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CHAPTER 10

It was a certainty that the sympathy of every Meryton inhabitant was with the Bennet family, along with the hope for a speedy return to normalcy at Longbourn with the restoration of Mr. Bennet’s good health. That the Bennet family’s misfortune was the means of the return of a single gentleman in possession of a large fortune to the neighbourhood was also heralded as good news to all the eager mamas with unmarried daughters. Indeed, all of Meryton was talking about the goings on at Netherfield Park.

Charles Bingley’s return to the country to be of service to his friend Fitzwilliam Darcy by opening up his home and accommodating the large Darcy party was further testament to his goodness. His ill-use of the former Miss Jane Bennet had long been forgotten pursuant to her marriage to the heir of Longbourn, and soon all the talk was that it was meant to be. All the local families were steadily planning who would be the first to invite the young man to dinner.

Soon after Bingley’s arrival and the Darcys’ subsequent removal from Longbourn to Netherfield, Darcy and Bingley sat in the finely-appointed parlour. Darcy advised Bingley once again that he need not have travelled to Hertfordshire for Darcy’s convenience, saying that Bingley ought to be in London doing what young men did at that time of year, but Bingley had insisted that there was nowhere on Earth he would rather be.

“If I might speak frankly, Bingley,” Darcy said.

Bingley settled back into his chair. “I do not recall a time when you did not speak your mind as you saw fit, my friend.”

Crossing his legs, Darcy cleared his throat. “Yes, well—the fact is that your willingness to forgo the Season in town merely for the prospect of seeing Jane defies wisdom.”

“Darcy, I know you feel it is a hopeless cause, but it is one for which I am bound. I shall never be satisfied with the way things ended between us. All I do is think of her, day and night. I adore her, and I long to be near her once again.”

“But to what end, Bingley? As much as I do not care for the man, she is married to Collins, and from the looks of things, she is very content with her lot in life.”

Bingley shrugged. “Yes, but being content is not quite the same as being happy.”

“But being married is exactly the same as being married. I prefer to think you would never do anything to act on your tender regard for the lady.”

“Trust me, Darcy; I would never do anything to dishonour your sister. However, no other woman has affected me quite like Jane. I doubt I will ever love another as I love her. I love her so much that it is enough for me to see her, to dine with her upon occasion. Surely I will have many opportunities to enjoy her company.”

“And you are content in the knowledge that things between you will never be more—can never be more.”

“I am.”

Days after Ben’s reunion with his parents, he, Darcy, and Elizabeth headed out on horseback towards the outskirts of the Longbourn estate. They had not journeyed far before brightly coloured flags of nearly every shade in the rainbow lining either side of the lane as far as Ben’s eyes could see soon taught him to expect something magical. Recalling Darcy’s promise to make amends for the shortened visit at Camelot, he could not wait to see what his father had in store for him. Travelling along the exact lane that would lead them to his and Darcy’s favourite meeting place only added to the suspense.

Ben’s eyes opened wide when he espied high in the sky a medieval fortress with ribbons in vivid hues of red, blue and green fluttering in the morning breeze saluting their approach.

Upon reaching their destination, Ben observed two knights in shining armour stationed either side the foot of the mighty tree. Are they real?

Ben jumped down from his pony, and a servant quickly stepped forward and guided it away. So excited was Ben, that he hardly knew where to look first. True to life knights hovered over him. Ben took a measured step back. They are real!

His heartbeat pounded. “My king, my queen—come and see what I see!”

Darcy dismounted his horse and quickly went to assist Elizabeth to the ground.

“Fitzwilliam, I had no idea that your plans entailed all this.”

“I want Ben to be sufficiently entertained while we remain in Hertfordshire.”

“Indeed, he will be. We must consider ourselves fortunate should we even see him after today.”

Ben scampered up the wooden steps spiralling from the base of the tree to the fortress to have a look inside. There in the middle of the dwelling was a large, round table that looked as if it were fashioned from an ancient oak. Much to discover and delight the young lad lay all about: a coat of arms, two makeshift swords, a wooden treasure chest, the contents of which Ben could hardly wait to ascertain, a chain mail vest, its purpose solely for display, and even a throne fashioned from tree limbs and twigs. Ben could well imagine spending all his time there with his king. Shuttered windows on either side next drew his attention, and he raced over to the one closest, unfastened the latch which was meant to bar intruders from seizing the throne, and threw open the shutters. What a spectacular sight this particular window afforded, an unobstructed view of the land for as far as the eye could see.

From Ben’s vantage point, his parents looked to be miles and miles away. Cupping his mouth, he said, “King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, you must come join me.”

Once Darcy and Elizabeth were inside the fortress walls, Darcy moved about freely and comfortably. He imagined himself spending quite a bit of time with Ben and he was of an age where comfort trumped any other considerations. He opened the trunk and retrieved another surprise for Ben. Handing it to Ben, he said, “I believe these will aid you in your quest, young sir.”

Ben had never possessed anything quite like it but, having read about such a thing, he had a fair idea of its purpose. “My very own spyglass! Oh, thank you, sir.” He raced to the opened window and held it up to his eye. His expression clouded. “I fear I see much better without it.”

Darcy took the shiny black instrument from Ben and turned it around. Handing it back to Ben, he said, “Try this.”

Ben did as Darcy directed and he was amazed. “Look—I can see all the way to Netherfield!” He immediately raced to the opposite side of his fortress and threw open the other window. After raising his spyglass to his eyes and taking in the new prospect, he said, “Queen Guinevere, there is Longbourn House! Come and have a look!”

Ben graciously displayed the proper use of his spyglass to his mother before handing it to her. “Sir Lancelot, it is indeed Longbourn.” She returned the spyglass to Ben. “I should very much like to stay here and enjoy exploring your new kingdom, young sir, but I fear I must be away for my sisters are expecting me.”