Page 11 of Roses from Pemberley
“But how can you? You have never been in love, let alone been separated from the object of your affections.”
“But you are wrong, Bingley. I have, on both counts.”
“And when did this momentous event occur, Darcy? Was it in London? Did you attempt to court the daughter of a duke and was turned away?”
“No, Bingley,” said Darcy quietly, “it happened yesterday - at the parsonage. I proposed marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bennet and she turned me down. One of her reasons for doing so, apparently, was that I separated her sister from the man she loved.”
Bingley looked nonplussed. “You love Miss Elizabeth?”
“Yes.”
“And is that why you have been involving yourself with her concerns?”
“Yes.”
Bingley nodded thoughtfully. “It makes more sense now…except…if she turned you down, then what makes you continue to…”
“Are you asking me why I sent for the doctor, and Jane and you, even though Elizabeth will not marry me?”
“Yes,” said Bingley. “I would have thought that you would leave here as soon as it happened. In order to…lick your wounds, as it were.”
“I actuallywasabout to leave,” answered Darcy, relieved to be telling the truth. “But then I found out from Mrs. Collins that Elizabeth was ill. And I could not stay away. I wished to do everything for her despite the fact that she would not have me.” He sighed and wondered if there was yet hope for him.
“Well it was very selfless of you, Darcy, to continue to help her as you did.”
“You think me selfless? I am only doing this because I cannot rest until I know she is well.”
Bingley nodded sympathetically. “I understand…”
“And do you forgive me, Bingley? It was unpardonable, what I did. The height of presumption. I should have let you pursue Jane Bennet because, if you had, you would likely be engaged to her now. Or even married.”
“Yes, Darcy, I forgive you. I suppose you were only trying to help.”
Darcy was thankful for his friend’s forbearance and vowed to himself that he would never again interfere in matters that were none of his concern.
“But I realise now that I was more to blame than you,” continued Bingley. “For it was I who spent the most time with Jane, and thereforeIshould have known better than to listen to you.”
“I apologise again…”
“Think nothing of it, Darcy. For at least now I am in a position to try to win Jane’s love. And I shall not leave until she tells me one way or another if she can accept me.”
Darcy smiled at his friend. “I believe you shall succeed.”
Bingley looked curiously at him. “But I believe you should try as well, Darcy.”
“Do you think so?”
“Yes, I do. For youareremedying one of the objections she had against you, are you not? Namely that you separated Jane from me?”
Darcy grinned. “You have a point, Bingley. Thus, ifyousucceed with Jane thenImay succeed with Elizabeth.”
“That would be the plan, my friend,” said Bingley, then after a pause, added, “Do you think your aunt will allow me to stay?”
“Yes, I believe she will. But let us go and speak to her now. She must be quite annoyed at being kept in the dark for so long.”
CHAPTER 6 Telling Lady Catherine
They joined the others just as dessert was being served and Bingley, who had not eaten since lunchtime, was happy to be provided with a plate full of food.
