An Audience with Mr. Bennet

Oh, I am so glad we finally got to this point. Mr. Bennet is one of my favorite characters to play with. In my opinion, he is quite aware of his family but is just too . . . I don’t want to say lazy but can’t think of a better word . . . to do anything about it. He loves his daughters and wants the best for them, especially Lizzy, but isn’t willing to expend the effort to make anything happen. So, when these two young men (who have not shown themselves in the most favorable light) come to ask for his daughters’ hands, . . . well I don’t want to spoil it.

For those of you just joining or wanting to reread the prior posts, here are the links (in the proper order):

What if?, What if? Part II, The Letter, Elizabeth’s Perspective, A Walk at Rosings, A Walk at Rosings Part II, What to Do About Wickham, Return to London, Meet the Gardiners, Meet the Gardiners Part II, Meet the Gardiners Part III, Return to Hertfordshire, The Problem with Wickham Part I, The Problem With Wickham Part II, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part I, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part II, A Walk in the Park, After the Park, A Trip to the Museum, and Darcy House.

Enjoy!

Knowing the Bennets might be anticipating Bingley’s arrival due to Jane’s letter to her mother, the gentlemen decided to use his coach for their journey to Hertfordshire. Bingley had sent an express to Mrs. Nicholls on Monday asking her to open the house, but only to bring on a skeleton staff to see to the gentlemen’s needs for one evening; a light supper might be all that would be required on Tuesday and breakfast the following morning. Therefore, they traveled first to Netherfield to refresh themselves before travelling to Longbourn.

Though the Bennet estate was a smaller seat than Netherfield, the drive was longer and passed through a small orchard before the house came into view. In their approach, Darcy noted a flash of colour amongst the trees and was unsurprised to see the youngest Bennet daughters rushing towards the house as the carriage drew to a stop before the main entrance. Taking a moment to descend from the equipage allowed the girls to enter the house before them, and they could hear the calls announcing their arrival.

The housekeeper opened the door as they approached, allowing Mrs. Bennet’s exclamations of “I knew he would come!” to reach them. The woman blushed but greeted them with a guarded smile.

“Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to see Mr. Bennet,” Bingley stated in a calm voice, though his fingers twitched at his side.

“I will see if he is at home to visitors,” she replied and left them standing in the hall while she went to consult with her master.

Before the servant had disappeared from view, Mrs. Bennet stepped out from a doorway to their left and feigned surprise at seeing them in her front hall. “Why Mr. Bingley, what a surprise. And Mr. Darcy. It has been so long since we have met. Will you not come in?”

Bingley glanced at Darcy and then down the hall where the housekeeper had been. “I thank you, Mrs. Bennet. We are here to see Mr. Bennet but would enjoy greeting you and your daughters as well.”

The lady tittered like a young girl and motioned them into the parlour where the other Bennet ladies were seated. The two youngest were a bit flushed from their mad dash into the house and sat on a sofa whispering and giggling to one another. The middle sister was at a table, head bent over a book, scratching notes into a journal. She barely lifted her head to acknowledge their appearance before returning to her work.

“Sit, sit,” their hostess said. “What brings you to Longbourn, sir?”

The gentlemen were taken aback by her forthright question and Bingley murmured that they had business with Mr. Bennet.

“And have you just arrived from London?” she asked.

“We stopped at Netherfield before coming here,” Bingley responded.

The lady’s smile grew. “Will you be staying long? You are quite in my debt for a family dinner, Mr. Bingley. You were to dine with us last autumn, but you stayed away so long.”

“I apologize for that, madam. It was a grave error on my part. Unfortunately, we are only here for the day and will be returning to London in the morning.”

“Oh, then you must dine with us this evening. You, too, Mr. Darcy. I am certain Mrs. Nicholls will be unable to supply you with a sufficient meal on such short notice and there is always plenty at Longbourn. It is a shame that Jane is not at home at the moment, but I am certain you already know that as she is in London.” The woman smiled and batted her eyelashes at Bingley.

Darcy, watching the scene, was caught between disgust and amusement at the lady’s antics. Too often in his life, he had been the one attracting such attentions while his friend sat to the side and was entertained by the display. For once, it was his turn to witness another in such a situation and he realized it did have a humorous side, when one was not the target of the solicitations. But Bingley was much more amiable and open to Mrs. Bennet than Darcy had ever been, so he was not as discomforted by insinuations and expectations as Darcy might have been.

“We will discuss it with Mr. Bennet when we speak to him but would appreciate your hospitality if our business is completed in a favourable manner.”

“If?” the lady squealed. She shook out her fan and applied it vigorously. “I am certain Mr. Bennet will gladly grant whatever request you have for him.” Her voice was a bit too high, and the youngest girls whispered and giggled again. “He would not dare refuse you.” The wisps of hair which peeked out from her matron cap were tossed about in a frantic manner by the small gale the lady was creating.

Before anything more could be said, the housekeeper stepped into the room and informed the men that Mr. Bennet was ready to see them.

“Hill, please return after showing Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy to Mr. Bennet’s study. I have some directions for you.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Mrs. Hill dipped a brief curtsey to her mistress then led the men down the hall to a room at the back of the house.

After a brief pause following her knock, Mr. Bennet called out for them to enter. As they did, Darcy noted the man marking his place in a book and setting it down upon his desk. He appeared to stand reluctantly, one hand resting upon the obviously treasured tome. Following their greetings and an offer of refreshment which was refused, he took his seat and motioned them into the chairs in front of his desk.

“Well, Mr. Bingley, what can I do for you and your friend today?”

Bingley glanced at Darcy and then back at their host. “Sir, I realize that I left the neighbourhood abruptly in November and wished to apologize to you for not properly taking my leave at that time and for not returning promptly as I had promised.”

Mr. Bennet pursed his lips and studied the gentlemen before finally responding. “I accept your apology, sir, but feel as though I am not the one to whom this is owed.”

Bingley nodded. “I have been so blessed to have met with Miss Bennet while in London and she has also accepted my apology.”

“Ah,” the gentleman said as he placed his hand back on the book and lightly tapped his fingers upon it.

With another glance at Darcy, who nodded encouragingly, Bingley swallowed and leant forwards in his seat. “Yes, I have been courting Miss Bennet with her uncle’s permission, as I believe he wrote to you, and, on Saturday, she accepted my marriage proposal. I would like to request your permission and blessing for our engagement and marriage.”

Mr. Bennet remained in a relaxed position, his head resting against the back of the chair and his hands now folded across his stomach. He studied Bingley for a time without speaking. Eventually, just about the time Bingley began to tug at his neckcloth, the man sighed and turned his gaze on Darcy.

“And you, Mr. Darcy? What is it that brings you to my lowly estate?”

I’m sorry, you have to wait until next month for the rest, it was just too long. (Over 1000 words goes fast! It’s no wonder I have issues writing short stories.)

See you next month!