Being A Man Of Means, Pride and Prejudice Fanfiction

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Being A Man Of Means...Bingley Becomes A Landed Gentleman...By Jimmy

How is it that he always ends up looking like a poorer copy of Darcy? They patronize the same tailors, shops and clubs yet Darcy always looked like a man of 10,000 a year while Bingley, didn't. Bingley gave his poor reflection in the mirror a silent commiseration and straightened himself more to gain an air of abused but still living dignity. Of course Darcy is a man of 10,000 a year and the master of Pemberley. While he Bingley inherited his fortune from his father who earned it in trade. A fact that his sisters disliked beyond reasonable borders. A fact that should have kept Darcy from his social circle, but it didn't. Bingley could not know how he looked to other people because he was neither vain nor supercilious enough to care. A youth of good humor he grew to be a young man of lively sense of society and kindness. While Darcy was imperial in his feature and form, Bingley was smaller and had laughing eyes and beautiful hair. He could disarm anyone within minutes of acquaintance thus his reputation that followed him was always favorable in nature. He was always known to be handsome, well pleasing and witty. These descriptions were even more favorable when compared to his friend Darcy who always gave offense in some way. But Darcy was no fool, and he genuinely like Bingley for the man's refreshing honesty in society that has almost none and the man's unending kindness to everyone's faults, including Darcy's, shone Bingley like a beacon in a middle of a foggy night.

Now that youth has taken Netherfield, a fair estate with the town of Meryton few miles away. Granted Bingley thought it can not even begin to compare to Pemberley, the estate is filled with promises of a secure future, a real home and where Bingley could establish a family of his own. He smiled to himself a little as he remembered all the matches he foiled every time he spent a season in London. He wanted neither wife nor fiancée until he was firmly established and connected. Now he is and perhaps he should look for a wife in earnest. A secret he kept away from everyone including his sisters and Darcy. For he might not be astute or cunning as the rest of the people residing in Netherfield, but he had instinct enough to know what difficulties the future Mrs. Charles Bingley will have with his family and acquaintances. Looking at himself in the mirror once more he dashed out to the hallway to find the rest of the entourage waiting for him with dour looks on their faces. Oh dear, it's going to be one of those evenings Bingley dismayed.

The music at the Assembly was very loud, though not very well played. Bingley recognized the air and smiled for it was a tune that was very familiar to him. He could feel the disapproval emanating from the rest of the party and Bingley quickly did what he always did. He tried his best to balance the dislike of the rest of his party with his enthusiasm and soon the whole assembly knew that he loved the music, was very fond of dancing, thought that it was total kindness to be invited to such a lovely evening and will give a ball himself in Netherfield to say thank you to the local society for letting him enjoy such a fine evening. And that he would be very sorry when the last air has been played. This shone him in favorable light indeed and excused his sisters' behaviors as well. They were very elegant and reserved, perhaps a bit proud, but that could be so well explained away when they had such an eligible brother as Bingley. However his friend Darcy was incredibly proud, unforgiving and did his best to snub the local society. The difference between the two gentlemen was enough to send tongues wagging in Bingley's favor and decidedly against Darcy's.

Early in the night Bingley saw a young lady standing amidst many and thought the comparison of the last rose came to mind. She was always in pleasing countenance and whispered continuously with the girls around her. But Bingley instinctively knew her talk was not laced with maliciousness like those of Caroline and Louisa. Her smiles were sweet and those eyes beheld the world with no ill will. That matched with her regal height and bearing made Bingley wonder who she was. It was also very obvious that though the gentlemen were scarce in this party those girls had constant attention of every young man in the room and the one with gentle eyes had no need to despair for lack of attention.

He quickly asked a few questions and found her name to be Jane Bennet. And the smaller and livelier one was Elizabeth Bennet, the sister closest to Jane. There are 5 Bennet girls in the place whispered a gentlemen eager to have Bingley's ear. And they are known beauties in the local area, but Jane Bennet was a sweet girl with such a good disposition that her temper was as famed as her beauty. The younger one Lizzie as known was a quick wit and some talent on the pianoforte. The rest alas could not match the older two in talent and wit, but the whole family was very pleasant to know.

