It brings me joy to share the comfort of my home with your family.”

  The four continued to walk in the crisp air of Longbourn’s gardens. The plants were merely twigs but for the boxwoods, and the frost had overtaken their surroundings.

  Elizabeth observed a secret look pass between her sister and the gentleman, and she slowed her steps allowing the couple to outpace her and Emily.

  “Lizzy, did you see the way Mr. Bingley looked at Jane?”

  “I think so,” she said, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders.

  “I think they fancy each other! Why are they not yet betrothed?”

  Elizabeth smiled down at the large imploring eyes and the innocence of her cousin. “Emily, just because two people enjoy each other’s company, does not mean they will marry.”

  The child spied her cousin and the gentleman who were now so far ahead they had done the loop around the hermitage and were now making their way back to the house. “I am not so sure, Lizzy. Sarah Bell said her sister had a beau, and when he would walk out with her, she would turn pink, just like Jane is right now.”

  Elizabeth looked up in amusement to find that little Emily was quite observant. Nevertheless, the moment called for a lesson in propriety. “Emmy, even if what you say is true, you are never to bring it up to someone's notice as it would be considered unladylike.”

  “I do so wish to be a lady,” Emily said, kicking a rock and furrowing her brow. She bit her lip in concentration before replying. “Very well, then. I will not tell Tory unless she asks me directly.”

  Elizabeth believed she would have to content herself with that proclamation and settled into silence.

  “Lizzy. Do you have a man who makes you turn pink?”

  “No, Emily. And that is quite impertinent to ask.”

  “I apologize for being impertinent, Lizzy. I just wanted to know, that’s all.” Elizabeth smiled as the little mittened hand clasped hers tighter before releasing it. “I am going to go in and discover if Tory is still practicing her piano.”

  “I believe she is.”

  “Good. I have so much to tell her.”

  “Emily…” Elizabeth’s tone stopped the retreating child in her tracks. “Remember what you said, and how you wish to be a lady.”

  “Oh, Lizzy. I will not say anything about Jane and Mr. Bingley. I promised you that already.”

  “Then what will you say?” Lizzy held out her hand, and the young girl reluctantly took it.

  “I will say that someday I hope a man makes me turn pink like Cousin Jane and Sarah’s sister.” They swung their arms back and forth while making their way around the hermitage before turning back toward Longbourn. “Isn’t that what you want too, Lizzy? A man who will make your cheeks turn pink?”

  Elizabeth smiled at the simplicity of the question. “I suppose I do want a man who will, as you say, turn my cheeks pink. However, I do not believe there is such a man for me.”

  “If there is,” the young girl replied, “it is not one of the officers.”

  Lizzy turned with a raised brow. “Oh?”

  “Yes. All the officers that were here yesterday, not one made you smile as brightly as you could. Not even Mr. Wendell.”

  “Mr. Wendell?”

  “Yes,” she said. “The one cousin Lydia is always sitting next to. He makes her cheeks turn pink, as do all the other officers, but not you. Lydia’s are always pink.”

  “Do you mean Mr. Wickham?” Elizabeth asked, interrupting.

  “Yes, Mr. Wickham. I believe he wants to make your cheeks turn pink.”<
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  “Is that so?” Elizabeth asked, amused.

  “Yes.” Emily nodded her head again as her curls bounced. “But he doesn’t look at you like Mr. Bingley looks at Jane.”

  “And how is that?” Lizzy asked, opening the door to the kitchen and ushering her cousin into the warmth of Longbourn.

  “Like he has hearts in his eyes.”

  She patted her the young girl’s shoulder before leaning down to kiss her head. “Go inside and ask Cook for some tea and biscuits to warm you.” Emily ran on ahead as Lizzy removed her boots and cloak. Hearts in his eyes. If only I could dream as young girls do. Will there ever be a man who looks at me like that?

  “Mr. Darcy is coming to Hertfordshire?” Mrs. Bennet asked, interrupting the conversation between Elizabeth and Mr. Bingley’s aunt, Sophie Taylor.

  “Yes,” Bingley said, reading the note from his housekeeper which had only been delivered to Longbourn. “He should arrive this evening. There was some trouble getting to Pemberley so he accepted an earlier invitation, and he and Miss Darcy will now be spending Christmas with us.” Mr. Bingley looked up at his aunt who turned to Mrs. Bennet and smiled.

  Mrs. Taylor was the opposite of what Elizabeth believed a woman from the Bingley family could be. She was more like Mrs. Bennet than Miss Bingley and had a propensity to laugh and speak her opinions most decidedly. The older woman had more delicacy than her mother, but Lizzy could see both women becoming fast friends.

  “Oh, Mr. Darcy is quite an agreeable man,” Mrs. Taylor said. “Have you had the pleasure of knowing him?”

  Mrs. Bennet looked at her hands, and Elizabeth could tell she was fighting the urge to give her poor opinion of the man to a woman she barely knew. “Yes, we have all met Mr. Darcy. I am surprised you have found him as pleasant as you say. He did not impress the people of Hertfordshire as well as he should.”

  “Mama!”

  “He…did not care to dance with any of our fine local ladies nor did he participate in conversation with the men. He kept mostly to himself.”