That was all Bingley needed. Practically dragging his host he was introduced to the Bennets and within minutes was dancing with the most beautiful girl in the room. Bingley's smiles were real when dancing with Jane. He had no need to be on his guard like when he was with his sisters or Darcy. Bingley saw in Jane the inability to harm others with either words or gesture and her temper was as kind as his was. The two made a handsome pair, more so for they found in each other some haven from the rest of the world.

After the first dance he had to relinquish her and in his height of good will sought Darcy out. He could not bear to have Darcy standing by himself while such merriment was going about and tried to convince his friend to take a dance. He even offered to introduce Elizabeth Bennet, a girl of some real beauty but Darcy rebuffed him coldly. In other situations this would have hurt Bingley, but the man was in such a good mood that he followed his friend's words and went to join the dancers on the floor again.

Soon he was partnered with Jane and all was well.

That night when the Netherfield party returned, Charles was already planning in his mind to throw a grand ball to welcome the local society and introduce himself as a permanent master of Netherfield. Caroline and Louisa with their usual acrimony described what they detested about the dance. But their words could not match the disdain of Darcy. And Charles felt himself wince as he heard the vicious words fall from his friend's lips.

The Meryton people were savages with very little beauty and no fashion. He received no pleasure or society from such a group and thought them beneath him so much, that Darcy would never attend another function again.

Charles quietly rose to his neighbors' defense. "They are good people with little artifice and pleasant in their greetings of myself and you Darcy. The music was lively and so was the party. They were kind in their acceptance of us and showed much patience to total strangers. So much care was given that I felt no uneasiness amongst them and soon I found myself dancing with beautiful girls around the room. The wine could have been better, I grant you, but I care none for it when I have other things to keep me cheerful."

Darcy raised his eyes to Bingley and matched his gaze but Bingley did not break his stare at all. He could not know how dominating his voice was at the moment he opposed Darcy in front of his sisters and Mr. Hurst. For all he could think about was Jane Bennet receiving such harsh rebuke and thought it most unjust. Darcy gave a crooked smile and nodded admitting consent and the air was softened again. Bingley then talked little of Jane Bennet, but was delighted to find his sisters agreeing that she was a sweet girl, one of the very few they really liked and would like to know more of. Charles went to bed that night with the thought that perhaps he could contrive a visit to the Bennet household soon.

Part II--Affection Is Always Easily Earned By Giving Affection

Bingley met with the Bennets no less than 4 times in different occasions and found himself more and more pleased with Jane Bennet. Though the girl was reserved in her actions and regard her sweetness and obvious preference of his person banished any fears he had of her opinion of him. It was not only this that pleased him but her treatment of others was always forthright and kind. There never was any kinder gentlemen than those she met, no ladies finer than those she spoke of and her sisters were all angels that showed no wings. Even her mother whose first acquaintance jarred Bingley into silence was a dear and meant only kindness to her children who can be difficult at times. Even his own sisters improved on him when spoken through Jane's voice and opinion.

By the time the Bingley party arrived at the Lucas' Ball Charles Bingley was beyond besotted and was quickly on his way to love. This claim a young handsome man can make easily, and Bingley is not the exception in this forgivable fault however his person was such that when he believed himself to be in love, he is quite capable of convincing himself into it. The change in this scenario was the object of his affection, Jane Bennet and his steadiness in belief that he wanted her as his steadfast partner in life. For Bingley though not reasoning it out finally met a lady of culture and wit and whose patience will never run short of his many small follies. And whose goodness can finally end the quiet misery surrounding his family life. Simply said Jane Bennet can match his sisters' ill will with her own strength and triumph perhaps finally sparing Bingley the silent grief he bore in regard to Caroline, Louisa and to an extent Darcy. A woman like that he thought as she danced with an officer can make a beggar rich and a rich man envy a beggar. But he was no beggar, a young man of means and some social connections he knew he was a fair catch. And he hoped he shone with that favorable light into the eyes of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet.

Oh dear, he just saw Darcy confront Elizabeth Bennet and took steps to prevent his best friend damaging his good reputation among this folk. Then he heard the gist of the conversation and wisely disappeared into the crowd. He smiled to himself: Bravo Ms. Elizabeth Bennet. You are a truly remarkable woman to have the last word on Darcy. She proceeded to play on the pianoforte and though the talent was not of London quality it far exceeded everyone's expectations and the audience's approval was great. The rest of the evening became what is now the usual affair at Netherfield. The Hursts, Caroline and Mr. Darcy complaining about the local gentry while Charles blithely ignoring them all and thought of other ways of meeting with Jane Bennet.

Late at night he also had a ritual that would have saddened the strongest and make the most dour laugh in good humor. Bingley would enter the rooms of his mansion and imagine the uses the particular room would be suited for. His imagination developed by years of neglect and shyness in the early stages of life fulfilled his wishes magnificently. Then he would imagine Jane there, sitting by the fire, lifting that profile when he entered the great room. Jane sitting in the music room valiantly trying to keep up with Elizabeth then stumbling and finally the two sisters laughing at the hopeless mess the duet has become. He would see Jane walking by the portrait hall gazing upwards and regaling him with stories of the owners past. Jane garbed in magnificent silk and satin in colors that only she could carry dancing with him in the middle of the room to the obvious envy of every other person.

He did this late at night so he need not explain his longings to anyone, and more so defend them to people he could not obviously deceive. And these silent if somewhat pathetic dreams of Bingley gave him the strength to hear the criticisms constantly made around him during day. And in those moments he was safe and secure with no fear of criticisms or of failings. The next morning he bounded down the stairs in good energy overtaking Darcy and the two spend the rest of the day shooting then dining with the officers. The company was most agreeable and even Darcy showed his best if sardonic side at the dinner table. But what greeted Bingley when he reached home dissipated any good mood he carried over.

His sisters invited Jane Bennet for dinner, a fine news indeed.

However, she came on horseback and it was pouring during the whole ride and while having dinner, she was taken seriously ill, and now was resting upstairs. Bingley bounded up the stairs so quickly neither sisters had a moment to catch him. He gathered himself outside her door and came in with enough anxiety to worry for everyone. She was ill, so small under the heaped blankets and her face was feverish. What the devil was she thinking of going about the country on horseback?! However she smiled a little and apologized for being such a nuisance. He convinced her out of that folly in two sentences and barked no less than 2 servants at her need for the night. He always imagined her here, but not like this. She was not near death's door soothed Darcy kindly and in the morning they will send for a surgeon and a note to her family. Bingley did not realize at that fatal moment of weakness he let his real emotion regarding the ill lady show. Mrs. Hurst regarded Jane Bennet just as another fancy, but Caroline, who has been in his company longer, knew better. And she was frightened.

She was made cruel and haughty by years of neglect like Charles, but unlike her brother she had no deep reserve of character. She wanted security like Louisa, but did not want to marry a bore to have it. Then Darcy came and she saw her salvation. Money, power and prestige, there in Darcy was everything she needed ensure her happiness and survival. And to fix this chance she wanted Charles to marry Georgiana, the young sister of Darcy who is an heiress and a beauty to the good society. Unfortunately, she was willing to sacrifice her brother's happiness to secure hers. Now Jane Bennet has arrived and so has her younger sister who seemed to have secured Mr. Darcy's good will in a short time. And Caroline did not like Jane Bennet for another reason, for when one compares a shabby work to a masterpiece, the differences are very plain. These obvious deficiencies clawed at her mind insufferably and no matter how plain Jane dressed and how rich Caroline's jewels were Jane always shone in comparison. Now her younger brother was willing to throw away all their chances for that silly country girl! This cannot be allowed.

This as made even more intolerable when Elizabeth Bennet arrived the next morning after receiving the news of her sister's illness. Her dress was stained in mud and her hair was total disarray by her walking 3 miles to Netherfield. However Bingley forgave all her social transgressions for he knew her presence would be a great comfort to Jane. And when Caroline led the younger Miss Bennet into her sister's room he quietly followed behind and was blessed with such a grateful smile from the patient that he had to compose himself before going back to the breakfast parlour. He immediately sent for an apothecary and ate his breakfast with a greater cheer than he felt when he started. And when his sister returned she announced that the older Ms. Bennet brightened when seeing her sister. Caroline could not know that Bingley witnessed the meeting behind her back and Bingley thought it wiser not to speak of it.

By late afternoon the apothecary came and determined that Jane had a severe cold and should be looked after assiduously to guarantee a quick cure. Bingley offered Miss Elizabeth Bennet a room in his place to keep her sister company, and to soothe the ill lady's nerves. She expressed her gratefulness with disarming charm and gratitude and he soon sent for her clothes with an explanation to the Bennet family. He could not know what turmoil this caused in his sisters' lives and his friend Darcy whom for some strange reason grew silent in his opinion and temper that day. But if he could have guessed correctly Mr. Charles Bingley would have done himself a great favor and would have had some inkling as to how to stop the machinations that slowly and unflinchingly started against his person and that of Miss Jane Bennet.

Part III--Learning The Harsher Lessons In Life, Bingley Fades

The next day unfortunately the mother of the Bennet girls descended upon the residents and within minutes the whole place was in an uproar. Bingley was still wincing in his imagination as she invaded even in absence his peace later that evening. Both Darcy and Caroline did their stoniest to respond to her nonsensical chatter, but even Darcy's usual imperial facade failed to protect his nerves and he was indeed in a foul disposition for the rest of the day. But one grateful thing about Mrs. Bennet's tongue was that Bingley was almost certain he has the family's favor in regard to their eldest daughter Jane. Thus he was able to be a gentle and kind host even to a guest like Mrs. Bennet. That evening went as many evenings before, but if Mr. Bingley was not so blinded in his emotions he would have seen the tempest that began to brew in the breast of one person whom he trusted above all, Darcy.

The party was set as usual with Caroline paying inordinate amount of attention to Darcy and the gentleman in favor showed so little care that even Charles began to feel embarrassment for his sister. Then Caroline compared Darcy's handwriting to his own and complained of her brother's handwriting. Bingley playfully replied "My ideas flow so rapidly that I have not time to express them-by which means my letters sometimes convey no ideas at all to my correspondents."

Ms. Elizabeth Bennet smiled sweetly and reproached him with kindness "your humility Mr. Bingley must disarm reproof." The conversation was light with neither barb nor sarcasm in it, but to Bingley's surprise, it was Darcy who interrupted them.

"Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast."

Bingley stared at Darcy in surprise for he has never heard such criticism of his person from Darcy! And his tone no longer held the playfulness that he shared with Miss Bennet. "And which of the two do you call MY little recent piece of modesty?"

The conversation took a turn as Darcy quoted some foolishness that Bingley said in the morning and Bingley in turn defended himself with spirit. And to his friend's invisible dismay Elizabeth Bennet took her strength with Bingley's and soon Charles' sense of humor returned to the verbal foray against Darcy, a rare occurrence indeed. This vexed Caroline greatly and Darcy sunk deeper into his mood.

Neither of their dispositions improved when Bingley blithely announced the next day that he will throw a ball and he declared if Darcy doesn't want to attend the gentleman by all means should turn in early for that evening! That evening there was yet another tete-a-tete between his friend and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. This was becoming something of a regular occurrence at Netherfield mused Bingley, but he was glad for someone had enough spirit to stand up to Darcy! It was not that Charles Bingley lacked courage, but he admired his friend too much and held him in such esteem that Bingley believed his friend to be in the right most of the time. However with Elizabeth in the company Bingley was finding himself more independent than ever before and was enjoying hers and Jane's company to the exclusion of the others. However this happy passing soon ended and the Bennet girls returned to Longbourn in his carriage.

That evening Charles was in the study believing himself to be alone and was lost deep in his thoughts. Darcy entered and saw the private smile on his friend's lips and promptly guessed at the cause. He roused Bingley from his dreams and asked him why such a smile? Bingley stared at his friend and felt a need to share his hopes for until that moment he shared it with no one.

"Well Darcy I was wondering where Ms. Elizabeth Bennet would like the pianoforte to be in the great hall or the new music room I will accomplish by next fall."

Darcy was stunned. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet? What are you talking about?"

Bingley stared at his friend's face and burst into happy laughter. "My beloved Jane, though talented, would rather hear her sister play so I was musing where to place the pianoforte to please both sisters!"

Darcy dared not break this for he wanted to hear what Bingley was about to confess. "You know how fond of Jane I am, Darcy. That could not be such a surprise. She is an angel and my savior. With her Netherfield will be a great estate. Oh yes, when the time is appropriate I will ask for her hand. Count on it and we will be happy!"

"Charles, she has no wealth, no inheritance and no..." Darcy somberly reminded his friend.

Bingley gazed at him, "And what of it? I have wealth, I have friends, I have connections but I don't have Jane. And any man who has the woman he truly loves Darcy rules above all others!"

Darcy could barely hide the flinch in his face as he heard Bingley express what he dare not. "She is grand Darcy for she is kind and her wit is tempered by wisdom. Her patience is infinite for she had to be an angel to bear her mother's foibles and her sisters' follies. Not that Miss Elizabeth Bennet can be counted to have too much of that! But Darcy Jane is what I want, what I love and wish for. I would be a coward if I did not do what my heart tells me to be true."

Darcy kept his visage plain, but inside, he felt himself move under Bingley's spell.

"And I can do great good for her sisters you know! I can introduce them to society..."

"Introduce them to society? Bingley that is a grievous mistake!" Darcy cried out.

Bingley shook his head his mind galloping far ahead of Darcy. "No Darcy it isn't! Think man, for instance, Elizabeth Bennet. A girl of great wit and no lack of beauty I remind you. She is charming, she can play and sing. She is a sweet a girl as any I have seen in 'Society' and she will be refreshing. There are plenty a gentleman out there looking for wives with her qualities. And they would not care a whit if she's an heiress."

Darcy was indeed pale and Bingley mistakenly believed that Darcy was horrified in his contemplation of the Bennet sisters being in society. Had he guessed the real truth he would have stopped himself. "Why for instance, that landed gentlemen, the one near Highbury..."

"He just married his neighbor." Darcy abruptly informed Bingley. "A girl he held as a babe in his arms no less."

For a moment Bingley was quite silent. "Oh really? How old is she then..." His question faded in embarrassment.

"One and twenty."

Bingley heaved a sigh of relief. He quite liked that tall, dark and somber gentleman. Scrambling to reestablish himself, "There is always that colonel from up north..."

"He just announced his bann in London." Bingley was mute. Darcy gave a nod.

"He is getting married? But he must be at least..." Bingley tried to remember the officer's age.

"Yes and he is marrying a girl not yet eighteen. Another neighbor, and this silly chit made a fool of herself regarding that fellow from ___shire."

Bingley repeated "Eighteen? Oh dear. That is a bit young for the Colonel."

Darcy gave a shrug dismissing the latest London gossip. "I do admit the girl is quite pretty but to fall for a child half his age! I do not see a happy..."

Bingley did not let him finish. "But I do. And I do for the Bennet sisters also. Darcy imagine it. All I have to do is to come to an assembly with my lovely Jane and then few weeks later invite Lizzie to London. The society will be awash with curiosity by then and she will have no problems with admirers."

Darcy dismissed this happy imagination. "The high society will not liken to her kind Bingley. She is not..."

"All I need is one admirer, Darcy. A gentleman who can see a true value when it standing there in front of him. Not all of London can be filled with pompous idiots and sophists. And I know there is one out there for there is one standing in this room!"

He meant himself and Darcy knew this to be the truth. He looked at the window and forced himself to face what Bingley was planning. His good friend was telling the truth and as impossible as the scheme may seem, Bingley was right. All he needed was one admirer for Elizabeth Bennet and there will be more than one in London. For there are many a wise man out there with good fortune who will easily succumb to the innocent charms of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

And that unspoken gentleman will admire her eyes and the wit behind them. And who, though knowing her music to be not of London quality, will gladly stand by open windows as he did that day to hear her play and sing. And who is not constrained by birth and society. He will take her as a wife and give her the happiness she deserves. This sense of loss darkened Darcy. In his pride and self-righteousness regarding others, in his influence, this fear of loss crept into his being ever so quietly. That within fortnight the poisonous viper named loss will wound a great deal more than just Darcy himself.

Part IV--Hopes Are Dashed And Bingley Exits

The conversation between Darcy and Bingley lasted long into the night. And Bingley felt himself a better man for telling his true friend what he felt to be a good future for himself. However, Darcy could not sleep that night and imagined just the opposite. He dearly cared for his innocent friend and he believed with conviction that Bingley, as flighty he may have been before, was in serious earnest regarding the eldest sister of the Bennet family.

If Bingley would put that youthful energy into the one endeavor of making Jane happy, then Elizabeth would not have a year before taking another man's name. And this was to Darcy intolerable for if she marries into good society he will see her everywhere but never near him. In turn, her witty remarks and honest appraisals will be banned from his presence. Netherfield will be filled with laughter, Darcy thought, of Bingley, Jane and Elizabeth and children. Where can I be in that picturesque scene? He would not fit anywhere, concluded the gentleman. And the thought taunted his unbending pride. His mind turned towards the lady that Bingley sought so much and silently approved his friend's choice.

She was truly lovely and was sweet-tempered girl. She can at least protect his friend and keep bay some of Caroline's more vicious talk. Then his mind submerged by selfish depression and lonely thoughts turned towards the unfortunate lady and came to a rather ugly conclusion.

Days went past and formalities were passed between Longbourn and Netherfield. The news was good for Jane Bennet once home was recuperating admirably under the care of her family. Then a bit of gossip came along Netherfield that neither bachelors wished to hear. A cousin of Mr. Bennet, the male heir who has the estate entailed to him person was coming to visit the Bennet family and he was certainly a bachelor. The man's visit was to claim his innocence in the miserable affair and to assure Mr. Bennet that he though humble would try his best for the Bennet family when Mr. Bennet has passed away.

This amused Caroline greatly, but her brother felt a prick of uncertainty. Why Jane would certainly stand out in Mr. Collins' eyes (he was informed of the cousin's name through Mr. Lucas) and she, being a sweet disposition, would make sure of the visitor's comfort. Even Darcy heard of the news with some trepidation, and neither gentleman had humor to spare for the rest of the evening. However, Bingley met Ms. Jane Bennet in town and was glad to see her again. She smiled at him brightly and thanked him again for his kindness to her and her family. He would have remained with her, but Darcy suddenly galloped away from the whole party with such speed that Bingley had to curtail his conversation and chase his friend!

The night of the ball arrived and the "savage" society bedecked themselves to honor their host. Bingley was flattered with the attention and the praises so he was in fine form when the Bennets came. Jane entered into the hall with her sisters laughing behind her as Elizabeth entertained them with some witty remarks about the feathers and other various things decorating the ladies' hats. Bingley was happy to see all of them and finally had a chance to truly observe Mr. Collins. Within 4 sentences from Mr. Collins he was free from the fear that there was a rival for Jane's affections. Bingley gave his arm to Jane with a clear heart, favoring her above others, and led the Bennets to the Great Room.

Caroline stared after them and thought that she must act quickly now. The dances began and the crowd became boisterous. Wine, music and good company flowed through Netherfield as never before and Bingley realized around the end of the affair that his ball was a great success! Jane Bennet outshone above others and for a minute he even let himself believe that at the end of the night she would not leave in her family's carriage because she resided in Netherfield. Such fancies became stronger for him as he allowed himself the hope that they may all one day come true.

The last of the guests trickled out into their carriages and the Great Room became stale with wine and drooping flowers. Bingley didn't care much of the spent rooms and cheerfully bid everyone good night. Darcy stared after his friend his face betraying nothing of the maelstrom that was coming.

Days passed and one night Caroline acted rashly on what Darcy was planning to do calmly. She berated her brother telling him that he was made a fool by a country girl! When he could have his choice of the true and refined ladies, he chooses a mere pretty bauble that he came upon here in G-dforsaken Meryton! It was unforgivable and so beneath the family that how Bingley could even contemplate to shame their family name was beyond her comprehension.

Bingley stared at her and quietly reminded that all her jewels and dresses were bought with their father's money from trade. And they are not the level of Pemberley nor half of London's great society. The only reason that they were tolerated was because of Darcy's presence in their circle and the fact that Bingley was an eligible bachelor. His words were not brutal nor sharp, but the truth was enough to make Caroline shed real tears and escape from her shame. Louisa was also shocked, but kept her tongue. Bingley, who upset as never before, was forced to excuse himself to the study. He was furious for the first time at his sister and not merely annoyed. Her words brought to him the great differences between them and he could not shoulder the pain. If she was a stranger he admitted to himself, he would avoid her society at all costs.

"She is your sister Bingley." Darcy gently admonished his friend from the door. "You must forgive her foibles. And if any blame is to be laid, let it be on my conscience. She has grown too used to my society that she speaks so ill of Miss Jane Bennet."

Bingley gave him a grateful smile and motioned him in. Darcy spoke his next words very cautiously. "I do not wish you harm you Bingley but I do wonder about the merit of Caroline's wishes to see you away from Miss Jane Bennet."

Bingley raised his head with a frown on his face. "What merits might they be?"

Darcy sighed and spoke "Everyone knows of your preference to the eldest Miss Bennet. And no one blames you for it either. She does have a good reputation is liked by all here in society. But Bingley do you know of her emotions towards you?"

Bingley gave a laugh and said "Yes, of course I do man. Do I look like a fool?"

Darcy responded "No, you look like a man in love and sometimes they are fools." He saw Bingley start to pull away and hastily added "Listen, you are so blinded by your own feelings do you know how much Jane prefers you over others? She is always polite and attentive but then she is that kind of person. I am sure she prefers your company above other men, but Bingley, does she love you? Did she profess any emotions as such or even a strong emotion?" Bingley sat slowly his mind playing over the times he met Jane Bennet and every time he thought he spied a strong emotion his mind told him otherwise. Bingley began to falter in his love for the first time. Darcy saw this and pressed onwards.

"I have watched you plain and I know, even that nitwit Mrs. Bennet knows of your feelings, but I see none reciprocated Bingley.

"I see Jane unmoved towards you, and I am sorry, but that is the truth." Bingley raised his head defeated for he did not remember a word or a touch from Jane that could not be construed as true love... "And would you marry her, Bingley? Knowing how much you feel and that she feels kindness, friendship and gratitude but no more? Could you survive such a match? Seeing her everyday loving her and knowing she feels none?" Bingley didn't want to listen, but he was quite helpless to do otherwise.

"Come, Bingley, let's return to London for a while and leave this place. If Jane Bennet is fond of you, she will know it surely, and perhaps it will strengthen in your absence. You, in turn, will recuperate your senses while in Town. And when we come back to Netherfield, you can see her again and decide then if you still wish a match. I think you need this change of air before such a momentous decision is to be made."

Bingley closed his eyes and remembered all those begrudged moments with his Jane. Darcy was right of course, but then he was always in the right. Weakened by the emotional battle he had with Caroline, despairing over the partial truths told by his friend, and persuaded by his respect for Darcy, Bingley assented to spend a while in London. Nevertheless, he had enough left to desire a return to Netherfield as soon as possible.

Darcy planned otherwise.

Part V--Unrequited Love Is Never Truly Forgotten

The next day the decision to enter town for the duration and Caroline rejoiced inwards. However, she was prudent enough to not express such happiness, and a bit of sisterly love desisted her from any true show of triumph. Darcy, for once, was grateful for Caroline's behavior, and the party was packed to London. Bingley had written a small letter to Jane Bennet before departing and left it with a footman with firm orders to deliver it to the lady. However, this was marked by Louisa and Bingley's letter was substituted with Caroline's by mid-afternoon. The original token of explanation was cast into the dustbin and the writer never knew of its fate. This contemptuous masquerade was played out into London, Bingley remained unknowing of this treachery as he soon found himself buried under social and business obligations from the moment Town heard he had returned from "rustication".

Days turned into months and soon Christmas came and danced away from him. The longer he was left alone without a missive or news from Jane Bennet, the sorrier his heart grew. He was torn between the feeling that his affections would have never been returned and the hope that had he stayed longer the lady's affections would have been his by now. Surely by now his letter would have stirred some emotion! If she was so kind she would have answered him in fortnight after his departure from Netherfield, but silence reigned from that lovely part of England. However, his kind heart gave Jane plenty of excuses, for how could a lady answer such a letter? He wondered if she kept it close by with hopes that he would arrive with the spring birds and blossoms. And perhaps that letter resided in her pillow cachet or under her keepsakes, in a small box somewhere? Bingley might not be mighty as Darcy, but in this small fraction of his character, he far outweighed his friend.

Spring came and his mood was indeed more erratic than ever before. A fact that Darcy noticed with more and more repentant heart. He did believe that he was doing Bingley good by taking him away from Miss Jane Bennet, but she was haunting Bingley like a mourning spirit. This fancy was acceptable to Darcy for he felt another ghost around his own person and she tormented him from the moment he opened his eyes 'til the end of his conscious day. However, Bingley's ghost was far kinder than Darcy's for Fitzwilliam's conscience would not let what has passed rest within Darcy's breast.

Bingley was indeed blind within his own emotions, but he could not miss the total misery Darcy was in. Then the situation turned even darker after his visit with Lady Catherine, a woman Darcy truly despised. Bingley tried to convince him to not visit her, but Darcy was always a great one for duty and off he went. He returned abruptly to London and refused to see any including Bingley for days! Spring entered into early summer and Bingley found himself strolling next to Darcy again on a pleasant path.

Darcy was changing but it was so slow and gradual that Bingley would not recognize it until the end of the conversation they were having.

"Bingley, is a man, a strict and tempered man with habits hard formed, ever be able to subject himself to change?"

Bingley was puzzled at the course of their conversation but lately Darcy was becoming a mystery to him. "I believe when a man realizes that he needs to change, he is already well along the way." He was rewarded with a warm smile from Darcy. Bingley's curiosity rose itself and broke through the waves of desperate emotions he was drowning under.

"Darcy are you doing well? Do you need my help?" He questioned his friend in earnest.

Darcy shook his head thoughtfully. "No, dear friend, not yet. I was just musing over a description heard of me. One that I am afraid was not flattering but true." Bingley cocked his head in a slight angle inviting the description.

"An arrogant man, a conceited man who has no care for other people's feelings." Bingley nearly dropped his walking stick.

"This was said in your presence?"

"Oh yes, the lady said it for me to hear since I was the only other person in the room." He quietly answered.

Bingley was outraged but became depressed. Darcy, he thought, you are a man of contradictions and I fear losing your friendship for wha...

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